So I’ve been MIA for a week now……sorry for the absence but trust me, you didn’t want to hear from me. I’ve been battling some kind of funky, bad mood for almost a week. You know the kind that leaves you feeling mediocre at everything and makes you just want to throw in the towel?? Today I seem to be in a better place so I figured it was time to give you an update since I’m done with the Cleanse phase of my 24 Day Challenge. So…..drumroll please……I lost a pound. Yep, 1 stinky pound. I’ve been frustrated and bummed over the last week because the scale keeps moving up and down. I’ve felt like my clothes were looser but the scale isn’t moving, so what gives??? Well today I measured and…….are you ready……huh, huh?? I don’t know why I’m teasing, it’s not like anyone is reading this anyway. I lost 9 inches!!!! NINE….9…..freaking 9 inches! I was so excited to see that number after taking my measurements. It means all the work is paying off just not how I’m used to seeing it. I’ve lost 3.5 inches off my waist in 10, yes TEN, days! Proof that the scale shouldn’t be the end all, be all of weight loss progress.


I’m not going to tell you it was easy because this last week I’ve really been struggling with my emotions (and I think some hormone stuff too) so it has been a constant struggle to stay away from comfort food, i.e., chocolate. I also had some stomach problems for a couple of days which made me want to eat….I’m a weirdo and want to eat when my stomach hurts cause that makes it all better, right?? But hey, I made it to the other side of the cleanse with no real battle wounds and that is a victory in itself!

Something I will say is that Advocare promises to help you get into healthy eating habits (and it totally does that). You will read a lot of testimonials about people feeling amazing after taking Advocare. I have no doubt they feel amazing and the Spark is definitely a drink that will put pep in your step but I think most of the energy and overall feeling of wellness comes from eating clean. I’m not saying that Advocare supplements don’t work or are not worth the money because I LOVE them and wholeheartedly believe in them. What I am saying is that the cost can scare some people off. It seems like an investment and some people don’t have money to invest in their health because they have to ummm, feed their kids! If you can afford Advocare I say do it….you won’t be sorry and really the supplements/challenge/spark aren’t horribly expensive when you factor in the lifestyle changes you will make (lack of eating out, no more sodas, etc.); however, you CAN take control of your weight, your health, your fitness level with no help from Advocare. I believe Advocare helps lighten the load (I truly don’t crave diet sodas anymore and that is the one thing I refused to give up – even after I started eating clean) but it isn’t absolutely necessary to get where you want to be. What is necessary……determination, a plan, a little will power and a lot of hardwork! I’m not where I want to be but I’m a heck of a lot closer than I was 18 months ago. The process has been slow and frustrating and hard and amazing and rewarding all at the same time. I’m proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I still suck at running (running a race is on my bucket list) and I still can’t do more than 10 tricep dips at a time and my bat wings (aka underarm skin) would still double as a parachute should I ever be pushed out of a plane but I’m getting there. I’m making good choices one bite at a time. I’m pushing myself and believing in myself and forgiving myself and learning to be proud of me again. This time around has definitely been a marathon….parts of me wants to just be done but I know I have to pace myself if I want to be healthy rather than skinny.

So I have 14 more days…..started my morning with the chocolate meal replacement shake and all I can say is YUMMY! Way better than those crappy fiber shakes I’ve had to drink over the last week and a half. I’m excited again and anxious to see where I end up in 2 weeks. And I’m anxious to share it with you. Whether it helps to answer some questions about Advocare or it motivates you to start your own journey…..I hope it inspires you in some way to get healthy!

I will leave you with a “before” picture. This was the night before I delivered Abigail (almost 2.5 years ago). The “after” picture will be in my next post!