In the ever after...

So, I've been using the calorie counting method since the detox has ended. This, of course, doesn't include our detox celebration day and superbowl sunday. (mental note: I think I'm gonna start calling it superbowEl from now on.)

Anyway, good news! I've lost another 2 lbs.!

::::resisting urge to say "In your face, X!"::::: :P

Eating whatever I wanted for those few days only resulted in me feeling tapped of energy and uncomfortable so I hopped right back on the bandwagon of eating healthy, chemical-less (for the most part) items. I'm eating more fruits than vegetables these days but I plan on tipping back the ratio's starting next week.

The calorie counting is helping me address portions (psychologically and physically) and to stick to my goal of eating 5-6 times a day. It has also given me more freedom in what I want to eat, including indulgences. Did you know, 3 little midnight milky way mini's = 100 calories? So yeah, its not as healthy as fruit, which I'm eating plenty of anyway, but it helps to satisfy the occasional chocolate craving when it comes... which makes me not hate eating well.

I worked out pretty steadily that first week after the detox but this week's been harder. CO visit, not feeling to great, visitors from other countries staying over, etc. But I kept strict watch on what I ate within my daily calorie limit and I'm still losing. I'm secretly hoping the pound loss isn't due to any lost muscle. But I'm still in the exercise mode so it's not a major set back.

The other good news is that I fit into my goal pants today (not pictured.). :)

Now I just need to get new goal pants.

Maintenance

I came across this site today. It's similar to one I used to use but has a better interface. The purpose is to keep track of what you eat and what you burn in order to meet your fitness or weight loss goals.

http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/

Feel free to share any nutritional or fitness tips/websites.

Detox Celebration Dinner!

Here are the photos from our detox celebration.

Thanks to Xavier for treating us :)

After thoughts: Cara

I'm not good with endings, people.

I have been procrastinating making this post cause I put all this pressure on myself. Well, expect nothing, and I will deliver. :)

Firstly, I also want to thank everyone who encouraged and supported us during these arduous/rewarding 3 weeks. From all the FB peeps who've been keeping us going with your comments, the private emails, to my brother clasping my guacamole chip dunking hand and telling me to "be strong", to my sister letting me know its ok to plateau, to the friends in the cong who let me know that my face is 20% less cheeks now, to Rhae eating cardboard crackers with me on a Friday night, and to any of my friends that I've hung out with during this time and had to listen to me ramble endlessly about what I can and can't eat.

THANK YOU!

Especially to Steph for recommending it to me in the first place and being patient with me as I called and texted her from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's all those times asking things like "why can I have butternut squash but not sweet potatoes??!" and for being strong for me and experiencing this together. Steph had a lot more obstacles against her than I did. She was busy with work, taking care of herself and Evan, spiritual responsibilities, and detoxing in other ways yet she totally did it. I'm very proud of her.

I'd also like to say NO THANKS to all the guys at my job who flaunted their decadent meals and constantly questioned me on the validity and futility of what I was trying to do. You know what? Actually, THANK YOU guys, too, because the negative reinforcement made me even more determined to excel. Plus, I know you were just joking around, so it's all good.

Now I want to share some of the physiological/psychological changes I noticed during the detox:

- whiter, stronger nails
- shinier hair (though I also started using a Keritin shampoo and that prob contributed, as well)
- slimmer waist (thank you 8 min abs! but the detox definitely played a part)
- no bloating/water retention
- cleaner more neutral breath (which is sugar's worst enemy)
- clearer mind and ability to focus
- much more energy (so much so that I got to bed late a LOT and lacked sleep :( )
- more motivated
- guilt-free eating
- a satisfying sense of progress
- IBS symptoms completely absent (meaning, regular healthy BM's.. okok I know.. TMI)
- returned to an alkaline state


So, what now?

More than one person has asked me "so did you eat a whole pizza yet?" First off, when did I EVER eat a whole pizza? lol Seriously, I'm a human being, not an animal. Though I can't say I didn't daydream about it.

But I don't want to throw my results away. In fact, I want to keep running on this track of fitness and good health. I'm starting to really enjoy my work outs and miss them when I don't do them. Yesterday, I practically frolicked in delight at the supermarket. And it wasn't for potato chips or Oreos or a frozen lasagna. It was for mushrooms, pears, nectarines, fresh natural salsa, black berries, whole grain bread and yes, even hummus.

We're going to Olive Garden tonight to celebrate and I'm actually looking up the calories of the individual meals. I may choose to disregard them once I get there, but the intention is good. And I feel a new detachment from food and it is all kinds of liberating. It doesn't define me or determine my day. I still think about foods I want but I don't crave them as much. I had some plantain chips last night and felt awful afterwards. Then, Steph informed me that they were probably fried and that's why. So I believe that my taste buds and general food disposition has changed, which is crucial.

This is a new lifestyle for me. I've been trying off and on for years to do this and after 3 weeks of steady dieting, I'm convinced I can do it. Thanks to my God, my family, and my friends.

<3 Couldn't've done it without you.

Total weight loss: 9 lbs.! (And some decent toning)

Completion: A Healthier and Lighter Stephanie

It's ova.

I've never looked forward to a Monday so much in my life.

During these three weeks there have been difficult moments (this last weekend being the hardest) but overall a lot of small triumphs and really, really good results.

Speaking of results ...

I lost 2.8 lbs this week for a total 0f 8lbs lost over the three weeks! More than that, I feel so much better about myself, and feel motivated to keep up the healthy eating (and hopefully more weight loss!)

Next steps ...

This week I'm allowing myself more relaxed eating habits. Not to go crazy, but to definitely enjoy some of the foods I've been missing. Then Monday morning I start the Fat Flush Plan, which I am really excited about.

A wonderful thing happened today. I went to CVS to fill a prescription and as I was waiting and wandering around the store I stumbled across the candy aisle. It suddenly occurred to me that usually that would have been the place I went to first, and today I didn't even think about it. I went up and down the aisle, telling myself I could have anything I wanted, and you know what? I walked away with nothing. And that's what I like to call, a breakthrough!

I'm so glad Cara and I got to have this experience together. Thanks to everyone who read this blog, and commented and emailed us and encouraged us. You kept us going more than you know.

*look for pictures later of Cara and I at our celebration dinner!*

Day 21 .: Cara

WE DID IT!!!

Day 20 .: Cara

Reflections

As we come to the close of the detox, I've been reflecting on what I've learned and how it's affected me. Here are some lists.

The Challenges:

- being prepared

- avoiding foods I love

- sticking to something for 3 whole weeks

- not giving into direct and indirect social pressure

The Lessons:

- being healthy really pays off

- disciplining your body is initially grievous but can become joyous if you endure

- the importance of preparation to being successful in virtually anything

- the need to believe in myself (I know it's cheesy, but it's true!)

- eating healthy is probably AS expensive as being unhealthy, if you do it right

(I used to think it was more expensive)

I have more to say and I will post it tomorrow... when it's aaaall over.