Well hello there. Long time no blog, eh? It’s been 8 months. I just haven’t felt motivated much or interesting enough to blog something. 
Well it’s a new year, a fresh start I suppose. And a fresh start is exactly what I got this new year. This New Year’s Eve I decided NOT to make resolutions that I probably wouldn’t keep. Instead, I decided to simply TAKE ACTION.
I have always wanted to do a cleanse, but never thought I had the willpower in me to do so. People that did hardcore detoxing were rock stars in my mind, but never once did I imagine I could do it. Not until Whole Living magazine, which I LOVE and have a subscription to, put out their January Issue. In it, they outlined a three week Whole Living Challenge and Action plan. And I decided to accept their challenge.
Week One: Cut out the 5 No-Nos for anyone wanting to detox……. Dairy, Meat, Gluten, Sugar, Caffein. Focus on nothing but vegetables and fruit. Drink a ton of water. Start juicing every day in the morning to give your body and digestive system a break.
So I resolved myself, bought a juicer (which I LOOOOOOOVE) and dove right in. I have to say I’m very proud of myself, considering that I started this adventure the same week I also started my period. Which, for all those reading, I now DO NOT recommend. I have to admit I had a few days of hell….. blinding headaches, skin eruptions, fatigue, and body aches like I’d ran a marathon. These are all symptoms of a detoxing system, I’ve been told, however were magnified by the fact that I was also on my period. Not a good combo. However, I got through it though and came out on the other side!! 
I am now on week 2. The blessed week where I get to integrate lean proteins and legumes back into my diet. God bless lean protein and legumes! I’m amazed at how great I feel now, now that I have pushed through the toughest faze. This whole experience has really been beneficial for me mentally as it has been physically. It’s shown me what I am capable of accomplishing health wise. That I actually DO have willpower. That I can live without coffee and sugar and gluten. I am hoping that I can carry some of these habits that I have formed these past few weeks into the rest of the year!
Another adventure I decided to embark upon was I entered a Biggest Loser/Healthier You contest that one of my friends put together! Everyone chips in $25 to play, so far the winner takes home $1000! Now granted, the chances of me actually winning are slim. However it has been helpful to add a little competition into the mix. Plus you get points for daily drinking 8 glasses of water, food journaling, exercising 30 minutes or more, and eating 5 servings of vegetables! So far I’ve been gathering points daily for all four things this week. Healthy habits, here I come!!!
The end result? I’ve lost 6 pounds. I feel great. I feel healthier, more motivated, and have a more positive frame of mind about myself. What more could you want. So I raise my glass of carrot, beet, and apple juice to you all and say, “Here’s to 2012!!!”
Oh, sweetie, good for you! I’ve done a few different cleanses and I find I only last so long. I think you’ve gone about it the right way, though, by having mini-stages rather than trying to detox everything. I try to overhaul all at once and I end up in migraineland for weeks before I give up entirely.
Congratulations on accomplishing healthy habits! Hope to hear more about it soon!
Way to go Miss Faith!
Proud of you…can you seem me cheering you on? You have inspired me…shall have to get my cleanse ducks in order . Big hugs!!! Tink…aka Roo