24 Day Challenge

So.....I have been trying to lose weight and improve my over all health. After the worst picture ever was taken of me last summer I have strived to be more conscious of my choices. And, I started going to the gym more. I wasn't that serious about it at first, but gradually I got there. In March things were starting to go well. By the end of May I was down nearly 30 pounds and feeling like I was conquering my demons. I even liked myself a little. Then a terrible summer happened. I thought my Mom was going to die and I spent what seemed like every other day in my small hometown. Welcome back nearly 10 pounds, old demons, and less frequent gym trips. I wasn't feeling so great about myself by the time we went on our family vacation the end of July. So, I recommitted myself when we got back. I was doing alright. But, just alright. I was going to the gym again. I was trying to eat healthy. I lost a few pounds but just felt stuck. The scale wasn't really moving. I had read about and talked to some friends about Advocare. Betsy had recently done a cleanse through Advocare. I was intrigued. I knew a friend who was a distributor for it. I emailed her and talked with her about it. Done, what the heck. I'll give it a try. I signed up for the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Then Mr. Mayer's curiosity was peaked and I ordered him the 24 Day Challenge too. I have never done anything like this in my life. I was a little overwhelmed by it at first. We started this past Thursday. There is no dairy, sugar, alcohol, bread, tortilla chips....you know all the joys in life. And, football season just started. Good timing Jayna. Good timing. Oh! No coffee. Well, coffee how I like it. It is clean eating~lean protein, lots of fruits and veggies and complex carbs (whole grains, beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes). In addition to the healthy eating you take some supplements and probiotics. The first couple of days were bumpy. We are on day 6 today. I think things are getting easier. The first 10 days are the most restrictive days. That's the Herbal Cleanse Phase. Days 11-24 we will move into the Max Phase. Everything I've read online says that you can ease up on the restrictions a little during that phase. A few things I have learned through this process is a.) I have an insane sweet tooth b.) We don't really eat that terribly c.) our portions are out of control. The rumor is that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Maybe that's why it's a 24 Day Challenge? I know that in these past few days I have become more aware of what and when I am eating. I think that's a good start. We shall see what the next 20 days bring....