The Challenge Continues...Day 9

So you might ask...how do "Foodies" like you and Bill do something like the 24 day challenge??  We have really taken it as a challenge to make this "palatable", staying true to our FOODIE heritage!

If you want to check out what the Advocare program is like check out this link:
http://www.advocare.com/24daychallenge/default.aspx

This gives you a good overview.  I have other great resources I can share with you if you are interested. 

But back to the food...because THAT is what the bottom line is for me!!

So, for instance...dinner says "protein, vegetables and complex carb (if needed - yes, I need it)"
SO you could have this (which doesn't actually look all that bad)

But THIS is what we had for dinner the other night:

Mashed potatoes??  NOPE!  Mashed cauliflower.  Grilled pork loin chop sans salt seasonings (thank you Penzy's for all the wonderful salt-free seasoning blends).

So, yeah!  It has been fun.  And yummy!!

Now, to how I feel....I do feel much better.  It is CRAZY....I do not hit the mid-afternoon slump.  I feel more alert.  Tons more energetic and just healthier in general.  And that is after only 8 days.  I am sure that some of it can be explained just by the healthier diet, and tons of water...but I think it might be explained by the balance of nutrients and vitamins provided by the supplements...it takes a lot thought to make sure one gets everything they need throughout the course of the day.

I typically NEVER get enough fiber or enough protein...sure I might lose weight...but it something that is not sustainable.  My DIEts of the past have consisted of skipping breakfast, a plate of veggies for lunch, and then a fairly 'normal' plate for dinner. 

What the ADVOCARE supplements and program do is make sure I get my nutritional needs THROUGHOUT the day...keeping my energy up...keeping my body insides functioning like they should!!

Seriously?  Let's see the results...only a few more days till the scale reveals!  STAY TUNED.

Thank my Lucky Stars??....yep. 

Can I 24??????

So...enough is enough!  Should have said that pounds ago.  As one who has struggled with my weight all my life, you think I would eventually learn...but alas, NO.  Here I am 50+ years old and still struggling to find...no, wait, that is not true....to maintain balance in my life...as least dietarily.

Oh, I KNOW where to find it....I KNOW how to find it...it just seems to be like greased pig (ok, definitely NOT the best metaphor given my topic)....slips right out of my hands.

Life changes (becoming older, and becoming more sedentary in my work, and working in general, which leads to less free time to work out or work in the yard/garden) has resulted in the pounds mounting up.

But, I have chosen to do something!!  And that is the BEST news yet!  And even better...my "house buddies" are doing it with me!! 

I needed a kick start...something to get me off and running with at least some midicum of success.  I have recently begun using ADVOCARE products.  I am now doing the 24 day challenge.  I really intended to start this blog on Day 1...but alas, life gets in the way.

The 24-Day Challenge™ is a comprehensive supplementation and nutrition program. Giving your body the jumpstart it needs to help you reach your goals.

The 24 day challenge is comprised of 2 parts:
1)  The 10 day Cleanse...designed to get the yuck out!!  There are three components of the Herbal Cleanse: Fiber Drink – which is mixed with 8 oz. of water, Herbal Cleanse caplets and ProBiotic Restore™ Ultra Capsules.  In addition, you take OmegaPlex vitamins and the Herbal Cleanse tablets.

2)  A 14 day follow up designed to get the GOOD in...The Max Phase is about fueling your body in order to achieve maximum results.  During this phase you will take three products (Metabolic Nutrition System - MNS^®, Meal Replacement Shakes, and Spark) that work together to provide you with sustained energy, appetite control, core nutrition and overall wellness.

All this while following a fairly well defined diet..I hesitate to use the word diet...THAT IS ONE NASTY 4 LETTER WORD!   As I looked over the can-Do's and Don't dos...it seemed do-able!  Lots of foods I like..of course there are plenty of NEVER foods I like as well....butter, mayo, white creamy sauces...etc.

But the reality is this should be NO SURPRISE.  If anyone thinks that they can lose weight or get healthier with a diet full of these things, they have another thing coming.  Does it mean I can NEVER have them again...NO.  Maybe not during the 24 day challenge, but certainly on an occasional basis.

SO back to the Challenge...I am on Day 8. 
Has it been difficult - NO
Have I been hungry - NO way
Do I feel better - Surprisingly so
Have I lost weight - don't know yet...trying to be disciplined to not weigh myself till AFTER the 10 day cleanse...STAY TUNED.