Advocare 24 Day Challenge - FINISHED

I can't believe it, but I am FINISHED... and with VERY little cheating. I really had NO white carbs or sugars the entire time. That's a big feat for me.

So here's the good, the bad and the ugly about this whole deal. I can't believe I am about to post these pictures, but here goes ...

Before and Afters

 I know it may look like I'm slouching on purpose in the before photos, but I am not. Same posture in both ... I lost 2.5 pounds (my boyfriend lost 12 pounds and was secretly eating bits of cookie dough each day, so screw him), but you can definitely SEE a difference in these photos. I can tell that my clothes fit much better (some are even loose) and my face has thinned out some.

Here are my stats in inches lost:
Chest - Lost 1 1/2"
Arm - Lost 1" (I only measured one)
Waist - Lost 3 1/2"
Hips - Lost 2"
Leg - Lost 1"

I mean... combined that would be 11" total! That is assuming I lost the same amount on each arm/leg. I gotta say ... it definitely works! The best news is that 3 1/2" alone were in my waist! That's pretty awesome. 

My plan is to continue to cook this way at home, run, and do CrossFit, but I will allow myself some wine when I am out and I won't be such a psycho about getting to eat out. After all, I do love me some social time! I want to lose a couple of clothing sizes. Clearly the scale isn't my friend, so I will try to stick with how clothes fit.

As a reward for the 500 hours of cooking I have done the last 3 1/2 weeks my boyfriend is taking me on a fancy date Friday night. I'm going to tell you right now ... butter, steak, bread, and dessert will all be had. Then it's back to healthy living!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge - The End is Near

I really have enjoyed this challenge, but I will be honest ... the last week has been TOUGH. Trying to muddle through going to friends houses, hanging out at the lake, work lunch meetings ... I mean, Cheetos have NEVER looked so good. Don't get me wrong though, I loved a Cheeto before. I just wasn't willing to push a kid down on the ground for one until now.

Day 23 is finished and I will say, I can tell my clothes are fitting very differently. FINALLY. I haven't weighed in over a week and I'm saving that and measurements for tomorrow morning (which will be my first day off of the challenge). I sure hope it's good news!

I have found so many new, great recipes that I will continue to make. Eating & cooking clean is really simple. It's a great way to live. I just won't be so strict about EVERYTHING once off this challenge. I love being social and eating out with friends. That's what I have missed the most. I didn't trust myself to eat out much because there just aren't very many options in this little one horse town.

Here's some things I've had the last few days:

Zucchini Noodles ... AKA Zoodles. These may be my new favorite thing. They really are delicious. I found out the best way to prepare them and it really does make a difference! If you don't have a spiralizer, go get one! I use this Native Spring version from Amazon. They also have them at places like Bed, Bath & Beyond. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a potato peeler and make ribbons.

Zucchini Noodles
Serves 2

2-3 zucchinis (be sure not to get really fat zucchini or they don't fit)
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt

Spiralize your noodles into a colander. Sprinkle generously with salt and toss around to coat. Let sit in the sink for about 30 minutes. This will leech the excess water out. Rinse noodles and dry out a bit. Cook in a pan with olive oil on about medium heat until done. Serve with pesto, spaghetti sauce or whatever you like!!!!

The other new recipe I tried was Baked Chicken Fajitas from Alexa Eats Clean. These couldn't be easier and I put them on gulten free, brown rice tortillas and made some homemade guacamole (recipe below) on top. One note about the chicken recipe: Drain the diced tomatoes (I used regular, not low sodium also) or it's a bit too watery.

Homemade Guacamole
(small batch)

2 avocados
1/2 (or more) fresh lemon juice
1/2 ripe tomato, diced
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Garlic powder, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Kosher salt, to taste

Enjoy!!!! I could eat this with a spoon ... and do sometimes.