I'm currently back home in England. I leave back for the States tomorrow.
It has been an amazing trip, filled with friends, family, fun and Kylie Minogue!
For the first time in a long time (in fact, I really can't recall the last time), I am happy here. Genuinely happy. And that feels great.
I've been away for so long and have built a home of sorts over in New York. There was a distance that I had to England that was way deeper than the physical mileage. There was a disconnect. Especially with my family. After waging a few wars and shedding many tears, after pain and heartache, we're in a good place. Family is family - we'll argue, we won't see eye to eye (probably never in the case of my father and I) but they are there for life and I'm grateful.
For the first time ever, I could see myself moving back.
I just have to conquer the world first...!
Day 10! And We're Done!
Day 10 wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I think because I was so close to the end I was a little frustrated. I just wanted the day to be over with! I was tired of the taste of that juice!
An encouraging thing that I did do though was to take my measurements, which I had done before I began the cleanse. I'm pleased to say I lost between 1 1/2 to 2 inches from almost everywhere on my body. I can't even wear my work jeans anymore, and my pinched in waist is back! I feel much more energised and just accomplished in general.
Pleased that I found the whole experience easier. Think I will definitely do the cleanse more regularly. But for now....point me in the direction of food!!!
An encouraging thing that I did do though was to take my measurements, which I had done before I began the cleanse. I'm pleased to say I lost between 1 1/2 to 2 inches from almost everywhere on my body. I can't even wear my work jeans anymore, and my pinched in waist is back! I feel much more energised and just accomplished in general.
Pleased that I found the whole experience easier. Think I will definitely do the cleanse more regularly. But for now....point me in the direction of food!!!
Day 9! Breezy :)
It's past midnight so I'm officially saying I'm on Day 10!!!
Day 9 was a breeze. It really was. I've really begun to notice that I'm not hungry, and neither am I looking at food around me and desiring it. That was definitely happening the first week. Now it's just a little daydream that you will catch me in every so often, where I conjure up my chicken and mash in my head!
Don't think I've been drinking enough but I have had lots of water today - not to mention my salt shake.
Starting to feel proud of myself for seeing this through. And seeing it through with such grace. Can't exactly say I did that the first time round!
The light at the end of the tunnel is looking beautiful and bright now!
Day 9 was a breeze. It really was. I've really begun to notice that I'm not hungry, and neither am I looking at food around me and desiring it. That was definitely happening the first week. Now it's just a little daydream that you will catch me in every so often, where I conjure up my chicken and mash in my head!
Don't think I've been drinking enough but I have had lots of water today - not to mention my salt shake.
Starting to feel proud of myself for seeing this through. And seeing it through with such grace. Can't exactly say I did that the first time round!
The light at the end of the tunnel is looking beautiful and bright now!
Bob Greene
Was just reading an article on Oprah's website by her fitness trainer Bob Greene.
The article is about how to keep weight off, but I think it's relevant for a lot more areas of life.
Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off
Studies say about 80 percent of people who have lost weight gain it all back. Fitness expert Bob Greene says your weight management might not be the problem—it could be how you manage life in general. "It's really about the psychology," he says. "What are the barriers that stand in your way?"
Bob says five crucial steps can help you maintain your weight and your life:
1. Have a clear vision of what you want. "Picture your life the way you want it," Bob says. "You could even be the most motivated person on the planet. If you don't have a vision for yourself, your motivation will take you somewhere away from the vision that you want for your life."
Also, make sure your vision is realistic. "If you're 5'4" and you want to be 6'1", have a different vision," he says. "In your heart, you need to know that you can achieve it."
2. Convince yourself that you are deserving. Bob says it's critical to break down this barrier. "[People] feel unworthy because that was reinforced growing up by either an unsupportive adult or authority figure,” Bob says. “You're reconfirming [that] by sabotaging your own efforts.”
3. Identify the biggest barriers holding you back. Bob says there's a big difference between a barrier and an excuse. "I've heard every excuse imaginable—except a good one," he says. "A barrier is more of an issue."
"We all have a natural aversion to discomfort and pain, and that's the irony on both exercise and diet. You don't want to give up. There's some discomfort giving up your favorite foods," he says. "If you're doing exercise right, you have a level of discomfort to get results. And we are wired to avoid discomfort and seek pleasure."
4. Break through the barriers. Bob says the only way to break through a barrier is to identify what's holding you back. "You have barriers for a reason. They're coping mechanisms in many cases," he says. "So many people think getting on the treadmill or turning down your favorite foods is the hard part. That's the easy part. It's these issues and barriers of unworthiness—or being in a toxic relationship is a top one."
Breaking through takes courage, but the benefits could last a lifetime. "I've never seen anyone successful long term that couldn't make at least one or more tough decisions," he says.
5. Put yourself first. "Another way to say that is, 'Get the support you need,'" he says. "It's getting the people in your life on board."
Bob says parents struggle with this the most and too many use their children as an excuse not to make themselves a priority. "What parent would [tell her child], 'Don't take care of yourself?' That's the message your kids are learning," he says. "Putting yourself first is not selfish. It's a way to become a more profound role model for children and those in your life."
The article is about how to keep weight off, but I think it's relevant for a lot more areas of life.
Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off
Studies say about 80 percent of people who have lost weight gain it all back. Fitness expert Bob Greene says your weight management might not be the problem—it could be how you manage life in general. "It's really about the psychology," he says. "What are the barriers that stand in your way?"
Bob says five crucial steps can help you maintain your weight and your life:
1. Have a clear vision of what you want. "Picture your life the way you want it," Bob says. "You could even be the most motivated person on the planet. If you don't have a vision for yourself, your motivation will take you somewhere away from the vision that you want for your life."
Also, make sure your vision is realistic. "If you're 5'4" and you want to be 6'1", have a different vision," he says. "In your heart, you need to know that you can achieve it."
2. Convince yourself that you are deserving. Bob says it's critical to break down this barrier. "[People] feel unworthy because that was reinforced growing up by either an unsupportive adult or authority figure,” Bob says. “You're reconfirming [that] by sabotaging your own efforts.”
3. Identify the biggest barriers holding you back. Bob says there's a big difference between a barrier and an excuse. "I've heard every excuse imaginable—except a good one," he says. "A barrier is more of an issue."
"We all have a natural aversion to discomfort and pain, and that's the irony on both exercise and diet. You don't want to give up. There's some discomfort giving up your favorite foods," he says. "If you're doing exercise right, you have a level of discomfort to get results. And we are wired to avoid discomfort and seek pleasure."
4. Break through the barriers. Bob says the only way to break through a barrier is to identify what's holding you back. "You have barriers for a reason. They're coping mechanisms in many cases," he says. "So many people think getting on the treadmill or turning down your favorite foods is the hard part. That's the easy part. It's these issues and barriers of unworthiness—or being in a toxic relationship is a top one."
Breaking through takes courage, but the benefits could last a lifetime. "I've never seen anyone successful long term that couldn't make at least one or more tough decisions," he says.
5. Put yourself first. "Another way to say that is, 'Get the support you need,'" he says. "It's getting the people in your life on board."
Bob says parents struggle with this the most and too many use their children as an excuse not to make themselves a priority. "What parent would [tell her child], 'Don't take care of yourself?' That's the message your kids are learning," he says. "Putting yourself first is not selfish. It's a way to become a more profound role model for children and those in your life."
Day 8! So Much Better Than Before :)
The last time I did this cleanse, day 8 was my worst day. I was almost climbing the walls out of hunger, frustration and irritation. The thing that was most annoying was that people told me that after the third or fourth day you wouldn't feel hungry anymore. That you would be so refreshed and energised. Yeah right. Day 8 was horrible! And the whole time I was hungry. Or so I thought...
What I've truly learned this time round is that I wasn't hungry beyond day 2. Obviously, you will have moments when you get hungry - just like you do when you're eating normally. In those moments though, drinking the juice takes the physical hunger away. You just keep drinking the juice. So while on this fast, I have been hungry, it dissipates upon drinking more. As I keep reiterating - the real hunger I was feeling was a mental and emotional one. That part doesn't go away. But that's where I feel really good about myself this time round. I haven't really let it bother me much. I have my moments, and trust me, I can't wait to eat again! But I can do this. And although I wouldn't want to, I could do this for longer. That's the biggest difference this time round. That's what is making this 'easier'. My mind is right.
As an update, I have finally seen, in a tangible way, that I have lost weight! My jeans are now gaping at the waist. Funny how it wasn't that noticeable all these days and then almost overnight it hit.
This definitely makes me feel good.
I'm in the home straight now! Only two days to go!!
What I've truly learned this time round is that I wasn't hungry beyond day 2. Obviously, you will have moments when you get hungry - just like you do when you're eating normally. In those moments though, drinking the juice takes the physical hunger away. You just keep drinking the juice. So while on this fast, I have been hungry, it dissipates upon drinking more. As I keep reiterating - the real hunger I was feeling was a mental and emotional one. That part doesn't go away. But that's where I feel really good about myself this time round. I haven't really let it bother me much. I have my moments, and trust me, I can't wait to eat again! But I can do this. And although I wouldn't want to, I could do this for longer. That's the biggest difference this time round. That's what is making this 'easier'. My mind is right.
As an update, I have finally seen, in a tangible way, that I have lost weight! My jeans are now gaping at the waist. Funny how it wasn't that noticeable all these days and then almost overnight it hit.
This definitely makes me feel good.
I'm in the home straight now! Only two days to go!!
Day 7! Finishing Line
Had a good day today. Mental cravings are stronger than ever though. Saw a Red Lobster advert and my mouth was watering! I never crave Red Lobster!
My partner in crime had a very hard day today. She soldiered through it though.
Been thinking more and more about what I want to eat when I finish. How I'm going to wean myself off the cleanse and enter back into the real world of chewing.
I'm thinking on the first day I will ease myself in with orange juice and other fruit and vegetable juices, as they recommend. But on the second day I'm gonna have to reintroduce more than they suggest. I'm boarding a long haul flight that day so I need my strength!
So good to dream about the end!
Finishing line is in sight!
My partner in crime had a very hard day today. She soldiered through it though.
Been thinking more and more about what I want to eat when I finish. How I'm going to wean myself off the cleanse and enter back into the real world of chewing.
I'm thinking on the first day I will ease myself in with orange juice and other fruit and vegetable juices, as they recommend. But on the second day I'm gonna have to reintroduce more than they suggest. I'm boarding a long haul flight that day so I need my strength!
So good to dream about the end!
Finishing line is in sight!
Day 6! Over The Hump
Over halfway!!!
Feeling very good. Sunday morning, I'm usually a walking zombie, but yesterday I was awake and clear headed. Not bad on 3 hours of sleep!
I have more energy. I feel clearer. That's the best word I can think of. If that's even a word!
Was beginning to think that I wasn't really losing any weight but I've been told by people very close to me, that I have. And that my skin looks great!
I feel like I'm doing really well on this. I mean, don't get me wrong - I could murder some chicken and mashed potatoes! In fact, that's what I've been fantasizing about the most! I can't wait to eat again! But I'm over half way and the time is definitely passing. Can't wait for Saturday!
Feeling very good. Sunday morning, I'm usually a walking zombie, but yesterday I was awake and clear headed. Not bad on 3 hours of sleep!
I have more energy. I feel clearer. That's the best word I can think of. If that's even a word!
Was beginning to think that I wasn't really losing any weight but I've been told by people very close to me, that I have. And that my skin looks great!
I feel like I'm doing really well on this. I mean, don't get me wrong - I could murder some chicken and mashed potatoes! In fact, that's what I've been fantasizing about the most! I can't wait to eat again! But I'm over half way and the time is definitely passing. Can't wait for Saturday!
