Day 21 - Breaking Down the Challenge

 A look back the 24 Day Challenge...

Day 1-10 - The Cleanse Phase

This is all about eating clean (and sort of getting clean).  These 10 days are filled with not only eating whole foods (fruits, vegetables, carbs made from whole wheat and lean protein), but also removing quite a few items from the old diet.  My biggest challenge during these 10 days were eliminating cocktails, Diet Coke, candy and french baguettes (that one is weird, huh?  I really didn't know how much I love the french baguette on a Sunday evening with dinner and a glass of wine).  Giving up coffee wasn't that big of a deal, because I just enjoyed tea instead.  While I enjoy a nice, icy Diet Coke, I do tend to feel gross after I drink one.  Substituting the AdvoCare Spark and my favorite beverage (a nice crisp, bubbly H2O with lemons and limes) really helped ease my longings for Diet Coke.  I am not sure I was actually as hungry as I imagined or just panicked that I was going to get hungry.  My biggest challenge was watching everyone around me indulge.  I learned to ease this pain, but choosing some of my favorite healthy food items.  I found out that being prepared, having fresh fruit and vegetables on hand and trying a bunch of new recipes really helps.

Day 11-24 - The Max Phase

During this part of the challenge, I started to incorporate supplements and vitamins throughout the day, while still sticking to eating as clean as possible. A few days in, I could feel a change in my energy level.  But, it honestly took me until about Day 19 to feel like I had hit my groove.  I can understand why it is a 24 day challenge.  At this point, I know things are going to stick with me.  I do feel like I was very prepared during most of this challenge, but everything just seems to feel more natural at this point.  I have also found that I don't have to actually miss out.  By modifying, I can still enjoy most things.  I was really craving tacos the other day, after watching my daughter eat Taco Bell.  So, tonight I made a taco salad.  I don't feel like I missed out.  The only thing that I might have missed out on is the guacamole, because I forgot to buy it. 

And, of course, there is always that 80/20 rule or 90/10...whatever it is.  Indulge a little.  Keep it balanced.  Sometimes you just need to go get that Taco Bell or bag of Skittles and eat it (and enjoy it or let it gross you out) and then MOVE ON, get on and eat healthy again.  It doesn't have to be a downward spiral just because you indulged a little.  Life is FAR TOO SHORT.  My friend Tricia once said "you can always turn things around starting with your very next meal".  She is a very smart lady.  No need to beat yourself up, just turn it around and move on.

My AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge ends this Thursday.

Interested in doing a Group 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a intro party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 21 - Oh, the memories...the sweet, sweet memories

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst, AdvoCare Organge Spark and a banana
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Oatmeal and raspberries and an AdvoCare Coffecino

Snack -Almonds
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Toam-yum soup with shrimp - I am obsessed with this soup.  Apparently, it has many health benefits as well.  MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with kale, spinach, strawberries and a banana

Dinner - Taco salad - lettuce, salsa, pico de gallo, banana peppers, shredded cheese and 93% lean ground beef

Evening/After Dinner- Air popped popcorn and an H20

Throughout the day...lots of water