What exactly is the challenge?

One week ago yesterday (after much research and a frustrating plateau) I began the 24 Day Challenge. In that time I've seen increased energy, I feel generally healthier and happier. My pants are too big...seriously, I'm stepping on the hems today...I guess my butt and gut are shrinking. Either that or I'm getting shorter!! The scale reads a full 8 lbs lighter. And I'm guessing I'm losing inches too as a bunch of people have noticed that I look different! So what is the 24 Day Challenge?

Here is the basic idea...
Our intestines are coated with a layer of crud from the preservatives, additives and toxins in the foods we eat each day. This buildup prevents full absorption of the vitamins and nutrients that keep our body's systems, and metabolism functioning properly. The good stuff can't all get through...even when you are doing everything right!
The first 10 days of the challenge is an herbal cleanse. It's gentle, more like a detox...not at all like a "Quick! Where's the bathroom and a change of pants?" kind of cleanse, lol!
You eat real food: lean proteins, fruits and veggies, complex carbs, healthy fats. You drink a fiber drink 6 out of 10 of the days which is not tasty...not tasty at all, but not gross enough to make you give up either!
You take some vitamins and minerals. Omega 3 Fatty Acids for overall health, a branched-chain amino acid something or other that allows your body to maintain muscle while losing fat (this is AMAZING stuff), a probiotic to restore the good bacteria in your gut while getting rid of the crud. You feel better. You look better. You get ready for phase 2, days 11-24...the Burn Phase!! Bring it on!!

During the burn phase you continue taking catalyst and omegaplex and also add in a vitamin pack that's designed for your goals...appetite control, energy or overall health and weight management. These packs are filled with the ABCs of vitamins to help your systems work to their potential now that you've cleaned out that layer of yuck!

I mentioned in one of my first posts that I have a few friend's and family members doing the challenge with me. It's so helpful to have the added support! We're in it together...and all doing really well I might add!

I ran into some great friends this weekend at the local BMX track where my son races. A bunch of people noticed that I've lost weight. The only true weight I've lost since I last saw them in December (pre-Christmas cookie pounds) has been lost on the challenge. They wanted to know more. They want to do it too! So many of them are signing up for their own challenges with me as their coach. Yep, I signed on as a distributor. I may as well earn a discount on the products that I'm using as I will likely continue with some of them next month. Being a distributor gets me a decent discount...20%-40% depending on how many people I coach through challenges etc. Sounds good to me.

I'm confident at this point in my challenge...only a little over a week in...that this is legit. It's a healthy lifestyle. It's not a diet. I can still do the challenge alongside WW, which I love. I can use the challenge to break plateaus, restart healthiness, whatever...when I need it.

It's not a quick fix. It's not a magic pill. It's still hard work. But it's hard work that is paying off and keeping me on the right path. I've worked hard and done all the right things before only to see little to no results. I'm a firm believer that we have to keep our bodies guessing. It's clearly confused as it just melted 8 lbs in a week. I'll take it!

So what did I eat yesterday? Pictures at bottom (only way to do it from my phone )

Breakfast (after Spark, vitamins and the "delicious" fiber drink)...:
2 eggs, sautéed spinach and strawberries

Snack:
25 pistachios and some cucumber slices

Lunch:
1/2 a whole wheat pita filled with 3 oz chicken, 2 T hummus, spinach and tomato slices

Snack:
Apple and 2 T natural peanut butter

Dinner:
Big salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocado, 6 oz of NY strip, trimmed of fat, light balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Delicious Day!!! Check out the pictures!

WW points plus total...30! I dropped 2 points with my weight loss! 30 is perfect!!


I've compiled a ton of research. If anyone wants to know more, FB message me or send me an email. My email address is:

tarasnydermurphy@msn.com

My Advocare site for ordering is below. I haven't figured out how to set up bundles so you know what you need. It's best to contact me via Facebook or my email and I'll set you up.

www.advocare.com/130347920