Hello Again!

Ok, so it's been a REALLY long time since I've blogged. If you're wondered if I gained the weight back... yes I have. Don't freak out! The night of my last posting I found out I was pregnant. That is why I ended my cleanse early. I wasn't feeling right. So, I am due May 22nd. My weight gain so far is strickly just baby. I haven't changed sizes. Most people say that I don't look pregnant from behind. I can't say if that is true since I can't see myself from behind. Twisting isn't very easy. I look forward to doing another cleanse but it will just have to wait until I am all done with baby... this includes breast feeding. I'm glad that I did do this before getting pregnant. I'm starting at my lowest weight and was able to continue working out throughout and I hope this will lead to a quick recovery after labor.

I would recommend this to anyone. Its always good to clean the pipes out :)

Chao for now.

Elisa

MC#2 - Day 11

Well, my final weigh in: 125.5 lbs. Total loss 7.5 lbs. A year ago this time I was 148. WOW! Almost 23 lbs lighter. Amazing. It's been a very long time since I've been this light. Now I have to go SHOPPING! I've avoided going since I hated the way I looked and none of the clothes fit right. For the longest time in my mind I was 125 lbs and a size 6, but my body wasn't. Now, how I see myself in my mind is the same as what I actually am! Thank you Lord! The challenge now is to keep it off!

I went running yesterday for about 20 minutes and I ran this morning again. I actually woke up at 5:30 (habit I guess). I didn't get out of bed until closer to 6. I went out for almost 30 minutes (29:50). I ran 3.125 mile - about 9.5 minute miles. I'm pretty excited. It's pretty cool running in the morning and watching all the lights in the houses start to turn on. It's very quite too. I like that. I was never a morning person, but I think now I kinda like it.

Will I do the cleanse again? Yes. I think it is still good to detox your body of whatever is caked in it. I hope to continue my healthy eating so that I don't add to it. I also hope that the next time I do it it will be just for maintenance and not weight loss. I think everyone should do a detox of some kind. Your body will thank you.

Gotta get going.

Elisa

MC#2 Day 8

Hello all
Well I mad the decision to end my cleanse today. I am currently at 126. I think I am really 125 due to not BMing this am. My tongue isn't very white, not much is coming out of me. I figured that I will continue to detox for the next couple of days anyway. I don't plan on eating any solids until maybe tomorrow night or Thursday.

On Saturday I took a Bikram Yoga class. This is no ordinary yoga class. You do yoga in a room that is at 100 degrees. So you REALLY sweat. It went for a hour and 45 minutes (it ran long, it should have been only 90 minutes) I may do this once a month. It was $15 a class plus $1 for mat rental. I can't afford to do it too often. It is a great way to detox so I may do it monthly. I'm still a little sore from stretching... mostly my calves.

Anyway, reasons why I'm ending early. Part of me keeps saying that "it's only a couple more days." But I'm tired. I did 10 days on my first which I think I got rid of a lot. This time I have lost 7 lbs and am only 3 lbs from my goal weight. I'm not sure if I'm losing muscle or fat. My waist hasn't changed much. Just went down a half inch. Looking over my measurements, everything is good except my stomach area. That is what I have to target when I am done with this cleanse. I am so close to my goal weight, and more importantly, I am under 130 which I haven't been in over 8 years. I can work the rest off. My goal now is to continue to run and really work on toning and getting rid of the flab on my gut. It just hangs there. This will be my next challenge.

I did my last SWF this morning. I figured since I drank my lemonade with pepper (which helps with detox) all day yesterday, that I should at least flush out any toxins that came from yesterdays detox. I had some diluted oj this morning, which was ok. If I can get a run in today at work, that would be great. If not I will try to do a video tonight while T is at work. I will make my soup tonight. I'm really looking forward to making that and having that for lunch tomorrow... the broth that is. Or do I have it for dinner and then lunch on Thursday? Anyway, I'm just looking forward to having a salad on Friday. I also bought some watermelon to treat myself tomorrow. I'm going to fighting over it with the boys because they were eyeballing it when I brought it home from the store.

I guess that is it for now. I will post again on Thursday or Friday to say what my final weight is. I don't know if I will lose anymore since my monthly is due today. I may be retaining water. We'll see.

Adios.
Elisa

MC#2 - Day 3

Good Morning all. I actually got up at 5:15am. I need more lemons so I ran to Tops. I ran an 8:30 minute mile. That is pretty good for me now. Back in my young HS days I ran a mile in under 7 minutes. I've got a ways to go. I'm actually more impressed that I got up at 5:15! I went to the bathroom at 3:30 and really couldn't get back to sleep. My mind started thinking about everything so I really didn't sleep much after. That happened to me the night before.

Today's weigh in is 129! I'm officially under 130! I'm so close to my goal. I'm already worried about gaining the weight back again. I guess if I keep a healthy lifestyle and eat well I will be able to maintain my weight. My other goal besides weightloss is to firm up. I'm really not doing much weight training. I did some last night. But since I'm not getting any protein to help build back muscle I'll really have to wait till after the cleanse to really work out. I keep running and doing some sort of cardio. Sweating helps with detoxing. So I really want to sweat alot.

Besides the tongue being furry and my bms are yellow and watery. I notice that I have bo. More when I work out, not just normal time. Before when I would sweat I really didn't smell too bad. Don't get me wrong, I didn't smell good either, but after I cooled of you couldn't even tell I ran. So I will have to powder myself with lots of baby powder.

Gotta go.
Elisa

MC#2 - Day 2

Hello all, All is going well here. I weighed in this morning at 130.5. I was actually surprised when I saw the number. I didn't lose that much my first cleanse in the first couple days. I figure it's probably water weight.

My tongue is still fuzzy, my bm's are watery and I have been hungry. But hey... I haven't eaten in 2 days. They say it's a detox symptom... I just think its because your body doesn't know that it is going into a fast. By day 4 it has figured it out.

I forgot my big 32oz water bottle at home so I didn't drink as much water as I have in the past. I was a lot hungrier during the day I think because of it.

That is all for now,
Elisa

MC # 2 — Day 1

Can you believe it... I'm gonna do it again. Last time I was very pumped to do it. This time not so pumped. Goal is still to go 10 days or as long as I have maple syrup. Don't know how much I have left. It should last me maybe 5. If I get around to getting more, I'll continue. There is no where convenient to get the grade B stuff.

So my weigh in this morning was 133. That is after having a bad day eating... 6 or 7 (or more) chocolate chip cookies, leftover pork roast with apricot/apple topping, mashed potatoes and a couple large helping of dinner (rice/black beans and chicken, and a very small side salad). I weighed 130.5 on Sunday. Well, let's see where this ride takes me. My ultimate goal is to be between 123 – 125 lbs. I'm hoping this cleanse will get me under 130.

Since my last cleanse, I've continued to eat mostly raw. I haven't given up the occasional cookie or two. I had ice cream once and it went right through me. It tasted good though. I really haven't had any dairy, so that is probably why.

Today went well. I was feeling hungry at times, but I just drank my lemonade. I actually served dinner to Oliver and Elliot, gave them dessert and made Oliver's lunch for school tomorrow, without licking my fingers... I'm impressed. It was very tempting at times. As far as detox symptoms, I was cold at work (not sure if it was the ac or me), a little foggy at times and a slight headache when I didn't drink my lemonade on time. I did notice when I brushed my teeth this morning that my tongue was pretty white. My elim is more brownish than what is posted above. (recycling graphics)

It's getting late and I have an early morning tomorrow. It's Oliver's first day of kindergarden and he is being picked up by a bus around 7:30ish. I would like to be done with my SWF by then so I don't miss him getting on. Plus I'd like to work out or something.

Chao for now.
E

A new TOY!

OK! I took the plunge and got a Vita-mix! Very cool machine. The blades on this baby go 240 mph. We got it at the fair. I've been eyeballing this thing for the past 4 years. It makes hot soup in 4 minutes, ice cream/sorbet, smoothies, purees.... and PEANUT BUTTER (that's Torry's favorite).

This morning I attempted to make a green smoothie. oooh the consistancy, granted it's better than my blender but.... uuuuugh. I guess I'll have to get used to it. Maybe I'll add more fruit. I figure if it's sweet it would be more palitable.

I did create with it zucchini hummus. That was VERY tastie (you can use a food processor for that)

1 zucchini peeled
2 T tahini (or 1/2 cup sesame seeds and 1 T olive oil)
2 T lemon juice
2 t garlic
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t paprika
1/4 t salt

Blend ingredients till smooth.

I think that's it (I'm going from memory)

As far as weight loss. Still hovering between 130 and 133. I figure next month when I do the cleanse again, I finally fall under 130. I'm still losing inches. I run between 4 and 6 days a week. I try to do something every day, whether just yoga or pilates or running and some strength.

As far as the wedding dress, I've given up on the quest. I think to only way I would be able to fit into it by my anniversary is if I chopped both my girls off... and that just isn't going to happen. Granted they are getting smaller, but...

cheers,
Elisa

Day 30 - ATC

Well - I'm still moving along. People keep asking me what I've been eating. So here is a small sample of my daily menu.

For breakfast I make a fresh juice. It usually involves carrots and an apple. Then I'll add something green like spinach or romaine lettuce. I've added cucumbers, celery and sometimes beets (it actually tastes pretty good, believe it or not). I haven't attempted kale or any other dark green veggie. I prefer eating my broccoli and asparagus.

Lunch consists of a large salad with raisins, walnuts or sunflower seeds, pepper, tomatoes, sprouts and sometimes cucumbers, a tablespoon of basalmic vinegerette and some multigrain crackers (4g fiber!)

For dinner I eat whatever is on the menu for the family. If there are a lot of carbs, I eat a small salad or veggies. My dinner portion tends to be smaller.

Throughout the day I have been drinking between 66 to 99 oz of water (I have a 33oz bottle I fill up 2 to 3 times a day). I'll have about a 1/2 cup granola in the morning when I get into work, almonds and raisin snack or cashews for my morning snack, fruit or nuts for my afternoon snack and a small dessert after dinner if I'm still hungry. I ate very similar before the cleanse except I would indulge in some snacks around 9:00 pm or have 1 too many cookies. The cleanse really gave me a clean start. I'm so happy that I'm still losing... slow, but still losing.

I've lost additional inches - about an inch each on my chest and hips and a 1/4" on each thigh, and 3/4" in the waist.

The past 2 days I've run in the morning. I ran 2 miles in 18 minutes Monday and 2.3 miles in 22 today. This is huge for me. I haven't run 9 minute miles in a while. Whoopee.

Last night I tried on my wedding dress. I was able to get the dress zippered just past my waist. My problem area is the chest. The boobs need to go! My goal is to fit into it for my 10 year anniversary (8/17) and go out to dinner with it on! Torry of course will wear a suit. I was thinking of inviting friends to come in their wedding get up for dessert. The whole thing is off if I can't get into the dress.

That's it for now. I still haven't taken my after photos. Soon, I promise.

Elisa

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Verse for this week: 2 Corinthians 12:9—But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Day 26 - After the Cleanse

So now it's been 2 weeksish since my cleanse ended. I have lost another pound. I've been eating predominately raw and have had small cheats of stuff here and there, but for the most part, raw.

People are starting to comment on my weight loss. I finally got to a point that it is noticeable to most people. When they ask me how I did it, I tell them about the cleanse/fast and they are surprised anyone can last 10 days without eating. When I tell them you can do it up to 40 and people have done it, they are bewildered. Some just thought I was nuts. Others were very interested in the cleanse and wanted more information. If you are any of those people. The cleanse is a great and at the same time a horrible experience. For me, my detox symptoms were mild compared to others. Others have had a lot of aches and pains, hot bm's (yes, hot ones!) and/or major breakouts. I have to admit that I did breakout on day 11 and 12 and the zits have yet to clear up. I got most of them on my forehead and my skin seems greasier than ususal. I still have new little pimples coming out. This is VERY annoying considering I normally have very clear skin. I think that I still have them since I am still detoxing due to my raw food consumption and am not flushing them out as quickly as I was when I was SWFing. I got some psyllum husk capsules in hopes that it will help out with that (It makes you very regular).

Oh - the great part of the cleanse is just knowing that you are cleaning yourself out. I had more energy (lately I have been sluggish and can't wake up in the morning). I wasn't bloated (which I've noticed I have been here and there). While on the fast, I really did feel good, after I got past the furry tongue and all. So if you are interested, below there are some links about the cleanse. One is the actual book by Stanley Burroughs. He is the man who came up with the cleanse. The other is a website which is very informative. It also has an awesome bulletin board/forum that I recommend everyone to read through if they are interested in doing this. The third is just a site I came across for people who have curly hair and are tired of the frizz. Believe it or not, it is quite the cult. The have great products and there is a special cut for curly hair so that you don't get the "pyramid" effect.

I guess that's if for now,
Elisa

The Master Cleanse - pdf
www.therawfoodsite.com
www.ouidad.com

Day 18 - After the Cleanse

So it's been a week since I finished my cleanse. I don't think I would have been able to make it through the 4th of July holiday without eating. It would have been torture. I went to 3 picnics! I ate a ton of watermelon! It was the only thing I felt safe eating.

Stats - I lost an additional 3 lbs making the final weight loss 10 lbs. The past few days I've been going up and down a pound, so as of today it's only 9. I haven't taken any measurements since last week and probably won't for another week or so.

I've only had a couple of BMs. I haven't had a real one since Monday. My guess that is where my weight lays. It's odd to see the scale say 134... It's weird seeing say anything under 140! I've struggled so long to get under that. I always got close but never made it under. At least not consistantly. Last fall I was in First Place. First Place is a bible study/weight loss support group. I lost 8 lbs. but gained back around 3 after. So I was hovering at 143 for about 6 months. That was the lowest I had been for a while. I'll post some before and after shots.

My tongue is almost back to normal. I started to break out on Friday and they haven't cleared up yet. I'm actually getting more! My skin has been oily so my guess is that I am still going through detox. Amazing isn't it? Here a week later and still going though detox. I'm drinking lots of water to flush it out. I've been eating predominately raw. I've had pasta and some rice pilaf and a pita. I've also had little cheats of a cookie and some birthday cake. It is actually tougher now than it was on the cleanse. I guess now that I can put something in my mouth it makes it so much more tempting. I've tried a couple "green smoothies". They are an acquired taste. I've read that they are really good for you. I guess I'll keep trying until I find one that I like or just get used to them. It's not so much the taste as it is the consistancy.

Have to get ready for work before the boys wake up.

This weeks memory verse: Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Day 11 - After the cleanse

No...I'm not continuing but I figured I'd keep posting. This morning was great. I didn't have to do the salt water flush! Oh, how nice. So, here are the stats. I am down to 136 (how I was 135 yesterday morning and 136 today, I don't know) But anyway, I am at 136. I haven't seen this number in a VERY long time. I lost a total of 5 1/2 inches as well. Whoopie. My goal is between 125 and 128. This is where I felt comfortable.

Last night I cheated a little and had 3 bites of watermelon and about 5 grapes (I sucked on them and threw out the skins). It didn't bother my stomach. This morning I made my orange juice and drank it diluted. It made my stomach rumble a little and I burped a couple of times. Oh well, that is expected. I am currently drinking my lemonade sans the red pepper. I'll still drink that as well as the OJ I juiced this morning. Tonight I will make my veggie soup. I don't plan on eating anything solid until Saturday night or Sunday. Sunday afternoon is a birthday party/bbq so I might have to bring some veggies with me to munch on. This still isn't over. The strong will I had throughout the cleanse I need to keep up.

My tongue is still white and I had no elim today. I guess I may have one later or none until I actually start eating solids. We'll see.

God is awesome. He got me through this, and I pray He will help me with my upcoming challenges as well.

Adios for now. I will post updates, but not daily.

Peace

Day 10

It's day 10!!!!! Whoopie!!! I made it. In the beginning I was thinking if I felt ok I would do more. I'm feeling fine but decided to end it today. I'll be doing this again in a couple of months so maybe then I will try for longer. This Sunday is a birthday party/Jones picnic. The thought of not being able to eat anything was killling me. After the birthday party last weekend, I don't want to torture myself. I don't plan on eating any of the meat but if I do, I'll do a SWF on Monday.

Yesterday I did the tea instead of the flush. Big mistake. Between 12:30 and 3:00 I was having cramps and going to the bathroom every 10 minutes. The cramps were so bad I was doing my lamaze breathing to get through them. It made it very difficult to work. I won't do that again.

I also went for a bike ride yesterday. I was out for a little over a half hour. It was nice. Even though they say you can work out, I take it easy just incase. Not to mention, just before leaving I started to get cramps again as if I would need to go the bathroom. At first I stayed close to home. Then after a while, I got daring and went further. I had Elliot in back so it added to the workout.

I weighed myself this morning and I lost 8 lbs. I am now 135. I did some quick measurements and I lost almost 2 inches in the waist, almost an inch in the thighs (each), about a half inch in the calves. I will do a final measurement tonight and compare with my original stats.

My tongue is beginning to clear up, but its still white-ish. Elims are about the same. It's amazing that stuff is still coming out of me. They say that waste is stuck on the walls of your colon and it can take may cleanses to clear it. Well this is the first of many I will be doing. Overall, it wasn't too bad. God is good. He got me through it all.

Gotta get to work

Day 9

Amazing, Amazing! It's day 9! I've made it this far. Due to a late night out with some girlfriends in a white convertible mustang and saving a silly girl... I went to bed way past my bedtime. So this morning I opted out of the SWF and went for the tea. We'll see if I eliminate. I have 4 pimples on my head and my face is oily, apparently detox symptoms. Great, I start to detox the day before I'm supposed to end. Go figure! I haven't decided if I will continue for a couple of days yet or not... maybe until my tongue turns white. Or maybe I'll end it and do it again in a month or so. I just don't know.

This morning I woke up a little crampy and actually had to hit the can around 5:30 and again 10 minutes later. I slept on the couch just in case I needed to go again until 6:30. I had strange dreams of food, that I accidentally ate a piece of ice cream cake.

Yesterday I worked out. I did an exercise ball dvd (core) and then jump roped for 10 minutes. As of today I've lost 6 lbs. I was hoping for more since my goal is to only gain 1/2 of the weight back when I start eating again. Maybe I will lose a couple more lbs before the solids hit my lips. I'll increase the amount of water and see if that helps.

That's it for now. I'm feeling pretty good.

Adios

Day 8

It's DAY 8! Eight days of NOT EATING! WOW! I can't believe it. I really don't look forward to the flush. Drinking it isn't very pleasant. I munch on a lemon wedge before and after. It makes it a little more bearable. It's not the worst thing I ever done, but, I just don't look forward to drinking that much at one time.

Well, I am down 6 lbs. and a couple inches total all over. I feel pretty good. Am getting the beginning of a headache. Day 8 for a lot of people is a great day. So far, not so great for me. I am still waiting for that moment of enlightenment.

Second week, new verse: Romans 8:28—And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I'll have to meditate on that.

Gotta get to work.

Day 7

It's day 7. I've made it through. I worked the cafe at church. I had to serve coffee drinks and smoothies. I smelled all sorts of pastries. I'm not much of a pastry person, but it smelled gooood.

Actually am having some detox symptoms. I have a headache. I took a nap for about an hour. I also worked out this morning and again in the afternoon. (strength in the am, cardio in the afternoon). I'm planning to watch a movie with the husband tonight. We finally get to hang out. He has been working nights, so I don't see him much anymore. He feels guilty eating in front of me, so I leave the room. It's better for me anyway.

Today, I left to get a movie while they ate and came home with 3 new pairs of shoes (well needed I might add). Torry doesn't know I got them yet. My head really hurts. That's good I guess.

I told my friend Lynne about the cleanse. She is very interested in doing it. I'll have to send her more info.

As you may have noticed, my tongue has a slight yellow tinge to it. I guess that is normal too. I brush my tongue regularly. I asked Torry if I had bad breath. He said it wasn't horrible, but.... I've read of people that stink, so I guess I'm good.

Gotta go. Chao for now.

Day 6

Day 6 - this is a challenging day. I have a birthday picnic to go to. Actually, I have two, but am only going to one. today I feel ok.. I have energy. I've got a lot to do. I have some work to get done. I'll post more later.
--

Ok, today was VERY challenging. I had to go to a picnic with burgers and hotdogs, logs of chips, a platter of veggies and fruit.... all so tempting. I wanted to lick them all! I even cut the birthday cake! (my girlfriend likes how I cut cake... she says I'm so efficient.) After the picnic, I headed over to Julies house with the boys and they ordered pizza. It smelled sooooo good! Proud to say, with all the food around, I did not have one lick. I cleaned off my finger of any frosting, ketchup (had to feed the boys). Nothing, nada, ziltch! All I have had is the lemonade.

The day is over and I am very happy. Good night.

Day 5

Ok - it's day 5. Wow, never thought I'd be here, but here I am. This morning I had a solid elim!. Can you believe it. I haven't eaten in 5 days and something solid comes out. AMAZING!

So far all is good. I'm feeling fine. Still hungry at times, but the lemonade satisfies me. Physically that is. Mentally is another thing. This is a mental detox as well.

I guess that is it for now.

Gotta get back to work.

Day 4

Wow - I'm on day 4. I can't believe it. Day 3 ended alright. I was tired and cold and VERY IRRITABLE! I got my period yesterday as well. I wanted to go to bed early but was up until after 11. Then at 2:45 Oliver woke up to go to the bathroom. Then at 3:00 the alarm went off at a store across the street. It went on for about 10 minutes. Then I had a weird dream about eating purple corn chips. Needless to say, I didn't sleep that great and was a little sluggish getting out of bed. I managed to get all my morning things done. Bible study, made my pre-drinks, SWF, boys ready for school. I think I am so sluggish because of my period. Anyway. I will post more later.

Chao for now.

Day 3

8:35 am—Day 3 is here. I'm still waiting for the really bad detox symptoms. I felt a little achie last night, but was fine. When I got home from work the boys and T were eating dinner... penne and meatballs...mmmmm. I had to leave the room because it smelled so good. Got past it. I was getting irritated (detox symptom). Torry kept asking me if I was ok, that irritated me more. I went for a walk with the girlfriends last night . I was nice, got to bed later than I wanted. I was having some weird dreams about prom. I never went so....? It was still a restful night sleep. The strange thing was, when the alarm went off this morning. I got up fine. Before, I'd be dragging my butt out of bed.

SWF went ok. I had a piece of lime before drinking it down. I helped. I currently still flushing. I had to go at the daycare and I might have 1 more in me before 9:00. I'll post any new symptoms as I get them.

Chow for now.

Day 2

Ok - I'm now in day 2. Yesterday ended ok. I was a little hungry but it was managable. As long as I drank the lemonade when I got hungry, I was ok. The SWF (salt water flush) if you don't know, is a mixture of 32oz spring water and 2 tsp of sea salt. YUM... You drink this down and it will flush your intestines. The purpose of the flush is to, well, flush all the toxins that have come out during your detox. Flushing it keeps them from being reabsorbed into the body. Which is good. Yesterday, I didn't flush. Today, I flushed. Not very exciting but it is call "butt pee". This is for you Julie - it's not diarrhea, it's just like pee with stuff in it. Sorry to get gross, but Jules wants details.

Today is going well. Not too many hunger pangs. I even went wogging (walk/jog) with my coworker Kathy. Beautiful day to be outside. It went well. When I got back to the office everyone was having lunch so I could smell everyone's food. But got past that. My tongue is still pinkish, but slowly getting white. Yesterday by 3:00 it was white. I brushed it at 3:30. This morning it was a little white, but I brushed it (for those that are new, toxins are eliminated via your tongue as well.)

Only 7 hours til I go to bed. I'm almost done with day 2.

Cheers