I managed to finally get in my 10 Day Detox. It was pretty challenging. I had to revamp it just a little. I am on the run a lot and I have no self control sometimes so I pretty much had to stay low the 10 days and not eat out.
Breakfast Smoothies
I changed the author’s morning smoothies to one of Dr Oz’s from his 3 Day Detox – http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-3-day-detox-cleanse-one-sheet. I wasn’t a big fan of the lunch one but I did try it.
These smoothies are about enough for 2 breakfast smoothies. It was a lot to get down. There are tons of smoothie recipes you can use – the biggest thing is to be sure you have protein!
I am trying some hemp protein powder now. I can’t say I am loving it yet but I am trying to adjust a little.
Prepping Ahead
A cool thing I learned on Pinterest, you can prep your smoothies for the week (minus liquid) and put in regular mouth mason jars. When you are ready, add your liquid and then simply attach your blender bottom to the jar. You have your blender and cup all in one. This was super helpful for me.
I prepped ahead of time so I could just grab and go. This is really key! You have to prep and be ready with things in the freezer or fridge. I did 4 different soups and put them in the freezer so they were easy to grab and go for lunch or dinner.
Following the Meal Plan
I didn’t do the exact meals every day. It was way too much for me to keep up with and I always had left overs. I followed the basic guideline though.
I was still having a little bit of trouble with my colon so I ran over to see Alison at Creative Living Wellness and we decided to cut out a few more things (this would have added 3 more weeks but since I was already doing most of these I didn’t have to start over!).
So this is what I did without during the detox: No Nuts, Corn, Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Sugar, Potato Chips, Popcorn, or Cocoa.
The Rest of the Plan
I pretty much did the 30 minutes of exercise every day. Some days I did a lot more so I didn’t stress if I missed a day. I do better working out with someone. Yoga, Bhangra (high intensity Indian dance – check it out here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8azTYdyfoNo ) and walking were my main sources of exercise.
I did the journaling every day and that really helps keep you focused and then Ali could see how I was doing very quickly.
One thing I haven’t done yet and need to get on it, was the Emergency Kit. This is a kit of food items to help you stay on track if you are on the go. I need to make up one for the shop and have one when I travel. If I get too hungry I make REALLY bad decisions and I generally eat too much as well.
I did not do all the herbs he recommended only because I have a regimen that already did what he was asking. So if you don’t have a regimen then I would follow his. I worked all of this out with Ali before I started.
One thing I did learn was that I was taking Vitamin D wrong since September! I totally missed that I was supposed to be taking that with something fatty – nuts, avocado or something that you enjoy. This enables the Vitamin D to actually be absorbed.
Testing – Weight, Blood Sugar, and Lab Work
I did check my weight every morning, tested my glucose 2-3xs a day, and I did my BMI and measurements whenever I had time.
I had terrible scales to start with and then I bought an EatSmart Scale and I love it. I love it even more since I went from 155 to 143.5 (as of Sunday, June 22, 2014)! I haven’t played with the other gadgets on the scales yet but will be doing that shortly.
The glucose was pretty helpful. It was interesting to see when I had spikes. This is the Glucose Monitoring System I bought. I like it – it’s compact, easy to use, and keeps track of your levels for you. I didn’t put new lancets in every day since it was just me using it but I would recommend buying an extra pack of those. And it does say not to reuse. I was lazy and never made it to the store to pick up more or order on Amazon. So be sure to order all your supplies at one time! You will need the testing strips.
Accu-Chek Aviva Glucose Kit
Accu-Chek Aviva Plus Test Strips
I had a complete blood work done. His recommendation was a little expensive so I went with Alison’s recommendation – http://m.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/ItemLC100008/Cardiac-PLUS-Blood-Test.html. You pay online and then get an order to go to LabCorp for your blood work. Super easy. All my numbers came back really good, which I was a little surprised of since lots of issues run in my family. Just goes to show how much food plays a role in your health. I was only really low in Vitamin D.
I did my saliva hormone testing with ZRT Labs – I always use them and now their program keeps track of all of your tests so you can see how you are improving. I ordered the Profile II test.
I did miss that ZRT could have done all my testing so next time I might get it all done with them. My hormones are a little off but not as bad as the first time! Holy Smokes, they tested it twice because they thought I had to be on birth control or something. Nope, I was just that jacked up. I am still estrogen dominant but not near as much as before and my cortisol levels are high. Both of these issues are probably why I have gained weight.
My Results
So how did I do? I’ve drastically decreased the problems I’ve been having with my colon and some symptoms have gone away completely. (Well, that was until I went to Nana and Shoopy’s for Father’s Day. But it happens and you just have to make do and then start again.)
As I said above, I lost 11 and a half pounds! I also lost a lot of fluid that I was retaining. I don’t feel so bloated and swollen.
I had lots of energy. I didn’t have my 3:00 – 4:00pm crash which was nice. And I was getting up earlier and getting things done. I think the thing I missed the most was my morning tea. I tried to do no sugar but it just doesn’t work for me. I am drinking tea in the morning with a small amount of sugar. My new favorite is Yerba Mate by Guayaki. I love Chai tea but found it was not sitting well with me nor was peppermint. So it was time to mix it up.
I have learned there are things I just can’t eat and I have started a list which I will post on my fridge.
I am incorporating more foods that are good for your hormones like cabbage and sauerkraut. I am also taking 2 different supplements to help level out my hormones and of course trying to stay on track with yoga to mellow me out as much as possible!
One of the weirdest things is my mouth and tongue feel yucky sometimes. It is from the detox. I use my tongue scraper every day (more on that another time).
You might also have some body odor, headaches, cramping or you might get really tired. All those things and more are normal. You just have to keep plugging along.
Have a Support Group!
Be sure you have some cheerleaders on your side! I had them and I really needed them. Alison was a huge help. I know I drive her crazy but she is always there being reassuring and cheering for me.
My Acupuncturist Amber at Creative Health is also the same. She helps me with recipe ideas and it was her comment – “Well, here is the thing, you can either get your colon issues under control or get cancer. The choice is yours. Luckily, it is an easier cancer to treat but still, up to you….” Nothing like a swift kick in the a$$ to get you motivated.
I also had a team of friends that helped me when I wanted to quit. Some of them have been on the same journey so they knew how hard it was and is to stay on track. It is too hard to do everything on your own.
Huge hugs and thanks to everyone who puts up with me and helped keep me on track. I still have more to learn and experience but at least I am on my way. So get help where you can. If you don’t have people being supportive find new friends, join the online 10 Detox Diet Group or call me. Your future depends on your health.
I want to be one of those old ladies that is still active, vibrant and vivacious. I want to arrive at my grave on two wheels knowing I had the wildest of rides and experienced the most I could out of life. I can’t do that if I am sick, worn out or overweight.
Stay tuned for more posts on foods I have tried and new recipes. I have a recipe for a Salted Carmel Smoothie from a friend doing the Paleo Diet and it sounds delicious. I have to substitute some things that I can’t eat but can’t wait to try it out.
Wishing you all the best on your journey for a healthier life. Hugs
