Sunday, January 5, 2014

Day 5


Day 5


Today was over all a great day! I awoke and did the same thing as I did yesterday.  Glass of water, spark, probiotics and breakfast.  For breakfast I make egg whites with salsa and avocado.  I also blended up a cup of almond milk with a banana, blueberries, and strawberries.  I split the smoothie with my toddler, she loves fruit.  It was such a beautiful day I managed to go on an amazing walk with one of my great friends!  Before we left the house I drank a slim and when we got back we both ate the rest of my yummy red roasted stuffed bell peppers for lunch.  The recipe for that is on day one.  For dinner I ate chicken, brown rice, green beans and omegas.  Now I will have a glass of water and my herbal cleanse tablets and get some rest!  Here are a few pictures I took of my breakfast and my walk today! Enjoy!



 

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Day 4


Hello lovely people! So today was a change up! No fiber this morning instead I had the Probiotic packet in the morning, Slim in the afternoon and Omegas with dinner again which you should do 4 with dinner and then my herbal cleanse tablets.  Overall I had good energy today, I am down 5lbs already so this makes me happy.  For breakfast I had an Advocare Meal Replacement Shake, because I did not have time to make breakfast I had to get to church.  It was a glorious time worshipping Jesus!  For lunch I ate a mix of chicken, green beans , brown rice and the quinoa stuffed pepper.    I didn't get home until late afternoon so by then it was dinner time.  I made salmon and a mixed rice that I got from Trader Joes! It was really yummy.  
For Deseret, I made a rice cracker with almond butter it was Devine!!  I am hoping to start mixing in some exercise.  I've been so busy cleaning houses and running around, that I haven't gotten around to that yet.  It's possible I will have to get up really early to hit the gym before everyone gets up.  Because at night when my hubby gets home from work, I'm to tired by then so mornings may work best.  Also those with toddlers or children at that, know it can be a challenge.  I feel it's easier when I can go child free.  So I'm about ready for bed.  I did take a few pics of what I ate! Enjoy and see you tomorrow..

Dinner Salmon seasoned with Mrs. Dash and cooked in Olive Oil
Trio Mixed Rice from Trader Joes


This is a Brown Rice Organic Rice Cake with no salt By Lundberg
I bought them at Whole Foods, they may carry them at Trader Joes.
The Almond butter was made at Whole Foods in there machine and is awesome! I did the same to make my peanut butter and will be doing this from here on out!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Day 3

Day 3

So if you guessed I did the same thing as yesterday fiber in the morning and Spark!   For breakfast I had two eggs, I worked a double shift today cleaning so it came in handy to just grab the food I had prepped from the last 2 days.  Two hours before lunch, as reccomended  I took my slim and for lunch I had the ground turkey stuffed quinoa it was delicious.  I had carrots and hummus for a snack before lunch and then 2 hours after lunch I had a banana with peanut butter.  For dinner I had a raw salmon and avocado this I ordered at a sushi restaurant it was really good.  I also drank a ton of water today which is hard for me to do so I am proud of myself!! I got to admit though, prepping foods makes it a whole lot easier.  I am now getting ready to take my herbal cleanse tablets and drink a big glass of water and get ready for bed.  Tomorrow things will get switched up! No fiber drink but a probiotic instead and then the herbal cleanse tablet at night.  I took a picture of my dinner, there was a light sauce that I had on the side, I didn't use much of it due to not really knowing what was in it but I did mix in some wasabi! She you tomorrow!


On Another Note Advocare was voted Best of 2013 for products in competitor magazine!!! Loves it!
Sorry this isn't the best picture I did not take it:)

Thursday, January 2, 2014

DAY 2

Day 2

Hello! So we are on day 2! My energy is pretty steady, and I'm down 2 pounds already.  Yay! This tells me its working! Keep in mind I have already lost a total of 60 lbs in almost 2 years with these products.  Usually I average a 10lb weight loss each time I do the challenge, key is staying consistent afterwards and continuing on the eating plan because its a lifestyle.  We say after its 80/20 to continue on products and then in 90 days again do another cleanse.  Why Cleanse?  Our body needs to be cleaned of the impacted feces built up in our Gi track, and over time it gets so gunked up that we are unable to process our food and vitamins correctly.  So if you have not been cleaned out what ever you are taking supplement wise you are not getting 100 percent of they are absorbing about 30 percent. Also you ever work out a ton and nothing?  Time for a good clean out, and the Advocare Herbal cleanse is Gentle and uneventful and will help you to get past that plateau! We have many products to help with that!

 I weighed myself at night, which its best to weigh in the morning.  I also don't recommend always getting back on the scale.  This is all about cleaning out your body an new slate and then putting the right nutrition back in.  I have seen plenty of people whom have lost a ton of inches and not a ton of pounds and there clothes didn't fit any longer.  Today I packed my lunch I pretty much ate the same thing I ate yesterday except for a snack today I had hummus and carrots.  And for dinner I made Chicken, Brown Rice and Green Beans! So delicious and nutricious did I just say that? I did!!

So this is what today looked like:
Woke up Drank a glass of Water
Drank my Fiber Drink
Had My Delicious Spark
2 Eggs for breakfast
Almonds for a snack
Had a Slim 2 hours before lunch
For lunch I had stuffed turkey and quinoa bell peppers
Banana with peanut butter for a snack
Dinner- Chicken, brown Rice and Green Beans
Night time I took my Herbal Cleanse tablets and drank a big glass of water!
Here is a Picture of my yummy Dinner!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

24 Day Challenge

Today Marked the first day of the cleanse I am excited to share more about Advocare, I love it and it has been a big blessing in my life.  For the next 24 days come along with me on my journey where I will show you what Im eating and what products I am taking that literally clean me out an make me feel wonderful.  The 24 Day challenge is a combination of Cleansing your body, Eating correctly and light to moderate exercise.  And if you don't exercise well walking works just fine, or sitting.  Here is what day one looks like for me.

Im starting at 187 lbs my weight goal is 160, now I do not intend to lose 27 lbs in 24 days but I do know I will drop at least 8-12.  From this point I am going to continue on products and exercise to get to my weight goal.  You will want to do your measurements as well.  You can email me if you would like to get the cookbook, grocery list, and measurement guide.  Just comment below and I will help you. I have posted the Grocery list under this picture.

Here is a picture of the 24 Day challenge you can click on the picture and it will go to my website if you would like to know more.



For now I am going to focus Days 1-10- You will want to drink plenty of water a Gallon is good throughout the day.  The Products you will be taken are Spark, Omegas, Herbal Cleanse.  Any of our companion products in the trim line are optional.  I will be taking Catalyst and Slim.  Your diet will consist of do's and don'ts here is a grocery list to help you.

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I HAVE IN MY HOME ON A REGULAR BASIS TO MAKE
OPTIMAL CHOICES FOR MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS?
Looking and feeling healthy is created by a lifestyle you design for yourself to achieve your well being. It is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices ...
Organic if you can - Our world is becoming more and more tainted with dangerous chemicals. In an attempt to increase production and capture bigger market shares, the use of fertilizers, pesticides, food additives; such as dyes and preservatives has become so prevalent that "artificial ingredients" are now outnumbering "natural ingredients" on many food content labels. It is the opinion of many experts that this ever-increasing use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and chemical additives has a direct correlation to the ominous rise in cancer rates and other health problems.
Organic foods are rapidly becoming recognized as a logical alternative in this chemical-laden world. The focus on environmentally-sound agricultural methods and "sustainable" agriculture is getting the attention of many who are now concerned about what they're eating as well as the environment. Organic food is a reliable and safe alternative to the issues regarding conventionally grown, processed, and packaged foods.
Recommended Portion size at each sitting is in parentheses - ** is unlimited.
Dry roasted nuts like Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts ect. (2oz – about 24 almonds)
Skinless, boneless chicken breast (3 to 4 oz for women and 4 to 6 for men, palm size, 1 inch thick)
Lean meats in whole form, not ground/Fat trimmed. (3 - 4oz for women & 4-6oz for men. Palm size, 1 inch thick) Fish that swim like Halibut and Salmon ect. (3 to 4 oz for women and 4 to 6 for men, palm size, one inch thick) Tuna canned in water (1 can)
Advocare Meal Replacement Shakes for breakfast most days. (do not add anything but water and ice)
Advocare Bars for fast complete snacks or meals on the go. (larger men may need 2 if under 150 cal.)
Lentils – any type of natural beans or legumes. (1 cup to 2 cups prepared)
Oatmeal – Old Fashioned Rolled oats with no added sugars or flavors. Oat Bran. (1⁄2 cup dry)
Splenda, sucralose or Stevia to sweeten. Green tea. 


MORE OPTIMAL CHOICES FOR MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS!
Fresh or frozen Fruits and Vegetables (not canned) :recommend you have with protein. Avocado (1/4 to 1⁄2)
Yams/sweet potatoes (1/2 your fist) Broccoli (**)
Green beans (**)
Asparagus (**)

Spinach (**)
Tomatoes (**)
Cucumber (**)
Carrots (1 lrg or 1 cup mini’s)
Corn (1 cup or 1 ear)
Edamame – soybeans (1/2 to up to 2 cups) Peas (up to 2 cups)

Lettuce and other leafy greens (**) All berrys (up to 2 cups)
Apples (1)
Bananas (1)
Cantelope/honeydew (1 cup) Pinnapple (1 cup)
Oranges 1
Grapes (1 cup)
Mango/kiwi and other tropicals (1 cup)

Olive oil, Expeller pressed vegetable oils, sesame oil. (1tbsp.) All types of vinegars.
Braggs soy protein – to replace soy sauce. (drops)
Deli Chicken and Turkey that is not processed, “added” to, or “pressed/ formed together. (3-6oz)
Brown rice and whole wheat or brown rice pasta (1/2 cup prepared)
An array of fresh and/or bottled herbs and spices for seasoning (**)
Fresh Mint, Lemons/limes and 100% cranberry juice for flavoring water. (**)
Egg starters – egg whites (1 to 4 eggs depending on protein needs)
Mustard, relish, pickles, low fat mayo (1tablespon)
Zero calorie butter spray
Whole grain bread, rice or rye crackers. (1 slice, 5 crackers)
Advocare Muscle gain Vanilla for adding protein to just about anything (1 to 3 scoops)
Advocare Mulitvitamin and minerals Coreplex, antioxidant plus, omega plex, probiotic and other personalized supplements for your goals.
Advocare Spark and Rehydrate (1 to 4 servings)
Soy milk (1 cup) 



WHAT FOOD SHOULD I NOT HAVE IN MY HOME ON A REGULAR BASIS. WE DIDN’T WRITE NEVER....WE WROTE “NOT ON A REGULAR BASIS”.
Wellness in an on-going lifestyle which requires taking responsibility & making healthy choices.
Palm, palm kernel or sunflower oils
Nothing ever with Hydrogenated oils – Fractioned is fine, that is totally different
Never anything with High fructose corn syrup
Butter
Margarine
Mayonnaise
Table Sugar
Anything fried
Fruit juices
Cereal!!!
Dairy – On occasion dairy is fine but not a staple – part skim mozzarella cheese is best.
Bottom feeder seafood like lobster and shrimp – this is my weakness!!
Nothing with bleached, unbleached or enriched flours....always whole grain. No Chip, donuts, pastries, crackers. POP!
Alcohol- get when you are having a social gathering not for regular use.
White sauces


Here We Go!! 


DAY ONE:
When my feet first hit the floor I head to the kitchen and drink a glass of water.  Shortly after I Pour 8-10 ounces of water into a glass and then pour the fiber drink on top of the water stir quickly and then drink.  If you let it sit to long it will get to think to drink.  There are some who just can't stand to swallow this, some suggestions that have helped others.  You can pour half in and do half and then the other half.  If that still does not work then try mixing half in some unsweetened apple sauce and repeat with the other half.  There are some who really love it and drink it right down!
Next I will drink my yummy Spark.  You are probably thinking Spark?  Yes this is our yummy premier energy drink, you will drink this instead of coffee.  Its hard to believe but I have not had coffee for almost 2 years now.  Spark has given me everything I need there is no crash and specifically its given me great mental focus.  I will touch more later on this product.  For breakfast I made two eggs and sliced up some avocado. Yummy:)


Fiber Drink:: Fiber Drink is rich in the mixture of fibers your body needs to work at its best.* Each serving contains 10 grams of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber to help add the fiber your diet may not provide. As part of the Herbal Cleanse system, Fiber Drink also helps move the toxins and waste material through the digestive tract while scouring your intestinal tract to support improved nutrient absorption.* Take on days one through three and again on days eight through 10.




For anyone looking for an easy-to-use solution for weight loss and weight management, AdvoCare® Slim™ is the perfect answer.* Combining appetite suppression, energy and metabolic enhancers, this 2 oz. prepared serving not only helps you control your cravings but also promotes fat reduction and an improvement in your body composition.* Altogether, Slim has a synergistic effect, helping you manage your diet and maintain energy while changing your body from within.* It really is a system in a bottle!

This Product Is called Slim, I decided to use it as an add on as well as I am taking Catalyst.
I am really loving Slim, it has given me an extra boast of energy, had controlled my appetite and works great! It is also sugar free, and we do have a caffeine free one as well.

For lunch I had this yummy meal that I prepped the night before, I used mostly organic and some not you can use what ever you would like, this makes 6 lunches or dinners.
Recipe:

Organic Ground Turkey
Organic Quinoa
Organic Chicken Broth
Onions
Fresh Garlic
Frozen Vegetables- you can use fresh or stir fry veggies this is just what I had.
Red Bell peppers
Mrs. Dash- Cleanse friendly seasoning
Olive Oil
I cooked the Quinoa with the chicken broth in a rice cooker this is quick and easy, if you don't have a rice cooker you can use a pot.  Then I grilled up the the Ground Turkey with olive oil and Mrs. Dash.  if you are not on a cleanse you can use whatever you like to season.  I boiled the veggies, and when the meat was done I added fresh garlic which I pressed along with the onions, after the veggies were done I added those.  Cut the tops off of the Red Peppers clean them out and stuff them.  I then poured a little chicken broth on the bottom of the glass pyrex to keep them moist and covered with foil and cooked 25-30 mins.  These were amazing and I am still eating them.




For a snack today I had all natural grounded peanut butter on a banana
and some almonds and I mixed that between meals.

For dinner I had southwest salad I bought from whole foods it had Quiona, black beans, red peppers, raw squash, tomatoes and a fresh salsa.  You will take 4 Omegas with dinner, these come in the challenge.


Lastly I will drink another glass of water and take my Herbal Cleanse Pills!
Herbal Cleanse Tablet: The Herbal Cleanse tablet provides herbal extracts that help rid your body of the impurities that may be obstacles to achieving better health.* One ingredient, senna leaf extract, is known for its use to relieve occasional constipation, as well as to encourage the movement of waste through the intestinal tract.* Beet root powder and wheat grass juice are included to aid in the reduction of metabolic by-products in the blood and liver.* Cranberry juice powder helps cleanse impurities from the kidneys and aid in excretion through the bladder.* The Herbal Cleanse tablet also contains milk thistle extract, which has the active component silymarin. Silymarin has been traditionally used to aid in eliminating toxins from the liver and is also an excellent hepaprotectant and antioxidant.* Echinacea, astragalus, garlic, zinc and vitamin C help support the immune system.* Herbal Cleanse tablets also contain a wide range of B-vitamins to help maintain energy levels during the detoxification period.* Take on days one through seven.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

My Office Space

It's been almost a month in our new home and I have been so busy I'm finally getting some time to just rest.  I am still unpacking and painting and decorating.  My favorite space at the moment is my creating/office space.  I'm not really sure what style I'm going for in my home but as I decorate each room I am finding they are a little different.  I am doing a lot of white though and painting some brown furniture to white.  This is so exciting and I'm not quite sure why I never did this before.  I think it's because I actually know now that I won't be going any where anytime soon, and I am taking ownership in making this home ours.  It is interesting when you move almost every other year how you will never really settle in.  I am having a lot of fun and excited about this whole new season in our lives.  Its good to finally get rooted and grounded in one place.  As I style new places in my home I will post!  Hope that in this busy holiday season everyone is really enjoying whatever it is that you are called to in this time! 
Blessing E



Sunday, November 24, 2013

Moving in November

Moving is not the funnest of subjects thats for sure!  I have yet to blog being that my life has sorta been crazy, and who chooses to move the week of thanksgiving?  Im up late packing…  I started off really good, getting rid of things I won't be taking with me.  Well now I'm at the point of throw everything in a box and lets get out of here.  Its bittersweet I really loved this place and the location.  I can now say that I have lived in Lake Forest Park Wa, and now I will be moving back to Shoreline where I've spend at least a good 10 years of my life.  Its all very sureal to me, the last place that I wanted to go back to.  I mean no one really wants to revisit  there past, although sometimes I think its necessary.  I really am excited to start a new chapter as a new homeowner!  Now all of our hard earned dollars will be spent on decorating and remodeling and making a place to call home.  This really is a major stepping stone, one in which I can say I am super excited about!!  Have I said Im Excited?? Any how in other news I have been working everyday cleaning houses and sometime I bring my daughter with me.  Here are a few pictures I took of her as well as some pictures I have been styling lately.  I cannot wait to set up a craft room a place where I can store all my goodies, a place where I can create! I hope everyone has a great thanksgiving! I am thankful to have such amazing friends and family this truly is what life is all about, Relationships.

Be Blessed, xoxo Erica