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The Isagenix Cleanse is Over!

Angela C. — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:29:26 +0000

Well, folks!

I did it my way, and it’s done… at least for the month of January. I started the Isagenix Pre-Cleanse on January 15th and already felt like a failure by the 16th.

I scooped myself back up (or actually, scooped some more chocolate shake up into my plastic shaker) and made my own plan. It went something like this:

* Coffee first thing in the morning, with non-fat milk and splenda
* Cleanse drink at work
* Nuts or apple slices as a snack
* Coffee break
* Chocolate shake on the drive home
* Snack-sized dinner or chocolate shake for dinner

Sometimes the nuts or apple slices turned into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat. Usually those were workout days. Sometimes the snack-sized dinner wasn’t that small. But I did avoid all desserts, sodas and meaningless munching.

I actually began to enjoy my routine and am considering implementing some sort of “cleanse” activity into every week. Stay tuned for that.

From Amy Mac's website

Here is an interesting digitally-enhanced picture I saw at www.withamymac.com. It shows a woman at size 16 and at a size 4.

When I started this journey, I was wearing a size 16W. And that was in designer clothing. I’m comfortably wearing size 14s now.

I have no desire to be a size 4, but this does give me a good visual representation of what I can achieve with effort, exercise, and everything in moderation!

When I get down to half my former size (that would be size 8), maybe I can do this pic for real!

Leave me a comment, and see you soon!

Isagenix Cleanse Days 2 – 8: Happy Medium

Angela C. — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:08:52 +0000

I’ve completed 8 days of the 9-day Isagenix cleanse, and I’m happy with my results thus far. That’s saying a lot, since I tend to have a lot of negative thoughts running around.

I think the key to staying upbeat and making progress is that I modified the cleanse to meet my needs, versus modifying my needs to meet the cleanse.

Some purists may disagree with my approach; but it works for me.

Basically, I stuck to the 2 -days of cleanse and 5-days of shake + 1 meal model, with one major modification. I snacked.

If you recall from my last post, having a snack left me feeling guilty and almost like a failure. I decided to keep going anyway.

Then I resolved to have a small, healthy snack in between every shake or cleanse. The result was that I was eating or drinking something throughout the day.

My only slip-up was when I broke that pattern one night to have dinner with my family. I over-indulged, and you can see it in my weigh-ins:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A7MYgLiCPw

I’m happy to report, though, I’m close to my end-of -January goal:

How are you doing with your goals? Please, leave me a message!

Isagenix Cleanse Day #1: Doubts and Challenges

Angela C. — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:33:54 +0000

Have you ever noticed that as soon as you set an ambitious goal, obstacles appear?

My hurdle occurred on Day #1 of my Isagenix cleanse this month, in the form of a kid’s bean burrito.

You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s not that hard to say ‘no’ to!” Unless you’re me and you haven’t eaten solid food in 2 days.

Add to that the challenge of living in a household where you come home to dessert baking in the oven or delivered to the door from a loving friend, and you’ve just entered a minefield. Anywhere I step, I’m running into something that could blow this cleanse out of the water: fresh baked banana mufffins, Hawaiian food, a bean burrito. Check it out:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAeGIb4xirA

Well, at least I stuck with the original plan, avoided the kalua pig (my downfall last time), had a laugh with my sister about all the food in the house, and moved on.

Sometimes, I just need a minute to review, renegotiate and recommit to my goal.

How about you? What are you taking on and what’s been challenging you? Leave me a reply below!

Isagenix Pre Cleanse: Days Go By

Angela C. — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 10:57:19 +0000

Well folks, this will be short and sweet. Here’s a link to my vlog about my first two days completing the Isagenix “pre cleanse” before the 9-day cleanse.
For those of you who remember the last time I did this, I just wanted to tell you-- this time it’s a lot different. I’ll expound on that later.
For now, here’s my video capturing a little bit of what it was like those first couple of days, as well as some “before” video pictures in comparison to before I did the cleanse in July 2009!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iT2XfJXJB4

Thanks for watching… and don’t forget to subscribe@kettletell.com!

Final Results of Cleanse!

Angela C. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:37:38 +0000

Clean living is the cardinal principle in the lives of the world’s greatest athletes. Marshall “Major” Taylor

I finally finished! The 9-day cleanse, that is. When I began the two pre-cleanse days, I was weighing in at 202.5 pounds. Two days later, I began the Isagenix 9-day program, and this is where this video recap begins:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FVrJY_iZIE

What you might not get from the video is that it was difficult for me to complete my first ever cleanse, although this wasn’t the harshest of programs.

I suffered from a major caffeine withdrawal on the first night of the cleanse, and was incredibly irritable and unable to put together a clear thought. I felt like I had to sleep just to get through it. (Therefore, there aren’t any video from those two days.)

My back started to spasm, and I had to sleep with my feet up against the wall. For two days, I was shuffling around like a senior citizen.

I was HUNGRY. You can look at my recent posts to see my few indiscretions. I also ended up breaking out, getting weird white stuff on my tongue, and (I spared you this) my hair shedding. I was a lot weaker than usual, so I had to take it easy with my kettlebell training.

Mid-way through, my energy came back, and at the end of the cleanse, I felt completely awake and energized. I didn’t even want a coffee!

From pre-cleanse to the end of the cleanse, I lost 8 total pounds, and an inch in each measurement.

I would recommend that everyone tries something like this, especially if, like me, you’re in a plateau. I have a better understanding of food and how it works with me. I discovered that my vitamins make me nauseated, so I started drinking them. I learned the effect of discipline, and I’m happy I broke through the 200 pound mark.

I learned empathy for people living with chronic pain, whether it be migraines, arthritis, or the result of injury. Most importantly, I realized the importance of positive relationships. There’s no way I can make it to my ultimate goal without great support.

Thank you for being part of that network! Feel free to comment on the blog!

Cleanse Day #8/ Kids and KBs

Angela C. — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:19:27 +0000

I feel great! Today has been the best day on the 9-day cleanse yet (and let’s not forget those 2 “pre-cleanse” days)!

I had so much energy, it was strange. I didn’t have hunger pangs or hunger pains! I wasn’t extremely tired, and I was craving a workout.

Today was family day, for sure. While my older nephew (who plays high school football) was training at home, I took my little guy to the park. It’s interesting; when I’m not thinking about eating, I seem to fill my time with other, more “active” activities.

Later in the evening, I was able to workout… with my entire family by my side, it seemed. My 9-year old nephew paid me the biggest compliment by asking if he could workout with me and the kettlebells. I broke out the trio of 5/10/20 pound kettlebells, so my 3-year old nephew could join us.

After a minor incident while jumping rope, we were on our way. We did suitcase squats, tricep curls, some work on our obliques, and my nephew got to swing a kettlebell for the first time ever!

He’s hooked. At the end of the evening, he said, “This is actually fun!” Not to mention, he has a little more respect for his aunty’s workout:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ul2ea0WQY

Stay tuned for the last day of this cleanse! I can’t wait!

Celebrating 20 lbs Lost and a Great Workout!

Angela C. — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:37:56 +0000

I woke up feeling great today! The back pain is gone, I’m looking forward to the last two Isagenix shakes I am required to take during this cleanse, and I weighed in at 196.7!

Okay, some of you might be thinking, “I know men that weigh less than that!” Or maybe that’s what I think sometimes. Regardless, I still think there’s always room for positive reinforcement, so yaaaaaaaaaaay me!

The last “shake day” was uneventful as far as the cleanse process goes. I finally have shake making down to a science!

I also got into the gym, and played with my new chest expander. The funny thing is, this simple tool has been around for quite a few years… and I’ve only used it once before, doing floorwork during a “butts, guts and thighs” class at the UCLA Wooden Center. (I didn’t enjoy it; I think I got tangled!)

In addition to my kettlebell workout, I got a chance to work my arms in a pulling motion, as opposed to the constant push-push-push of my favorite kettlebell exercises.

One awesome side effect of all this strength training is that I can actually see the definition of my bicep muscles. Whoa! There’s a muscle there! And in one of the videos where I’m working my obliques by pulling sideways- hey! I have forearm muscles, too!

Slowly, surely, inch by inch, there’s growth!

So, enjoy this little video update of my progress to date. It’s a bit abbreviated, but you get the picture:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIl8aGYcSDQ

Thanks for joining me on this journey! Kettletell now has a group for kettlebell enthusiasts on facebook. Join there!

Isagenix Shake Day #6 and a Home Workout

Angela C. — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:15:13 +0000

Hey, kettlepeeps!

I’ve finally gotten used to the idea that I am only eating one meal a day. If you’ve never taken “meal replacement” shakes before, imagine that you get to choose the one (sensible) meal you’re going to eat… for five days in a row.

At first, I was obsessed, trying to plan the absolute best meal I could possibly eat. Today, I’m thinking, “Ah, what’s in the fridge?”

Seriously. I came home from my walk, and these were baking!!!!

Another thought that gets me through avoiding things like warm chocolate brownies right out of the oven is that I can always have it later. I haven’t come across anything that I cannot find if I really wanted it later.

The other rule of thumb that’s helped me with this cleanse is that I’m not allowing myself to be so hungry that I cannot function. That may be slowing my progress, but let me tell you, I’m a much happier person.

In addition to my one meal a day, I’ve been nibbling on small amounts of cashews and almonds. I unfortunately started to break out (I knew almonds made me break out before going into the cleanse, however, it’s the recommended “snack.”) One day, I also ate apple dippers out of my child’s happy meal-- no caramel sauce, of course.

The point is, I haven’t been ultra-strict about NOT eating anything but that one meal, however, the choices that I’ve made since that one slip up have been reasonable.

I also found time to work out today. As you know, when I work out at home, I’m bound to get interrupted. On this particular day, I enjoyed taking my energetic 3-year old nephew on a walk/ jog/ run with me. For over 1/2 an hour, we alternated between him running and me jogging, and me watching him climb other people’s walls.

Evenings are tough, and I’m sure other parents can commiserate with me. There’s dinner, and baths, and bedtime. In addition to the normal nighttime business, I’m breaking my son from the bottle, my youngest nephew is getting potty trained, and my oldest nephew… well, he decided to remember his book report was due the next day at his bedtime.

With that said, here’s today’s video. I decided to only include active footage- you can look at back posts to see how I’m making the Isagenix shakes if you’re interested!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7pQTbYKzNE

And be sure to sign up on the e-mail list to stay posted about fun and exciting adventures in kettletell! Aloha!

Isagenix Cleanse Day #3 and a kb Workout

Angela C. — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:36:11 +0000

Ow! Over the last two days, my lower back has been killing me! In order to get to sleep, I had to lie with my legs posted against the wall.

On day three of the cleanse, I thought it would be interesting to recap my day in agenda format.

9:00 am
Oops! We “slept in” again. I don’t really consider it sleeping in if you didn’t sleep in the first place. I rush to have my chocolate shake, because darnit, I’m hungry!

Another interesting effect of the cleanse- a white tongue. Ewwww! I haven’t eaten food in 2 days- oh, wait- I did eat. But still- I never have that much plaque or whatever it was on my tongue! Grooooosssssssss!

10:00am
My litttle guy has an appointment with his Special Ed teacher. He’s not very interested, but does well. My parents arrive, and my mom verifies my measurements for the day- 41.5, 40.25, and 46. I weighed in at 199.6, about 2 pounds lighter than the start of my cleanse.

12:00pm
Head over to Warrior Hardware for their “sidewalk sale.” It was crazy- the last day of the $35/35k promo. Too bad I’m not lifting 1 pood yet!

2:30pm
Holy schmokes, I’m hungry again! Thank goodness it’s a “shake day!” It’s also “mommy and me” time. The back pain is still there.

Here’s a video for those of you who don’t like to read text!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkfurrsGd7c

4:00pm
It’s the start of my workout at FitProHawaii. Amazingly, my back pain has dissipated! My workout partner, Liz, brought her two children to workout with us.

In addition to stretching my hamstrings, doing assymetrical suitcase deadlifts, strict presses, swings, and (killer) tricep curls, I started to learn the snatch! Thankfully, I practiced with a solid rubber kettlebell, because I almost took Liz’ toes when I dropped it.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any video of me learning the snatch for the first time. That’s quite alright with me!

Here’s a brief video of some of that workout, some of it taken by Liz’ daughter:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nQ65zcJN88

6:00pm
Yum! Finally enjoy my meal of the day- a side salad, grilled swordfish, spinach and some brown rice. Good food, great company, great ending to a good day!

Mahalo for following me! Feel free to send me a tweet, or better yet, a comment here on the blog!

Cleanse day two (boo hoo!)

Angela C. — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:41:41 +0000

Okay, people, let’s keep it real.

I like food. I’m sure I’ve mentioned that multiple times, both in text and on video. I know you know that I know I’m an emotional eater.

So, imagine this scenario. For two days, you aren’t eating, tasting, enjoying a meal. You are ingesting nutritious stuff, mind you, but you’re not savoring the feeling of eating.

On top of that, all the guck that your body tissues have been storing is also being released. Now, that may have been the reason you decided to undertake this in the first place, but it’s a good time to remind yourself that the grease you had with those french fries and the additives in that processed luncheon meat had to go somewhere… and now they’re coming back out.

What that looks like– or rather, what that feels like to me– takes on two forms. I’m moody, and I want food.

A third thing that I’m experiencing right now is physical pain. It started in my hips, what I imagine an arthritic experiences. I was able to stretch, drink water, and endure. The usual calf pain and right hamstring also bothered me, but I’m used to that, and me and my homie salonpas took care of it.

But this morning, boy oh boy, did I have some serious lower back pain. I was walking like a senior citizen on a Doan’s commercial; a wide-stance shuffle. I could barely carry my child without wincing, his weight alone was hard to bear.

Lying down made it worse. I finally was able to rest with my feet propped on two pillows and my knees bent so my legs were in a diamond shape. Funky, but it helped.

Since I’ve been lethargic, discombobulated, foggy, and just plain tired, I’ve been napping every day with my son. This in particular is frustrating, because I feel so unproductive! And yet, when I’m awake, I feel like I’m sleepwalking.

Today, my sister asked me to make dinner… which just so happened to be one of my favorite things to eat- kalua pig and cabbage. Here I am, putting the ingredients together, feeling the pain in my lower back, and frankly, feeling pretty crabby about it all.

“Why can’t I eat? This is my process, after all. How bad can cabbage be?”

One hour later, I’m eating a small portion of brown and white rice, about 1/4 of a whole cabbage, and about two tablespoons of imu-roasted pork from Waimanalo.

No, I’m not proud. Yes, I feel a little bit guilty. And I have no idea how that’s going to affect the outcome. I know I’ve lost traction in terms of pounds lost- I weighed in at 199.9!!!

Yet, I had to do it. And my back pain went away, for about two hours!

So, yes, this is definitely a process. And I’m learning a lot. I know my threshold. I know my triggers. And all I can do is try to apply what I know as I go through it. After all, that’s what learning is, right?

QSN: I completed the cleanse for the day- finishing my 4th cleanse drink. I’m sticking to it– one week to go!