Six Week Weight-Loss & Detox Program

Lately - even though I have been continuing to watch what I eat and exercise - my weight loss has been at a stand-still. I would work hard, no weight would come off and I was feeling gross. I don't know what it was, but I felt like my digestive system wasn't happy with me. After hearing my aunt Susie talk about this detox program that she did for six weeks, I knew that I had to find out some more information about it. Basically, the program requires the participant to remove all processed food from their diet. Also, we're not allowed to eat any carbohydrates (bread, crackers, cereal, granola bars, etc.) and sugar (fruit, cookies, ice cream, etc.) and any dairy products that we ingest must be full fat (10% yogurt, cheese, sour cream, etc.) In addition to eating protein (meat, nuts) and vegetables at every meal, we are required to make a homemade lemonade (de-mineralized water, lemon juice, maple syrup & cayenne pepper) that will help cut our appetite and speed up our metabolism. As the weeks go on, we'll begin to cut out some meals, working towards your final detox week where we will only rely on the lemonade for nutrients.

When I first mentioned the whole thing to my family, they thought that I was completely insane. My aunt, who isn't out of shape nor overweight, did this because she too was having digestive problems and in the process lost 12lbs. So I figured, hey, if she can do it, so can I.

I had no choice but to tell some friends about it. At first, I kind of wanted to keep it a secret because I didn't want anyone judging me, but as soon as I brought my yellow-water to work, I had a ton of questions. After explaining the detox to Ariella, Kim and Mandy, I managed to convince them to join with me. It makes the whole process a lot easier because we have each other to rely on for support, meal tips and exercising.

Every Friday we meet with Astley, the naturopath that set up the program, and provides guidance through out. He gives us some tips and then sends us on our way for the next week's challenges. I have to admit, I really like this guy. He has such an optimistic outlook on health, it's really inspiring. I know that I am capable to lose weight and keep healthy on my own, but knowing that I have to work hard for my weigh-in every week, it keeps me motivated because I don't want to disappoint him.

I have no problem telling you readers my weight, because I hope that someone out there comes across this blog and gets inspired from it. Just remember, to keep working hard and the numbers can only go down... not up. That's what I keep telling myself... It can only get better from here.

Starting Weight (before detox program): 208lbs
(Before I started working out and eating properly I was at 235lbs)
WEEK ONE: 6lbs (202lbs)
WEEK TWO: 5lbs (197lbs: Bye 200's, I'll NEVER see you again!!!!)
WEEK THREE: 3lbs (194lbs)
WEEK FOUR: 1lb (193lbs... disappointed.)
WEEK FIVE: 3lbs (190lbs)
WEEK SIX: 0lbs (190lbs: Since I detoxed last week, and this week I was eating food again, it was obvious that I wouldn't see a change this week)
End Weight (after detox program): 190lbs

... and it's not over after this.

Big Butts

I saw this on a friend's Facebook page and I couldn't resist posting it here
Love it!

Summer time = Aloe Vera Parties

Apparently I've been bad with keeping up with my blog, I don't mind it too much though. That just means that when I decide to write, it's because I have something to say, get off my chest or because I can't sleep. Right now, just like most of my blogs lately, I am typing this up on my blackberry, in bed. I've got Sex and the City playing and I've lathered my very sunburnt body with aloe vera... Relief.
Today was a good day, I went for breakfast with two of my favorite girls. There is something about those two that warm my heart... It's weird to say that, but it's true. I just feel comfortable around them. I feel like I can share anything with them, and they'll understand. They just get me.
Then I met up with some work friends and we all did some shopping. I made two good purchases, and look forward to tomorrow where I will run some more errands for my trip on Saturday! Vegas, here I come!
About a half hour ago, I got off MSN with James. Once again, we discussed our boy troubles. I love how our conversations are filled with cynical remarks, sarcastic comments and advice. We comfort each other in a weird way, I think.
The more I watch, the more I realized that I am Miranda Hobbes: cynical, driven and ironically family oriented. It's funny how we can all relate to one of these fictional characters...
I wonder if one day I will become a lawyer and find love, just like her.
My eyes are getting heavy... I guess this blog wasn't as important as I intended on making it... Other than the fact that I bored myself to sleep.
Oh well, bonne nuit.
Maybe some sort of excitment will happen in my dreams? I'll keep you posted.

" I don't understand what's wrong with you girls."

I wish I knew too.
I guess, to a certain extent, I have not been gifted with the "girlfriend gene."
Selina attempted to give Mel and I some advice today at dinner but no matter how much she tried to help and understand our points, she can't. She's never been there, nor has Kate. They are on one end of the spectrum and we're on the other.
Confidence is something that I've lacked all my life, and even though I am slowly getting better, I'll never be completely at ease.
Hmmm, so where does the problem lie?
I don't know.
How do I fix something that I can't even describe. I can just feel it; a pressure on my heart.

When the fun is over, real life kicks in.

So last week I was on vacation, and it felt like FOREVER since I didn't have to worry about school or work. The days would come and go, and everything was up to me: what I was going to do, who I was going to see, and how I was going to do it, was all in my hands! I already miss it.

Sunday:
After making a pit stop at Maria's camp to drop of some things, I spent the day with my family in St-Sauveur, shopping around and going for lunch. Afterwards, I met up with James, Jess and Megan in St-Jerome where we began our journey to camp Weredale to see Katlynne. With a tin of 24 cupcakes reading "We love you Kay", we said our last good-byes since she will be spending the rest of the summer out of the country... Lucky girl! We are going to miss her tons though <3

Monday:
I spent the afternoon with Tamara, we did some shopping at Fairview. After that, we set up my GPS and drove to Il Motore (thank God for the wooden sign with Il Motore written in dripping paint, otherwise, I would've never found the place.) We got to sneak into the venue, thanks to Mike, and avoid the downpour. I had never heard M.T.L play before, but I decided to check it out since it was a show that could either make or break their career in the music industry. Executives from Universal, Musique Plus and Much Music were there to hear them play, and to possibly sign the band. It was such an amazing show!

Tuesday:
The best day of the week! I got to go to La Ronde with a bunch of my Maxi amigos, and friends. The whole event was a fundraiser for Mandy and Ariella. Not only did we have an amazing time splashing in the puddles, laughing hysterically, screaming on the rides (I can still hear Jon screaming haha!) but the girls got to raise $140 for the walk too. After spending about 8 hours at the park, we decided to head out for dinner at Sir Winston Churchill Pub on Crescent, with the idea in mind that we would also take advantage of their $2.50 drink special. But due to their "anti-shorts" dress code, we couldn't get in... Oh well, the day was spent in good company!

Wednesday:
I went shopping with Janna. I basically dragged her into every sports' store known to man in order to find running shoes for the walk. I found a pair, and they are really comfy, but I find them pretty ugly. I don't get what it is about running shoes, but they really aren't fashionable at all. The ones that I liked, didn't have enough support... It was a frustrating experience, but it was nice to drive around and spend the day with my little sister since it doesn't happen too often!

Thursday:
I wore my Canadian red tank top proudly! I am a proud Canadian all year 'round, but there is something about this holiday that puts a smile on my face. I just love it. I spent the evening in the Old Port with the gang (James, Alex, Spencer and Jess) to see the (despicable) fireworks. We were supposed to meet up with Mandy, Jon and Ariella but they got lost and couldn't find us until later on in the night. I love walking those cobble-stone streets! The best part of the night was probably the drive home though... I was in Mandy's car and we spent the whole ride home laughing and singing obnoxiously. I love them, they are seriously the only reason that I am still at my job.

Friday:
First sun burn of the year! After running some errands with my family, I spent the afternoon outside reading. It had been a long time since I picked up a book, so I decided to continue reading one that I had started at the end of the semester: House Rules by Jodi Picoult. As much as I love being out and about all the time, there is nothing more relaxing then just sitting in the sun, with the wind blowing through your hair and a good book in your lap. I love it. After supper, I went and saw The Karate Kid with the family. Although I was eager to see how Jaden Smith would do in his first film, I wasn't overly keen on seeing the movie. I was pleasantly surprised, the movie was actually amazing! Jaden Smith was amazing through out and will continue the family legacy, and will make his Dad proud, in the movie-industry.

Saturday:
MORE READING! :)
In the afternoon, it was just Mom, Dad and I. This like NEVER happens! I had a really good day with them running errands. It was nice. I wish it happened more often.

And that was that.
Now I'm back at work.
Dealing with customers.
Oh boy.
Now all I have to do, is wait for August, the fun will start all over again!

man's best friend

One day the collar will break and you will lose your dog.
Let her run free, and the leash that you always kept around her neck will not be needed anymore. Instead of walking in front of you, she will walk by your side.
Sit, stay, good girl.

seeing is believing

As humans, we have the ability to see and decipher messages with the use of our eyes. From optical illusions to just looking both ways when crossing the street, our eyes give us a power to analyze our surroundings and draw our own conclusions.
But how is that we tend to oversee the simplicity in our everyday world and instead concentrate on the bigger picture?
Ever heard of the saying "it's right in front of your nose?"... Well, it is.
Open up your eyes, darling, the opportunity is right in front of you.