The ten day (Advocare) cleanse was a success!  I felt AMAZING during those ten days, zero heartburn, lots of energy (whole foods, good sleep and a little Spark each morning) and managed to lose five pounds… only a few more to go to get to my pre-baby weight!  I won’t bore you with lots of details and we are heading to the beach here shortly, but here are a few highlights.

Eating Clean

This part was so much easier than I assumed it would be!  I would like to say I typically follow the 80/20 plan, eating “clean” 80% of the time with 20% sweets & such… but its probably more like 70/30, especially on weekends or vacations.  This plan helped me realize that whole, clean foods can be delicious and really nourish your body!  I was not hungry and the only thing I really missed was coffee.  Preparing and cooking can be time consuming, so I did allow myself a few splurges like a take-out kale salad from Harvest, a juice from Native after our run+yoga and a mid-week smoothie from Zest.  I also drank more water than usual, as well as lemon water.

I really have stuck with the clean(er) eating, even after eight days of vacation!  Although the 10 day plan is 100% whole, clean foods, it made it easier for me to get back to 80/20.  I’d like to be 90/10 someday… but balance. 🙂   I hope to “eat to run” (eat whole foods that will fuel my runs) more than “run to eat” (eat cheats and sweets because I “earned” them after a run).  I’d also like to look into the book Run Fast Eat Slow this summer.

Exercise 

Like any health plan, exercise is vital!  During the ten days I tried to do some sort of activity every day, mostly running (short, long & speed sessions) with a mix of walking, biking and yoga.  We had our first summer run+yoga event and also attended our third annual FORE! Miler race.

Supplements 

The Advocare plan has you take supplements pictured below (see previous post for details).  After the cleanse ended, I am continuing to take the Omega 3s (fish oil) and my regular multi-vitamin.  I plan to keep eating whole, clean foods as well, so that will get me all the additional fiber & nutrients my body needs to be healthy and fit.

After thoughts 

I would 100% recommend this plan to anyone looking to detox, cleanse or lose those last stubborn few pounds.  Although you “can” do it every three months, I personally don’t plan to do it more than once per year.  Don’t do this plan if you are pregnant or nursing and always consult a health professional before doing any sort of drastic change to your normal routine.  Here’s to cleaner eating!