Finished Dr. Oz' 48 Hour Cleanse/Detox!

We finished our last 'detox meal' before 7:00 p.m. as Dr. Oz' 48 Hour Cleanse/Detox recommends. I will say I can't wait until tomorrow morning when I can eat a little more...lol:) All in all, it went well—but Adam and I think because we already eat so well and almost a completely vegan diet (besides fish occasionally), that we probably need to try a more hardcore cleanse next time. Adam only made one serving size for yesterday's breakfast, so we were more full this morning when he made two servings. We also woke up later than usual because it was our day off, so it may have been easier because the meals weren't as spread out. We haven't really gone to the restroom more than normal and the food wasn't the challenge...it was keeping it within a specific time frame for me. This Saturday, June 1st I start another 30 Day Challenge though, so this is a great prep for it. Glad I tried it. Adam and I are actually thinking of doing a cleanse once every month or two as well. 

Halfway finished with Dr. Oz' 48 Hour Cleanse/Detox!

My husband Adam and I decided to start Dr. Oz' 48 Hour Cleanse/Detox today and now we have one day down and one left to go! We already eat all of the food that was on the shopping list, so we didn't have trouble with any of the necessary ingredients. I substituted raspberries for blueberries on the 'lunch smoothie' because I am allergic and added a tomato and some mixed greens to the salad. Other than that we have been sticking to the cleanse. 


Breakfast was easy and actually pretty yummy! I love oatmeal and the quinoa with prunes and rice milk kind of reminded me of eating oatmeal. The pomegranate juice was AMAZING! 

Quinoa with prunes and rice milk & Pomegranate/lemon/pineapple juice

About two hours later we had another juice with kale, pineapple, ginger, lemon, and cucumber. I really loved it, but for people who don't normally drink unsweetened smoothies or wheatgrass it may not be as tasty. I love wheatgrass and that's actually what it kind of tasted like to me. 

Kale/pineapple/ginger/lemon/cucumber smoothie

Two hours after that we had the lunch which was a small medley/salad of various fresh veggies and a fruit smoothie. This was actually my favorite "meal" or snack to eat. Basically, I chopped up a tomato, 2 sticks of celery, a handful of mixed greens, a mini cucumber, 2 radishes, and a few green beans with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon for dressing. The smoothie was DELICIOUS! It was flaxseeds, raspberries, banana, and almond milk. Wish I could of had more of that smoothie. YUM!

Lunch Veggie Medley/Salad and Fruit Smoothie

The 48 Hour Cleanse recommends that you don't eat after 7 p.m., but that you can eat as many of the suggested fresh veggies, water, and green tea throughout the day. Tomorrow I will definitely be eating more veggies as a snack;)

Dinner came two hours later or so, but Adam had to start it an hour and fifteen minutes before we planned to eat it to make the broth. It sounds like a lot, but it was easy. The only hour early prep is just so it can simmer. Plus, the portion he made was enough for tonight and tomorrow (so he won't need to cook the broth again tomorrow night). On Dr. Oz' website it doesn't necessarily say to eat the veggies in the broth, but we did. (Didn't want them to go to waste!) Along with the broth we each had a saucer of sauerkraut and sliced apples with water as our beverage. The broth was a bit flavorless, but it's a detox meal so we weren't surprised. LOVED the sauerkraut with apples!

Vegetable Broth with parsley and Sauerkraut with sliced apples

All in all our 48 Hour Cleanse is going pretty well. I've been loading up on water since 7 p.m. to stay full, but my tummy is a rumblin.' I was okay until about 10 p.m. The hubby and I tend to eat our dinners later than most and snack often until 10 or 11 p.m. since we usually stay up pretty late (anywhere between 12:30 and 2:30 a.m.). Needless to say, I'm pretty hungry right now. We also went to the gym from 9-11:30 p.m. and worked our butts off, so my body is just feeling the effects of the cleanse. I ran 2.5 miles and did my regular workout routine of weights and crunches. I feel great, but definitely fighting to not go in the kitchen...hehe:) I like this particular cleanse because it's more interesting than liquid cleanses and you don't starve. I just eat a lot already, so it's an adjustment—especially if you plan to workout during the cleanse. It is recommended that you not eat after 7 p.m., so I am sticking to it! Just can't wait for breakfast. lol. I'll probably dream of food. I already do pretty often;)

    I finished my 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge today!

30 Days

2,700 Hours (in class)

1,560 postures/poses

Who knows how many miles driven to and from class, 

or how many loads of laundry I did,

or how many full water bottles I drank...

I spent two and a half to three hours a day on my Bikram Yoga challenge. Each class, every day was 90 minutes (an hour and a half), two 15 minute drives to and from Berkeley's Funky Door Yoga Studio (arriving at least 15 minutes before class to get a good spot), 3-5 minute final Savasana after every day, and 30-45 minutes showering (including washing my long hair), getting dressed, and drying my hair, etc...

I had a wonderful last class and couldn't be more proud of myself. Not only did I complete the 30 Day Challenge (never missed a class or did a double), but I never left the room during the class, never showed up late to class, and never sat down to rest during a posture! Even if I lost my balance or was struggling, I got right back into the pose and just remembered to breathe. I am a BEAST! hahaha:)

I was kind of secretly wishing they'd make a big to-do about the first people to finish their 30 Day Challenges today, but it was Bikram business as usual. I felt so great checking off my last day on the huge, colorful chart in front of the desk. I thought about going for the 60 Day Challenge, but I have a lot going on this month and it would be harder to keep up with it (just schedule/time wise). I honestly have no problem doing a Bikram Yoga class every day. It's the commuting, showering & hair washing, laundry up keep, and hour and a half class every day that is time consuming. You also cannot eat within the two hours before class, so you have to plan your meal times just right. I found that eating 2 and a 1/2 to 3 hours before class was best for me. Otherwise, it's not so pleasant to to Locust Pose with both arms/elbows under your body.

I kept thinking there was going to be a day when I just did not want to go or a time when I'd break, but no...I seriously love it. Granted, I dig some instructors more than others and sometimes scheduling a huge chunk of each day was hard, but I have really found something that I am excited about. I know that even though my 30 Day Challenge is over I will continue to improve. I haven't decided if I'm going to choose what classes I attend each week or if my schedule will stay the same, but I know I'd like to go to at least 4 classes a week. I think that's pretty realistic. Plus, it is bittersweet. I really would do the 60 Day Challenge if it were in the summer. I just super proud of myself for completing the 30 Day Challenge in the best way possible!

Today I did the best that I could in every posture. I even stayed completely still for all Savasanas and worked on pushing myself harder on postures I have grown too comfortable with. For example, today was the first day I balanced for the entire time in Toe Stand Pose with both arms up and "*my smiling, happy face!" (*wink: to those who recognize that line)

I don't know what my next 30 Day Challenge will be starting Monday 4/8, but I sure do hope it will be as rewarding as Bikram Yoga has been for me. 

Last day of my Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge and feeling great! Screw wearing makeup. I've got the Bikram Yoga glow. Plus, I'm too busy focusing on my strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration;)

I'm headed to my last class after work at 4:30 p.m. My goal this class is to do my best in every pose to really see how far I have come since the beginning of the month. Be looking out for my final post tonight on my last class of the 30 Day Challenge. That's right...just my last class of the 30 Day Challenge. I'm hooked. Now it's just a matter of figuring how many days a week I want to go to class.

Day 25: (Thursday 3/28)

WOW! Just five more days until my 30 Day Challenge is over. Actually...it went by faster and smoother than I thought (so far). And here I am eating a few strawberries and pieces of TJ's 85% cacao dark chocolate for a little treat:) 

I feel like I've really improved this week. I think after getting my period I started pushing myself harder since I started to notice changes in my body. It's funny how one week I'll improve a lot at a difficult posture, but also be not so great at a posture I'm normally pretty good at. I've found that this week I have  not been looking forward to Standing Bow Pose, Triangle Pose, and of course...Locust Pose (with both arms/elbows under body). 

For awhile, I was beginning to get really good at Standing Bow Pose. It seemed like my legs were getting stronger, my balance better, my upper body lower, and my kick higher. For some reason over the last week or so, I can't seem to keep my balance. Once I get into the posture I can do great. I've even learned to not get right into it until my standing leg is completely locked. (*I'm actually slowly improving on locking the knees and realizing my postures won't be their best until I do so). So I don't know what the deal is with my balance. I asked the instructor after class and she said just what I thought...that it may just be a weak spot for me and to remember I am still a beginner. Locking the knee is important, but she said our minds can mess with our balance and concentration. Maybe I am fretting it too much or expecting to be too perfect from the get-go. I just know I can do it because I've seen it, so that just gets frustrating. 

                                     Yogi in perfect Standing Bow Pose

The Triangle Pose is my other nemesis. I really don't look forward to it and it takes everything out of me, but when I get it right I feel like a beast:) It's all about strength, alignment, and endurance. When I put my mind and strength to it, I actually have a great Triangle Pose, but to me...it's the most strenuous pose. It looks easier than it really is.

                                                Two yogis in Triangle Pose

Finally, Locust Pose. I seem to have no problem with lifting each individual leg up in Locust (which is part of the 26 postures), but I have a difficult time putting my mouth on the towel when it's time to do Locust Pose with both legs in the air and both elbows under my body. I do it every time. Like I've mentioned in past posts, I have never had to sit out or give up on a posture. Nor have I ever left the room. But...I dread putting my mouth on the towels and elbows under me for this one. I have really been trying to lift my legs higher though, especially this week. Hopefully if I keep pushing I can slowly get higher. I wonder if everyone else has a hard time with this one.

      

Yogi in Locust Pose

*The top one is with one leg (which I have no problem doing. The bottom one is with both elbows tucked under the body, arms straight, mouth on the towel, knees locked, and both legs lifted. It may look easy, but I'm telling you...it's quite a task.

Like I've mentioned before, my caffeine and alcohol/beer/wine intake has been significantly lower. Not that I drank a lot of alcohol/beer/wine before, but I did have 2-3 cups of coffee a day. Since I started the 30 Day Challenge (25 days ago), I have only had 4 and a half cups of coffee. That's just a little over what I'd have in one day! And...still only half a beer (first week bowling with my husband's co-workers), a glass and a half of champagne (on my 29th birthday), and a half a glass of chardonnay with dinner last week! My husband and I used to have a glass of wine or two with dinner either every night or every other night! Couldn't feel better! I've been really using our new Vitamix blender, making after workout smoothies and breakfast smoothies. Can't wait to share one of my recipes:)

Check this one out:

Creamy Protein Grennie (smoothie)

1 cup of frozen organic mango

1 cup of frozen organic strawberries

1/2 large avocado

2 cups of raw organic spinach

1 tbsp. TJs soy vanilla yogurt

5 leaves of basil

1 drop of local/raw/organic honey

2 oz. TJs lowfat original soymilk

2 oz of filtered water

1 cup of ice

Day 20: (Saturday 3/23)

I totally had to tell myself this before going to my 20th Bikram Yoga class in 20 consecutive days in a row today. 

I wasn't having the best day to begin with after my husband and I found out that the Oakland Running Festival we were so excited about costs $50 to participate in. Yeah, we waited in line to register this morning for an hour and fifteen minutes and there was no mention on a fee until you fill out your form. And this was just for the 5K, the half and full marathons cost over $100 each! We would have loved to participate, but didn't have that kind of extra money lying around, so we're going to run our own 5K with friends around Lake Merritt tomorrow. Not a catastrophe, but definitely annoying. Our day was a little rushed after that, time was cut short at the Grand Lake Farmer's Market, but we got what we needed. My husband and I woke up early to register for the race, so we were tired by early afternoon. It didn't help we stayed up late watching the Best of Will Ferrell on S.N.L. (watched the Cowbell skit and Harry Carrey skit two or three times each...hehehe:) But regardless of the little set-backs and being tired...I made it to my 20th class of my 30 Day Challenge. I honestly feel like a beast. What has got me through this challenge so far is beyond me! Who cares though, because I have almost completed my first 30 Day Challenge!

I don't know about any of you readers who practice Bikram Yoga regularly, but I look forward to the several sit-ups we have to do in between many of the postures. I couldn't appreciate those more and seem to actually get a boost in energy after them. Triangle Pose has been much more difficult than usual. It could be because it's that time of the month for me or that I'm actually beginning to do the posture correctly. It's one of those postures that seem easy, by the way they look, but require so much concentration, strength, and proper alignment. I've been suddenly disappointed with my lack of progress with balance during Standing Bow Pose. For me, it's definitely one of the poses that I can be great at one day and blah on the other. I'm trying very hard not to be so critical of myself though and take it one day at a time. 

I just can't believe I only have 10 more days left of my 30 Day Challenge! I'm going to be super proud of myself once I've completed the challenge. Looking forward to doing better tomorrow and every day after that.

Day 17: (Thursday 3/21)

Just pushing through my 30 Day Challenge:) I took the 6:15 p.m. class tonight and felt great afterwards. I had a nice class too. I had a hard time on Tuesday because I started menstruating and Tuesday is my busy day, but I still got through it! This week I got back on a consistent regime of crunches and stretching before class too. 500-1000 crunches a day, depending on how much time I have. I'm also kind of training for a 5K run on Sunday. A 5K is only 3.1 miles, but I haven't been running consistently in awhile. It's been really off an on since the fall. I really think (actually I know) doing Bikram Yoga every day has helped build up my endurance and strength, so I'm sure I'll see the benefits on Sunday. I still continue to struggle with a few poses, but I have noticed an overall improvement since I started practicing a few weeks ago. My Awkard Pose has definitely gotten much stronger, but I continue to struggle with the Locust Pose that involves moving just the feet up and keeping my face in the towel. I know part of it is that I need to try and move my elbows even more together under my body, but still feel like I am missing understanding another part I am supposed to do. Maybe I'm just self-critical or because I can't see myself in the mirror when I do it that I am unsure if I am doing the posture the best that I can. Today I was also very proud of myself since I stayed almost completely still during all of the Savasanas. I am also getting more patient about my Standing Head to Knee Pose and locking my knee better and longer each time. Now it is officially Day 18...Since I started the challenge I have only had 3 cups of coffee and a glass and a half of champagne on my birthday. Other than that I have been staying very hydrated and getting even more creative with my Vitamix blender. Feeling strong:)