Team Estrogen 11-11-11 sale

Friday, November 11, 2011

This may be worth checking out!

11 items at $11 for ONLY 11 hours,
plus free shipping!
www.teamestrogen.com/content/
promotions_11HourSale

C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ROBBIEMARIE 11/11/2011 11:45AM

DANG! How did I get unsubscribed to your blogs???? urggggggg Well, know I'm resubsrcibed. Wondered why I hadn't been hearing what was up with you! grrrrrrrrrr Now to go check out what's above..... Report Inappropriate Comment

APIRLRAIN888 11/11/2011 11:32AM

Very cool store for triathlete hahaha too don't need anything right Now Report Inappropriate Comment

APIRLRAIN888 11/11/2011 11:29AM

Awesome Report Inappropriate Comment

Reboot Entry day 12 quickie

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Things have been busy here today, but I wanted to swing by to leave a small accounting of day 12 to stick with my consistency here.

Weight:
Saturday - 221.4
Sunday - 220.2
Monday - 220.4
Tuesday - 220.8
Wednesday - 220.4
Thursday - 219.8

I'm counting on that going back up before I'm done. I haven't forgotten that the scale lies!

Yesterday was good. Great eating day, got in all my meals, juices, and teas. I'm waffling (ha! waffle!) on what to have for breakfast on Sunday morning. Yes, I'm already thinking about it. Part of me would like a whole wheat waffle with apple/peach compote. Part of me says ditch the waffle and just have the apple/peach compote. I'm wondering if I'll be all zoomy after my first cuppa coffee. Odd little thoughts like that zipping around in my noggin.

C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSTANG_SALLY2 11/11/2011 10:35AM

You are doing so well. I'm excited for you. I love waffles, I vote for that! LOL Have a great weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALING_LORI 11/10/2011 10:05PM

Enjoy that cupa coffee! You're Awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

MALKS_ARIA 11/10/2011 10:02PM

Good Job!!! LOL I would not be able to do without the waffle :) but I admit I am not doing as well as you are!! aria Report Inappropriate Comment

IMIN2GENES 11/10/2011 8:19PM

Wow! You're doing great. Waffle sounds yummy as does the compote. Whatever you decide, enjoy it! I almost wish I could be there to see you after your first cuppa joe! LOL! I'll bet it will be pretty good... Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYLEP67 11/10/2011 8:05PM

Nice work chickie!! So proud of you...! G Report Inappropriate Comment

APIRLRAIN888 11/10/2011 5:31PM

Awesome Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 11/10/2011 4:28PM

Nice to hear all is well. Have the waffle unless you plan on skipping them for the rest of your life. It's a journey not a destination right? Report Inappropriate Comment

BETHHONEY 11/10/2011 4:17PM

Glad things are going well for you! That waffle with fruit compote sounds really good. I hope your weekend is fun. =) Report Inappropriate Comment

Reboot Entry Day 11 (long, sorry)

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Today has been a good day. Of course, it's early still so anything can (and likely WILL) happen. But for now, so far, it's been good.

Last night's dinner at the Mongolian grill was very good. I enjoyed it very much - there was no prep work, no cooking, and no clean-up. How can you not love that? I went heavy on the broccoli and mushrooms, added a few sprouts which are technically not on the approved food list for the Reboot if they were bean sprouts, avoided the noodles and the tofu, and was full but not stuffed, happily satisfied with my vegetarian meal last night.

After dinner, we swung by Marshalls. The office where I work has an odd heating/cooling system. When I was sitting by the windows, I was perpetually cold. I've moved across the aisle now, out from under a suspect vent, and yet I'm still cold. Not as bad as I was, but still. So, my mission last night was to purchase a sweater that I could leave at the office. I have a sweatshirt here now, but it's more sloppy comfy than it is office appropriate, so I opted to upgrade. I found two sweaters I liked and decided to treat myself to both of them. This is a good thing!

Weight:
Saturday - 221.4
Sunday - 220.2
Monday - 220.4
Tuesday - 220.8
Wednesday - 220.4

Blah blah, whatever. Moving on.

Gaye, you're completely right (and you're completely awesome, thank you SO MUCH for the kind compliment/observation!), I've been fortunate to lose what I have so far - this reboot isn't designed as a weight-loss method, but as a means of getting your body back into balance and perhaps changing up your entire nutritional lifestyle. Would I like to see the numbers go down even more before I'm done? Heck yea. Will I live if they don't? Probably LOL So yea, whatever. It's all good, because I have been successful! I've stuck with a plan that is not typical for me at all, and I've done very well with it.

I haven't talked a lot about the Reboot in specific detail much. I cut back even more when I read BethHoney was concerned I was trying a fad diet and compared me to a friend of hers who got sick doing something similar. I don't do fads, and I'm not endangering my health or well-being. I've become educated about my nutrition thanks to Spark, but there's always room to learn more.

www.fatsickandnearlydead.com

Let me explain a bit. I watched a movie called 'Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead' on Netflix. I watched it because our friends TurtleRaskin and Lisa01605 mentioned it in their blog, and Lisa talked about doing a Reboot. I was curious, so I found the movie and watched it. If you haven't seen it yet, I do recommend it!

So I watched the movie and was intrigued by it. The thought of juicing sounded interesting, but I was still training for my Half and I couldn't deviate from that plan. Once the Half was done, though, I took a weekend to visit my sister, and then came home to a week's prep work to begin the reboot.

www.jointhereboot.com

From the site itself:
"How do I promote weight loss during the Reboot?
The primary goal of the Reboot is to begin a journey of health and wellness for a lasting lifestyle change. Weight loss is typically a side effect of a Reboot, which for some individuals is great news. For many, weight loss may be a key reason you would like to try a Reboot, as a jump start to a long term weight loss plan. For others, weight loss is just a temporary by-product of the Reboot and not a primary goal."

and:
"You will most likely lose weight during the 15-day Reboot. This is mainly due to the fact that you are ingesting fewer calories than usual as well as using body stores of protein and fats to keep your brain and normal bodily functions working during the juice fast. It is very natural for a little weight to come back on after the Reboot period, even with a healthy, micronutrient rich diet. But try not to be discouraged. By following a well designed, calorie controlled micronutrient rich eating plan, your healthy weight loss can continue after your Reboot."

The plan I'm following is a 15-day Entry program. It's solids and juices, and vegan if you don't use honey to sweeten your allotted tea each day (thanks Turtle!). You can read more about the programs and how it works by checking out the FAQs.

This is all to say that this isn't necessarily a fad diet. It's not saying that this is the only way you should eat, ever. It's a way to clean out your .. my system. Before I started, I was having quite a few digestive issues. My skin was suffering as well, breakouts occurring like I was 16 or something. That was due to the way I was eating, all of it. Yes, I had the Spark plan to follow, but I didn't. I printed it out, I planned on it, I shopped for it, then I ignored it after 5 p.m. Popcorn with butter, anyone? That was me, lots of butter. Lots of nut butter, too much, so much so that the fat I was ingesting was making itself known on my face. Seriously, want to know how I'm doing with my nutrition? Look at my face. Right now, it's cleared up nicely. I just knocked wood (particle board?) in hopes of it staying that way.

Paraselenic asked a few questions..
have you noticed a change in your body/energy level/ mood etc. on this plan? How closely are you following the 15 day meal plan?
Have you been craving anything that surprised you?

The nearly two weeks I've been on this plan have been some of the hardest this year. Not because I'm on this plan - it has absolutely nothing to do with this plan. It has to do with high stress situations going on personally that otherwise would have driven me into a bag or 12 of potato chips or a dozen or 3 giant chocolate chip cookies, sticks of butter, tubs of chip dip and ice cream and who knows what else. This plan has given me an anchor to hold fast to. I was determined to Stick To It! I was going to do this if it choked me. Grrrr!

The first two days were rough, emotionally more-so than physically. I got through it though. The next few days, my energy came up. I felt good, I felt zippy. Aside from the 4 lb TOM water-weight drop, my body started releasing lbs again slowly. I learned to adjust to feeling a bit more tired. I believe the Reboot has helped me manage my way through the upset better than I would have without it, perhaps helping me avoid a full-blown bout of depression.

Even though my fiber intake has increased quite a bit with the Reboot, my system has slowed down from its normal processes - ahem. The Reboot site offers suggestions if your system slows down or processes too quickly. That's something to keep in mind as you go through this.

I've followed the plan 90-95%. There were times when it called for a specific snack, but instead I put together a similar but different dish. Or I was supposed to have a soup with lunch, but instead saved it for later. Things like that. I haven't eaten any foods off-plan (except those sprouts I mentioned earlier). No grains, no meats, no dairy. Avocados have become my creamy friends in my salads. Oh, and no coffee. Beware the possible headaches when you kick the caffeine.

The only cravings I've had have been fleeting. One day I "smelled" McDonald's hamburger buns. I don't know why, I've had McD's maybe once in the last 2-3 years. It's not a regular staple of my diet. Someone brought giant bagels into work one day and sent out an email that they were available at the coffee station. I wanted one, or maybe just a quarter of one, at that time, but the want passed because I knew it was psychological and not biological.

My gut is better. My energy levels fluctuated all over the place. I ditched the gym for ST and Zumba this week. It's not because of the Reboot, but because of my own emotional rollercoaster. I think I'm finding my way through the upheaval, which accounts for today being a good day.

Saturday will be my last Reboot day. The site suggests a reboot every quarter. I'm sure I'll revisit it again, now that I'm familiar with the process, and the progress. I am looking forward to having a cuppa coffee on Sunday. I'll likely go back to having morning coffees, but perhaps not quite as sweet. I've considered sticking to a mostly vegetarian plan provided by Spark, and supplementing it with chicken and fish now and again. I haven't finalized that part of it yet. We'll see where I end up.

For now, though, I do recommend the Reboot Entry 15-day plan if you're looking to shake things up nutritionally and want to try something new and/or different. Let me know what other questions you have that I haven't answered and I'll be happy to cover them.
C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSTANG_SALLY2 11/11/2011 12:14PM

I added 'Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead' to Netflix. I'm going to watch it soon. Won't have time this weekend but I'll see what I can do. I'm proud of you looking at things and evaluating them as they fit into your life and your needs. I'm glad you took time to write this. It gave me things to think about. Hope the upheaval turns into a victory for you and that things become calmer and happier soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALING_LORI 11/10/2011 2:50PM

I certainly think this was a great refreshment for your body! Like you said it's a detox for health, not a diet! I think you proved that it does flush out your body and allows your body to soak up all the goodness! Kudos to you for sticking through it! I think I'd have a hard time with it.... I'd certainly need to get used to the taste of the juices (not a huge fan of green juices) but it's something I'd like to consider! Good for you Candy.... Report Inappropriate Comment

MALKS_ARIA 11/10/2011 8:54AM

Wowsie!!! Hope you continue having success with your Lifestyle change :) It sounds like what you needed at the right time!! aria Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSUSUZZZIE 11/9/2011 5:34PM

I've been very curious about this and your blog was very informative. And interesting what Turtle posted about protein...that was one area that I wondered about but haven't checked. I especially LOVE that the "plan has given me an anchor to hold fast to" and "perhaps helping me avoid a full-blown bout of depression." That's awesome and I hope that your system is sufficiently rebooted to keep things under control when things get tough. And your tummy is feeling better too...that makes it worth a lot. Good luck with the next phase of your eat-plan and the reintroduction of coffee and whatever else. Comment edited on: 11/9/2011 5:35:19 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

APIRLRAIN888 11/9/2011 3:59PM

Wow awesome, interesting movie title Report Inappropriate Comment

PARASELENIC 11/9/2011 2:34PM

Thank you so much for responding to my questions! My husband and I watched fat, sick, and nearly dead which sparked our interest in this reboot as well. Your feedback is very useful in planning the timing of when we decide to start-- if the first two days are the worst, then we'll probably start on a saturday, to allow the worst parts to happen at home exclusively. I'm glad to hear that your energy levels are doing okay and I find the mcD's craving pretty funny. I was on a "cleanse" a couple years back that had a very limited food intake, too-- NO grains, soy, dairy, meat, eggs, or tomatoes, corn, or pineapple-- and I would wake up from a dead sleep CRAVING wheat toast and corn on the cob-- like itchy arms heroin addict craving-- so I'm betting I'll go through a similar bit on this, too. Again, thank you for blogging your experiences-- it's very helpful. Report Inappropriate Comment

LISA01605 11/9/2011 2:03PM

I am so glad you have had such a good experience with the reboot!. If you have the time I highly recommend reading Eat To Live by Joel Furhman. It has really changed my life... at least so far, it's only been a couple of months. His eating plan is similar to the reboot. It is vegan (mostly) with beans, nuts, and seeds added in. After a 6 week strict period he allows for up to 12 oz of meat a week, preferably chicken or fish. I just feel so good and have so much energy. The pounds are dropping off too. The best part is I am never hungry. Veggies, fruits, and beans are unlimited. You can't eat too many greens! More and more I am reading that a plant based diet is best for health and weight loss. Not necessarily exclusively, but the more the better. Report Inappropriate Comment

TURTLERASKIN 11/9/2011 1:51PM

This does sound great! In doing my research, I was intrigued to find out how little protein we actually need (0.5g per kg of body weight), AND that we get 1/6 of our protein from our stomach lining, so if you're low in a day, no worries. I had worried about doing something like a reboot because I usually am quite low in protein (above the recommended level, but low by spark standards) and I thought it would be lower. But it sounds like it's pretty good, actually -- and yummy too! As for the waste treatment facility, I so hear you. When I have a weekend away where I don't control my food, the facility seems to mostly shut down. It picks back up for a day when I eat well again, then shuts down for a couple more days before getting back to normal. Our bodies are weird, man. Report Inappropriate Comment

IRISHBEANERGAL 11/9/2011 1:42PM

No need to be sorry... we've been waiting for your thoughts! I'm glad this has been a good experience for you. It sounds interesting, and I plan to check out the link you provided. ~Irish Report Inappropriate Comment

Reboot Entry day 10

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Day 10. Nearly at the end of the Reboot. I'm still eating to plan, although I am planning on going off plan this evening. Instead of staying and cooking, we'll be going to Chang's Mongolian Grill. It's one of my favorite places, and it really lends itself to the Reboot.

For those of you not familiar with a mongolian grill - picture a salad bar, stocked with a variety of meats - beef, lamb, shrimp, chicken, salmon - slightly frozen and sliced very thin. You can also select noodles - spaghetti shaped noodles. The next section is all fresh veggies - broccoli, mushrooms, tomatos, carrots, spinach, peppers, onions, even tofu. The last section is a series of liquids - hot oil, sesame oil, ginger/water, garlic/water, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar water.

Now, you take a bowl (or two) and start at one end of the bar and work your way down, adding whatever ingredients you want. I used to get the beef, or the chicken, but now I bypass the meat altogether. I used to get the noodles, but again, I'm skipping it. At the veggie section, I load up with all the good stuff. Finally, you top it with whatever liquids you want to cook your goods in. I like the hot oil, garlic/water, and soy sauce.

Take your bowl[s] up the counter and wait patiently. Very skilled men will take your bowls and slap the contents down on this huge, very hot grill. Your nummy food will be grilled and cooked and flavored to your particular liking. When it's done, they scoop it off the grill onto a plate and hand it to you. I personally must add some sesame seeds to the resulting dish before happily returning to my table.

THAT is what I'm having for dinner tonight. I'll count every morsel, and enjoy every bite, the scale be damned.

Weight:
Saturday - 221.4
Sunday - 220.2
Monday - 220.4
Tuesday - 220.8

I sighed and laughed at the scale this morning. Fine. Whatever. My systems aren't processing exactly as they should be right now (ahem.. for the love of Pete!) so I'm not sweatin' it too much. I'd prefer to see the scale move a bit more before the end of the 15 days, but if it doesn't, that's fine. I've released a good amount, and will have to see how my body reacts once the Reboot is done and I figure out a different nutritional plan. That'll be interesting!
C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MILLY61 11/9/2011 1:08PM

Well done for sticking with the meal plan, it doesn't sound an easy plan to stick to...a good detox though. I hope you enjoy your Mongolian barbeque, that was one of my favourite places to eat out before I became vegetarian. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDESERTDDAWN 11/9/2011 9:50AM

Hope you enjoyed it! I adore how you use the word 'release'. I use it as well as I feel it is absolutely appropriate. Here's to letting go of more and more. Hope you felt the reboot did the trick and rebooted your energy and even motivation for more than just releasing pounds. dDawn Report Inappropriate Comment

GETFIT2LIVE 11/8/2011 9:52PM

Mmmm, love Mongolian grill---it can be a REALLY healthy option (or not, depending on what you choose, LOL!). Congrats on the progress, you are doing awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 11/8/2011 8:30PM

Congrats on your weight loss Candy! It may not be what you wanted but the scale IS moving in the right direction. Don't let it discourage you. BTW (and for those who have never met Candy) if someone asked me how much you weigh, I might have guessed at the 180+ number so the scale doesn't tell all! Report Inappropriate Comment

PARASELENIC 11/8/2011 6:49PM

CBailey-- have you noticed a change in your body/energy level/ mood etc. on this plan? How closely are you following the 15 day meal plan? Have you been craving anything that surprised you? My husband and I were thinking of a juice fast, but this seems much more realistic and doable as the kick in the pants to get back on track... would just like to know more how it's going specifically-- what to expect... Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSUSUZZZIE 11/8/2011 2:05PM

I haven't tried a Mongolian Grill and it sounds super-yummy! Thank you for the tip! And enjoy your dinner! Report Inappropriate Comment

ENDUROVET 11/8/2011 1:58PM

There's a great Mongolian grill not too far from my office - need to make that more of a habit & cut out the Chick-Fil-A! I have been psyching up for a Reboot after my friend & I went to see the movie a couple of wks ago... You have done terrific! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAREN42BOYS 11/8/2011 1:47PM

I've never done a Mongolian barbecue even though we have one in our town. You make it sound delightful. I'm eager to see what happens once you're done with this 15 day cycle. I'm thinking of doing this right after Thanksgiving. You just go pave the way for me! Report Inappropriate Comment

IRISHBEANERGAL 11/8/2011 12:31PM

I LOVE "the grill" (as we call it up here in Washington LOL) - and my kids do too. You've made me want to go! Enjoy your night out - and congrats on the progress with the reboot! ~Irish Report Inappropriate Comment

APIRLRAIN888 11/8/2011 12:14PM

Woohoo love Mongolian grill.....hmm gotta find one here Report Inappropriate Comment

LISA01605 11/8/2011 11:44AM

Love the sound of that restaurant! Sounds like a very healthy meal! Report Inappropriate Comment

Reboot Entry day 9

Monday, November 07, 2011

Here it is Monday already.

Weight:
Saturday - 221.4
Sunday - 220.2
Monday - 220.4

Do you love your bed? I absolutely love my bed right now. It's a queen size sleigh bed, which means it stands very tall, and has a tall headboard and footboard. More importantly than that, though, is what's on it right now. I have this really nice set of sheets on it. They're like an ice-blue, or very light turquoise-y color. For whatever reason, I find that color very soothing and inviting. Maybe like slipping into the turquoise-y blue sea on some tropical isle. On top of the sheets I have this really nice fluffy comforter. It's not the prettiest thing ever - it's not floral or colorful, just a subtle beige. I have a nice fluffy, but not too fluffy, pillow. When I crawl into bed at night, it's like the most comfortable restful place. I just sink into the softness, the comfort, and since it's getting cooler at night, the warmth slowly invades and spreads. It's not a sudden jolt of warmth, but a nice easing into.

It's good to love your bed, to find it peaceful and restful. A place of refuge when you've come to the end of a long day. Just make sure you don't love it so much that you prefer not to leave it when the morning comes.
C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GAYEMC 11/8/2011 8:23PM

Great blog! I love my bed also. It's high, has a tall head board (no foot board) and canopy rails for hanging sheer fabric over. I changed the sheets Sunday and that night crawling into bed was heaven. Down pillows and comforter, fresh scent and my puppy Sophie. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROXIT22222 11/7/2011 8:42PM

I spent too much time in my bed today.... a comfy sliegh bed too. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALING_LORI 11/7/2011 5:49PM

I think I know exactly how you feel about "Loving" your bed! I do too! I always think of my grandmother and the sleepovers that I would have at her house. As a kid I used to love the guest bed at their house. She had a way of making the bed so perfect and tight that when I would crawl in it was just so perfectly cozy. And the smell of the fresh sheets was so peaceful. I actually have a queen size deep foam mattress and although it is old and getting worn..... I "LOVE" my bed! Report Inappropriate Comment

APIRLRAIN888 11/7/2011 5:45PM

Got best bed ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSUSUZZZIE 11/7/2011 1:48PM

Many years ago when we stayed at a B&B-type inn, we slept in THE most comfortable bed ever. After that, I realized that we needed to make sure our bed at home was that comfortable. Right now our guest room has the most comfortable set-up...but we wouldn't have known that if it wasn't for the barking neighbor dogs driving us downstairs for a little quieter sleep. LOL! I'm glad you have a great bed. There's nothing like ending the day in a cozy and comfortable place. Wishing you many-many great nights of sleep in your wonderful bed! Report Inappropriate Comment

IRISHBEANERGAL 11/7/2011 12:14PM

I love my bed as well... about 4 yrs ago my best friend (of 30+ years) surprised me with a bedroom make over - literally while I was out with a friend she had a crew come in and re-do my bedroom. It's the nicest looking room in the house LOL - I hope the reboot is continuing to be a success! ~Irish Report Inappropriate Comment

TURTLERASKIN 11/7/2011 12:05PM

My bed used to be too soft when I was about fifty pounds heavier; now, however, it's just about the right firmness! And I hear you on the blues and turquioses. For me, it's green; I have the walls of my bedroom painted a pale mint green; when sun shines on them (and particularly when the sun reflects off the pool onto my walls in that dappled, wavy pattern), it makes me feel so peaceful. Yay for respite! Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSTANG_SALLY2 11/7/2011 11:58AM

My bed is not as restful as it use to be. Literally and figuratively. My bedroom is lighthouses and my bed is covered w/a puppy blanket that I remove at night when I sleep. It's not pretty at all. I do have nice sheets so that's a plus. I keep thinking I want to invest in some comfortable mattress/box spring set but I have to save up to buy some good ones. These I bought a few years ago have not held up. Ugh. Did you run over the weekend? We walked some w/the pups. Poor Toby is limping again. Ugh. Report Inappropriate Comment