Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Verdict

It's been a full week after I officially gave up on my diet, and apparently I'm still losing weight! I just wanted this to show how portion controls and healthy choices have helped me in my quest for my goal weight, even without supplements.

And yes, even after consuming junk food and alcohol last weekend I was able to somehow keep my weight down. Advocare may have been the best $200 I've ever spent.

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Fail

As you may have noticed, my Advocare posts have gone from consistent, to inconsistent, and now are nonexistent. Let me explain.

I had a rough day my second day of work, and took my frustration out with a bag of chips. And well, it worked. I felt so much better immediately after! But then I felt horrible when I thought about how I ruined my diet. For a second, I even considered that if I threw up I could still salvage my nearly clean diet-slate. But no, I didn't vomit.

I continued on with the diet routine, but a few days later I noticed that I was having diarrhea every morning. On the third day, I figured something must be really wrong with me! It was also getting really annoying. I texted my coach and she told me to stop taking the probiotic supplement. I did, and it worked. I stopped having the juicy poops!

Finally, what did me in was the curse of all womankind. My period. A few days after the probiotic fiasco, I knew my period was coming because 1) the calendar date, and 2) the cravings. I simply cannot control my eating right before my period - it's like my body knows I'm going to lose blood and is trying to make up for it in advance!

Anyway, this past weekend we went to Portland for Moonlight Masquerade and that's where the diet truly ended. It's four days later now, I'm still 5 lbs under my original weight, and I'm still very happy with my results. I also did slim down a lot before the rave, which was basically why I timed it this way! So I wouldn't have a spare tire over my tutu =P

Over the past few days, I've noticed that I continue to eat small meals every 2-3 hours each day, even though I'm not sticking to the Advocare diet plan anymore. I also can control my portion sizes and know to stop myself before getting second servings. And most importantly, I've started liking healthier snacks! Like a spoonful of peanut butter, or a handful of raw almonds. I've even continued to eat fruit for my snacks! These are incredibly valuable lessons, and because they've improved my eating habits I think that the diet was a great success.

And I mean really, who thought that I was going to last the full 24 days? I didn't. :)

Another First Day

The first day of work is probably one of the most confusing and stressful recurring occasions of my life. I'm always nervous about waking up on time, running into horrific traffic, and doing something disastrous to my outfit (like food stains or ripping my pants, LOL).

So far so good though, today was another pleasant first day. I wish I was better at remembering people, I only remember my boss from today even though I met 20+ coworkers. GOODNESS! My new employer reminds me a whole lot of DA, I guess it makes sense because they were both tech 'start ups' and have been grown into successes.

I like that there are a million kitchens on one floor, my cube is near the bathroom and also next to one of the printers, AND the view is gorgeous. I can people watch from any of the windows on my lunch break because there's so much to look at! I don't like the parking situation, I really wish I could have convenient parking. I like the free sodas, milk, and other beverages but it makes me sad that I can't drink of any them.

Speaking of diet, no update for today because I'm not at home with the scale. I did spice up my diet life a bit today though, dipped bell peppers into fresh hot salsa for my dinnertime veggie serving. YUM!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 14

With ten days left in the challenge, I already have excellent news. I fit my tight pants again and am very close to my target weight!

I've decided to continue the challenge even if I drop below 120 before the 24 days are up. My coach said I may gain some weight while I'm shaping and toning my body with cardio workouts. Grilling chicken and vegetables has helped me immensely, because I can still eat delicious things without frying and also without unhealthy sauces. Herbs, salt, and pepper have been doing wonders for me - I never knew how tasty basic seasonings could be!

My mid-section is looking more familiar, I'm getting my body back! I still have a small muffin top when I sit down, but it's more of a bicycle tire than a motorcycle tire now, HAHA.

I started toasting my smoked salmon in the toaster oven until crispy then sprinkling bits over my salad - it's actually better than bacon bits and adds an enjoyable texture.

I also started running with the Nike+ Android app. It's surprisingly accurate, and it's pretty interesting to look back on later.

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 12

I'm getting better at portion sizes! Doing my best to keep my greedy eyes in check. I also am continuing to lose weight, even though I just started exercising today. It actually feels good to be back at the gym, I don't know why I was fighting it so hard.

I'm so over raw tomatoes, so now I broil them with my chicken. WAY better!

Tonight I baked my chicken in a covered glass plate with water to keep the meat moist. Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. I will definitely be doing this again.

I am now weighing in between 122.8 and 123.2. Just a few more pounds to drop to hit my 10 lb goal!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 10

Today was my last day of the cleanse phase, and my weight seems to have stabilized around 124 lbs. This means I will start exercising tomorrow to see if I can burn those last 4 lbs and get to my goal!

I bought these little plastic baggies at Dollar Tree a few months ago, it was like a pack of 100 for $1 and I just KNEW they would come in handy! Before this I was using them for disposable ear plugs from value packs and spare earring backings, but they have been super useful for separating out servings of Omegaplex.

I'm pretty happy the Fiber 10 drinks are REALLY over. I have a feeling the Meal Replacement Shakes are going to taste a million times better, I won't find out until tomorrow morning though.

I've been weighing in between 124.3 and 124.9 the past few days, so this is probably my naturally healthy weight with balanced diet and no exercise.

I'm noticing that the fat below my rib cage is disappearing, which is nice.

Of course losing the fat below my rib cage makes my spare tire more defined. Gym it is.



I also cheated today. I went to Fran's Chocolates (my fave) to pick out a gift, and as I was walking in I told myself I must REFUSE any samples. But lo' and behold, the chocolatier offers me a salted chocolate thin and it looks SO HARMLESS! My brain said no but my hand said yes. So much for willpower...