Advocare Cleanse - My Journey

CoffeeQueen · Guru

RE: Advocare Cleanse - My Journey

Picture-Perfect · Guru

Hey Erin! I miss you :) I'm not totally sure how many calories I am eating. I am following a meal plan worksheet that was given to me by the guy I bought the products from. I'm sure Kris is a lot more knowledgeable i'm just following the plan. My day looks like this.

Wake up, take whichever pills or fiber drink go with the day i'm on, right now I am on probiotic restore and I start the fiber drink again tomorrow for the last 3 days of the cleanse, and I drink a Spark. It's about 0830 here and I have not had breakfast yet. I may do a meal replacement shake or some steel cut oats or just fruit and a hard boiled egg.

Mid morning snack if needed, they recommend fruit, or hard boiled eggs, veggies, nuts, etc. I only eat this if I am hungry. I have really enjoyed getting to know apples. I am eating fuji right now and love them.

Lunch is some type of protein and salad or veggies. You can have a complex carb serving a day. Yesterday I had some sweet potato, really good. I have been doing a lot of chicken but yesterday I had a turkey burger.

Mid afternoon snack- fruit, nuts, etc. and I have a Spark. I am really noticing a difference with the Spark. It has a lot of caffeine but it doesn't make me feel weird.

Dinner is protein and veggies. Lightly cooked is what they suggest.

Then a snack if needed later. Days 1-7 you take the cleanse tablets before bed. Today is my last day of those, and i'm glad because they are big lol.

I have had one Spark a day and at the most 2.

I work in EMS and a fair number of my coworkers have done or are doing advocare. Peer pressure ;) I finally caved because the guy I work with is really hooking me up price wise, I couldn't afford it otherwise right now. Lots of success stories.

Medifast worked really good for me the first time I did it. I have not been able to get back to it no matter how many times i've tried. Now I have a lot of it left. Maybe I should try ebay like you did. I feel fuller and more satisfied so far with advocare, something I really struggled with with mf was cravings, even when I was in ketosis, I don't know maybe it's being able to eat fruit. The first 10 days of advocare are a cleanse then it's the weight loss phase. I just feel good and like I can do this. I will be continuing into the rest of the 24 day plan

I am working out but not hard core. I am just timing my eating and so far so good. I'm drinking so much water. I love that I don't feel like quitting. Maybe just a motivational shift.

-- Edited by Picture-Perfect on Monday 7th of November 2011 10:08:00 AM

kris · Guru

Picture-Perfect wrote:
When I have a craving the banana with the pb fixes me right up.

I'm going to do the whole 24 days too! So glad we can do this together. I'm on day 7 so it's back to the drink for me tomorrow. That sounds funny ;) I'm hoping for some really great results. Are you on day 9? Fiber drink again is 8-10 right?

I am finishing up the strawberry mango, I liked it.

I didn't exercise yesterday because I worked a 12 and the gym closes early but I am going today with my sister. Will definitely require extra motivation as it's freezing and we have a few inches of snow on the ground. I have to do it though. I'm waiting for that loving to go the gym feeling... it's not here yet ;) Good for you getting out to the park, it counts!

Kris did you say you have tried the vanilla mr shake? I really like the chocolate and I think I want to try the vanilla.

I just talked to my friend Stacy (who has been using the products for about 2 years). I hadn't even told her I started the cleanse until last Friday. But she asked how I was doing. I said it was really easy but the fiber drink in the am is torture for me. She said they mix 4 oz of water, 4 oz of oj with the fiber drink packet. She said it makes it go down so much easier.

I questioned the oj . . . she said they do discourage the drinking of juice but to get the fiber drink down it's ok. Sooooooooo that is what I'm doing tomorrow for my final day.

I have tried the vanilla mr shake - I like it but berry is my favorite. I'm going to study a little bit up on these b/c I know you can add fruit, etc. and I would guess fruit added to the vanilla would be pretty good!

kris · Guru

Erin wrote:
Hi all! I have been watching this thread (as have others based on its views ;) ). I have a couple ofquestions. About how many calories are you looking at? It sounds alot like Medifast frankly, but just substituting the medifast meals with Spark drinks. Melissa and Amber, since you all have done both, can you comment on any differences? I am not ready to start with any new products, but I keep trying (albeit unsuccessfully so far) to keep all my meals "lean and green" simply as a lifestyle change.

Kris, as for adding exercise, not everyone will agree with me, but, if you are looking to lose weight, I would focus on that for a couple of weeks before adding exercise so that the eating routine is truly ingrained. You may get sooo hungry when you start exercising that if your eating plan is not really set, you are tempted to fall off. And, since you will be exercising, you will want to make sure you are increasing calories or timing the food so you dont crash.

I have no idea on calories - maybe melissa or amber could respond if they have been keeping track.

the spark drink is more for the energy boost that you would otherwise get from drinking your coffee and/or soda pop. It has really replaced pop altogether for me - I don't crave coke at all.

and that is one reason I didn't even think about exercise b/c I truly am trying to engrain these eating habits into my life. I want them to be steadfast b/c after I run a mile I'm going to think I deserve a cheeseburger from McDonalds like in the past wink

Picture-Perfect · Guru

kris wrote:
Picture-Perfect wrote:
When I have a craving the banana with the pb fixes me right up.

I'm going to do the whole 24 days too! So glad we can do this together. I'm on day 7 so it's back to the drink for me tomorrow. That sounds funny ;) I'm hoping for some really great results. Are you on day 9? Fiber drink again is 8-10 right?

I am finishing up the strawberry mango, I liked it.

I didn't exercise yesterday because I worked a 12 and the gym closes early but I am going today with my sister. Will definitely require extra motivation as it's freezing and we have a few inches of snow on the ground. I have to do it though. I'm waiting for that loving to go the gym feeling... it's not here yet ;) Good for you getting out to the park, it counts!

Kris did you say you have tried the vanilla mr shake? I really like the chocolate and I think I want to try the vanilla.
I just talked to my friend Stacy (who has been using the products for about 2 years). I hadn't even told her I started the cleanse until last Friday. But she asked how I was doing. I said it was really easy but the fiber drink in the am is torture for me. She said they mix 4 oz of water, 4 oz of oj with the fiber drink packet. She said it makes it go down so much easier.
I questioned the oj . . . she said they do discourage the drinking of juice but to get the fiber drink down it's ok. Sooooooooo that is what I'm doing tomorrow for my final day.
I have tried the vanilla mr shake - I like it but berry is my favorite. I'm going to study a little bit up on these b/c I know you can add fruit, etc. and I would guess fruit added to the vanilla would be pretty good!

Sounds like a decent trick for the fiber! Honestly it didn't bother me so i'm not dreading it at all. My friend is going to let me try a vanilla shake, I really do like some variety so I hope it's good. I bet adding fruit will work great too, strawberries and blueberries sound yum!

kris · Guru

starting day 10 - woo hoo!

I learned yesterday that the average weight loss for the 24 day challenge is 10-11 pounds and 10-11 inches.

I'm also going to add the 4 oz of oj to my fiber drink. I do think it's funny I'm the only one whining about that part of this thing!

I need to start studying the next 14 days. I've planned for and read everything I could get my hands on for the 10 day cleanse but have not done the same for the next phase so I need to get on that!

yesterday for lunch I had a bowl of egg salad with the canola mayo and a bit of relish. I also had celery, carrots and grape tomatoes in it. it was really good! and it was satisfying to eat that and not need it piled onto bread - it was good by itself.

How's everyone doing today? Melissa, please tell me you've shaken the flu!!

sappy · Guru

I'm watching too.

it seems like a really good plan. the foods seem like what we should be eating anyway.

if i get this job (and have a little extra money) i might do this cleanse.

kris - thanks so much for sharing this information.

Picture-Perfect · Guru

kris wrote:
starting day 10 - woo hoo!
I learned yesterday that the average weight loss for the 24 day challenge is 10-11 pounds and 10-11 inches.
I'm also going to add the 4 oz of oj to my fiber drink. I do think it's funny I'm the only one whining about that part of this thing!
I need to start studying the next 14 days. I've planned for and read everything I could get my hands on for the 10 day cleanse but have not done the same for the next phase so I need to get on that!
yesterday for lunch I had a bowl of egg salad with the canola mayo and a bit of relish. I also had celery, carrots and grape tomatoes in it. it was really good! and it was satisfying to eat that and not need it piled onto bread - it was good by itself.
How's everyone doing today? Melissa, please tell me you've shaken the flu!!

Congrats on day 10! Awesome. Today is day 8 for me and i'm flipping proud and have no desire to stop! I'm so excited for the next phase. Come on day 10!

How was the fiber with the oj?

Please share what you learn from your studying so far all I have is a chart. Tells when to take the pills in relation to eating etc.

That egg salad sounds amazing! I briefly looked for the canola mayo and haven't seen it. Where did you get yours? I have Safeway, Fry's, Albertson's, and Wal-mart that I shop around here. Couple natural foods stores too. Looks like in the next phase you add more grains and I think some yogurt too among other things.

I am shocked that I don't miss bread. I am a breadaholic!

I sure hope you are feeling better too Melissa!

Picture-Perfect · Guru

sappy wrote:
I'm watching too.
it seems like a really good plan. the foods seem like what we should be eating anyway.
if i get this job (and have a little extra money) i might do this cleanse.
kris - thanks so much for sharing this information.

It's so easy Sara. I feel like other plans I have done are so much work. I hope you get to try it :)

kris · Guru

Melissa, how are you doing?

Juni · Guru

Totally thread jacking. Is it a special kind of canola mayo? I get the best foods canola mayo from WM - it is a green lid I think. It sounds like it is really low carb, am I right? I noticed that I really need to watch my carbs if I want to lose weight and of course all the stuff I usually pig out on has tons of carbs.

Picture-Perfect · Guru

Juni wrote:
Totally thread jacking. Is it a special kind of canola mayo? I get the best foods canola mayo from WM - it is a green lid I think. It sounds like it is really low carb, am I right? I noticed that I really need to watch my carbs if I want to lose weight and of course all the stuff I usually pig out on has tons of carbs.

I don't think it's special? I have to go to WM after work tonight so I will be looking. I can't remember now if I looked at WM or just my other stores. Thank you!

Picture-Perfect · Guru

Day 9 yay!

Spark, probiotic pills, and fiber drink in. Drinking water out of a very festive cup with candy canes on it. It's the little things. :) I really think the mandarin orange spark is my fav, followed by fruit punch and strawberry mango.

Not much to report, still going strong.

kris · Guru

Picture-Perfect wrote:
Day 9 yay!

Spark, probiotic pills, and fiber drink in. Drinking water out of a very festive cup with candy canes on it. It's the little things. :) I really think the mandarin orange spark is my fav, followed by fruit punch and strawberry mango.

Not much to report, still going strong.

great Amber!

I like the mandarin too and I'm thinking that is my new "oj" for the am. I like the citrus too. strawberry mango is good. I have a box of fruit punch I will try one today.

I've noticed that the further I separate myself from Coke the easier the water goes down. I have never been a drinker unless I'm eating. Now I drink water all the time. One of the handouts I have for the next phase (the 14 days) says shoot for 90-120 oz of water daily. I could have never drank that much water in one day 3 months ago. Now it is easily doable.

kris · Guru

Juni wrote:
Totally thread jacking. Is it a special kind of canola mayo? I get the best foods canola mayo from WM - it is a green lid I think. It sounds like it is really low carb, am I right? I noticed that I really need to watch my carbs if I want to lose weight and of course all the stuff I usually pig out on has tons of carbs.

I have Hellmann's Canola cholesterol free mayo with a yellow lid. I found it at WalMart.

kris · Guru

I am on Day 11.

So today I start the Metabolic Nutrition System phase.

I have not got a grocery list or menu going yet but I'm going to start working on it.

The only change so far today was the MNS packet of vitamins instead of the fiber drink and probiotics (the MNS has probiotics among lots of other things).

For breakfast I had the berry MRS. I helped in Jake's class so I drank a ton of water but didn't eat any snack. So I was starving by the time I could get lunch.

For lunch I shredded 3 oz of chicken I'd already baked and added some relish and canola mayo. cucumbers and a carrot stick.

muffy · Guru

I just want to pipe in and say its GREAT to see so many of you drinking plain water. It is soooo important for you! I hope these are life changes for you guys!

Picture-Perfect · Guru

I got some canola mayo at Wal-mart tonight. Quite tasty! I had tuna fish with romaine.

muffy · Guru

Erin, Sorry i do have to disagree with your exercise statement, and i think its important to explain why. With diets like this, you are losing weight too quickly. And this being the case, you will lose muscle rather than fat- which may look great on the scale, but that fat will stay and when you gain back some pounds, it will be more fat... Yes, you are on a limited calorie diet so you wont feel like running a marathon or lifting weights, but you REALLY need to move your body- take a long walk, walk stairs instead of taling an elevator etc. This is why these types of diets need to be under doctor care- you need soneone explaining this. I think you guys remember that 13 months ago i paid for my bff to have gastric bypass- i also have another friend who was vrey helpful. Patients going through this extreme surgery have two commandments- thou shall eat protein, and thou shall exercise. SO important- and the reason for this is to maintain muscle mass. Why eat protein? Bariatric surgery patients know that protein is the only thing that the body needs that cannot be taken by a supplement. (i assume this cleanse has vitamin supplements- you all should be taking that too, if not in the first days then in the longer term maintenance period) Even from the medifast days - lean and green -why green? Spinach and broccoli are the veggies with the highest protein content. So sorry to get on a soapbox, but i care so much about you all and i am somewhat concerned that you may be jumping from fad diet to fad diet without understanding enough about the nutritional impacts and understanding what these diets do to your body, how and why they get results etc.

Picture-Perfect · Guru

Megan I really appreciate your insight and thoughts, you really seem educated and I appreciate that you convey it caringly. As someone who did mf and now is doing advocare, I consider myself someone who is trying to find the best way to make a life change. I have unfortunately lacked motivation and mf and advocare seem to have been the best ways for me to jump in and try. A lot of people tell me just exercise and eat healthy I guess I can't just do that at least not from the beginning. I see a lot of changes between mf and advocare. With this advocare cleanse, I eat. All day long. And things I think I should eat, protein and lots of it, fruits, veggies, nuts, and there are many additional options in the second phase. I am rarely hungry. I love that i'm learning about healthier options. I drink over 100 oz of water a day and I look forward to it. Spark is an energy drink with a lot of vitamins and caffeine, no sugar. So I can drink that or I could drink a diet soda, I have been off soda for over 10 days something I really needed to do. I work out with no problems on advocare because I am eating. I do cardio, and weights, and fitness classes. My hope and goal is to finish this 24 day program and continue rolling along with a motivating life changing (in regards to what I "think" I should eat and exercise) frame of mind.

I loved my results from mf but I think the thought of how I would evolve into maintainance messed me up. I lost the weight then just went back to eating whatever I wanted. It felt good to be over 20 pounds lighter. Advocare just seems more well rounded to me. Anyhow these are just my initial thoughts, there are many many success stories from both medifast and advocare users. I work with a lot of people who have done or are doing it so i'm just making the best decision for me. It's certainly hard being very overweight and trying to choose a path.

Oh and something that really speaks to me is I am not counting calories. I eat healthy and exercise and take the fiber and supplements. I really like that :)

-- Edited by Picture-Perfect on Thursday 10th of November 2011 08:16:46 AM