You can hate it, or you can tolerate it

The other day I was annoyed when my mother asked me if I was still on a "diet" . When the conversation ended I asked myself why did I get so defensive? I don't want to diet, I want to live it. I concluded perhaps it's just the mother / daughter dynamic.  Earlier this year  while I was sharing my enthusiasm over the subtle changes happening to me my (adult) daughter said, "It's always easy in the beginning". Perhaps it's true 6 months was still novel and therefore the enthusiasm remained? I felt offended--especially since she was largely my inspiration for healthier eating. But then I thought perhaps it's just the mother/daughter dynamic. 

It's now been over a year although it does not seem like it.  I was thinking this morning going to OTF class the one thing that just gets harder and harder the longer you do it is going to the gym! The bar just continues to rise.  It's been 6 months of Orange Theory Fitness and each class ends with a new beginning.  Just when I think I really hate something, like burpees, I discovered it was the 1000 meter row which I hated more, but then it was a 10% incline at 8 mph which was my most hated.--now I hate none and tolerate them all.

The past year has been met with more failures than success. I could hate it, or I can tolerate it. Currently I'm on a crusade to knock the scale down and lose some serious weight. There's little more that I can do that I am not normally doing anyway- but of course I could always decrease calories and increase exercise.  Isn't that what a diet is? A restriction of sorts and an exercise of self will? Why would I want to do that? -- I would hate it and I don't think I would learn to tolerate it. 

The scale is now my partner, we have advanced from the love/hate relationship we previously had. Some days I'm angered by it, other days I'm very pleased with it, but mostly I'm content with it. I like it when it performs the way I expect it to. I can always count on the scale to hold me responsible for my actions.  The past 2 months have been quite frustrating where I'm off by about 10 pounds from my projected weight loss.  (I'm not sure why but it is what it is!)-- I no longer live to satisfy the scale. I continue to do the things I began doing over 13 months ago, I tolerate what the scale says to me and I move forward.

I have a sense of urgency at this time for a couple of reasons. The main reason is the brachioplasty I have scheduled for next month and the other reason is for the exercise restriction I will have after the surgery. I am told no exercise for at least 4 weeks. It's hard to imagine what I will do, or how I will behave without my daily natural highs. I'm not worried about weight gain, because of the 80% -20% rule. As for now, I will have fun with my personal challenge  to see how much weight I can lose in the next 3 weeks.  The best kind of challenge is a self created challenge. No matter success or failure the results are self improvement therefore making it a win/win!

Will run for pumpkin pie!

It's not a FAIL until you stop TRYING!

I joined a FB challenge this month which was to log 100 (run) miles in October. It's been a great forum of support and inspiration. As a result I have posted some pictures and other data on my FB, (As I typically do being the egocentric narcissist that I am).--  I have received an overwhelm of support and encouragement from my FB friends!  I have been asked how am I "doing it"? My response is always the same, diet and exercise!  When I say diet I don't mean as in, I'm on a diet -otherwise known as testing ones will power, but as in DIET: The  SUM OF FOOD CONSUMED BY A PERSON . My diet is my nutritional intake. It's not a plan, or a program or some other latest fad or strict regime that will most likely guarantee a delayed response of pure rebellion. And also exercise.  Yes, its that simple. Diet and Exercise.  Yes, simple, no, maybe not easy. Why not? Simple formula, 1+1= 2.  Diet + Exercise = Health.  Right?--   While some of my postings may look quite dramatic, the befores and afters, and may even be impressive,  these were not overnight changes.  The picture below is December 2014, to the present October 2015. That is 10 months and 80+ pounds later. That's only about a 2 pound weight loss a week. And some weeks, many weeks actually resulted in no loss, and a few even resulted in a gain. (Just last week I was up 3! which I am now back to a -5 in the matter of  just as many days!) My point is, it's a process- a slow one- but it is a process. I may not get the results I want or expect, but I keep trying. My fat is as strong and stubborn as my self will and determination. I am in it to win it! I can't control how my body will respond. I can control how I manage my diet and exercise. I can control my consistency and preservation.  When my dedication and motivation wane, which sometimes can happen I remember what it is I want and why. Where your mind goes your body will follow.  If you want something bad enough, and it's within your reach why would you stop yourself?



Since my last blog I have  clocked over 100 miles of run time on my Nikes.  I was pretty sure I was going to succeed with my goal of 30 mins at the Biggest Loser 5k run in Vegas. I was on track too- the first mile went down at 7:45!- But then so did I! I felt it. I was pumped and ready to go and sprinting along and then all of a sudden I was like "what the **** I'm out of gas!" This puzzling self talk continued throughout the course. I walked- that is, sped-walked several times and then I sprinted several more. Originally my goal when I first started working with a personal trainer was to be able to run a whole 5k, that is not walk but run it in its entirety, so the self talk really roared away at me while I  alternated between walking and sprinting!--  There were lots of factors that contributed to my running out of gas and none of them matter. It's a miss,  (so what), I keep going.  It was still a PR for me, and I was satisfied.  It's not a fail because I continue to try.

Then-December 12, 2014 feeling mixed as I set out to run 1/4 mile in the rain
Now-October 13, 2015 feeling grateful as I set out to run a 5k to end the day

Then- 10/15/14 Torrey Pines hike-My first time hiking to the top
Now- 10/15/15 Coastal  run-from Moonlight to Solana Beach        

Here I go Again....and A GAIN......and A GAIN.....

Brutal work out this morning. I am in tears. The pain brings me much pleasure.
Perhaps the tears are from not getting enough sleep for the past 29 years. Or, they can be from the anticipation of  running in the Biggest Loser 5k 1/2 marathon this weekend, or actually from my desire to knock out a 30 min 5k, but then again they can be from a simple adrenaline rush!-- (or all of the above?!)--

Seriously how hard is it to run a 5k in 30 mins? Since I began my lifestyle change or better said since I made the commitment to myself for healthier living  I created a simple goal  which was to complete a 5k in 30 mins. I have been chasing a 10 minute mile ever since. ---  Which ironically enough, I threw this intention out into the universe (published it on my blog) exactly 1 year ago today!  --- Inspired by The BIGGEST LOSER I began my lifestyle change by getting a personal trainer and doing the work!  It would be most fitting (and make for a great story)  if I accomplish a 30 min 5k at this weekend's BIGGEST LOSER 5k, 1/2 marathon.  (I know I can what I'm not so sure about is if I will.)  

On the one hand once I accomplish it then what?--people like me who thrive on challenge need a desirable chase for total continued dedication. Bo, my personal trainer in the beginning,   said eventually I would be running 1/2 marathons, I said NO WAY! -- Then I said, well maybe after I knock out consistent 30 min. 5k's -- still waiting for that very special  FIRST ONE!! 

You can have passion and with proper motivation you will have the continued dedication to make it happen.

I want to run a 30min 5k this weekend about as much as I would love to see the SF GIANTS win the 2015 World Series! Just like the GIANTS probably feel right now,  it's far from a for sure thing, it's pretty far from even a probable --but succeed or fail, win or lose a game, a run is simply just that and there will always be another one!

But I'm on Vacation...... in Training....... Living MY Life....

Almost two years ago I began this blog as a means to hold me accountable for  training for a 5k. I completed that 5k but far from yielding the results I had hoped for. I resumed this blog in September of 2014, again to assist in holding me accountable for training and I added a specific yet undefined goal of "losing weight" (by means of getting in shape). When you are in training for a specific goal you have a focus and it's easy to create a plan that will lead you towards goal completion.  Following up with putting said plan into action is not quite as easy!

Lea Lea Charity Run 2015 

This summer for vacation I was in beautiful Maui for an equally as beautiful wedding. I ended my vacation in Oahu, participating in the Lea Lea Charity run. Running a 5k in 30 mins is a goal I have not yet accomplished. I thought how great it would be to earn such an accomplishment, especially at my favorite vacation destination!  

The last time I was in Maui was 2010. I went for an Overeaters Anonymous retreat.  While looking at some pictures of myself  during that vacation I set a new  (undefined) goal which was to look different, to feel better.  An undefined goal such as "look different" or "lose weight" is a goal without a route towards success. Sometimes success seems so out of reach (overwhelming to achieve) that all we can do is create an undefined goal, which is better than no goal, or even worse, a wish.  Its ok to  begin with an  undefined goal, then revise, set a specific goal, then get focused!

With my desire of looking, feeling different and reaching my 5k time while also enjoying vacation on the beautiful islands of Hawaii I felt no control over the situation. Unsure how to do both-- remain focused while simultaneously indulging freely-- I trusted myself  to make choices, the best choices for me at any given time. We can't control circumstances but we can control our decisions.

Thinking "I'm in training" helps you stay focused. Saying "I'm on vacation" helps you indulge freely. Both are great, generally acceptable excuses.

During my vacation I heard myself voice both phrases.  Yes I am now referring to them as a phrase rather than an excuse.  An excuse allows us to justify our action- this is especially true if the action we take is not consistent with the words we speak, or with the desire we seek.  Its up to us to choose how we speak to ourselves and  to others. Which is why you will never hear me say, "I'm having a cheat day" - phrase or excuse, I have choices, everyday.

If ever there is a time when staying up late, drinking alcohol and eating poorly is an expectation it must be while on vacation time!  I did stay up late but I didn't drink as much as I thought I would. While I did eat more variety and more portions than I regularly do I was careful with my selections, mainly because I really didn't want to gain much  (vacation) weight! I did give myself a reprieve from tracking my foods,  counting my calories and I even surrendered my fit bit!  The results?  I didn't reach my 5k goal time,  and I lost 1 pound!  While I never considered losing weight while on vacation I realize its a result of my taking actions that are consistent with the words I speak, and the desire I seek!

No dieting, just eating-

Living life my way...

The final 40 is now the final 30, the 15 min mile is now the 12 min mile...

Been a while since I have blogged on my journey towards a healthy weight and increased physical fitness. This past 2 weeks I have come to the realization that my favorite work out clothes are actually big and therefore must be replaced. Several weeks back I had great difficulty letting go of my clothes. I kept them, because they fit. I didn't realize how poorly they fit. I slowly sorted through clothing items holding on to most. Then the morning of my sons graduation I was unprepared-nothing fit me. Nothing nice that is, other than work out clothes!  I have a closet full of professional and business casual attire and it all needs to be replaced, well, at least removed anyway.  I have discarded about 1/2 now and I am finally ready to remove the remaining items.  Losing weight is great, losing clothes not so much. ---   I bought only a few new clothing items-- knowing that my loss is in progress and not yet completed, these items too will need to be removed sooner rather than later.

The last few weeks I have been saying different variations of: the final 40, I'm down to the final 40, its the final 40. Today I say,  the final 40 is now the final 30!  I haven't blogged much about my actual weight loss or goal instead I was focusing on the physical activity aspect and change in eating habits.  I am confident in saying that my  healthy eating habits have now become an eating style. I don't do cheat days, for every day is a day full of our own choices.  I am still chasing a 10 min mile but I have mastered a 12 min one! What fun would all this hard work be without a good challenge?

A recap of the past 10 months- began with a personal trainer for 6 months, Bo.  I know for me I would not have made it this far if it were not for him. Its much easier to work 1:1 when your doing things that you have never done before, many of which you have no idea how to even do-and for those same reasons it also makes it extremely hard to begin working with a personal trainer.  Bo also runs a bootcamp and I remember thinking there's no way I could do that - and now I know that I can do it!
Next came simple home fitness routines and lots of  treadmill and 5k running. Progress seemed to have hit a plateau, (yet again) so I then joined  Fitness and Motion for a 10 in 21 day program. I didn't lose 10 pounds in that 21 day program I lost 8 but I gained valuable nutrition knowledge. - I tried to adhere to the diet restrictions of the 10 in 21 days but I was not able to.  I am not 100% compliant when it comes to restrictions. After the 21 days I was back on my own with home fitness routines and  lots of running and hiking as I eagerly waited for Orange Theory Fitness to open.  Orange Theory Fitness is similar to the 10 in 21 days program only the class lasts 1 hour (not 30 mins at Fitness and Motion). I have been going for the past 2 weeks and I love it.  Its a HIIT class it combines cardio with strength training.   The point of Orange Theory Fitness is to work in your orange zone for 12 to 20 minutes (your max heart rate) to reach the after burn. The after burn is when your body continues to burn calories for 24 -36 hours after your workout. You wear a heart monitor so you can see where your at. I have only reached a max of 4 minutes in my orange zone, but I am pretty sure my max heart rate is irregular. I have dropped sweat everywhere and I feel great afterwards (despite the upper body strains).   I continue to hike and run and work out in my complex gym on my off OTF days.  I continue to use my fit bit for motivation and my spark people app for tracking my food. I replaced my juicer with a vitamix. I eat more protein and less carbs. I drink a lot of water the only thing I don't do still- is get enough sleep!

the next 3 weeks!

  Now that I have completed a few 5ks with a few more planned I decided to push for a  greater challenge.  I am registered for the Rugged Maniac run.  It is like a mud run on steroids.   I registered some time ago and I had thought that by this point in time I would be further along with my own physical fitness ability (but hey I can ride a roller coaster again.)--

I have been "working out"  in some capacity usually 6 days a week. When my daughter was home sick I discovered all you tube has to offer in the way of home "exercises" including yoga, ball, band and roller activities.  I mostly run, work with kettle bells and if I'm really desperate for some increased heart rate I trampoline while watching Judge Judy!  It is very easy to exercise in some capacity on a daily basis.  I also changed my diet-again.  I discovered I was not eating enough protein, as in I was not even eating the minimum amount recommended.  That may be the reason for not having any weight loss in January. Of course that may also be the reason I had an insignificant amount of weight gain in February.   Here it is April and I'm about 10 pounds short of my projected weight for this date. :( Disappointment is something I find purely unavoidable and quite common! -I never have been a yo-yo dieter, so working hard at something and yielding little results such as a slow  to no weight loss while disappointing, is definitely something very familiar to me.

 

 May 23 is the Rugged Maniac obstacle course and as the date nears the fear rises! I knew I had to change up my work out routine to better manage the obstacles ahead. One day my good friend FB showed me an ad challenging a guaranteed weight loss with nutrition and exercise program.  I clicked on it and learned more about it'  I decided it was worth me investing in and on Monday April 13 I joined the Fitness and Motion 10/21day program.  Which yes as you may guess its a "lose 10 pounds in 21 days" opportunity.  This gym also offers a 6 week challenge but that seemed to complicated and too long of a commitment for me. 3 weeks, 21 days who cant manage to do something for 21 days? --
Today is Friday, I attended fitness camp classes 4 days this week and one personal training session.  -- Two days in a row this week I thought I was going to puke as I drove home. I now take ibuprofen with my lemon tea on a daily basis! And the real kicker for today, being Friday I stepped on the scale (my mind said no but my body just didn't listen ) and I gained .2 pounds!  I just laughed!  Figures!!  Well what can you do? You can laugh or you can cry. I have been in this mixed emotional state most of my life. I choose laugh:)

 

CV5k2015 -2weeks POST RACE!!

It is almost 2 weeks to the day since my targeted goal and inspiration for 12 weeks at a time- The Carmel Valley 5k.  The CV5k team changed the location this year and changed the course.  I liked the course a lot better it was more challenging.  This year I registered Karma in the kids fun run. Jake was doing the 5k with me-I had no doubt that he could complete it with or without me.  What I wasn't expecting was for Jake to be sick.  --- Jake was so sick he even missed a few days of school. I asked him if he was sure he wanted to push himself and run this, but he assured me did. when your child is sick as a  mom you just know, they have that "sick look" and he had it:(  I did tell him I would run with him and asked him to stay with me.


The 5k began and we started off strong, but then with the trail being congested with people we found ourselves in a slowdown.  I was disappointed, unlike the rum run by this point i was able to forge ahead and pass people paving my own path towards the finish. Then, my Jake declared, "I cant do it", and as he continued with a jog slowing to a halt I said, "you can! you can!" ...and Jake kept at it. I went ahead to move out of the foot traffic but I then ran in place waiting to reunite with Jake. I found it hard to keep the same pace as Jake and if I went forward I would end up waiting, and I began running backwards so he was in my line of sight.  The truth was that Jake was sick. And what a trooper he was for going forward anyway! --  I could not in good mother conscious  run at my desired pace while leaving my son behind (this is kind of like last years theme where it was my daughter and her asthma attack that kept me back.)  Jake even muttered, "Im sorry mom", because he knew  I wanted to run, I told him not to worry about it, its not a big deal.  And it wasn't. (running the rum run was mission accomplished for me everything from that success is just a bonus!)-- In any event we finished and it was fun!
  ** Next up the Mermaid Half Marathon San Diego- 2/7/15 and I will be kid free!

Carmel Valley 5k 2015

Carmel Valley 5k 2014

beyond 12 weeks down, -4 DAYS LEFT!!

I dont even know what to say, or how to start this.  My blog of 12 weeks at a time was meant to help inspire me as well as keep me accountable for my actions.  Writing it weekly helps me assess where I am, while tracking where I was, and  helps me consider where I may want to go.  ---  This is it, the final week, actually 4 days left until the 5k goal! -- I thought the Carmel Valley 5k was my goal, and it was my intended goal.  It now seems so trivial.  I ran the 5k Rum Run 2 weeks ago, and it was fun!  Simply put fun!  The best part was passing people, I actually passed people!  and I did finish before my son, despite my son passing me four different times! Also the looks on the  faces of the officers running security on the course, they were all smiles --like I could almost hear them saying "good for you" -- cause yeah I don't look like the average runner but yet there I was, a 5k runner, running.

Smiles before and after!

           Bo asked me if  I blogged about the 5k and I said I had been too busy.  As great an accomplishment it was, it was an expected accomplishment.  I did text him right after with my time just short of 42 mins which is not by any means a stellar time but it was all running time!  (and a good 15+mins better than the CV5k last year!). What started off as a possibility but highly unlikely, that is my running the 5k in its entirety, (no walk/runs, just run!) turned into a reality while training with Bo. It no longer seemed unlikely it seemed definite.  And it feels like riding a bike, once you master how on your own, you don't forget.  Knowing I can run a 5k takes less pressure off  me and that pressure can be applied to improving my 5k time.  I'm really not to concerned with my time, I know it will improve as I continue to improve. I just registered for the Mermaid Half Marathon San Diego, I am doing the 5k.  I have no interest in doing a half ever, a 10k probably. Bo tells me I will be doing 10ks and I will move into half marathons eventually.  He could be right- its just not an impulse I have. As for now, I'm having fun running the 5ks!
     
        People run for lots of reasons. I like to be athletic although since motherhood took over seems like all I am is mothered! I wanted to run the CV5k last year, because my kids said they could, and my son did. My daughter did not and so I did not. But if my daughter were able to run the 5k I still was not able to.  As a parent I ask myself how can I expect my kids to do what I cannot do myself? We definitely lead by example and children are more likely to do as you do not as you say. Overall my ultimate goal in this venture was to be fit for them to follow.  I'm not there yet-but the beautiful thing is  that there really is no end point! Its not like if I accomplish running a marathon in  4 hours and 45 mins. I can then declare I am now "fit". Being fit is much more than body weight and fat percentage. Its all inclusive- physically, emotionally, financially and with so many obstacles along any given course the starting line rotates its waves and the finishing line is no where in sight! --- Up next CV5k!

CHEERS!

15 weeks down-3 remain -my life will never be the same...

3 weeks until the targeted goal!  I have some doubt -not that I can't succeed with my goal but that my kids, or at least one of them will not be able to keep up with me:(  This child of mine says she can but I don't think she can. My other child can go the distance and if his performance during our mile competitions this week is any indicator of how he will do come 5k time he also will not keep up with me.

"Anyway also along with todays self discovery I was enlightened by another  thought that said I must be fit in order for my kids to follow.---  The kids and I are planning on running a 5k in January and I dont want to be the one following! I must be leading my littles--- I must be fit to follow!"

That quote is mine from November 5, 2013. That was the beginning of my 12 weeks at a time blog. We all wanted to participate in the Carmel Valley 5k (January 2014), a fundraising event for the Del Mar Union school district. I also knew at that time that I couldn't run 3 miles. I knew I couldn't run 1 mile. I knew I could walk and even walk/run a 5k. I thought I could outrun my kids-or at least keep up with them (I was wrong).  I had decided that it was time for me to get fit enough so that running a 5k would never even be considered a challenge- just a fun time!  I failed my first attempt.-- And that failure is one step closer to achievement!  When at first you don't succeed you can seriously try and try again. Coming up short is just that-coming up short, keep at it!  winners never quit....  

My original intention with this blog and its continuation was to assist me with my goal of  (again) running the CV 5k.   Since my blogging wasn't enough to hold me accountable, deciding to get a personal trainer, Bo, was the wisest investment I made. Realizing I needed help was the wisest decision I made. Getting personal with a stranger isnt easy. Getting personal with yourself is even harder. 

15 weeks and so many changes later. For every pound lost and for every mile minute cut I have added and gained so much more. I cant explain the health oriented change in my attitude- I told my BFF that I think I'm addicted to sweat!-- (gross I know!).  It isnt the sweat but what the sweat represents, which is hard work. I have always been a believer in work hard and play harder. The way Bo changes my work outs make it seem more like play (hard play!).   

15 weeks ago I began working out 2-3 days a week I now work out 6-8 times a week.  I began eliminating processed foods from my kitchen and buying healthier foods to cook (rather than the crap foods I "fixed" before). I make sure we are all drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep (as well as physical activity). These changes are here to stay, they aren't something I do it is now the way I am.  Right now I can out run all (4) of my kids! (I know that will change again). But the best change so far is the fact that I know I am running the Rum Run 5k this weekend, and not for the challenge it will be but just for fun!  (62 weeks later but hey better late then never!)

Juice Interrupted

When I think of juicing I think of  Melky Cabrera. A total disappointment. Especially after the huge hit Barry Bonds took. But-- I know some juicers, of the other variety. My daughter has been juicing for 3 years or so.  I have been a skeptic for as long. We have had many discussions about this practice and while I just began making  (healthy) smoothies during week 3 of this 12 weeks at a time  I certainly didn't expect to report in week 13 that I began juicing! -- But I did! I did a 3 day juice cleanse and the results were so worth it!---- 

 

I was worried about feeling hungry so to help me through this task and stay on focus I kept notes:)

Day 1, drink 1.  I was excited to start my juice cleanse when my order arrived. The juices were frozen so I had to wait a day. Then today I was a little nervous. Not so much about the taste of the juice but more about the refraining from eating part. I can eat raw veggies so I will have to buy some. Also, I was thinking about my sessions with Bo and having enough energy etc. Sometimes you can get tired, fatigued, light-headed from the juice- only cleanse (I read it on their website). Often I eat nothing or less than 200 (healthy) calories before a work out so I wasn't too worried about today's work out. The remainder of the cleanse is a different story. It's only a 3 day cleanse, I think I can do this for 3 days. The key is to be mindful. Just as I prepared lunch for my kids I mindlessly thought about grabbing a few chips to eat them myself!--Fortunately the thought came first therefore I had time to process and then refrain -preventing an impulsive act! I had Juice 1 at about 10:15a the first few sips were a pleasant surprise. It tasted good, rather had a sweet bite and you can taste the freshness. But by the end of the 16oz the sweet taste gave way to a more bitter bite. And when it was done I was relieved. And I was burping. And I was on my way to train with Bo. When I was with Bo he reiterated the importance of having enough energy in to perform the workouts I do. --today's training session was fine other than when Bo gave me complex steps to perform. And when I say complex I mean more than 1 step to follow!:)  It's about 12:30. And I'm ready for #2'- The first sip always tastes good:) And I am happy to report the last sip tasted just as good:)  #3 was on the go-- I went shopping and lost track of time and was not hungry at all! #3 was another green and it hit the spot!
#4 late again. This bottle is 100 cals. I have now had 4 of 6 and am way off schedule as originally my last one was schedule for 8 ish. I have 2 left and its 7p this would be how things go awry for me and if poor choices are made this be why. Right now Jake has brownies in the oven for their ice cream sundaes later and they smell so good!!--but I do not want to make it this far with the cleanse and toss it away even for a brownie!--so, right now I have a slight headache and I'm very cold but I am not hungry. I have 4 blankets and a sweatshirt as well as the heater on 72! And I'm still cold I don't know if this is from the juice cleanse or not.  The other day Jake was chilly like this when no one else was but it only lasted an afternoon and evening. I have been nodding off too. I could sleep now I have felt this way several times today and I did get adequate sleep last night. I'm ready for #5 actually just ready for this night, this year to be over! #5 kids get their ice cream sundaes, it's actually frozen yogurt but just as treaty! Chocolate and vanilla whipped cream, magic shell, toppings, brownie bits, oreo  bits ummmmm. And I get 180 cals of root vegies!:) the first sip was ok ..I'm drinking it slowly. This is Def not on my top 5 list! 1 left to go, and ohh I can't wait to see how I feel in the morning.
#6. Ummm let's hope it hits all the right spots!! And I would so be going to bed afterward ....but it's NYE and kids want to watch the ball drop. Omg this is horrible I don't even know if I can finish it:( like a shot of tequila I dare myself to do it and hope I can hold it in!) Agh this is by far the worse juice!! I guess the best for last isn't the case after all:(
Well there's a first - I chucked it!! I didn't even drink 1/2 of it. I tried, sipped long and slow...I think if  I went fast and deep I would probably up chuck it! I don't know if tomorrow #6 which is just coconut water and coconut flesh will be tolerated any better. But I will try:)


Day 2 cleans memo deleted:*)( Agh:( anyway redo now I didn't save my posts so I lost them:( Not much to report 2day other than I did wake up feeling slightly hungover, and I did not drink yesterday, I was surprised to wake up and not feel hungry. I was afraid I would feel hungry. I did start my day as usual with about 32oz of water and shortly after I had green tea (allowed) and ate a banana (not sure if allowed) but the juices for today were somewhat frozen yet so I had to wait and didn't even begin juice 1 until after 11 almost 12. Since I lost my note I lost track also. But right now I'm on juice #4 and about to hit the gym. I did some kettle bell work and though it felt great, I could just as easily take a nap! I probably did not have as much water as I usually would by now today.  I have been chomping on carrots too! (Allowed) the feeling of depriving myself  of food is absent. Even again today as I made mac and cheese for my kids it looked so yummy and warm and cheesy. I would normally steal a bite from the pot and even though I think my mouth did begin to water a little bit I was able to not indulge. I looked at the mac and cheese and just knowing the crap that it is and my point for doing this cleanse is to rid the craps! I don't want to diminish the purpose of the juice only cleanse not even for 1 crumb. And honestly it's not even about being tempted, my daughter finished her ice cream sundae from last night and then ate a pop tart right next to me, even offering me some! I looked at those foods and the bells and whistles did light up in my brain but fortunately my mind was clear enough to put it all in perspective and now I was cleansing that's all. This day is coming to a wind down and it's an odd one since we were all up so late then the kids took long naps today too. I'm going to try to get them back on their typical bed times, which is good for them as well as me. I too need some kid free time and look forward to that. Also one of the things that I can't stress enough even though I have much improvement in the area myself -is sleep. Especially if your regularly exercising and or restricting  calories. Healthy sleep is so important. Ok off to the gym now....
Afterwards I tried to drink #6 I opened it, took 2 sips and then threw it out!-- NO COCONUT WATER! blah

Day 3 Final day and thankfully so Juices overall are fine and good and Def worth the food exchange. This 3 day cleanse tho isn't specific to my likes so once again juice #6 was thrown away! I took 1 sipped thought about if it were worth it to continue to try to drink or not and since it was already almost 10p I decided to drink simple plain refreshing water instead! -- Today woke better than yesterday a little light headed borderline headache but it didn't last long. I woke began my morning routine to again discover the juices  1/2 frozen!! So I drank water and had a cup of green tea and I am hoping that the juice #1 will be drinkable as I head to my session with out Bo shortly. Ok so ran 2 miles as part of work out session with Bo - so despite the 40 mins on the treadmill yest today was the hardest work out for me this week. But I succeeded. Since juice #1 was frozen I drank it right after my w/o and now I'm off track again, have been all day and I am pretty tired and hungry. I have been chomping on carrots thru out the day which has helped  and my water intake has decreased. I don't know if it's because of the juices or if it's just the result of the colder temperatures. It's about 6p and I'm on juice 4 now which is fine because I prob won't drink juice 6 so this would leave juice 5 around 8p. I'm very much looking forward to finishing the night off so I can sleep. I am tired...and I seriously can not wait to eat eggs and spinach in the morning!! A great thing from this cleanse aside from the detox is proof that I can survive off of  less then 1200 cals and be ok. The juice cleanse plan says it's about 1200 cals but when I add the cals up its less then 1000!  I will follow the "about every 2 hours" to eat or drink schedule.  I definitely think a Jamba juice is in order tomorrow too!

In conclusion.  I definitely recommend juicing for everyone!  It can taste very good and it is very satisfying as well as incredibly healthy!  You will definitely loose weight by doing only juices, I lost 7 pounds.  which was mind-blowing to me, my average weight loss has been 2 pounds a week, that's with cal counting, working with Bo, and working out on my own.  I prefer to eat and I enjoy working out. But since this cleanse I am that much more mindful about what I put in my mouth.  I have always hated that saying "you are what you eat", but its true.  For me eating crap makes me feel like crap. Eating healthy makes me feel healthy.  Sugar clouds my mind and sucks my energy away.

I am looking forward to purchasing a juicer and becoming a regular juicer! 
as well as getting my kids turned onto them too, just like their big sister!