What happened? Everything.

Man... 

So much has happened since I last wrote. So, so much. But I can't tell you all of it now because: 

a) it's 3:20am, my time and I could crash at any moment
b) it overwhelms me emotionally so I need to overcome the fear involved with writing about some of it
c) I have to keep my posts short so that you will read them... but it's soooo much! 

But, I gotta start somewhere, right? So here we go. Let's talk about how much I've been battling with my body image lately. Yeah, I mean, I know I'm not huge or obese or overweight but even fit chicks  have body image issues so let's now get stuck in the details. Everyone has a type that they are comfortable with. Mine is about 10-15 lbs lighter with a mid-section that isn't afraid to make occasional appearances. 

After I had my daughter, my abdominal area went into hiding. And from the looks of things, it will NOT soon be back... unless, I make some changes. Also, my eating over the last month or so, has been deplorable. I tout myself as a whole food, organic only, non-GMO, healthy eater. Most of the time, I am. But lately.... well, let's not even talk about it. I've been eating out and making poor choices in general. I have also let my sweet tooth get out of hand. I think the reason for all of this is because I'm discouraged about my mid-section and if I'm honest, I am probably thinking "eff it," most of the time. 

But, me, being the eternal optimist that I am, knows that it's never too late to make a fresh start! So I first decided to cleanse but I want to cleanse my way so I researched all the all-in-one versions out there and noticed the following similarities: 

1) Lots of water intake in crucial
2) enzymes
3) pre and pro biotics
4) protein
5) fiber

I'm going to tell you what each thing does in a completely random order now. Why? If you are asking that, you don't know me at all. Go and read previous posts to catch up, then come back. For the rest of you, here we go: 

80% of your immune system is located in the digestive tract

If you don't know this, then you are probably going about your health the wrong way. Soak that in, and then read on. 

I use the one on the right. It's flavorless.
I add it to my protein shake. :) 

1) Prebiotics are food for the probiotics. They both live in our gut. Prebiotics basically make probiotics more efficient, therefore they become more powerful and effective. Prebiotics are a form of fiber. You can find it naturally in certain vegetables or take them as a supplement - which is what I do. They are both good bacteria, which we need to increase which decreases the bad bacteria in our bodies. 

2) Protein - well, everyone needs protein. The issue is how we get it. Usually it is attached to some meat along with extra sauce, fat, calories, etc. So I'm doing a vegan protein shake which I got from my Arbonne representative. Want to know more about this? Let me know. I will connect you! Basically, we need protein to live. Do not stop eating protein. You will die. And I'm not even trying to scare you. That's just true. 

This is the digestive enzyme I use.
I also sell it through doTERRA.
Click here to buy. 

3) Enzymes help the body to break incoming food down into usable nutrients and to help the body to dissolve and eventually expel non-helpful tissue in the body. Basically, it's going to be addictive and make you feel really good. Don't get addicted. Don't over do it. 

4) Fiber does a lot of things: smooths out digestion, provides "fuel" for good bacteria, expedites waste removal, regulates bowels. Basically, it gets stuff moving and gets stuff OUT! 

5) Water - now this is possibly the most important addition of all. 60% of the human body is water. We use it constantly and it needs constant replenishment. Water is zero calories and zero sugar so it's a great add on to any weight loss regimen. It moisturizes our largest organ - the skin. Keeps things flowing in the digestive tract like aiding in the expulsion of toxins floating around all loosey goosey in the body. See my upcoming post about infused water if plain water bores you. 

Finally - don't do this for too long. A reasonable period of time for a cleanse is about 14-45 days, in my opinion. There are differing views on this. But do listen to your body. I will post my cleansing plan by March when I officially begin. 

Feel good!