December 2009
Hi, Folks! I promised you that I’d publish my own personal assessment this week, so here I go….
One year ago I started this journey. What started out as a desperate attempt to fight my way back to good health has taken on a new meaning for me, and may very well be my true calling. Since my first 14 day elimination (or cleanse diet), I’ve had this idea that every woman needs to have this life-changing knowledge
While I did experience dramatic results after my first cleanse including weight loss and a total return to health, I spent the summer enjoying my spicy Italian sausage and Hard Lemonade a little too much. As you can guess, I gained back the weight and found myself ready to get back to looking and feeling great. I knew that I could cleanse again and lose the weight, but without a long-term plan, I would gain it back. I began to develop the Clean Living Program to promote better health and fitness as a lifestyle. The program incorporates the use of periodic cleansing as a way to boost metabolism, aid in weight loss goals and eliminate toxins, which bog the bodies’ natural filtration and elimination systems down.
I’ll be spending this entire year “Living Clean” and you’ll be part of that journey. From time to time I’ll be publishing my results, condensed into a summary. Before we start talking results, we need to talk about my starting point. I did a 14 day cleanse (not too strict) in December, and then relaxed and enjoyed the holidays. I felt great after the cleanse, but immediately noticed some blood sugar dips and a general loss of energy once I started in on the holiday cheer.
B I G T H I N G S
I appear to be having a major hormonal imbalance which is causing severe PMS or PMDD, which lasts for several weeks each month. My period lasts less than 48 hours, and cramping is severe. This is relatively new, and appears to be getting worse. For that reason, we will discuss it here and track my results throughout the year.
Also associated with the monthly hormonal fluctuation are the two things which plague me the most: handfuls of my hair fall out every month about “that time” and I have somehow managed to hover on the brink of both perimenopause and puberty simultaneously. My skin is so crazy, I don’t even know how to describe it. Painful at times it’s so bad. Did I mention I am 41 years old?
Lastly, I weigh somewhere around 150 pounds. My scale is broken. Seriously. I’m not joking. Yesterday I got it out and the whole family tried it. It’s one of those fancy digital ones. The first time I tried it: 124 pounds. The second time: 136 pounds. I’m thinking “I like this thing,” but I know it’s dead wrong, because when I last weighed in at the end of my December cleanse, before the ham and the cookies and the onion bread pudding…I weighed in at 146 pounds, down from 154 when I started. So, having gotten that out of the way, let’s have a strong shot of honesty: I should weigh somewhere around 135 pounds, and definitely need to tone, firm, and lose the back and belly fat.
L I T T L E T H I N G S
Here we go. In no particular order: Eating too fast. Eating too much, not controlling the portions. Snacking in the evenings after dinner. Not getting enough water. Cheating on the weekends ~ pizza, hot dogs, chips, bread. LOW libido. No libido. Tummy feels bloated again. Exercise routine is too irregular.
O N T H E P L US S I D E
I have started my daily journal, which will chronicle this whole next year,and allow me to track what’s working and what’s not. I’ve eaten well since the holidays, making better choices, and planning good family meals. I’ve exercised more and I’m getting it in wherever and however I can. I have almost completely eliminated wine. My mood is a bit better, and the yoga is leaving me feeling calm…even when I have a stressful event. My energy has been better and consistent throughout the day.
I know this may seem like TMI, but it’s for the greater good. I know that you’ll see my progress for yourself and when you’re ready to achieve the best health and body you can have, you will call me. I’ll be right there for you, coaching and encouraging you every step of the way.
