Ultimate Reset - Day 9 - Recap (and days 6 - 8 too!)

Thank you for your patience as I stayed offline this weekend so that I could be more present and engaged with my family.  I know I owe a few days' worth of updates.  I'm going to condense it and skip some of the pictures.  You can see all of my meals on my Facebook Page: Fit & Healthy Mommy (if you click this link, you'll be taken right to the album).

Today was day 9 for me in my Ultimate Reset.  Yesterday began week 2 - the Release phase.  It's centered on Detox.  There's a Detox supplement I am taking three times a day.  The Detox is in powder form and is mixed with water.  It's not very good, I won't lie.  I was told to suck on a lemon wedge before and following the drink - and that helps tremendously with the taste.  (FYI, I'm not running to the bathroom all day, if that's a concern for anyone reading this.  haha!!)

It's been an interesting few days. I feel pretty good, but I admit that I did cheat yesterday.  I did great even while at the Orioles game (I brought my salad for lunch) but just before the 7th inning stretch, I caved and had 2 beers.  I have been avoiding alcohol as required with the Reset.  That led to a less-than-healthy dinner decision.  I am not at all feeling guilty or frustrated by this though.  It was Mother's Day and my kids wanted to take me out to dinner after the O's game.  We had a wonderful time!!

Right back on track today though.  I'm feeling less foggy this week and am sleeping better, for the most part.  I would love to say that I am naturally waking feeling well rested, but in truth, I have been sleeping in for a few days (I love weekends!!)  I'm interested in seeing how the next few mornings go.

I have not been doing my morning stretch and breathing, and I have noticed a decline in my positive mood each morning.  Therefore, starting tomorrow morning, I'm right back to it.  I have been working on other self-care methods, though.  Dry brushing a few times a week prior to showering (it's an awesome way to remove external toxins...you know, our skin is our largest organ and we do take in a lot of toxins each day through our skin).

Moving on - here are the pics from yesterday and today.  As I mentioned above, you can view all of my Reset meal pics on my Facebook page:  Fit & Healthy Mommy

I tried adding the Detox packet powder to vegan capsules.  It took 22 capsules!!  It was time consuming, and I did not enjoy taking 22 capsules at one time.  I'll take the drink going forward, but with lemon before & after!

Week 2, Day 1 - Breakfast - 2 cups of fruit

Week 2, Day 1 - Lunch - I packed a micro greens salad and brought it to the Oriole's game yesterday!

Week 2, Day 2 - Breakfast - 2 cups fresh fruit

Week 2, Day 2 - Lunch - 1/2 cup chick peas mashed with 1 tsp evoo; 1/4 avocado mashed; 1 cup steamed spinach - I loved this lunch!

Week 2, Day 2 - Dinner - 1 cup brown rice & pinto beans with spices; steamed green beans with lemon; 1c steamed zucchini - one of my favorite dinners so far!

Week 2 Meal Plan

Ultimate Reset - Week 1, Days 4 & 5 - Recap

Hi everyone!  Day 5 of the reset here - it's going by pretty fast.  16 days to go!

I was so exhausted last night that I didn't post my Day 4 recap.  I knew to expect fatigue right around day 4 and it's continued into today.  Both days, it's hit me around 1 PM.  I'm grateful that I have two preschool girls who like to have quiet time/nap in the afternoon, so I was able to rest both days.  I'm realizing more and more how critical self-care is in our overall health.  Our bodies work very hard for us every day, day in & day out.  We have to stop and be grateful for that, even if we're not happy with how we look, if we feel we need to lose weight, if we are working on becoming happier/more patient/less irritable.  We're all works in progress, so take the time now to appreciate your body for what it does for you.  Don't wait until you reach whatever goal you're striving towards.

I've been trying to listen to my body for a long time.  However, I tend to let the emotions roll in and plow over my logical thought when it comes to eating.  This reset is really helping me to determine physical hunger from mental/emotional hunger.  I'm finding ways to detour from the pantry & fridge when I'm feeling guilty, stressed, angry, irritable.  I've been focusing more on my breath and counting before I react.  I'm asking myself what else I need at that particular time because it shouldn't be food.  It's a pretty fantastic feeling to work through and avoid those emotional eating binges.

Other than the fatigue, I'm feeling pretty well.  I have not had any headaches because I have never been a big drinker of caffeinated beverages.  I see a lot of other Resetters experiencing those headaches and it makes me grateful to not be a coffee drinker.  I was not overly hungry today and felt satisfied after each meal.  I'm not starving on this program - contrary to what some people might think when they refer to this as a cleanse or detox.  It's about Whole Body Wellness (by the way, have you visited my website Fit & Healthy Whole Body Wellness?)  I'm not only helping my body to release toxins and addictions, but I'm working on finding peace in my mind and heart as well.  I love this!

Ready for the pictures?  Did you scroll through the novel above to get to the pictures?  I won't keep you waiting!

Day 4 - Breakfast - baked tempeh, steamed kale & dandelion greens, 1/4 avocado

Day 4 - Lunch - micro greens salad and zucchini cashew soup with 1 cup steamed veggies added (I'm in love with this soup!)

Day 4 - Snack - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt and 1 cup mixed berries

Day 4 - Dinner - stir fried veggies and miso soup

Day 5 - -Breakfast - 1 slice sprouted whole grain toast (dry) and 1 cup mixed berries

Day 5 - Lunch - micro greens salad with 2T vinaigrette and 1.5T raw pine nuts

Day 5 - Snack - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 cup blue & black berries

Day 5 - Dinner - leftover stir fried veggies, 2 slices baked tempeh and 1/2 cup brown rice

Ultimate Reset - Week 1, Day 3 Recap

Well, friends, I have survived Day 3.  Just kidding, it's not that bad.  I did feel tired today, but that's because my energy kept me awake late last night, so I struggled getting up this morning.  I set my alarm for 5:35 and did my morning Yoga at 5:55.  I confess I got into bed after the yoga and rested until 6:45 - hahaha!!  I felt tired again in the afternoon around 2 PM, so I took advantage of my girls' having their quiet time and I rested for about 35 minutes too.  I felt GREAT afterwards!

One of the (strong) suggestions with the Ultimate Reset is to NOT do any intense exercise during the 21 days.  The only movement that's advised is walking briskly 20 minutes twice per day or yoga, stretching, Tai Chi, etc.  Tonight was my TurboKick teaching night so I opted to teach.  Other instructors who are following the program have found subs to teach their classes for 3 weeks.  Because I had class tonight, I added in a snack today along with my 3 meals.  I feel like it was a good decision - and I had my dinner post-workout.

I admit I'm having a little trouble with a few things.  First, we're advised not to drink water while eating because, contrary to what most people think, water while eating can actually hinder digestion instead of aiding it.  I am used to drinking water with my meals, so now that I have to wait for ten minutes or more after eating, I find that I am not drinking as much water as I'm used to.  Therefore, I need to add it in more throughout the day.  Not a big deal, but definitely a change for me.  I'm not loving the Alkalinize each day.  I'm glad it's only once per day - and I take it like a shot in 4 oz water.  Like I posted yesterday, it's very GREEN.

I'm getting used to not having overwhelming flavors, although my steamed greens were tough to eat tonight.  They were pretty bitter.  I might have to add a little squeeze of lemon when I have them for breakfast tomorrow.

Here's how my looked today:
5:35 AM - wake up
5:55 AM - Yoga

7:20 AM - 12 oz water with Mineralize, Optimize & Oxygenize

7:50 AM - Breakfast

12:15 PM - 12 oz water with Mineralize, Optimize & Oxygenize 

1:00 PM - Lunch

3:25 PM - Alkalinize w/4oz water

4:30 PM - Snack
7:00 PM - TurboKick class

8:10 PM - 12 oz water with Mineralize, Optimize & Oxygenize 

9:00 PM - Dinner (yikes - so late!!)

Breakfast - Modified: I used quinoa flakes instead of rice cereal (still a good option); 1T Grade B organic maple syrup; 2T raw pecans (should have been walnuts but I didn't have any); 1 cup mixed raspberries & blueberries

Lunch: microgreens salad with veggies; 1 serving zucchini cashew soup (it was AMAZING)

Snack: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 cup mixed berries

Dinner: Steamed greens (Kale & Dandelion) and baked tempeh

Ultimate Reset - Week 1 Day 2 Recap

Hi friends!!  Week 1, Day 2 of my Ultimate Reset is closing and overall it was a good day.  I will admit that I had some struggles, but overall, I'm feeling pretty good!!  It's only day 2 but I am looking forward to my posts on Days 19, 20 & 21.  I can seriously imagine the feeling of accomplishment!

My food was the same as yesterday.  I didn't want to waste leftovers so I repeated last night's dinner, and breakfast was on the run so I opted for quick oatmeal again.  I was feeling a little more hungry today and I took time to reflect on how I was feeling each time - to determine whether it was hunger or habit.  A few times I was hungry, but I opted for water.  Tomorrow I think I'll add a snack in if I need it.  I did miss my pre-dinner supplements because my afternoon ran into evening so quickly that I ran out of time.  Otherwise I'd be eating dinner at 8 PM.  (The supplements are taken and then I have to wait half an hour before I can eat, then 2 hours - at least - before my next supplements and so on.)  I added the missed supplements after dinner.

I will say that I am having a little trouble with the Alkalinize.  I am usually pretty good with green smoothies and juices, but this stuff is GREEN.  I had all 3 girls smell it and all 3 of them made stink faces.  Hahaha!!  Whatever, it's good for me and is helping to restore my body internally, so I'll hold my nose and drink it every day (read: shoot it back).

My energy is good!  I thought I might feel sluggish today, but maybe that will hit tomorrow or Wednesday.  I set my alarm and got up at 5:15 this morning.  That wasn't easy - I wanted to hit snooze and roll over.  But, I did it - I got up and I did a 25 minute morning yoga (DVD).  It was actually a really fabulous way to start my morning.  I turned on a dim light, light a relaxation candle, and faced the windows so that I was able to see the sun rise.  I hope to start most day like this.  It set my mood (peaceful) for the day and I felt a little less frazzled during our first school morning routine following vacation.  Maybe another 19 days of this will truly help to calm me.  I'll keep posting about it as I go through this program.

5:30 AM - Yoga

7:30 AM - Oxygenize, Optimize & Mineralize w/12 oz water

8:15 AM - Breakfast
1:45 PM - Oxygenize, Optimize & Mineralize w/12 oz water

2:30 PM - Lunch

4:30 PM - Alkalinize w/4 oz water

6:30 PM - Dinner

9:15 PM - Oxygenize, Optimize & Mineralize w/12 oz water (this should have been prior to dinner)

I think I had around 90 ounces of water including each 12 oz with my supplements.  I should have had one more 25 oz cup, but it was cold today and water always chills me further, even if it's room temp.  Tomorrow I might start my day with warm lemon water.

Do you have any questions regarding my Reset?  Please feel free to comment here and ask, or email me at Debi@FitNHealthyMommy.com.  I'm happy to share throughout this program.

Also, Beachbody has provided me with my personal Ultimate Reset Website - If you want more details about what's included in the Reset program, be sure to check out my site!

Breakfast: 1 cup gluten free oatmeal; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup blueberries

Lunch: microgreens salad with veggies, 1T raw pine nuts, 2T Bragg's Healthy Vinaigrette dressing (I should have made my own dressing, but I was so hungry, I used my healthy option)

Dinner: leftovers from last night - Baked salmon; 3/4 cup steamed potatoes; 1 cup steamed asparagus - just as good as it was last night!

I love the little travel pouch that comes with the program.  I had to take my pre-lunch supplements on the way to preschool pick up today.

Ultimate Reset - Week 1, Day 1 Recap

This is my 8th blog post of the year.  How awful is that?  What's funny, it's my second one today.  I'm hoping to have plenty of reading for you all over the next three weeks.  Bear with me - it might be a bumpy ride as I go through sugar withdrawals, avoid beer & chips with guac (my fave weekend treat!), and when I am bitter that I'm not snacking and eating addictive foods.  I know this is going to be so good for me...therefore I'm moving on to positive thoughts!!

Day one is done (almost).  I'm feeling good.  A little hungry - I'm used to some sort of nighttime snack.  I'm drinking water and trying to refocus on what I'm doing.  I'll try to stop letting my mind drift to sugary thoughts.  Or chocolatey ones...

I posted pictures of my Week 1 groceries and my Week 1, Day 1 foods below.  My day went something like this...

9AM - supplements: Mineralize, Oxygenize, Optimize w/12 oz water
9:40AM - breakfast
20 minute walk with the dog
1PM - supplements: Mineralize, Oxygenize, Optimize w/12 oz water
1:40PM - lunch
3:45PM - Alkalinize w/4 oz water
5:40PM - supplements: Mineralize, Oxygenize, Optimize w/12 oz water
6:15PM - dinner

20 minute walk with the dog
Approx - 75 oz water not including the water with supplements
Planning on 25 minutes of yoga before bed

I'm interested in seeing how I feel over the next few days.  I expect headaches, some body aches, fatigue and irritability.  I've gone through this before - in January of 2011 when I participated in a 30 day cleanse.  I'm looking forward to bulldozing through this week and then reaping the benefits of feeling amazing once the toxic stuff is out of my system!

Week 1 Groceries

Week 1 Groceries

Week 1 Groceries - produce!

Week 1 Groceries - more produce

Breakfast - 1 cup gluten free oats with 1 tsp maple flakes; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup blueberries

Lunch - large microgreens salad w/1T pine nuts & 2T Bragg's Healthy Vinaigrette dressing

Dinner - bakes salmon; 1 cup steamed asparagus; 3/4 cup steamed red potatoes

My Beachbody Ultimate Reset 21 Day Challenge

Hi friends!  Brace yourself and grab a glass of water.  This post might run on for awhile.  Today I started my Beachbody Ultimate Reset.  I'll talk about why I am doing this is must a minute, but first I want to say that this is a big step for me right now.  I have had some trouble with follow through...with finishing what I start...with seeing things through to completion.  I am determined to see this through my 21 days without giving up.  I hope you'll share in this experience with me - cheer me on, hold me accountable, and maybe gain some motivation or inspiration yourself.  THANK YOU for being here with me.  I'm so grateful!

I decided to do the Rest for several reasons.  First - well, to be honest, I am not quite a Fit & Healthy Mommy right now.  I have gained some weight since last year, have yo-yo'd a bit, and am finding myself in a place where I'm not comfortable.  I don't like the way my clothes are fitting and I don't like the lack of energy I've been experiencing for the past few months.  I have made poor food choices, but my weight gain and energy loss are due to emotional eating - eating when I am not really hungry, but rather to fill a void, soothe an angry heart, or temporarily forget what's hurting me.  The thing is, I internalize everything.  I'm super sensitive.  I have been all of my life.  I'm 35 now, so if you can imagine (maybe you do this too?) holding onto hurt, anger, guilt, sadness, frustration for that many years, letting it build and grow - without release (I am still working on HOW to release the emotions in a healthy manner)...it's a breeding ground for storing body fat.

When people are feeling weighed down by stress, with symptoms similar to the feelings that I posted above, the chemical processes in our bodies result in fat storage.  Our bodies are not able to digest food as well when we are harboring negative emotions.  Everything slows down inside of us and the fat accumulates.  Of course there are many other factors that cause us to store fat in our bodies but my focus, for me, is the internalizing.  I have been feeling much more stress since last summer.  At that time, I was at my lowest body weight - which felt good to me at the time, but in retrospect, it wasn't that healthy for me.  A series of events, which might not affect other people the way they affected me (again: internalizing and holding onto all of this without moving past it or letting go), led me to fall back into unhealthy habits - both via eating and via harboring those negative emotions for so long.

And for me - that negative energy goes right to my belly.  Combine that with having three children in a short period of time, my body does not need any extra fat in the middle.  Many people carry their stress in their neck & shoulders or upper back.  Some carry it in their lower back.  Are you one of those people with pain or tightness in those areas?  Me, I carry my stress in my belly.  I kind of knew this before, but after a dear friend who is a healer helped me to realize that this is indeed the case, it opened up a whole new understanding for me.  It's not just nutrition!

So, while I am doing the reset to release some weight and stored body fat, I am also doing it to find some peace within myself.  I want to follow this program as best I can, without straying or faltering.  That will be a HUGE accomplishment for me.  Not only will I prove to myself that I can complete something that I start, but I will be focusing on overcoming my sugar addiction (that's a WHOLE other blog post!), working on finding alternatives to grazing on food when I am struggling with my emotions, and taking the time to appreciate my body for all that it does for me.

This program is not only about what I'm eating, although that's certainly a huge part of it since I'm going to be making a lot of nutritional changes for the next three weeks.  There's a big emphasis on breathing, stretching, body movement, self-care, hydration and sleep.  There are many tools via the program and the support on the website & FB groups that will help me to take better care of myself by focusing on peace & gratitude, breathing (I'm going to start practicing Qi Gong) and movement (I'm going to start doing short yoga sessions each day).

I want to talk more about the aspects of the program - what's included in the kit, what my grocery bill was for this first week, the support that's available - and the three phases of the Reset...but that'll be in my next blog post.

I have been taking pictures of my food, my groceries, the kit & all that's included, and (gulp) my day 1 pictures today.  Stay tuned for several blog posts and Facebook updates!!  If you're not currently following my Facebook page, here's a link to Fit & Healthy Mommy on Facebook.