The Detox is officially over. 21 days without alcohol and sugar and a minimum of 3 hours of exercise per week, plus at least 2 liters of water per day. The participants that I have seen for the 'after' measurements have made amazing progress. While they've dropped a decent amount of weight and body fat, the real change always is noticeable when I look at their skin and body. Smaller waists, clearer skin, reports of improved sleep, more balanced mood, riddance of cravings and an overall improved sense of well-being. It's exciting to see these changes and even more exciting when I hear how they continue this lifestyle beyond the 21 days. That's when I know the daily emails and the Detox experience has sunk in and not just changed their body but more importantly, their attitude. By definition, that's true change.
Tuesday was a busy day, as usual, but I made plans to meet a German friend for lunch at a French bistro in Brooklyn. The day was beautifully sunny and mild and it instantly made me feel better going for a walk. Having felt a bit under the weather this whole week I needed to get out and get some fresh air. We enjoyed a salad and caught up with each other's happenings. I have resolved to order a salad whenever I go out to eat. I honestly don't like making salads for myself during Winter and therefore don't have it in the fridge, but if I can get an interesting salad on the menu then I'm happy to enjoy one.
This week has proven to be an exciting one so far with a various new opportunities, such as a couple media interviews (tune into Martha Steward Living Radio Thursday morning at 10.15am), discussions about DVD distribution, the DVD being featured in a fashion magazine and German Running magazine, and planning the April retreat in Upstate New York in April.
Looking at my own personal success with the Detox I must say I didn't put nearly as much effort into it as last time, where I absolutely nailed it. This time around I just didn't plan my meals well and did not live up to my very strict guidelines I had set for myself last time. I did continue to avoid dairy, except for a little half and half in my coffee and I didn't have cheese (except for twice when it was mixed into my food) or Greek yogurt. I didn't have nearly as many veggies as I should and sometimes felt dehydrated. Lack of sleep was always the main issue and that made me hungry for carbs. Bread was a big part of my diet and while I didn't have any other grains, it was the quick snack choice for me. Bad move.
But, the learnings continue and I'm no different than anybody else who is looking to create lasting changes. The work doesn't stop here. Whether you consider yourself a success or a failure at Detox, it's about learning what works and what doesn't work for you. Your body changes every day. One salty or starchy meal can add 2 lbs of water to your body and a day of clean eating can easily help you drop 3 lbs. So, really - there is no such thing as 'maintenance'. Your body will go with the flow just like you have to and to try to stay rigidly perfect won't help you feel good in your skin. Once you know what stops you from succeeding you have won half the battle. The second step is making an action plan and actually doing it. Don't just say to yourself that you will 'TRY" doing it, but actually do it. "Trying" merely means you're thinking about doing it but you're not actually doing it. As soon as you replace the word "try" with "I will do...." the change happens.
Going forward I have a few goals: Stay away from dairy, cheese and grains - just as I have been. Cut out bread entirely. For the next month I'll challenge myself to do without bread. Alcohol will come into play on special occasions only. Sleep... now that's the battle. I'll do my best to take a nap one day a week. And, I'll continue working on staying well hydrated by always having a water bottle on me. If you see me at class or in the street you can check up on me, just as I would check up on you :-)
My detox ended by trying out the foods that had been waiting for me. Avocado chocolate mousse and protein bars and some. I had the worst cravings for sugar yesterday and I gave in.
Food Diary (it was the big eater's day. watch out!):
Breakfast: 4 eggs with 2 slices of bread, coffee with half and half
Snack: Bell peppers, celery sticks
Lunch: Tuna Nicoise Salad
Snack: Bell peppers, celery sticks, protein bar
Pre-workout: Protein Shake
Dinner: Assortment of leftovers: grilled salmon and chicken with corn salad, roasted root veggies, and asparagus.
Dessert: Avocado mousse made with avocado, chocolate protein powder, vanilla extract and a bit of honey (yes, i had sugar!). Protein bar
Exercise: 1 hour Indoor Boot Camp, 75 Minutes Slim & Strong Spin
Supplements: Metabolic Advantage, Adrenal Support, Multi-vitamin, Antioxidant blend
Water: 2.5 liters
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