Cleanse/Detox Update {Fitness Friday}

Disclaimer: I just realized that most of my Fitness Friday posts aren’t super informational, just whatever is on my heart and mind that week. Hope you don’t mind too much. If you want true nutrition information, check out Kelly the Kitchen Kop, or some of the blogs at Fitblogger. If you just want to cheer or groan from the sidelines and watch my epic battle with 100 pounds play out in real life, keep reading.

Summary: In January I participated in a Lean Cuisine challenge through Collective Bias. I lost 12 pounds somewhere between January and February; in March I had a bit of backsliding going on and gained 5 of the pounds back. Been feeling really sluggish. Over the past week, as the result of my detox/cleanse (see details below), I have lost 3. Which confirms what DH has been saying all along – I’m full of *** 😀 So now I’m down net 10 since January. Only 90 more to go!

What was my detox, again? Cutting out:

• caffeine (except for one cup in the  morning so my co-workers don’t suffer needlessly)
• sugar (both refined and cane)
• alcohol
• grains (although the sheet says I can have one whole wheat wrap per day)

How did I do?

• caffeine: This hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be, but I get some serious cravings whenever the coffee maker at work is brewing just a few paces outside my office door. I’ve compensated by drinking herbal tea (the kind with no caffeine).
• sugar: I have been really surprised that I haven’t had more sugar cravings. I did really want one of those Island Way sorbets the other day, and instead had some organic yogurt with blueberries.
• alcohol: this weekend will be the true test. So far I haven’t had any, although I’ve been tempted as DH has beer with dinner sometimes and it looks so good!
• grains: Mostly I’ve been good at only having one starch per day. Except last night I couldn’t resist one of the rolls at Brann’s. And I ate the croutons in my salad.

The result so far:

• More energy. I was pretty sure this would happen, as it normally does when I have done similar “diets” before. However I’ve also been sleeping much better. Maybe because I’m not drinking two pots of coffee a day all day? (Yes I’m exaggerating . . . unfortunately not by much). I actually feel like doing something after the workday instead of loafing on the couch.
• Weight loss. I’ve lost 3 pounds in 5 days. I know this is “water” weight, but I still feel thinner and less bloated.
• No fast food. I’ve found myself heading over to the grocery store across from where I work to pick up vegetables and hummus and fruit instead.

The big challenge will be this weekend. Wish me luck!