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Sunday, June 29, 2014

21 Day Detox Recap

It's been a little over a week since I completed the 21 Day detox and I'm finally getting around to sharing my thoughts.

Fist of all, this was by far the most challenging detox / diet program I've ever attempted. The first  days was especially difficult, only being able to eat fruits and vegetables. After 3 days I started to hate quinoa, like really, really hate quinoa. I wanted it to be rice and it just wasn't. No amount of clarified butter, salt or pepper made it delicious. Now, I'm sure that everyone has an amazing, life-changing, quinoa recipe, and that's awesome for you. I will continue to turn my nose up at the thought of it. blegh...



By day 8 I had to add in some protein. I couldn't last the last 2 days. In my defense my doctor said that I could eat protein during the entire detox but would have better weight loss results if I followed the plan exactly. I couldn't look at another lentil after 8 days and I've never been so happy to eat a piece of chicken in my life.


In the end, I made it 19 days, mainly because I was traveling up north for Kev's reunion and eating on plan just wouldn't be possible.

Thoughts on the process: It's not easy. The first 10 days is really restrictive and if you aren't terribly creative with vegetables, like me, there will be a lot of eating the same old thing. Also, dry salads with no protein are super difficult to eat after a while. (Like after day 3). Adding back in the protein really helped, I can eat meat/fish and some sort of vegetable every meal, and I didn't really miss the dairy. I also added decaf coffee with coconut milk on day 14 and it was glorious.

Results: I definitely lost weight and inches. I didn't weigh myself before the process but based on the way my clothes fit, I would estimate that I lost between 6-8 pounds. I wasn't doing it specifically for weight loss but that certainly was a nice side effect.

Fitness: I didn't work out the first week, simply because I was really tired as my body adjusted to the lack of sugar and caffeine. I went back to the gym in week 2 and felt really good. The biggest difference I noticed was in my running ability. I did the Komen 5k during the detox and ran a few times and felt amazing. Since my return to running at the beginning of the year I've felt really slow and sluggish and haven't since the detox. During the 5k I saw a sub 10 minute mile for the first time in 18 months and when was running in NY at a casual pace it was in the low 10s and that just hasn't been me, ever. It might not all be a result of the detox but I really think it helped.


What happens next? Well my transition away from the detox kinda sucked since I was away and finding approved food was difficult. Since I've been home, I'm back to a modified detox. I am drinking caffeinated coffee with a little bit of half and half, and will continue with 1-2 smoothies a day. Mainly because I still have an entire container of the protein powder and that -ish wasn't cheap. I'm trying to stay away from grains and am watching my fat intake, especially since I think that I was under counting my cheese and nut consumption. Honestly though, when I eat this way my stomach feels better. I have less pain and that's always a good thing.

Would I do it again? Probably. I really liked the results and I'm stubborn. Once I start something, I want to finish, no matter how difficult.

Have you ever done a detox? How did it go?

Friday, June 27, 2014

Friday Link Up Party!


It's Friday already! I guess it happens pretty quickly when you're off the first 3 days of the week and spend the last 2 tying up loose ends. 

Today I'm linking up with Cupcakes and Crossbones and her Co-host, Wifesticated for a Link Up Party! I love these hops, it gives me a chance to find new bloggers and hopefully for them to find me! If you're not visiting from the link up, be sure to to shoot over to Cupcakes and Crossbones and give her some love!

Last Friday I did a 5 on Friday post and I really liked that format. Mainly because it's only 5 things and it limits my ramblings. Without further adieu, 5 things I'm loving on.

1. This oil diffuser!

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I have been looking for a while for an affordable diffuser to use with my doTerra oils and for $25, I couldn't pass this one up. You pour some water into the container, add a few drops of oil, plug it in and let it go. I swear, one of the best parts for me is that it lights up and turns colors, like fades between all the colors of the rainbow. I can't stop staring at it. Kev saw it on the table and immediately asked what I was poisoning him with. Sigh, now to find an oil that mitigates paranoia. But really, go to myoilbusiness.com and pick one up. Definitely worth it.

2. Cashewtopia - Your first thought might be, WHY??? But when regular ice cream makes you and those around you sad, you find an alternative. I busted this open last night and it was REALLY GOOD. The consistency is very similar to ice cream and has a slightly nutty aftertaste. I got mine at Whole Foods, it's definitely worth picking up!


3. COFFEE!!! - Oh coffee, I missed you. I might have moaned loudly in the Charlotte airport on Saturday after I took my first sip of coffee after almost 3 weeks. This morning I stopped at Breuggers for my morning coffee and all the workers asked if I was OK because they hadn't seen me in a while. At least I know that if I get trapped in my house someone will come looking for me. Apparently it will be my coffee dealer. BTW, Breuggers' Coconut coffee is back for the summer! It's seriously delicious.


4. Zebra Fine Point Blue Pens - I love pens. Absolutely love pens but I'm very specific about the type. I only like fine point and only blue pens. I feel my writing is more attractive with a fine point rather than a medium point. Yes, I have issues and I'm choosing to embrace them. This is my very most favorite pen in the entire word. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this pen changed my life but I definitely had what might be called a religious experience the first time I used one.
5. Black Nail Polish - Because I just can't stop. I try to go with another color but I keep going back to the darks. Black, purple, green, you name it. Last week I went to the nail salon for a gel manicure and had picked out an orangey color. My nail lady said, "that's not you" aaaaannnnnddddd I went with black. My toe nails are black too (thankfully on purpose and not from running!)

(Not my nails but pretty close to the color I'm currently wearing)

You can also follow me on either Twitter, Bloglovin or Instagram!

So those are the 5 things I'm loving this week! How about you, what are you obsessed with this week??