Healthy Detox Challenge - NO FASTING

Totally forgot to post yesterday, and almost forgot today! I'm normally a picky eater but am using this challenge to push myself outside my menu box a bit. I have had to curb a few carb cravings which has made me think about how much bread, chips, crackers, etc I really do eat, even though I had been staying under my calorie goals. MFP has really helped me pay more attention to cooking methods and portion size, but this challenge is even more of an eye opener.

Last night was tough. We had dinner plans with friends for a specific restaurant (pizza/pasta) before starting this detox. I ate before we went and my husband rolled his eyes when I said I ate a late lunch. This weekend is going to be really difficult, we're going to my in-laws (insert gasp here). My Mother-In-Law (MIL) loves to cook but is such an unhealthy cook...nothing organic, velveeta (gross) or cream of __ soup baked into everything and lots of desserts. I have had issues with her cooking before I watched my calories, so this should be extra...eventful.

Jill - you're awesome!!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the challenge and taking it head on. I've been thinking the same thing, sort of amazed at how many snacks I was eating, even though I was eating under calorie goals. The social aspects make it *soooooo* tough. I feel your pain there.

I don't have much to suggest for your MIL challenge - that's extremely tough. Claim stomach flu? LOL Maybe others will have some suggestions. That's always been a really tough challenge to tackle. Know that we are rooting for you - and remember, this is for YOU! You are worth the effort. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

DAY SEVEN - Thursday

))))****Loud Applause****((((

Day 7 is upon us! We are officially halfway through our 14 day challenge!!!!! We have so much to look forward to this week, including:
- If you've been consistent with your avoidance of additives and preservatives, nutrient-empty food cravings should be less and less
- You should start to feel a peak in energy and a decrease in fatigue
- You may start to crave other foods, like fruits, vegetables, proteins OVER nutrient-empty foods
- You may have some changes in your sleep patterns (more or less)

It's more important than every to stick to your plan. Don't get lax - this is the real turning point. Keep up that water consumption, keep reading your labels, and keep documenting in your diaries.

Everyone has done a nice job of posting to others and reviewing diaries - keep it up. We can bring this home our last 7 days.

For tomorrow, it would be great to check in and post about the following:
- Review your diary entries for the last few days. How have you been doing? What would you like to change, if anything, for the next 7 days?
- If you weighed before the challenge, it's a great time to weigh again. Remember, this is NOT a weight loss challenge, but you may see some progress there
- Identify any challenges you think you may encounter over the next 7 days. What's your plan to overcome?
- Start thinking about your maintenance plan, if you intend to have one. What behaviors will you sustain? What will you let go?

I can't wait to read your thoughts. And I want to thank everyone for participating. You guys have helped motivate me and I'm thrilled how I'm doing. So, thank you! I look forward to another week with my Natural Girls!

D.

Challenges over the next 7 days: I like wine. I like wine on the weekends. I enjoy kicking back over a delicious meal with my partner and sipping a fine glass of wine. So... i will be having organic wine again this weekend. I know that sounds bad, but I quite enjoy it. I haven't slipped up on anything else! No cheating whatsoever, so it's my little treat to me

Although I talk about the potential derailing effects of wine because of the work the liver needs to do, I don't want you to think of it was cheating. Organic wine, within your calorie goals and PLANNED for, is okay! I think that's the key to successful detox - individualize so it will work for you. YOU ARE DOING FANTASTIC.

AND 4 lbs? YAH! That's what I'm talking about!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Carlita! You've done so great, don't sweat it! You gave 100% and made it 12 days! That's awesome!!!!!! Plus, like you said, get back on the natural wagon tomorrow and you'll be good to go for the last 3 days. You may notice a little bit of craving creep back in, but you will be able to lick it.

I hope you enjoyed your indulgence (it sounds delicious) and I really appreciate your full disclosure. LOL Do NOT feel bad about this. Guilt is a burden you don't need, and it's not warranted. Look at what you've accomplished.

Now it's time to bring it home, Ladies!

DAY THIRTEEN

We have *almost* done it! Today is our LAST FULL DAY before the end of our 14 day challenge! Congratulations!
This is a brutal challenge, even though the premise is so simple. You have read your labels, learned about everything you’ve put in your mouth, diligently tracked your food, given up pre-prepared and restaurant fare, and shunned processed foods for TWO WEEKS! I hope you are feeling GREAT about your accomplishments, and your body is thanking you!

After posting your final thoughts, you are officially released from the Challenge. LOL What does that mean to you?

For me:
- I’m thrilled with my weight results. I won’t weigh again until Friday, but it looks like I’m on track to lose another pound or so this week
- I’m feeling better. My cravings for nutrient-empty foods have been dramatically reduced.
- I plan to maintain the organic, natural focus. However, I *will* be having a glass of wine with my Honey this weekend. In addition, we’d like to go out for an overdue celebration dinner for a new promotion.
- I have much more energy, and my sleep seems to be better quality. I’m getting about 6.5-7 hours a night and feeling rested. Previously I needed 8-9 hours and still felt draggy.

What concerns me:
- I know that even 1 dinner out or a bite of processed food can restart me at Day 1 for cravings. But I also don’t think it’s reasonable to think you can always avoid these foods. I’m not entirely sure how to balance. I know I can’t go back to having a Starbuck’s bagel everyday… or even every other day.
- Cola still has a hold on me. While the craving for it diminished, I still thought about my Sprite Zero. I’d like to NOT return to drinking any soda. I’m worried about my ability to avoid that. However, this is one of those things that if I choose to, I really COULD avoid completely and that would be reasonable.

And, I think that’s it. Thank you, my Natural Buddies, for your help and support in our challenge. You kept me going on days that were very tough. I frequently found myself, when faced with a food choice, saying “I can’t eat that because I can’t put that in my diary and let my buddies down.” So that peer pressure was welcomed, and I appreciate you so much.

Please feel free to keep me as a friend. I’d love to share your journey – and I promise, I won’t give you any more harassment on your food diaries. :-D

CONGRATULATIONS!! Give yourself a giant hug and a pat on the back. I’m so proud of all of us!
Most sincerely,
D.