My experience with the Ultimate Reset

I had never done a cleanse before, mainly cause I never wanted to give up my intense workouts.  Since becoming a Certified Health Coach, it would be hard for me to make recommendations for my clients do a detox, so the best way to help them get through it is if I did too.

The thought of not being able to keep up with running any chance I had or doing plyometric, hardcore moves was just something I wasn't willing to give up for 21 days.  Then finally, I decided to join a large group of other challengers who were also looking to detox.

The prep was a bit intense, going food shopping for very specific items was like being on a wild goose hunt.  And, making everything ahead of time was a job in and of itself.  I had pulled out my rice cooker which I never thought I'd ever use again.

Already going into this cleanse a vegeterian, I felt this gave me an advantage.  I love everything I ate, the recipes were easy to follow, the hard part in the beginning was eliminating coffee.  The withdrawal from caffiene was horrible.  I felt really frazzled and had to deal with headaches for 3 days and it was suggested that we forgo the Tylenol too.   After I got through that part, the rest of my experience was great.  I learned that I have extraordinary resolve & persevered through Easter, ate miso soup and veggies, shots of alkalinize while everyone was drinking wine and chowing down on some holiday classics like homemade manicotti, bread and pizza di rustica. I was sleeping better, my skin was so clear and overall I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. It definitely wasn't easy. If you've been following my posts on Instagram and Facebook, then you knew how challenging it was to be subjected to overwhelmingly strong smells and sights of Margherita flatbread pizza, and shrimp with squid ink pasta. But I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed EVERY meal I had.

Now I walk away with some awesome recipes, I tried tempeh, jicama, experimented with new spices and seasonings and even rolled my own sushi. While I really missed my intense workout sessions, my cutting board got a serious workout and now has a 6 pack from all the 
cuts over the past 3 weeks.

To see glimpse of what some of my meals were you can visit my Ultimate Reset Pinterest board

Now for the results:  I'm happy to report that I lost a total of 12 pounds and 6 inches in just 21 days. The best part was that I have learned to nourish my body through proper nutrition, tune into conscious eating, and that I really don't need coffee to wake me up. I would definitely recommend this cleanse to anyone who wants to take their health to a new level. You may never know just how good you're supposed to feel. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about gaining energy & eating clean, then message me. A healthy outside starts on the inside.

Enjoy the process

Last week I posted a pic about trusting the process.  Once I decided to do that, then something wonderful happened.  It has allowed me to also take joy in the process. What I've learned is that its not so much the desired outcome of the goal, but who we become during the process.

Strength is a skill, just like any other.  Every workout, every meal, & decision in the right direction to impact the desired outcome is an opportunity to become better than the day before.

When you are truly focused on the day-to-day process of achieving a long term goal (in this case its continually improve, enhance and PROTECT my health), I am remaining true to myself -- focusing on the basics (rest, hydration, nutrition, mobility and other corrective work) to avoid injury.

I've also learned that enjoying the process has also made me thankful and has taught me patience.  As my strength continues to grow, I continue to feel better (and continue to be amazed at what I am able to do).  That saying, you only get one body. Its true, show yourself some respect. You and your body deserve the best so make it a priority to keep it clean. Eat unprocessed foods that are high in nutrition. If you treat your body right it will treat you right. In the long run your body will either be your best friend or your own worst enemy. It’s all up to you! 😊

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Check Point

Today is the last day of the Alpha round.  I have 2 workouts left to complete week 5; Lower Focus and Total Body Circuit.  Tomorrow is STATurday and I'm down 10 lbs since 7/8/13.  I was able to shed 2 inches off my hips, an inch off my waist and 1/2" off each thigh.  Monday, 8/12 starts the Beta round.

If I could do it, so can you!  I am closer to 50 (years young) and can tell you I have never felt more energized, stronger and more confident.  My weapons of choice are Focus T25 and replacing just one meal a day with Shakeology; and interpreting the nutritional guidelines to make it more doable for me and how it fits in my lifestyle.  

I can help you take that first step and guarantee your results under my guidance and give you the support to make your experience successful and results driven.  It's up to you to invest in yourself. What you do now will have an impact on your short and long term future.  If you're ready then contact me maria365@aol.com and put In the subject line. "I'm ready."

Become the BEST version of YOU

If your goal is to lean out, shed weight and improve your health, in my opinion, the key to success is to have a plan, know your numbers (calorie intake vs. how much you burn) and forgive yourself if you mess up.

I rely on two apps to guide me towards my goals:  myfitnesspal (connect with me at www.myfitnesspal.com/maria365) and my Fitbit. 

At the end of the day you can NEVER make a mistake with food.  Everything you do is an experiment.

So rather than saying, "Oh my gosh i really messed up today."  Say, "Wow, that was another food experiment that didn't work."

Through trial and error we will be able to find the foods that work for us, rather than staying on a fixed rigid diet.  Take your blinders off.  Our head will say one thing and our body will say another.  Find what works for you!

Focus T25 Results

Check out my results; 2 weeks in, that's 10 workouts so far.  Contact me about details to get into my next challenge group.  

May Challenge

Last month I tweeted:  No candy, no cake, no donuts, no muffins, no white bread, no chips, no fast food, no pastries, no ice cream. Do it for 21 days = #results

My April challenge was a success.  We focused on making positive changes, eating clean and fitting in exercise.  Being in a group setting and seeing posts from others who are doing it too makes you feel like you are not alone and empowers you to stay focused.

As we turn the page on the calendar to a brand new month, realize that real results require time, patience, your consistency and accountability. Making an effort to improve yourself everyday is the goal.

This month, our goal is to select food in its most whole, natural state, free of added unpleasantries. This is a lifestyle, not a short-term diet. Rule of thumb: eat 100% clean 80% of the time. That means 8 of 10 meals/snacks are "perfect." The 2 out of 10 can be your choice. Make an effort over the next 30 days and you will get results.

If you want to jump in and join my group then friend me on Facebook.com/maria365 and we'll take it from there!