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!