My Milkshake (part deux)

Day 5:  Woke up down 8 lbs. and was told by a friend that I have no ass.  Still did my shake day as recommended, felt strong, but feeling like I needed to curb the weight loss.

Day 6:  Day in Seattle planned with the kids.  Woke up and just knew I was done.  I will not allow myself to lose anymore, I feel like I accomplished what I wanted to, and I don't feel bad about being done.  Texted my "cleanse buddy" and learned she had already had breakfast and coffee, so we were on the same page.

I will do this again.  I felt good, I felt strong, and I feel like the benefits far outweighed the taste of the vanilla shake.   I think I will wait until January and do it again for 5 days when we get back from Vegas.  That was perfect.

Until then, my friend and I will be working diligently on a cleanse program that allows for coffee and wine.  We're gonna make millions.

My milkshake

Disclaimer 1:  The word “cleanse” grosses me out.  It makes me think things about a person that I just shouldn’t know. It’s TMI.  Please know that when I say cleanse, I am referring to my gut AND my liver AND my skin AND just everything.  This is not a story about poo, I promise.

Disclaimer 2:  I have several friends and clients who use, distribute, and swear-by many different cleansing products.  This is not a commercial for any one brand, and it is not a slam to the brands I didn’t choose. This is about me.

I have tried cleansing a few times with good intentions and very little willpower.  My husband had done the “Master Cleanse” a few times before we met with great results.  He had a few pounds to lose (hard to believe when you look at him now) and he not only lost the weight, but regained his energy and felt positively glow-y by the end.  Several years ago, I was feeling sluggish and wanted to jumpstart my bod back into shape.  I decided to try the Master Cleanse over spring break.  I was going to need (ahem) quick access to a bathroom so it would be the perfect week to be home and take care of the kids and myself at the same time.  What I didn’t consider was that I had 4 children under the age of 10 who counted on me to provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner that week.  That’s a lot of time to be around food when you aren’t eating any.  Have you ever counted how many food commercials are on TV over the course of the day?  Many.  It was tough.  6pm rolled around and hubby came home from work.  I made my decision and waved at my man lovingly as I walked out the back door to go buy a cheeseburger with all the fixins.  My second try lasted 3 days, and I made it 5 days on the third and final attempt.  Each time I tried, I felt like crap, I was starving the whole time and it just didn’t make me feel like I did something good for my body.  It has worked for many (Beyonce anyone?) but it is NOT for me.

Fast forward 10 years or so, and I start itching to try something new.  Granted, I’m only 5 lbs over the goal weight that I have maintained for the last 2 years, but it’s not just about the weight.  I feel puffy and toxic, and my skin is not cooperating.  I also see myself falling back into old food habits, and the upward trend on the scale is starting to make me feel a little anxious.  I wanted to reboot and start fresh.  I did some research, and made my decision.  I bought my stuff, and started 4 days ago.  Here goes:

Day 1:  2 shakes as meal replacements, and a light dinner.  A few approved snacks in between, lots of vitamins.  I feel great and have tons of energy.  No coffee, so I anticipated a headache, but nothing.

Day 2:  Same menu, same results.  My one complaint?  Everything tastes sweet:  chocolate, vanilla, berry.  Will someone please market a fiber/protein bar that tastes like cheetos or popcorn?

Day 3: First deep cleanse day means no solid food except a few of their approved snacks.  I drink a detoxifying “shot” 4 times a day, tons of vitamins, and lots of water.  Surprisingly, I feel great, still have a lot of energy, and I’m not even a little bit hungry.  That being said, I miss food.  I miss chewing and flavor.  I went to bed very early so I didn’t have to smell the deliciousness happening downstairs at dinnertime.   

Day 4: Second cleanse day I still feel fine and not really hungry, but the whole “I love food” part of me is REALLY anticipating dinner tomorrow.  Food with a fork--Heavenly!  

 

I have 5 shake days to go, then 2 more cleanse days...

 

Results so far:  My skin is clearing up, my tongue is getting pinker and I feel better.  I didn't do the measurements thing--I just don't care.  If my jeans fit better, then I'm happy.  I do know I am down 6 lbs. and probably will stay right around there for the remainder.  Perfect, that’s really about all I was after as far as my weight goes.  I’m a tall girl with hips, a rack and broad shoulders and I lose weight in my face so today's "thin" is tomorrow's "cadaver".  I have to be careful. Plus, people comment.  I don't need to hear that. 

Side Note:  Why do people think it is okay to comment on the bodies of others?  Here’s the rule I follow:  If it’s not attached to my body, I must shut the hell up.  Feel free to share that one.

 

Another Side Note:  In writing this, I started ranting about body issues...specifically mine.  I erased it all because I'm not ready for that rabbit hole.  Maybe another day.

 

I am heading off to a function tonight where the food and wine will be in abundance.  I will take my (2 quarter sized) snacks with me and resist the rest..  I have another week to go and I am going to finish this beeyotch.

 

To be continued...