weight loss

I’ve been on a gluten free diet for some time now, as well as cutting out a bunch of other foods (if you didn’t know already).

A little while ago I mentioned that I was starting up a 30 day health kick on my social media channels and immediately friends chimed in saying that the liver does a natural cleanse of our bodies and that detoxes are not necessary. No need to argue those points because there are differing opinions on the topic! Who knew that cleanses and detox diets would stir up such a debate?

Having cut out so many foods from my diet and not having lost a pound, I felt I needed a boost to my sluggish metabolism. Yes I exercise – maybe not extensively as my current schedule doesn’t permit 5 days at the gym at the moment – but it hasn’t been enough to kick-start my metabolism.

I was thinking that something was missing from my already restrictive diet. So I started a 30 day health kick by drinking vegan protein shakes. The protein shake has 22 grams of pea protein and hemp protein and keeps you feeling full all morning. You can either have another shake for lunch or for dinner.

Once a week, you have a cleanse day – it’s like intermittent fasting – where you consume a cleanse juice filled with nutrients and minerals as well as snacks every hour or two. Some more info on intermittent fasting here (which I find interesting).

So two weeks in and what are my results at the half-way point?

The first week of my 30 day health kick, I didn’t see any weight loss surprisingly! It was actually a good sign for me since most times, you end up losing water in the first week anyway – which you immediately gain back after re-introducing foods to your diet.

I’ll be honest, I found the first few days a little challenging. I upped my intake of water but I must admit, I was really missing my coffee. However by week two, it did get easier AND I started noticing a difference in the way I felt in terms of energy level, and how my clothes were feeling…

Since I’ve been my drinking protein shakes, I’m happy to say that I have more energy and I’ve finally crossed that plateau! I’ve managed to lose 5 lbs so far and 4 inches in two weeks! This metabolism boost has really helped me get closer to reaching my goal.

I’d say that’s pretty good results for only having one shake a day for breakfast (instead of the recommended two per day on this particular program) on my 30 day health kick!

Two more weeks to go. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more, see here.

Our health and wellness contributer, Julie Watson, has started her “Find Your FIT Challenge” on her blog. We love the idea and want to share with you! When I read Julie’s post, it rang true for me because this happens to me every year.

Find Your FIT Challenge by Julie Watson

I usually start gaining my “Christmas weight” around Halloween time up until New Years. But this year, I decided not to let it happen again.

Julie writes that she had already put on her Christmas weight by December 15^th and decided enough was enough. On New Year’s Eve, she posted her “Find Your FIT Challenge” inviting others to join her in her 60-day journey to get healthy.

Here is Julie’s post and first vlog!

For 60 days, I am going to post vlogs containing weekly workouts you can do at home. Video moves of the week, posts written about my progress, my eating, my workouts. You will be my journal and my accountability. We can talk nutrition, sleep, hydration, cleanses…whatever you want.

Here is what you need to know about the “Find Your FIT Challenge”

F: Freedom, Forever, Fix. This process will help you feel the freedom from weight, stress, chemicals, processed foods and from your own thoughts. This process is forever, there is no “quick-fix” when it comes to getting fit and staying fit. This is a transformational feeling that we can make last forever.

I: Integrate, Interchange, Inspire. By integrating your favorite activities, be it yoga, walking, hiking, dancing, running, strength training, swimming etc. you can choose your best workout, for you, your body, mind and spirit. Cross-training garners the best possible results, so interchange your workouts. Get inspiration from people you look up to and admire. Inspire yourself, and inspire others in the process.

T: Time, Together. Make the time for yourself, because you deserve it. NOW. Not later, not when you retire. Let’s do this together, grab a partner too. Being accountable to someone else, or competing with someone (if that’s your thing) will help you achieve your goals and stay with it!

What you need:

A measuring tape (not a scale, unless you want one)-I will post the necessary measurements.
A journal to track food, water intake and workouts (should you want to see your own progress)
Running shoes ( if you want to do my workouts-or simply track your own)
Commitment (hey, we all fall off the wagon, or dine out, or go on a trip, or get sick–but just jump back in!)

You can let me know if you are joining me, or just quietly manage your own challenge, whatever suits your needs.

I am doing this for me, and for whoever wants to join me! Follow along next week as we start our New Year with a workout vlog! Our goal will not be a specific measurement or weight, because we will be continuing our new lifestyle well after the challenge is over. Our goal is transformation– to making health and fitness a priority in 2011. I can’t wait to transform along with you!

~ Julie

Watch Julie’s first vlog and stay updated and watch more videos on Julie’s blog!

So what are you waiting for? Find your FIT challenge and good luck!

Julie Watson is the owner of AfterGlow Health & Fitness in Toronto, for prenatal, postnatal and beyond. When not training, speaking, or writing about Moms & Babes, she apparently spends too much time on her computer, and does her best to listen to her 3 kids. Not necessarily in that order.

Week Two of My 30 Day Health Kick

Want to Get Fit? Get in Shape: Find Your FIT Challenge!