O.V.E.R.

Day 24. It's over. For the past 23 days (as my birthday present to myself), I've been on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge Cleanse, and I must say, I was pleased with the results (and with my first sip of pumpkin spice coffee this morning now that it's over). Here are some things I learned the last 3 weeks.

Results: lost 10 pounds (technically 9.8) and 12 (technically 12.25) inches total. Not too shabby for 23 days (and falling off the wagon for Ben and Emily's gender reveal). JT (ever the competitive couple we are) also measured before and hit the gym for 23 days (I politely told him if he lost more than me I'd punch him in the face, mainly becasue he still ate carbs... without me). He (was extremely supportive.. even through my hanger [hungry + angry]  phases) lost over 7 inches and 6 pounds. Cheers to healthy habits.

What I missed the most:
-coffee (with cream)
-pimento cheese BLT sanwiches
-fried everything
-homemade ranch
-wine

What I learned to love:
-green tea (both hot and cold)
-baby carrots
-spinach (salads, sauteed, you name it)
-steamed sweet potatoes
-bunless turkey burgers
-their meal replacement shakes (chocolate mocha)
-egg whites
-real (not instant) oatmeal

The worst part of the 24 days?
-the fiber drink on the first half of the cleanse, by far the worst thing. I had to imagine someone i loved would be killed if I didn't finish it; that was the only way to force it down (without vomming).

Best thing?
-the results. 23 days and down 10 pounds? I'll take it.

What I'm walking away with:
-an ATC gym membership
-an appreciation for clean eating (hello glowy skin and svelte/non-bloated feeling)
-knowledge of how to cook healthy meals (sans salt, sauces, and other cooking traps)
-happy feeling going into the holiday eating season
-realization that every meal doesn't have to feel like Thanksgiving feast to survive.
-getting up and working out (as bad as it is) makes your whole day better
-painfully aware of how many veggies I didn't eat per day before this

My must haves for those considering it:
-break out the Bubba Keg from college, and fill it with (not beer) water. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze it in. Drink one full Bubba Keg's worth of lemon water before lunch, and one after. You'll pee like crazy, but it helps you survive (and get in the necessary amount of water required by the cleanse).
-spinach leaves. Keep them with you at all times. Since you can have an unlimited amount of green veggies at any time, they're clutch to stave off hunger.
-natural peanut butter.
-magic bullet. It's the easiest, fastest, and all around best way to blend anything.