Benchmark: 2 Weeks Clean!

So, I've come to (and passed) my first benchmark - the 2 week point in my 30 Day Cleanse. Wanna know how it's going?

How I feel (mood):

Going into this challenge, I thought I'd be "Hangry" all the time. I'm one of those people who get moody when hungry, headaches kick in, and all I want to do is eat. Now.  Strange thing is, I haven't experienced the moodiness that I thought I would. The hubster even said that I was "annoyingly perky." (I'm sure he meant that in the very best way!) I'm sure he was expecting the complaining Rosanne Bar version of me from that lumberjack Snickers commercial. Hell, so was I. Not the case (heavy sigh of relief from everyone in my household and office).

How I feel (physical):

I feel strong. I'm sleeping better. I've never been super break out prone, but would get the odd zit here and there. None. My complexion seems to be a bit brighter. I'm more hydrated, and my skin all over seems less dry. No headaches. I had one tiny twinge on my first fast Sunday, but it went away after about 10 minutes. Nothing since then.  

Hunger level/satisfaction level:

I actually feel great. I seem to be full all the time and have to remind myself to eat/snack. Except on fasting days. Two down. The first was surprisingly easy. I kept myself busy, worked out with a good friend and hit several open houses. The second was tougher. I didn't work out, but had some errands and chores to keep me busy. I still wasn't moody or grouchy, but I could tell that if I didn't stay strong, that bag of chips we have hidden upstairs was going to be in my belly.  Ben, my pal and trainer, reminded me that some snacks are allowed on fast days: 1/2 apple, handful of almonds, and the like. For me, though, if I start eating, it is all down hill from there. I drank my IsaCleanse supplement (4oz x 4 times) and drank tons of water. I lived!

Digestive health:

No one wants to talk about this... but lets face it, it's an issue. Jamie Lee can talk about it (and the nasty-aftertaste ridden yogurt that she endorses), and there are commercials where the product is given on planes and tour buses. It's mainstream, people. So, here you go: I feel more balanced than I have in YEARS. Set your clock by me, I dare you. Not only is regularity a plus, but I feel less "full" with no bloating. My clothes fit better and I'm just more comfortable overall. I'm feeling the difference from the inside out.

How I look:

This is a tricky one. While Ben and I did starting measurements (including body fat composition), I didn't take that all important 'before' shot that I really wanted to. Selfies are never good pictures and I just never remembered to ask someone to take it for me. However, here's what I know:

Since starting, I've lost: 

* 5lbs (net: lost over 5 lbs of fat and gained a little more than a pound of muscle).

* 4.75 inches overall - most on the top half of me, waist, arms, chest (go figure), but changes are there, all over.

* 2.5% body fat

People have said that my face looks thinner, my arms more defined, and my waist looks tiny. What girl doesn't love to hear that?! The hubster has noticed and is enjoying the hourglass shape I'm sporting. Guesses about how much I've lost so far were up in the 15-20 pound range. Now, I knew that wasn't possible, but that means that what I'm losing is making a difference. 

My overall health:

Well, I've always been pretty healthy. My blood pressure and heart rates are relatively low. My blood work from my last physical was fabulous, and the only physical issue I have is arthritis in my knees (I'm working with my Chiropractor to address some of these issues - a pillar of my "whole" life!), which can be exacerbated by being heavier than I should be. My training sessions with Ben have been good for my knees and I'm learning that by strength training and working multiple planes of movement, I feel  my knee pain less and less. It will be interesting to see how after 6 months of clean eating, my annual physical results may look different. I'll be sure to share any findings my doc and I discover. 

So, what exactly have I been doing?!

Not just 2013, but it's a good place to start!

I've been a busy and focused woman this passed 2 weeks. Many of you know that I'm a "Go Big or Go Home" kind of girl, and if I'm doing it, I'm doing it all out. No cheating, no quitting. I have strong will power, but in the past I've found that no matter how strong my will is, the plan I was on wasn't something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. This is where I had to make a change. I have to find a plan/system that will allow me to live the life I want forever. A lifestyle change, not a diet. I needed help. Focus. Focus on making my meals clean, one meal/snack at a time. Ease in. Use the tools available to me.

Here's a typical Tuesday for me:  

• Wake up, and start with my water intake. I typically down about 128 oz of water per day (or more if my workouts are tough!) 
• Enjoy a smoothie/shake: IsaLean Protein Powder (organic and natural), vanilla, mixed with low sugar OJ, frozen banana or frozen peaches. It tastes like an Orange Julius!
• 3 or so hours later, I remember that I should have a snack (I'm usually not hungry yet). I grab a sandwich bag full of cut up veggies - red, yellow, green peppers, carrots, cucumbers, grape tomoatoes - and some organic humus (I like the chipotle the best!) and graze away.
• 2-3 hours later, it's lunch time. My goal here is clean protein and veggies/fruit, about 400-600 calories total. The first 2 weeks I enjoyed sizable salads (modeled after a super yummy salad made at Green Belly! made of organic spinach, broccoli slaw, craisins, grape tomatoes, and just a touch of cheese, topped with a 3-4 oz salmon fillet or chicken breast, I even tried Mahi Mahi. I top it with very little (1 T) of dressing made with olive oil and seasoning. I can pronounce all the ingredients on the label and know where it comes from.  This week I'm having a much smaller version of the salad, and instead of the meat, I have made Clean Chicken Chili. 
• Recipe anyone? This is where I started but I like to improvise! Instead of salsa, I used diced tomatoes, no salt, chopped peppers and chilis, and soak your own beans - northern and navy -  for a healthier option! I also use chicken breasts that I cooked all day in the crock pot with nothing but seasoning and water. I skipped the hominy and was heavy handed on the chili powder. 
• Enjoy some relaxation time - many of us get an hour for lunch, but really, it doesn't take that long to feed our faces. Slow down, read while you eat. Talk with a friend/coworker. Get away from your desk. Take a walk. Find time to refocus. I've enjoyed extra time to read!
• 2-3 hours later, about 3:30ish, it's munchie time. I have Pink Lady apple slices (my favorite!) dipped in Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter (chunky for me, please!). Ingredients: Peanuts, less then 1% salt. That's it. Tasty, salty/sweet, crunchy, and just enough fat and protein to keep me full.
• When it gets time for the family to have dinner, I'm not usually hungry, so I'll sit and visit with my water. Later, I'll Magic Bullet my evening shake together: Unsweetened/unflavored Almond Milk and the chocolate IsaLean shake mix. I could add peanut butter to it, or fruit, but I find that I like the consistency better without it. (It's very thick, and I don't like strawberry/raspberry seeds in my evening shake. Personal preference.)
• Typically I work out in evening. On Tuesdays I get to play with Ben and the gals at Compete for a butt kicking circuit workout that incorporates strength training and cardiovascular training. Then, to shake things up, I like to cruise over to the 'big' gym and enjoy a booty shaking, dance crazy Zumba class. 2 hours of work disguised as fun. 

That's my schedule, give or take, for most days. Saturday I workout early instead of in the evening. Mondays and Wednesdays I'm going to try and get into the 5am Spin Class Ben offers.  I play volleyball on Monday nights, hang with my family and friends in the evenings, and try and save chores and errands for Sunday when I need a distraction. Food shopping and prep for the week happens on Sundays, too.

So far, I've managed not to cheat. But I'm also fully aware that there will be times when I need a little something - a drink out with the girls, Zio's pizza, or a piece of birthday cake. (Remember my 80/80 Rule?) I'm busy looking for clean options in my favorite dinners, reading labels and learning that there are so many extras in our foods - and not the kinds we should be enjoying! Part of my success is due to the IsaGenix products. Part is due to being cognoscente of the foods I do eat, how they are prepared, and how much (portion control!) I have. The biggest part is my support system. The hubster, Ben and the gang at Compete, and friends and family that have followed along and offered encouraging words, hugs, and high-fives.

I hope to move away from any prepared foods and be a natural and clean eater, unaided. But quite frankly, IsaGenix provides a tool that I'm happy to have in my tool box. It's a good, clean choice when I'm surrounded by processed, artificial foods. If I can't make a good meal, having a shake handy will keep me on track. And, I have a lot to learn. I want to take advantage of a strong healthy body now - and pick up the learning curve.

It's an exciting - and challenging time - in my "whole" life. Making my life work for me and making manageable changes. I'm a strong, confident woman (Friends Reference!) - and I know that I'll be better for it, for the rest of my whole life!

See you next time!
<3 Jen