It's Not Over

I know uber healthy lifestyles aren't for everyone.
I know people don't get why you choose not to eat gluten, or you choose to pass up cookies.
I know that it's hard and sort of expensive.
I know getting to the gym, even three times a week, is hard.
I also know that it works.

This is the difference from when I was at my biggest point in high school - then I got on the clean eating train, exercise became a part of my routine, and I learned how to mentally and physically fuel my body.

The journey I took this past month was another amazing addition to my life.
My 28 days of this Arbonne Cleanse has really paid off.
I got my "Earth Energy" back (I'm coining that phrase, because "clean eating" sounds too mainstream. And also I want to become a hippie.)

If you think that clean eating isn't the biggest part of your health, let me tell you the results.
And, If you don't believe me, this girl knows too.

If you didn't click on that blog above, do it. It's more in depth of what this Arbonne cleanse was.
Check it out.

My results:
1. I lost 11.5 pounds and 8 inches throughout my body. I even went down a pants size, completely.
2. I have energy. Like, lots of energy. Very rarely do I get the 2:00 blues. If I do, it's because I've had little sleep. And I just chug a fizz stick and get on with my day.
3. My body is happy with me. I'm preforming better in the gym and building muscles all over. The Phytosport has hydrated me and the protein powder has helped me recover.

I'll spare you the before and after pictures of me in my underwear, but I'll show you if you care to see! I still have more goals to accomplish, but I'm so happy at my progress.

I wish to remain with these healthy habits and keep my body getting healthier and stronger.
I'll slowly enter the healthy things back in: Fruit, peanut butter, vinegar, soy - minimally.
Then I'll use processed food, dairy, alcohol, and gluten for special occasions.
Why lose this feeling??

No more glass of wine each night, no more late night snacks.
I can't go back to that lifestyle. I've worked too hard and have too many people rooting for me.

Keeping the principles that I learned during my challenge and the info my Arbonne sponsor gave me will be a key to success.
It's going to be a decision I have to make every day when I wake up.
But I'm up for the challenge.

There were so many comments "What CAN you eat?" or "You're no fun." but I know that it's worth it. (And if you follow me on Pinterest, you know theres TONS I can eat.)

I believe I have some great support behind me.

I'm thankful for friends that can understand me and push me to have these healthy habits.
I'm thankful for this amazing body that God has given me.
I'm thankful I will be able to continue to grow stronger and healthier.

Overall, this cleanse was fun and amazing — and it's a wonder what the body can do when you put your heart and soul into it.

<3XOT

Be kind.

This week the story is kindness.

Paris attacks and the whole deal with ISIS has shaken me this week.

World events don't normally get to me. 

I don't normally listen to the news.

But I've been thinking about how much hate is in the world. 

And in me.

I need to be kind. 

The point of this cleanse was to clear everything - mind, body and soul. 

In this book I'm reading "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown, she touches on the point of practicing gratitude. "For those welcoming the experience, the shudder of vulnerability that accompanies joy is an invitation to practice gratitude, to acknowledge how truly grateful we are for the person, the beauty, the connection, or simply the moment before us." 

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in myself and my ways that I forget other people have their own way of doing things, their own way of looking and dressing, and their own way of believing. And that doesn't make them wrong and that doesn't mean I get to hate on them. 

Lately I've not been so kind.

Not to myself or others. 

So I started doing this thing. 

In the mornings, I look in the mirror and I pray "Thank you God for the health that I'm putting into my body, and the health that is coming out. To do good works for You and Your people. Help me to remember to love myself and others today."

And when I forget that mantra and I'm mean, I say "Tricia, be nice. There's enough hate in the world, you don't need to add to it."

Those are the mantra that is reminding me to be whole-hearted and kind. 

It's working. 

I'm starting to be kind. Er. 

I'm still human.

<3XOT

So Fresh and Clean (Clean)

Trying on clothes at the end of the week - a week where you felt lazy, fat, and unfit - isn't always the best time to try on clothes.

But I had to.

And I have gone down a pants size! 

I'm 1/3 the size I was when I graduated high school. 

Well, in the pants at least. 

I'm most excited about this because it's coming off naturally. 

I've been "healthy" for the last 4-5 years. 

I make more health-conscious decisions, exercise for fun, etc.

What started this health kick was my involvement with Arbonne products.

What I like about the products is that they are all natural. No chemicals.

Not only in their nutrition line, but their lotions and cosmetics. 

So most recently, in the last 6 months or so, I've tried to switch my life to a holistic life.

That 80% of the products I use are natural (and certified natural, not labeled).

That most of the food I eat is homemade from the earth, made at a restaurant, or whole foods. 

That the medicine I use is herbal or essential oils. 

I want my life and my body to be pure. 

Some weeks you'll have good weeks, sometimes you won't.

This week was hard for a couple reasons. 

One, I pulled my oblique playing with kids. 

Which is incredibly stupid. 

But when I'm in pain, I don't eat. 

So I didn't eat all my calories for the day because I had no appetite. 

Which led to less energy and more pain. 

Finally, I'm back into it. 

My body is healing.
Naturally.

I'm making intentions to eat all my calories (which, in turn, is all my nutrients) every day. 

I can't wait to see what this week holds.

I can't wait to get back to the gym.

I can't wait to be cleansed and whole. 

It's all a journey, but from my experience the fresh, natural, clean way to do it has been by far the best way for me.

<3XOT

Cleansing takes a Village

I got into health once I got into cooking.
I was able to see what went in to everything I made.
I was able to understand what reactions food had on my body.

And that's why I think I love healthy.
Because I know I am able to cook amazing food that not only tastes good, but it's good for me.

As I prepped my meals tonight, I realized how far I've come this week.
Last week was the first week of my 28-day cleanse.
And it was hard.

The first few days I had caffeine withdrawal headaches.
The next few days I had to keep pushing through not being hungry.
The whole week I had to make sure I was getting all my water, tea, supplements, fiber, protein, vitamins, etc. every day.

But I have the loveliest people in my life.
They are encouraging. Inspirational. Supportive.
They are just superb.

What I am taking away from this week is that no matter how hard life gets, there will be people who are constantly lifting me up. I can talk to them about healthy, recipes, fitness, life, goals, promotions.
What I am taking away from the cleanse - mind, body and soul - is that clearing the negative out of my life has given me energy, positivity, and purpose.

I don't think I'm going to let these people go cause I like this feeling too much.
I just hope they feel about me the way I feel about them.

<3XOT

Ready, Set…Detox

Here I am.
The night before.
Drinking the last of the wine in my house.
The night before.
It all begins.

I'm ready.
I've read the material.
I've got my food, my shakes, my tea, my fizz sticks.
I've got it ready.

I took my pictures.
Gross.
I weighed myself.
Yikes.

Now, it's mind over matter.
I have the materials, I have the plan.
NO cheating.

Cheating ruins it.
Cheating makes it all for nothing.

I can do this.
I will do this.

Stay tuned.
<3XOT