Day Four

Sleep
I slept really well last night, for the first time, and woke up about an hour earlier than usual (6am) totally wide awake! That was a nice change. I drank half a package of Spark, 3 Catalyst pills, and the Probiotic Restore pills that start on Day 4.

Hunger
I decided to go to the pool at my gym, where I swam for 30 minutes. About 20 minutes in I got really hungry! I hadn't eaten anything before heading out, but typically I can exercise on an empty stomach that early in the morning without too much hunger. It must have been the combination of the Spark and the Catalyst. Supposedly the Catalyst pills can help you burn an extra 300 calories, so it makes sense. I definitely didn't eat enough today. I tracked my calories for the first time in a week or two, and I only ate about 1200. That's not enough for me. I wasn't trying to diet (although I do want to lose inches) so I need to be more careful that I'm getting enough food. I've said that every day, and I need to start implementing it. It's hard though because the extra calories I usually eat come from things like additional carbohydrate, added sugar, or fat. (Fat has 9 calories per gram, carbohydrate and protein have 4 calories per gram.) I just need to make it a priority.

Sugar Cravings
I crave sugar like CRAZY all day! I have to go to the store and buy some coconut water and a kiwi fruit out of sheer desperation. It sort of hits the spot, but a big piece of chocolate is in the back of my mind all day. I hope the sugar cravings pass soon!!

Exercise
Despite the horrifying before photos I took, I didn't actually plan to get "skinny" on this plan, just tone up and gain back some muscle (I plan to start working out after Day 10, when my ankle feels better. The bruising was all gone before I went swimming, but swimming made it come back again. I can't believe it's taking more than a month to heal. I didn't think I twisted it that badly!) Everything I've read suggests waiting until at least Day 3 to work out, but I had enough energy on Day 1 to work out - even though I didn't, I think I could have. It's important to just listen to your own body and do what you feel like you have enough energy for.

Skin
My skin is pretty bad today. I am looking forward to the end of the cleanse portion of the challenge so that it clears up. I'm obviously still getting rid of toxins.

Cutting down the Spark drink to only half a package a day, on waking, has eliminated most of the nervousness/irritability and reduced the headaches. I am also sleeping a lot better.