Day Fifteen

I can't believe it's already Day 15 and I haven't posted since Day 8.

Days 9 and 10
Day 9 and 10 of the cleanse were much the same as Day 8, getting better and less side effects. I started eating more and that made me feel a lot better - less jittery and calmer.

Day 11
I celebrated the end of the cleanse, on Day 11, with a vodka soda and a steak. I felt awesome but I did feel a little bloated after that ;-) Based on weighing myself two or three times since the beginning (but always at different times of the day, with different amounts of food in my belly!) I've probably lost about 6 pounds so far. That's not too bad, as I started out not expecting or really even wanting to lose more than 10. It's the toning and burning that top layer of fat that are my end goals.

Day 12
The first day of the second part of this challenge was pretty rough. There are so many nutritional supplements that you have to add in, it all ganged up on my system (I'm super sensitive anyway) and made me feel awful. I was jittery again, but way worse than before. I just felt overloaded, and I did not sleep at all the night between Day 13-14. I woke up every 2 hours. I talked to my coach and he suggested spacing out some of the supplements. I did that, and I didn't feel like I was getting any results. I suppose I'm impatient. Another reason I felt sluggish on those days (in comparison to how I felt during the cleanse) could be because I went to a dinner party the evening of Day 12 and drank sake (about 3 drinks worth) which, along with the vodka soda I had on Day 11, probably caused or at least contributed to the sluggish feelings and lack of quality sleep. I probably should avoid alcohol for the entire 24 days, but since I'm headed to California this weekend I think it's unlikely that's going to happen. Maybe I'll stick with one drink though, instead of three. I couldn't handle three drinks BEFORE this challenge, so I don't know what on earth made me think I could handle that many during it.

Day 15
I went back to taking the supplements as suggested on the "burn and refuel" worksheet. (Three days no starchy carbs or fruit, one day they're allowed, and repeat for 14 days.) I am, of course, jittery and hungry again. I tried cutting out carbs and managed most of the day on salad, cashews, turkey meatballs, peanut butter, and a meal replacement shake ("Vega" - not the Advocare brand as I don't eat dairy), but having just been to a step aerobics class and leaving 20 minutes early due to lack of energy (and listening to my gut about it this time - I'm not twisting my ankle again) I have decided the "burn and refuel" instructions just aren't for me. So, I will be eating a small portion of rice noodles with my turkey meatballs for dinner. I start a 2 month boot camp again tomorrow morning and I know how much energy it requires, so I'm ok with my decision. 6 lbs weight loss in 15 days is acceptable.

Now it's time to get back to my crazy exercise routine and gain some muscle tone back!

All I can think about right now is:

1. A big chocolate cupcake (that is sooo happening this weekend when I get to California - there's apparently a gluten free sandwich shop/bakery in Encinitas?)
2. The beach. I need some sun.
3. A massage! Also a manicure and a pedicure! Spa time!! Maybe next month...