Showing posts with label clean eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clean eating. Show all posts

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Phase 3- End of Ultimate Reset! Complete Review

Let me start by giving you a brief overview of what the Ultimate Reset is: 

The Ultimate Reset is a 21 day program. 
In these 21 days, you follow a recommended meal plan and supplements.
In just 21 days, the Ultimate Reset can help you gently restore your body to its original "factory settings," to help you:
Flush your organs of toxins *
Improve your digestion *
Increase energy *
Have a more positive mood and better focus *
Lose weight (and improve your BMI) *
Lower your cholesterol *
Eliminate dependencies on sugar and caffeine *
Improve your overall health. *

* In an open-label clinical study, 50 participants followed the Ultimate Reset's supplements and clean eating program for 21 days. After the program, participants in the study achieved healthy weight loss and experienced significant improvements in several key markers of health, including improving their BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure level already within normal healthy range. * 
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.** 
The following are MY results only.

In those 21 days , you will be taking your body through eliminating items from your diet that may be causing anything from inflammation to bloating. You start off eating a pretty regular balanced diet with items like meat, fish, eggs, and yogurt. When you finish the 21 days , you will be on a vegan diet which is focused on plant-based protein and centered around healthy fruits and vegetables.

I'll be the first to tell you that I know I don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. For me, this is one of the top reasons why I drink Shakeology. I know that my diet just not get me all of the vitamins, minerals and probiotics that I need to function at an optimal level. 

I'm busy - I'm a mom, a teacher, a blogger, a coach and I am on a budget. Shakeology fits into my budget, so why would I not be drinking Shakeology during the Ultimate Reset? The answer is : while during the Ultimate Reset , instead of drinking your calories , you want to be aware of how you're eating, what you're eating and actually chewing your food. For me , I spent these 21 days actually paying attention to what I was eating and removing the distractions caused by eating while I was working at the computer or eating while I was watching TV. I spent the time eating focused only on the food and I stopped when I was full. It was NOT a starvation diet, NOT a "cleanse" or a "SHAKE DIET." I was eating real food that was available in the stores- I found most items in the regular grocery store and the speciality items- like seaweed or tempeh were available at Whole Food. I have to admit the first week was expensive- I spent over $100 on food. But, weeks 2 and 3, I spent less and less because items like seasonings could be used over and over again. Week 2 I spent around $50 and week 3 I spent around $30.  I was actually surprised at how much food there really was to chose from. I've experienced foods that I would never normally make myself- like miso soup....and I learned that I do not like sea weed one bit! 

I will give you a little insight into the menus for the different phases. 

Phase 1: Reclaim- 
Supplements include: Power Greens, Mineralize, Soothe, Optimize.
Sample meals include items like: scrambled eggs with toast for breakfast. A micrgreen salad with miso soup for lunch. Baked salmon, asparagus, and potatoes for dinner. (After day 2, there is no meat or fish). Week 1 is all about removing  the animal proteins. 

Phase 2: Release- 
Supplements include: Power Greens, Mineralize, Soothe, Optimize, Detox. 
Sample meals include items like: fresh seasonal fruit plate for breakfast. Quinoa-Lentil pilaf, cucumber and tomato salad and avocado for lunch. Hearty vegetable miso soup, 1 cup cooked quinoa, and 1 cup steamed swiss chard for dinner. 

Phase 3: Restore- 
Supplements include: Power Greens, Mineralize, Soothe, Optimize, Revitalize. 
Sample meals include items like: fresh sesaonal fruit plate for breakfast. Asian cabbage salad, avocado, and miso soup for lunch. Baked sweet potato and garlic veggies for dinner. 

****All recipes for each phase are included with the program including salad dressings! ******


I have to be honest , there were many days that I was tired and I laid down and took a nap. There were many days that I would sleep in and I was able to since I'm a teacher and I was off for the summer. I picked these 21 days specifically for a reason. I knew that I wanted to finish up before the school year started. And that's exactly what I did. Part of me regretted starting it because I felt like it was going to rush me through my summer break... that I was going to lose time.... that I would be so focused on what I was eating or what I was not eating and then I would just be miserable to be around. But what I learned about my body was- that I can function by cutting out meat-I'm still getting protein; I'm still getting the carbs that my body needs. I learned from doing the Ultimate Reset was that instead of trying to rush through the program... instead of just trying to get finished for once... I was able to just enjoy the process enjoy each day even if it was hard and I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it through, I knew that I would; I trusted in the process and if I needed support, I would really rely on my challenge groups- they would answer questions and lend support and since they were either currently doing or had done the program, they knew exactly what I was going through.

When I start a new program, I usually will be on point for about three to four days, then I will start cheating. The Ultimate Reset really made me realize that I can make it through without cheating and honestly I did cheat! I had things that I wasn't supposed to have- like bacon, pizza and sandwiches. You know what??? I don't regret it!!! I don't feel bad about it; I don't feel like I need to redo the whole process because I "messed up". I acknowledged my cheats and realize that it was all a part of the process for me- for learning something different about myself and that I didn't need to beat myself up for having a piece of pizza or bacon or whatever it was that I had. 

I learned that I realize very heavily on my workouts to get me through the day... to get me through my life... to literally calm the craziness. I sweat out my emotions- the frustration- the anxieties- the worries- the depression and honestly I wasn't sure what I was going to do with cutting them out but since my body was in detox mode, I didn't have the energy and the stamina to put in an intense workout that was going to burn 500 calories. So a few of the days, I took a yoga class. I also did some Tai Cheng workouts, or some days, I would take a walk, a swim, or a bicycle ride.

Moving forward, now that I've completed the program and I've learned so much about myself (You may not have known that I hate taking pills, medication, supplements...anything that I have to swallow...but I did it; it wasn't so bad; I survived). I now can finally devote myself to a new workout plan and not feel guilty or selfish about devoting those 30 minutes a day to myself. I know that I need that time and I'm looking forward to adding back in vegan chocolate Shakeology I have really missed it so much- more than I ever thought that I would! It's funny how something as small as a shake can literally change your life. I'm excited to start Country Heat workouts and slowly bring back the foods that I've eliminated!  I've thought about keeping up with a vegan lifestyle and these are a few of the things that I plan to do :
- surround my meals with fruits and vegetables
- drink my Shakeology for breakfast so that I know I'm getting in the healthiest meal of the day
- encourage others in my household to try to eat healthier foods and not rely on processed foods for every meal
- to continue to cut out / rarely go to fast food restaurants
- to continue to check into my challenge groups and to give my clients and customers support no matter what challenges they're going through
- to continue to push play everyday and make time to get my workout in

I'm a pretty clean eater as well, with my normal cheats and sweets. The biggest thing I was concerned about was possibly losing muscle from not working out, but that didn't happen. I was 153 when I started and dropped to 143. Anything under 150 and I'm happy. My goal weight is about 130. I'm only 5'2". Ultimate Reset definitely helped give me the kick start I needed to get out of my "funk", and appreciate my workouts once again... You know what they say "You'll miss them when they're gone"....and I did miss the workouts and the shakeology!  I'm thankful I did the Ultimate Rest; even though I didn't have "extreme results." P.S. I kept the grains in the last week. If I would have eliminated them, I'm sure I would have dropped more weight too. 

If you would like more information about the Ultimate Reset, to see if the program may be for you, or if you would like to try any of the other programs, please email me at coachfreezeframe34@gmail.com. I will always recommend that you consult with your medical provider before starting this or any program especially if you have any medical concerns or conditions.
I look forward to hearing from you! If you have completed the Ultimate Reset before, please feel free to comment below! If you have any questions, feel free to post those too!

If you're looking for a shortened version of the Ultimate Reset, ask me about the 3 day refresh or check out my blog post here: http://inshapeforever.blogspot.com/2015/06/an-honest-review-of-beachbodys-3-day.html

Friday, July 31, 2015

In Shape Forever Montly Newsletter starts August 1, 2015

I'm super excited to release my In Shape Forever monthly newsletter starting August 1st, 2015.

I have a ton of ideas and I can not wait to share my mission of becoming In shape not only physically but also spiritually and mentally!

I'll be adding information on free groups, recipes, motivation and inspiration!

To join my newsletter list, comment your email below or email me at coachfreezeframe34@gmail.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

An Honest Review of Beachbody's '3- Day Refresh'

When the box first arrived at my door, I have to admit....I wasn't exactly too sure I was going to love doing the 3-day Refresh, which is a program designed by the company, Beachbody®.

A few of my friends had plans to complete the 21 day program called "Ultimate Reset", but I wasn't ready for that yet....I was used to taking baby steps towards my fitness goals.

I had never completed a "cleanse"...."detox"....or any "juice diets" before so I wasn't really sure if I was going to like it....let alone complete the whole thing. But, I had been feeling tired, bloated, and just plain miserable so I decided to give it a try....it's only 3 days, right?


I read over the booklet which came with the program, and I started to feel like maybe I can do this! I wouldn't be starving....I would be eating clean for 3 days....it was something that my body, mind, and soul definitely needed....a break from all of the junk I was feeding it!

I planned to start the program on a Monday; although, I would recommend starting on a Friday so that you have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to complete the program....But, ultimately, the choice is yours! Choose whatever day works best for you!

I went shopping for the foods I would be eating during the program. I was surprised that I didn't spend a ton of money. The foods I purchased were foods that I normally buy; although, they usually go bad before I eat them! This program would be make me be accountable for my spending and food intake! 

The items I bought for myself and used throughout the programs, include:
1 cantaloupe;
3 bananas;
1 pack of grape tomatoes;
1 red onion;
1 package of celery;
1 package of carrots;
2 cucumbers;
fresh green beans;
5 lemons;
water (a gallon of purified water for each day)
1 box of organic green tea 
1 ginger root 
1 container  of hummus
1 avocado (which I learned I do not like!)
The other ingredients I already had available at home, included:
vinegar (apple cider; red wine; balsamic)
Extra virgin olive oil;
Coconut oil;
Himalayan sea salt;
seasonings- chopped basil; chopped parsley; garlic

The 3 Day Refresh™ kit included: 

The program guide (the FYI's on the program as well as lists of allowed foods, recipes, and the daily meal plan.

3 packets of vegan chocolate Shakeology(the program is also available without shakeology if you already are a Shakeologyconsumer. (If you want to know more about Shakeology™, you need to contact me!) Shakeology is consumed for breakfast each day.

3 packets of Fiber Sweep (a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers designed for a healthy digestive system), which is consumed mid-morning each day.

6 packets of Vanilla Fresh (a high protein shake which is dairy and soy- free to help satisfy hunger) , this is consumed with lunch and dinner each day.

The Night Before '3 Day Refresh'

I would not recommend what I did the night before "3 day Refresh'. Most people would start implementing small changes into their lifestyle, but me? I stayed up late watching tv, snacking on chips and indulging in a few adult beverages....AGAIN....I would not recommend doing that, but I'm only human...and being honest.

When doing the program again, which I definitely will, I will be implementing changes so that my body isn't in too much of a shock going from processed to clean!

Day 1-

8-10 oz. of water after waking up. 

At breakfast time, I wasn't too hungry....remember how I stayed up late, eating and drinking? Yeah, that's why I wasn't hungry...I was still full from the night before :(  But, I decided that I was going to stick with the program, so I made my shake (shakeology), and followed the program from here on out. I also had a banana, which is an approved fruit, followed by a morning tea (organic green tea) and my mid-morning Fiber Sweep. 


Lunch- I had my fruit, vanilla fresh shake, vegetable, and healthy fat (I discovered I REALLY don't like avocado!



Snack- I decided to try the "juice option" and even though it tasted fine, about 10 minutes later, I was wishing I ate something......so I settled on sipping my tea....and waiting until dinner time! 





Dinner- My biggest mistake was making my dinner the night before. I let the tomatoes and cucumber soak in vinegar ALL night. The cucumbers tasted like pickles....about 20 minutes later my stomach was upset because of all of the vinegar (once again...my fault!)



Evening Tea time- I thought I would be in bed early; I started to get tired, but decided to take a bath, and I got a second wind. I then decided to savor my tea and go to bed and be ready for day 2!

Day 2-

8oz. of water after waking up. Today I added freshly squeezed lemon to the mix! 

I didn't complete any workouts during day number one- so I decided I would do a little bit of exploring on #BOD (beachbody on demand). The program suggests light to moderate workouts,  so I decided I would do a little bit of PiYo. The stretching was good and was needed. My body was sore from all of the detoxing.



Breakfast- I was doing better with having shakeology and fruit for breakfast. In the past, I wasn't able to "just have a shake for breakfast." I usually have an upset stomach because of all of the vitamins and minerals...But I think that having the water as soon as I wake up is making it a lot easier on my body! 

Afternoon tea- Organic green tea

Followed by the mid-morning Fiber Sweep. I learned the faster you drink it, the better.....Think mix.....and drink....drink.....drink....The longer you let it sit, the clumpier it gets....

Think drinking sand is awesome???? Yeah me neither! 

P.S. Shake your fiber sweep in your Shakeology or other mixing cup....don't try to mix in a water bottle like I did! Adding more water only adds to the amount you still have to swallow, so less water and less waiting...just mix and drink....Trust me....Mix and drink! 


Lunch- Vanilla Fresh shake and lunch options- 1 fruit; 1 vegetable; 1 healthy fat. I opted for cantaloupe, an assortment of vegetables (so I could share with my daughter (and save the rest for snack time), and hummus. I was feeling pretty good after this meal....and had to force myself to eat the snack later on! 

  
Snack- leftovers from lunch: 




Dinner- I was on the go- so I stopped at the grocery store. I should have done better planning for the others in my household for what they would be eating while I was on the 3- day Refresh but I didn't. So I decided to hit the store. It was actually easier shopping than I expected. I was in...and out...and I made myself a salad. I didn't use dressing, but added a little bit of salsa on top (although salsa isn't on the list- but it's a lot better than some of the other alternatives.) 



Vanilla Fresh- I consumed around 8pm since I was out and about. I started to get really hungry.....all because I skipped the vanilla fresh. This is one reason why I would not recommend doing a 3-day cleanse without specifically designed products! 

I had my tea late this night- around 11pm and wasn't in bed until around 12:30. I woke up early....around 5am with a bunch of energy....but I was really sore. I decided to drink water, soak in a warm bath, and I took a nap from around 6:30am to 7:30am and I felt a lot better! (More of a reason to try this over a long weekend!) 

Day 3- Last Day! Wahooo! I woke up after my nap feeling like I was going to finish this NO matter what! 

Water after waking up.

Breakfast- I was in a habit now and loving the convenience of having Shakeology and a fruit option for breakfast! 

Tea about an hour later. 

Fiber sweep an hour after that. 

Lunch- Cantaloupe, vanilla fresh, water, celery and hummus 

Snack- Home made juice

Afternoon Tea time 

Dinner- Dinner was a little bit of a struggle. I had lemony green beans (recipe from the program guide) and  I was at a function at my church. There were a lot of temptations there- a litany of my favorites: pizza, chicken wings, cookies, salad (with bacon, cheese, and croutons!), and chocolate! But, I was strong and consumed my vanilla fresh shake and green beans knowing that this was the final day and hours....and I was so close that I was not going to give up! 


Evening tea- I decided to work out a little more heavily this evening and I completed a video from my collection of 21DayFix ™ dvds with my friend. After the workout, my friend offered my an adult bevearge, and I politely declined. I was looking forward to seeing my results in the morning, and I wasn't going to let a little (or a BIG) drink get in my way! I had gone this far and I wasn't turning back now!

The next morning! 

Getting on the scale, I was excited to see that I had dropped 3 pounds but I was even more excited to see 4  inches lost overall!  

What I Liked-
I like that the program is focused around teaching you to make healthy choices. I'm not a huge vegetable and fruit eater, but the program made me realize how much my body loves...and even craves healthy foods, not just junk!

I also liked the flexibility; there was numerous meals to chose from; you don't have to eat the same things for 3 days straight. I decided to keep my recipes simple and stick to things I like, but for the next round, I plan to venture out and try something new!

I liked that the program was simple, and that's the way it should be. It was literally fool proof.

My Recommendations-
First, learn from my mistakes, and don't stay up the night before bingeing! Make small changes daily, swap out that burger for a salad, or start drinking Shakeology for breakfast!

Write out your meal plan so you know exactly when, where, and what you will be eating! No surprises... and no telling yourself you'll figure it out later! (that's when you're most likely to cheat!)

Get some sleep! Go to bed at a decent time and wake up feeling refreshed! I did the opposite! I tried to stay up late and sleep in....Enjoy this time of "resetting your body" instead of trying to run on "E"!

Don't plan to travel while doing the first round! You don't have to stay confined to your house, but if you are venturing out, make sure you have a plan so you don't give in to temptations...because there will be some....there will always be some! Stay strong! You got this!

Join an accountability group!  You don't have to do this on your own! Take advice from someone who has done the program before! (Like me!) (Want an accountability partner?- Email me! Coachfreezeframe34@gmail.com 

My Results!



Want to join me on my next round of 3-day Refresh ....or learn more about the other programs BeachBody® offers? 

Leave your e-mail below and I'll be in touch!
(OR else Email me- Coachfreezeframe34@gmail.com) 

If I can do this...you can too!