Tuesday, March 1, 2011

24 Day Challenge

Chelle is an Advocare distributor who is very passionate about the company’s products. It’s true that enthusiasm is contagious. After months of reading about her positive experience and seeing her before and after pictures, I decided I wanted to jump on the Advocare bandwagon, too. Me being me, I was ready to jump in head first and just place an advisor order. (But me being me also ultimately got me in $17,000 worth of credit card debt.) So me with my husband’s voice in my head decided that I would try the products as a retail customer first before I gave any serious consideration to the business opportunity. (And who could blame me after my not-so-successful attempt to start a Pink Papaya business.)

I had to beg and plead, but my hubby finally agreed to let me try the products. I purchased the 24 Day Challenge Bundle. Days 1-10 are spent in the Cleanse Phase, which is aimed at cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption. Days 11-24 take you to the Max Phase which gives your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal. The average weight loss during the 24 days is 15 pounds.

I started my Cleanse Phase yesterday. Just to clarify, you are not fasting during this time. You are simply eating more clean – filling up on fruit, vegetables, lean protein and complex carbs. Like Chelle said, “it’s the food we should be eating anyway.” You are also not constantly running to the bathroom, so you can take part in the cleanse without interrupting your normal routine.

For me, Day 1 was a little hectic. I have a grant application due today, so I was working diligently to get it done. I completely skipped my mid-morning snack and almost skipped lunch, as well. I realize this isn’t healthy, but once I’m focused on a task, I like to get it done with little interruption. Anyway, while I was at work, I ate strawberries, 2 egg whites, and a rice cake with peanut butter. I also had a Spark around 3:00 PM. After work, I picked up Bianca and went to Harry’s basketball game. I didn’t get home until close to 8:00 PM. At that time, I took my OmegaPlex and had the salad that I originally packed for lunch. For dinner you’re supposed to eat a lean protein and steamed veggies, but basketball season makes it a little difficult to cook. A few hours later, I took the Herbal Cleanse pills. I had hoped to fit in some exercise, but it just didn’t work out.

So how am I feeling after Day 1? Honestly, not much different. In fact, (this may be TMI) I haven’t even had a bowel movement yet. My energy level hasn’t picked up any; I still hit the snooze button when my alarm got off this morning. And I was craving both pizza and chocolate like crazy yesterday. But I know that if I stick with it, I will feel better and look better in the end – which will be totally worth the effort.

Last Thursday, as I was moving a chair out of the conference room, someone said to me, “Are you expecting? If you are, you know you shouldn’t be lifting anything.” I was a bit mortified. I knew that I was gaining weight. I just didn’t realize it had gotten to the point where people were wondering if I was pregnant. If I didn’t already have any other reason, that comment alone gives me motivation to stick with the program!

6 comments:

  1. Keep up the good work, drink lots of water and take the Spark! The energy boost really happens during phase 2. The cleanse does help people reduce cravings, etc, but it's more prep to absorb the MNS product better. And trust me, and energy jump you will get!

    There aer times i have done the cleanse that the first few days my tummy adjusts, but on day 4 when I take the probiotic, it regulates. If you still aren't having a BM after day 3, let me know, we need to figure that out! Could be all the fiber too, so drink that water.

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  2. Thanks, Chelle! I appreciate the insider point of view! Maybe I haven't been drinking enough water. I'll have to be more diligent about that...

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  3. Stumbled upon this, I am on day 4 of my 24 day challenge. I am curious if you had any success? I am still a bit skeptical since so far I have gained, not lost weight! How did it go for you?

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  4. Hi Anonymous,
    Unfortunately, I didn't have as big a success with the 24 Day Challenge as I would have liked, but I did see some results. I lost a total of 7 pounds and went down one pants size. But I admittedly didn't exercise or eat as good as I should have, so the experience may have been better if I put in more effort. I hope it ends up going well for you. Thanks for stopping by!
    Carey

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  5. I gained weight on the challenge. my regular diet was actually healthier than adding things like meal replacement shakes and extra calories from Spark. overall, I think the products are good, but this program does not work for everyone.

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  6. I'm at the end of Day 4 and still had one small, not even worth calling an actual, BM. What's the deal? I drink ~a gallon of water per day. I exercise 5 days week, and I eat a paleo diet except for the occasional slice of toast for breakfast here and there... I don't get it.

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