If you’re anything like me, your pants are feeling a wee bit tight after the holidays. After one too many breakfasts of solely cookies or fudge, I am ready to clean up my act (that is, right after New Years, of course!). I’ve convinced quite a few of the team at Bramble Berry to join me in a 21 day cleanse. Are you interested in joining us? We’d love the (virtual) company! We’re starting on January 16th and could use the support (they do say that misery loves company or in this case, joyful jump-started systems love company!). We’ve chosen the “Crazy Sexy Diet” cleanse (we know it’ll be crazy; as for the sexy, one can always hope).
Learn more about the Crazy Sexy Diet by clicking on the link. But, in a nutshell? No coffee, no alcohol, no sugar, no meat and no white flour. Think lots of fresh fruits and veggies, fresh juices and healthy, home-prepared food – read more in her ‘Manifesto’ here. You can buy the book here or check it out at your library to see what we’re getting into and, most importantly, to see if you’d like to join us!
Tell us your SMARTER goal (see above photo for explanation) in the comments below for a chance to win the Crazy Sexy Diet Book. We’ll pick THREE winners to receive a copy of the Crazy Sexy Diet Book. And if you don’t win the book you can still do the 21 day cleanse with us (read about it here). C’mon, it’s only 21 days! We can do ANYTHING for 21 days! =)
You’ll have until January 4th to submit your SMARTER goals in the comments section of the blog.
Do you need to read more on SMART goals? Check out the post HERE. But, here’s a cheat sheet:
Not a SMART goal: “I want to lose weight”
SMART goal: “I will lose 6 pounds by April 30th, 2011 by working out 3 times per week, limiting alcohol to 3 glasses per week and by cutting out all refined sugars.”
Ready? C’mon, get crazy ‘n’ sexy with the Bramble Berry Team!
I am so into this and thank you so much for sharing this! After your post I went to the website and got her book and Friday I ordered my juicer- YEAH! Please keep me in the loop on your emails with your recipes- need to work on my health & my business this year! Go Anne-Marie! Hopefully meet you at the HMSG conference in 2013 – cannot go this year. Thanks fo all you do! Marilyn
I would like to join in on the fun!
My SMART goal: I will lose 30 pounds by May of 2012, by increasing my intentional exercise to 3 times per week,and by cutting out refined products, all sugar and increasing my vegetable and fruit intake.
I am looking to make healthy life choices and changes that will stay with me for years to come.
Ok well I can not seem to find much on the cleanse other then what is on the book website…..but in looking at the ingredients for recipes I can find, I am afraid I will not be able to participate with you in the cleanse to a full extent due to my geological location and produce availability in the towns near where I live. One of the truly frustrating things about parts of Montana! Especially this time of the year, even the health food stores/coops have limited fresh veggies and fruits.
Any suggestions for alternatives or ways to pull this off without a good supply of vegetables?
I’m sorry about that! I didn’t realize that parts of Montana had such poor produce options. So, you don’t have any good CSA programs there? (community support agriculture) That’s how I get a lot of my veggies, especially this time of year.
You can do the cleanse by going vegan – so no dairy products, no meat products, no sugar, no coffee, no alcohol – and gluten free (no grains except wild rice, quiunoa etc…). It’s 80% vegetables and fruits (dark leafy greens, not iceburg lettuce!) and 20% wild grains (quinoa, wild rice etc…). So even if you couldn’t find a lot of the specialty ingredients, you should be able to join us if you can find enough fresh produce.
Keep me posted! =)
Just a little remark about cough. I cough from smoking.
That would make it hard to smell the nuances in scent too. It’s so great that you’ll be giving up coughing for waking up clear and fresh. =)
Hey Ladies! I’m joining you on this 21 day of body cleanse. Here is my SMARTEST:
I will get healthier in 21 day by cleaning my body inside. Starting January 16 I will follow next rules:
1. I switch cigarettes to yoga class? which I will visit twice a week. ($30)
2. I switch sugar and white flour to fresh vegetables and fruits, which I will have for every lunch of 21 day. ($7*21=$147)
3. I switch coffee and black tea to green tea and clean water, which I will drink no less than 2 liters every day. ($23)
3. I switch junk food to homemade food.
This plan will cost me $200.
I will know exactly that I have reached my goal when I’ll stop coughing in the morning.
Good luck ladies!
So you’re quitting smoking? DANG! I am proud of you! That is amazing!!!! You are going to be in a world of craving that first five weeks. I hope you have support close to home to help you on this journey. We’re here for you! =)
I’d like to join in on this adventure, and enter the contest, too! 🙂
Here’s my official SMART goal:
I will lose 30 pounds by May 4, 2012 (my 30th birthday!) by working out at least 30 minutes per day, 6 times per week, and by eating only nutrient-rich, healthy foods (lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats such as raw nuts and avocados, lean meats and fish, etc). I will cut out my daily cup of coffee, greasy fried foods, and sweet treats…and will replace them with yummy homemade smoothies, fresh salads (gotta have my “crunch”), and sweet, nutrient-packed dates.
My ULTIMATE SMART goal:
To continue on this path of healthy eating and excising for the remainder of the year (and beyond!) until I can reach my ultimate healthy weight, and lose a total of 90 pounds!
Thanks for this opportunity, A-M! 🙂
Love this – your SMART goal is great. If you’re into nutrient rich, you should check out Carol Alt’s Raw 50 cookbook – some really great recipes in there.
Fresh Salads + lemon juice and flax seed oil are the best when they’re made with dark, leafy greens.
90 pounds is a great goal. Small steps will take you there.
I hate the term “lifestyle change”, so I decided to call it “forming a habit of healthy living”, and I’d been planning and researching something similar so when I saw your post, it was like fate, so I thought I’d jump on board the Crazy Sexy Diet train.
My SMART Plan is to work out 5 times a week doing low impact cardio and pilates three times per week for strength and muscle toning and to lose 15 kilos by April 2012, then keep stepping up the intensity so I don’t plateau, while eating healthy with lots of vegies. My ultimate goal is to lose at least 30 kilos by November 2012 so I can show off my new bikini bod in Hawaii! 🙂
I forgot to add, that I’m also looking after the outside as well as the inside, I’m really looking after my skin, teeth, hair and nails, and taking more time for me spiritually with mediation and relaxation techniques. I think think they both go hand in hand.
Thanks for all the motivation Anne-Marie!
My smart plans are:
1. Yoga at least three times a week. Two days at yoga studio, and once at home.
2. Two days of cardio – have already signed up for a spinning class
3. Be in the now and enjoy all that life has to offer
Spinning! Good for you. I did some spinning a few months ago and it was really difficult – challenging in a good way. Here’s to a healthier 2012 =)
I am so ready. Count me in! My goal where this health reboot is concerned is to lose 5 pounds during the month of January. I’m headed over the get the book now. Can’t wait to join you all!
Five is entirely reasonable and you can do it. Trust me, on this food (vegan, gluten free, no sugar, no alcohol), your body will have no choice to lose those five pounds =) We’re in it together!
Remember, taper the caffeine … now. Taper. Taper. =)
I’m also very excited to do this and will be glad of the support . My smart plan is
1). I vow to put myself first for once in my life and make the time to cook healthy for the week, excersize at least 30 minutes each night and get my kids to help with cooking and/or household chores to free up some time for myself.
2) I will loose 20 lbs by June 1st, amd will improve my cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure numbers and hopefully cut down on some of the medication, with doctors approval, of course.
Here’s to a successful 2012 to us all !
Fantastic – what amazing goals and you have your priorities right. YOU are what needs to come first and then everything flows from there. Taking care of yourself means you can take care of your family, your business, your friends and have energy for it all =) Here’s to less medications for you in 2012 for sure!
smart goals now made concrete:
i will lose 20 lbs by March 30 by:
1. following weight watchers guidelines which i have used before with success.
2. eating dark green leafy veggies every single day and making sure my diet is balanced so i don’t end up with osteoporosis or something.
3. i will walk 45 minutes at LEAST 3x a week. maybe more!!
4. i will save saturday for a let it all hang loose day regarding food.
5. no alcohol except saturdays…..
I just bought a whole bag of Kale – love it! I’m juicing up with it a lot! Good call on the one day off per week to let it all hang out. I only drink on the weekends too =)
I will loose 8lbs by April by;
S- Swimming 200 meters 3 times a week.
M – Making yummy all natural fruit smoothies instead of having alcohol or coffee
A – Aerobic dancing around the work shop whilst making my soaps, and giving that
extra bit of elbow grease when felting soaps too.
R – Running to work (jogging really) instead of taking my moped (decrease my carbon
footprint at the same time) also doing “ooopsy I dropped it” at work lunges!
T – Taking time to plan healthy nutritious meals (and dancing around the kitchen whilst I
make them)
Dancing around my flat constantly too. I love to dance!
I totally understand the alcohol coffee thing. I’ve been doing a lot of herbal teas instead of wine at night. =)
I love your idea of jogging to work – you go soaping and dancing queen! =)
My “smart” goal is to rid myself of 10 pounds that have crept on ever so easily ~ mostly with pasta and bread.
Just turning 40 I plan on making these next few years my best.
So ~ for 21 days I will do my best to keep these two things in mind; I have the ability to do this and I deserve to rid myself of things that are unwanted in my life.
I’m in …
Ugh. Ten pounds is SO easy to gain. I know because I’ve got six of your pounds right now. =)
So, are you in for the FULL diet reboot with us? No sugars, caffeine, wine etc…? Or a more modified diet reboot for you? We’ll take you however you want to join us! =)
Well, I actually have three SMART goals for this year:
1. I will close on my new house by March 31, 2012
2. I will pass my CPA exam by November 30, 2012
3. And I will get pregnant by the end of 2013 (I know this one takes two people, but here where the “sexy” and “crazy” parts will play a huge role) 🙂
I do believe that this goals are very specific and realistic, I know I can do it.
Of course I have other goals for this year, such as do yoga at least three times a week, go swimming at least once a week. But I feel that these ones are more of my every year lifestyle habits that just need to be reminded of. So, I’m thinking BIG. Why not, right?
Oooooh! I’ll join you in that pregnancy journey though I’m hoping mine is before the end of 2012. =) With your CPA exam and a new house in 2012, it does sound like you may be a bit busy to fit in that pregnancy goal.
Yoga … I envy you. I try to get into it and I do really good with it for a while but then go back to the treadmill. =)
Here’s to a great 2012!
I’m in, even if the thought of no coffee is terrifying… My goals are to lose 30 pounds by June 1, 2012. I will do this by working out 3 times per week, eating out no more than once per week, and preparing healthy meals at home. Hopefully this cleanse will help jump start all of this & help me kick the sugar.
YAY! So excited that you are joining us.
Our nutrition reboot will definitely help with your goals.
Have you gotten the book yet? You can do it! Taper down that coffee and caffeine now!
Ok, after much thought, I’M IN!!! My only concern is…will I need a juicer? Because I don’t have one and don’t want to buy one. Also, can I fudge just a wee bit on the coffee thing? I’ve tried giving it up before and had such horrible migraines that I went back. And migraines and trying to homeschool in the morning are not a good mix! But I only drink half a cup anyway. For me, it would be a bigger deal to give up my precious…er, I mean my diet coke. Ha!
So, here is my SMART goal:
I will lose 10 pounds by April 7, 2012 by going to my Taekwondo classes at least twice a week while adding strength training twice a week. I will begin by participating in this 21 day cleanse and then will resume with tracking my points on Weight Watchers (I’d lost 13 pounds since August, but got off track over the holidays and gained about three of those pounds back! Aak!)
This cleanse is going to be soooooo good! I will definitely need encouragement, though.
Guess I jumped in too soon. Did some reviewing of the book and don’t think it’s going to be my cup of tea. But I’m still going to do a cleanse next month. Best of luck to everyone!!
I think that ANY improvement is better than no improvement so however you’d like to modify and join in virtually, please do! We’d love the company even if it’s not fully all in. After all, baby steps lead to great things over time =)
That’s true! Right now, I’m trying to just add more raw foods into my diet. I love those Sambazon Acai smoothie packets you can buy in the freezer section and I’ve been blending those with unsweetened coconut milk, bananas and frozen blueberries. It’s a nice change from my Special K. 🙂 Also trying to make small changes like grabbing an apple or some carrots rather than the bag of chips. 🙂
Brilliant idea. I’m in too. Had done a cleansing diet about 10 years ago. My body is long over due for another one. My smater goals are:
S-Serendipity (good furtune, luck)
M-Motivation
A-Absolute (free from restriction or limitation)
R-Rejuvenate
T-Tenacity ( my favourite quote-” patience and tenacity of purpose are worth more than twice their weight of cleverness” T.H.Huxley)
E-Enthusiasm
R-Rewarding
You’re in!? YAY! So glad to have you join us Heidi! Wonderful. I generally end up with a cleansing, kick-in-the-butt nutrition reset every 12-18 months and every single time, my diet improves incrementally so the next time, it’s even easier AND my diet is just a bit cleaner than the last time. Baby steps right?
Did you get your book yet? It’s pretty simple – vegan, gluten free, sugar free, alcohol free, and coffee free. You’re looking at about 80% veggies and fruits and 20% other grains (wild rice, quinoa, corn etc…).
I will be following your progress – I am doing a 21 day juice fast starting on New Years. Last year I made it 14 days then caved. Hopefully I will make it the full 21 this time 😉
Oh wow! How is it going?!?! I want to hear details. Do you have a blog that you’re chronicling your journey on? I’d love to cheer you on virtually.
I’m sure you saw “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” right? Amazing film. It made a big impact on how I look at veggies!
Wow! What a great idea, Anne-Marie! I have begun training for a 5K marathon and really needed an awesome way to eat healthy. This will totally inspire me to go above and beyond. I never have drunk coffee , I can’t drink alcohol (only 17) , but I do struggle with the refined sugars. We usually eat organic fruits and veggies and our family processed an entire organic cow this autumn, but sugars are a real problem. Thanks for the kick start!
Refined sugars … ah, yes, the siren song of refined sugars hits me too – especially after the holidays. Since sugar is an addiction, it’s easy to get my system really liking it and craving it so this will be a great re-set for me.
We’d love to have you join us on our vegan, gluten free, sugar free, and coffee free reset! =)
I’ve ordered the book and have been exploring the website, and I am in! It’s perfect timing…after my son’s birthday and before my next trip.
My book came and I am very excited to start this journey with you all. I think it might be the hardest thing I’ve attempted physically. And I went through childbirth with no meds, so that is saying a lot. The coffee won’t be a problem, nor will alcohol. I am thinking my difficult parts will be processed foods/sugar/etc. But as you said, we can do anything for 21 days.
As I mentioned before I turn 40 this year so I am ready to take care of ME. I have even started a blog and will chronicle my journey there. I’ve already started by blogging about my own Contract/Expand list. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think that the hardest part for me will be, in order:
Sugar
Dairy
Gluten
I’m lucky that I’ve been off coffee for a couple years (pre-baby, kicked the habit) and only drink wine moderately on weekend days so I’m hopeful that will help.
I’m so happy that you’re joining us. YAY!
AM, i am in.
but i will have to start a few days later.
the last few days of a road trip are no time to begin this. not in my world!
specifically, i just want to feel better. i know it sounds vague, but i know exactly what it is.
i have had a sluggish and slow time since i broke my leg in april.
i aim to accompany this 21 days with a yoga session each day.
i know exactly what i wish to regain and my initial timeframe is by the end of february.
i’ll do the exact cleanse, coffee-ban included. AAAIIIIEEEEE!!!!!
to prepare, i will list 21 vegetarian, wholegrain dinners: so i won’t ever be looking around for something to cook.
i know that if i just stick to the cleanse and do the yoga, then everything will happen as it should.
i don’t believe in weight loss for the sake of weight loss…..but i am all for healthy behaviours.
thank you for suggesting this!
it is lovely to have it to look forward to, and to have a group to do it with!
We would love to have you join us, even if it’s a few days later.
Feeling sluggish and slow is no way to start the new year so yoga sessions sound fantastic!
I have the 20 minute yoga sessions by Sara Ivanhoe that I enjoy doing when I’m very compressed for time:
http://www.amazon.com/Sara-Ivanhoes-Min-Yoga-Makeover/dp/B00049QQUU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1325620413&sr=8-7
I agree – weight loss for vanity isn’t a long lasting commitment to health and living your best life possible – but weight loss so you can move more easily and give your body a fighting chance of fighting chronic disease? Sign me up!
For the entire month of January I will do ALL my baking/cooking using only whole grain flour (instead of the white/whole grain mix I usually use) and I will use NO sugar or honey (or any sugar substitutes) but instead will use pureed/chopped fresh fruit whenever a sweetness is required. This will be awesome not just for myself and my sweet tooth but will benefit my husband and 3 sons who really need to calm down a bit 😉
Fantastic – dates are a great substitute for sweetness and I’m sure you can do it. Sugar is an addiction so be gentle with yourself in those first few months – use lots of fruits as a substitute =)
Ann, I really appreciate how you look out for others and share what you learn. I’M IN!!!!! I will be 55 the end of May and want to lose at least 50 pounds. This cleanse will help me get started and on my way to being healthier and slimmer. I can do 21 days with the help of others that are on the same path. My SMARTER GOALs are:
S- Spiritual Walk
M- Manageable
A- Aware
R- Responsible
T- time conscious
E- Eager to start walking
R- revitalized
Thank you, Ann
So you’re joining us in the awesome nutrition reset? I’m so excited! YAY!
Do you have a juicer yet? There are a few recipes that use vegetable juice – freshly made of course – and I’ve been practicing recipes and am enjoying the vegetable juices daily now. =)
I’m totally in! I did South Beach about a year and a half ago and lost 30#s but I’ve put about 10 back on! So my goal is 30# by my birthday (June 18th) which I plan on achieving by cutting out bad carbs (refined sugar, bread, pasta,ect) and doing 45 min workouts 4 times a week, and more importantly being more consience of what I’m putting in my body and drinking more water!!! I’m excited!
Sounds like you know just what to do (especially because you were so successful the first time) =) I’m excited for you. Here’s to a healthier 2012!
This sounds great. I just placed the book on hold at the library to pick up tomorrow. I’m in!
Awesome! Excited to have you as part of the crew. Let me know how it goes when you read it.
BTW, we’re pretttttty much all skipping the um, bathroom part of it. You’ll know what I mean when you read it.
But other than that, we’re ALL IN! YEAH!
This could not of popped up at a better time on my news feed then NOW!
By April 30th I will loose 30lbs,(which is small compared to the 120 I MUST loose)Baby steps right? I will start by working out 3-4 times a week cardio/aqua fit. I also will be cutting refined sugar and unhealthy carbs out of my diet and adding more veggies and fruit! I don’t drink coffee so that is a easy one for me, I do love me some peppermint tea. I will have a blog to go along with my weight-loss that way I’m accountable for everything in writing for the world to see!
Baby step is great! Let me know when you set up your blog for weight loss so I can cheer you on virtually. =)
So, your 30 pounds plan breaks down to about 7 pounds per month.
This means that you need to cut out about 816 calories per day – either though working out or diet or a combination of the two.
If you have a smart phone, MyFitnessPal app will be a huge help to you for counting calories.
Here’s to a slimmer 2012 =) You can do it!
This is great!!!
I will loose 20 pounds by may 3 by (this hurts) cutting out coffee~ I may cry!
My husband is going to gym with me and are training for a half marathon this year! Our present for 18 years!
Want to have many many years together!!!!!!!!
Thanks
for always motivating us Anne-marie!!!
Cutting out coffee? I did it 3 years ago in preparation for getting pregnant and thought I was clinically depressed for about three months so just know that it takes longer than you think it will. =)
What you put in your mouth is SUCH a huge deal for losing weight. When I worked out (HARD) this morning for 35 minutes, I burned 270 calories – or basically 1 slice of bread + butter (depressing).
Here’s to being 20 pounds lighter AND running your first half marathon! Woot woot! =)
Way to go Anne-Marie! Life has really thrown me a curveball this year, so much that my creativity has just been zapped. Sounds as if this might light a fire under my ***. 🙂 I will download the book tonight and take a look. Can’t hurt me thats for sure.
The download is more like a primer – but the book is awesome! And available at libraries! So check it out and let us know if you’re in.
There’s nothing like a little major focus and discipline to make you feel like you can conquer all. And after 21 days, supposedly, we’ll all feel amazing too so I’m in! =)
Let me know if you’d like to join us. I think we might get a little daily email going for extra support =)
I am in! I read the whole book already via my ipad. Really wish I had bought the ‘paper’ book – I’m a paper pusher and love to smack sticky notes all over. My goal is not necessarily for weight loss but mental clarity and healthier living. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
I am totally psyched about this! Going to the library today to look for this book. Although the idea of no coffee leaves images of me face-first on the ground and my children trampling over my lifeless body, I will give this my best effort! My husband proposed to me again after 12 years of marriage so we have a vow renewal ceremony planned for September and my goal is to not have another set of “fat” wedding pictures! I can’t wait to have you all as a support system…Yaay us!
Okay, seriously, I just LOL’ed. Good visual.
September is a wonderful goal. I mean, another wedding?! That’s so important and a huge “why” for your motivation. I know that I personally find photos really helpful – whenever I’m trying to totally be diligent with my work out or diet, I toss a photo of a great SHAPE magazine workout up by my mirror for inspiration.
Anyways, back to matter at hand, so, um, green tea? Or even black tea? I’d love to have you, even if you’re not 100% off caffeine. I promise, no judgement. =)
PS – Congrats on having such a strong marriage – awesome!
I’m turning 40 this year… I want my 40’s to be my best years yet. To accomplish this, I need to spend more time devoted to making myself healthier in mind, body and spirit! I will exercise at least 45 minutes 3x a week, “schedule” me time in my calendar for 1 hour twice a week, and ask for help when I need it instead of trying to do it all!
I was excited when I saw the cleanse you are going to be doing. I bought this book 6 months ago and didn’t want to do the cleanse on my own. I think an online support group is just what I need to help the accountability factor! Count me in!
Congrats on turning 40! This will be your best decade yet! =)
I love your idea of scheduling ‘you’ time on your calender. I’m terrible at this so I’m cheering you on mentally.
YOU’RE IN!?!?!?! You can’t see me but I have a HUGE grin on my face =) Gooooooo team!
Middle-aged weight gain and the fact that hubby does the cooking will make doing a cleanse really difficult. My only recourse is to do a lot more exercise than I do now. Hubby finally rigged up a treadmill workstation last week (not nearly as nice as yours, Anne-Marie, but it functions fine) so one of my goals is to walk a couple of miles while working! 🙂
But, even though I probably won’t do the cleanse, I’ll be cheering you and everyone else on!
Happy New Year!
Ooooooh! I love my treadmill desk. Unfortunately, our home was broken into two days before Christmas (seriously? really!?) and the thieves stole my laptop (which was also my treadmill laptop). Sigh. So, actually, your treadmill desk? Way nicer than mine right now because at least it’s functioning! =)
If you don’t do the cleanse, maybe do something else with us for 21 days? Eat no whites for 21 days with us? Add 1 fruit and 1 vegetable to your diet for the 21 days? No pop or dairy for 21 days? No cheese?
We’d love any company, no matter what it is! =)
I will definitely read the book, and if it’s a healthy diet for me (enough protein, etc), would gladly follow it. Note to those thinking about switching to green tea – according to my gastroenterologist, green tea can cause stomach problems (in fact, it’s not all that uncommon to cause problems). Peppermint tea is addictive though – so yummy and no tummy problems.
Oh dear, Green Tea …. tsk tsk. I only liked it because of its anti-cancer properties.
As for protein, it allows tempeh, nuts, legumes and tofu but no meat or fish. I don’t love tofu (but in all fairness, being a vegetarian for 32 of my 34 years of life, have eaten more than my share of it) but for three weeks? I can do ANYTHING! Here’s to a diet reset in 2012 =)
My smarter would be agreed and this sounds perfect. I’ll have to check out more about the cleanse but I’m desperate need of something to kick start the new me.
We’d love company so if you’d like to join us, it’s just 3 weeks? (hopeful grin)
I did this last spring and LOVED it! I don’t buy ‘diet’ books. (They make my skin crawl.) But the title caught my eye so I checked it out from the library and fell in love. Her writing style is fun and empowering – never condescending or judgmental. Love! Love! Love! I bought copies for my Mom and sister.
I am still working through my playsheets to really fine tune my goals for the year. So far I know I need to work on walking more, resting more, saving green, eating green, and growing more. =D
(I have a copy – so please take my name out of the hat. Thank you so much!)
You did the entire cleanse?! Awesome! Got any tips for us?
Yeah, I don’t do “diet” books but I love nutrition books (reading FOUR right now!) almost as much as I love reading business books. =)
So tips … would love to hear anything you have to share =)
I approached it as a fun adventure and I think that really helped. We tried all the recipes, even the ones that looked ‘weird’. Everything was delicious! Her tofu recipes are actually yummy. I had tried it many times before but never liked it. Even if you think you aren’t going to like it, give it a shot.
Be aware of mood swings. I underestimated how strong these would be.
And I learned that almost any smoothie can be made better with the addition of a banana. =D
OMG. Mood swings. You are SO right. The entire office is quaking in fear. I did a fast … gosh, 5 years ago (?!) and our amazing office manager is STILL talking about how absolutely moody I got. Let’s hope this one doesn’t have those same effects? I’m off caffeine already so that has to help (right?) =)
Ok, I’m in. The way I figure it these 21 days are going to go by anyway so why not give this a shot and feel healthier doing it.
YAY! Go get the book from the library – or order it – so you’re up to speed by January 16th. So excited to have you on board!
No meat?
Can I cheat?
Fish wouldn’t be the worst thing ever but red meat wouldn’t be the best idea on this cleanse but if you love, love, love, love your read meat, check out the Whole 30 challenge. It’s a 30 day cleanse that lets you eat a LOT of meat and looks extremely healthy.
I’m almost sure I will do this with you guys. I have to do a bit more reading first though and I need to come up with my SMARTER goal, but I have great motivation. I turn 40 at the end of April! 🙂
LOL @ Mellifera.
I will lose 40 lbs by September 2012. I will start with a week juice cleanse… I also need to kick the caffeine, i’ll start by weaning myself down with organic teas. I will also start with light cardio 45-60 mins five days a week. I will gauge my next workout step by how well my knees are doing on the treadmill. When it warms up in spring I plan to bike with my family & take long walks in our local park. With these small lifestyle changes I believe I can reach the goal of only 4 lbs a month. I will feel so much better!
This is my year! 🙂
I will lose 30 pounds by Dec 31, 2012 (about 2-3 pounds per month) by working out twice a week and cooking healthy meals at home (including leftovers for lunch at work) at least 3 nights a week!
Fantastic! I have been cooking at home for the bulk of our meals for about three years now and really find it to be easy to do. As a bonus, hubby and I have a wonderful time with the leftovers for our lunches =)
Good to hear that the cooking at home is do-able for you. Brownbagging the leftovers will really help with the budget too (lunches near my downtown office run upwards of $10/day!), but I’m worried about finding the time and motivation to be creative in the kitchen (ie not get stuck in a rut!) My boyfriend’s on board so that will help. And my weight loss goal seems small when I realize it’s less than a pound a week, but I’m trying to focus on the “attainable and realistic” parts and do something that’s more about changing habits for the long run. It will feel amazing to fit back into my old dresses for next NYE!
i’m in!! but i need to think up my smart reasons first! 20 lbs need to go.
So you’ll do the cleanse with us?! I’m psyched!
YAY! I need to get your email just in case we get enough people to do a virtual cleanse and do daily encouragement emails and check ins.
Can you email it to us? [email protected] is keeping track of our virtual team =)
I have already read some books about the healthier diets and eating vegetables and cleanins the body for health. My plan this upcoming year is to go back to my proper diet, for life.
Not only am I going to work out atleast 1 hour a day by riding my brand new exercise bike, I plan to lose 10 lbs by March of 2012.
I also will vow to not buy any preprocessed foods, no junk foods, no unhealthy packaged snacks.
Only lean meats, and vegetables for me and my family.
I plan to keep on this diet until I have lost 112 lbs by New Years 2013 🙂
WOW! Nicole, that is an amazing goal. 112 pounds is an aggressive goal and I’m proud of you for your PDA (Public Disclosure of Accountability).
Have you seen the movie (free streaming at Netflix or $2.99 at Amazon.com for streaming) “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”? There are some great juice fasting tips in there and that seems to really kick start a healthier lifestyle and losing weight.
Here’s to a healthy you in 2012! =)
Such a great movie. The juice fast was incredible! I think I’m going to watch it again – perhaps to get some motivation!
We (my aunt & her household, & myself & mom) LOVE that movie! As a matter of fact we did a juice fast end of Oct-beginning of Nov. & it went well. We’ve watched it before & then watched it like every day for motivation LOL. We’re also planning on doing another this month sometime. Since I’m only 17 (& haven’t been too exposed to all the “junk” out there) my aunt told me after 3 days to incorporate solids. This time I’m in for however long we’re planning on doing this for! 😉
BTW… My aunt has the Breville juicer! 😉 Mom & I have the GE juicer ($50 @ walmart) & it’s designed like the Breville, but not quite as good. Does the job well enough for us though! 🙂
~Nickie~
P.S. Made a bunch of soap for the holidays w/ my BB order & everybody LOVED them! Used a few of the SoapQueenTV techniques too…heehee!
I will lose 30 pounds (basically all baby weight) by April 30th 2012 by doing cardio 3 times a week, yoga once a week and weights once a week. I will cut out all teas (dont drink coffee), sugars, white breads, and cupcakes (my weakness). I plan on keeping a journal of my progress by having a “weigh in” every two weeks and writing down what i had to eat that day (not calories just something so i can keep accountable).
This will really help me get a jump start to the summer!!!
Do you have a Smart Phone? There are a ton of apps that help you with a food diary and look up all your food and add everything for you – which is super nice!
As for teas, maybe keep the green tea (even if it’s decaff) because of the strong anti oxidant properties and anti cancer properties.
I bought a bunch of decaff green tea for next month =) I’ve been off caffeine since before getting pregnant (3ish years?) so thankfully, that part of this cleanse will be much easier for me than others!
Stressed less
Manifesting
Acceptance
Refreshed
True to myself
Enthusiastic
Realistic
Acceptance. Such a hard one. Jack Canfield has a couple really interesting ones for that but one of them is to look at yourself in the mirror, focusing on your left eye (rather than your face – just make eye contact with yourself) and then thank yourself for 5 things per night. And do that for 30 days.
I’m sure you’ll find a bunch of good suggestions out there but I did that one a few years ago and I really liked it (after I got over feeling goofy!)
Thanks! I just registered my trade name and plan to start working up towards having a soap and candle business. This is my practice year and so the SMARTER goal is aiming at learning to love the process, trust myself, and to do what I love. Thank you and all at Brambleberry for nurturing,inspiring, and enabling those of us out there who have decided to no longer stifle ourselves in office desk jobs and make a leap of faith!
LOL @ Melifera…you had me until no coffee…hmmm could I work in my Roma coffee? Will have to check this out. Feeling soooo sugared out a healthy cleanse sounds great.
Honestly, I would totally consider it a win win if you joined us and just did Green Tea instead of coffee. Would that be okay?
I did a cleanse once three (ish?) years ago and I did Organic Decaff (black) because I missed coffee so much (the taste).
So, would a green tea compromise do it for you? (pulllleeeeeze? we want more company!) =)
I will lose 20 pounds by April 30th, 2012 by working out at least 3 times per week, limiting alcohol to 3 glasses per week, and by cutting out all refined sugars. I will kick start this process by doing a 10 day juice and broth only cleanse with my husband starting January 2, 2012.
Ultimately, I need to lose 40 pounds this year. The SMARTER goal I just wrote will get me a good start!
Awesome! I LOVE IT and such a well written goal.
Juice – what juicer do you have? I have the Jack LeLane one and it does the trick but I’m totally drooling after the Breville one =)
No coffee? I’m out!
Funny, that’s what someone else in our office said! =)