Challenge

We are handed all sorts of challenges during our life. Some not so great and some that we can control ourselves. I am about to control one of my personal challenges. Some a lot of us have to struggle with on a daily basis anyway. So now it is springtime!! Time to look forward to warmer weather, Capri's and tank tops, sandals and swim suits. OK, right now no swim suits. My point being, during the winter we tend to hibernate like big old bears and eat up a storm trying to insulate ourselves from the cold. We don't exercise much because the weather is to rainy, snowy, windy or just plan yucky. We curl up with our warm blankets and watch TV or play on the computer. We do the bare minimum to get through the darker yuckier days just waiting for that weatherman to announce that spring has sprung!!! So it has happened, Sunday was the first day of Spring. Guess what, we are actually having a beautiful sunny day today which is wonderful for me to start my new challenge.

Today I started the 24 Day Challenge. I have to do a 10 day herbal cleanse. I have wanted to do a cleanse for sometime because I have heard that it is a good thing to do anyway. Well with the program I am on, the first three day I have to drink this fiber drink in the mornings. All I can say about that is yuck!! It is the nastiest stuff I have ever tasted. It is one of those "challenges" that I am going to have to endure the first three days and then again the 8-10th days.

 When I went to be measured and weighed last night, I was disappointed that I have regained 12 lbs of the 30 lbs I lost before I left Kodiak. I have to say I can't be surprised, disappointed yes, surprised no so much. Living in an area where we are walking distance to Arby's, Jack-In-The-Box, Quizno's, and Panda Express just to name a few of the restaurants around us. Oh and not to forget Cold Stone Creamery!! Yikes what a great ice cream parlor. Starbucks is always one of my weaknesses, but to be honest if I get a pastry usually it is the reduced fat very berry coffee cake. :) I will be missing my Starbucks. I can not have ANY coffee of any kind during my 10 day cleanse. On of the women I chatted with last night told me she was total coffeeholic like me. She knew everyone at her local Starbucks and when she went through the drive thru she recognized their voices and could name them by name. I thought I was bad. I also thought it was going to be difficult this morning...but Patrick made the coffee and I decided if I was going to take this seriously I was going to have to follow the plan. I have already drank over 74.4 ounces of water. Water is my new best friend.

Even though Matthew isn't on the program I am, he has volunteered to be my workout and walking buddy. He has also gained back his weight and wants to make healthier choices. I am very proud of him for making that choice. I don't want him to be heavy like I am and he is so young, he will be able to make the change easier than I am I think.

So my eating plan is pretty cut and dry for the next 10 days. Fruit, eggs, oatmeal, lean proteins, complex carbs, nuts, raw veggies and lots and lots of water!!! For a coffee substitute they have a product called SPARK. I was surprised that I was feeling kind of tired and I drank it up and I feel really rejuvenated. I can drink that in the morning and in the mid-afternoon. For my mid-morning snack I am having strawberries and eggs. I have to eat six times a day which is going to be hard for me, but I am going to stick to the plan. LOL

Things I have to avoid:
Fried Foods, refined sugars, corn or white starches or bread ( I love bread!!!)
Wheat products
Dairy: cheese (love it), yogurt, milk, white sauces or dressing
Alcohol (they note the following after this one: you're on a cleanse...hold out for 10 days) I won't have a problems with this one
Coffee or soda...well I already told you about the coffee part, soda won't be an issue!

So this is the beginning for me. I am striving to look great in my gold dress in July for my nieces wedding and getting my energy level back up and my waistline back down. I will keep you in the loop as to my progress, wish me luck!!