End of week 4:
Today, April 21st. marks the conclusion of our 30 day Great Isagenix Adventure and while it might be the end of the chapter, it certainly isn't the end of the relationship. The results and benefits are just too good to ignore and having come this far down the track of whole-being wellness I have no intention of backsliding to where I was.
As Susan Sly says, "it's not what you're going through, it's where you're going to" and I have arrived at where I wanted to be at this point in the program. On reflection there were a few wobbly moments staying on the straight and narrow during the 30 days with myriad temptations designed to lure the unwary off the wagon. These happened mostly at the beginning because as one moves further into the program, the compounding benefits act as a kind of buffer and support mechanism against the verboten attractions and distractions. Moreover the Isagenix regime becomes a habit (it takes 21 days to form a habit according to the pundits) and once you're in the groove and seeing the results, it becomes intrinsically supportable.
Many friends and colleagues who observed my progress throughout the process have asked - "so what's the best outcome you have experienced from Isagenix?" to which there is no single answer. However, I shall attempt to list the top-ten things, both important and trivial, that impressed me the most, to wit:
1) Very satisfactory weight loss - I exceeded my target (more later)
2) Huge uptick in real energy and mental clarity
3) Blood pressure back to normal from unhealthy high
4) Deeper and more restful sleep -waking refreshed
5) Stress levels way down, more relaxed
6) Much easier to put on shoes
7) Getting back to exercising (running & biking) non-stop with no latent fatigue
8) Fitting into favorite clothes again
9) Shopping for some new summer duds - one size down
10) An all-encompassing feeling of well-being and overall wellness
Final Results:
Measurements: Start 363.9" - Finish 343.4" - Lost - 20.5" (mostly from waist & abdomen)
Weight: Start 195.2 lbs - Finish 178.5 lbs. - Lost - 16.7 lbs (target was 15.2 lbs.)
What's Next?
My primary objective is to preserve the gains made by continuing with the Isagenix regime - perhaps in an abbreviated format. The breakfast and lunchtime shakes will continue as will the Ionix Supreme (what a great product) and Natural Accelerator capsules. A weekly cleanse will also likely stay on the list augmented with the citrus energy drink. Beyond that a little vino may creep back onto the dinner table and a cold beer on a hot day may also be deemed worthy of consideration.
The key thing is that now I have a new benchmark for wellness, it will become the standard against which to measure future progress. Stay tuned and thanks for your interest thus far!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Our Isagenix Journey
Week 3 Report
It's the end of week 3 and we're right into the swing of things now with the Isagenix regime being very much a part of our daily life. It's amazing how results drive behaviour and we continue to surprise ourselves at the ease with which we have re calibrated our nutritional intake. No longer do I face the day with a cup of tepid coffee and a rushed - or often - no breakfast leaving me starving by mid-morning when the hunt is on for errant Tim-Bits, left-over cake or a toasted bagel with jam from the coffee-truck!! Nice........
Instead it's a vanilla protein shake with fresh strawberries enjoyed with a natural metabolism accelerator that gets me through the morning with ease. Then a chocolate shake at lunch with fresh blueberries and perhaps a few raw carrots or celery at 3.00 pm - a time when most of us are looking for a place to lie down! That feeling has completely disappeared to be replaced by a steady and constant energy level that continues right through the afternoon and into the evening.
It's difficult to put my finger on it but the more I experience the beneficial effects of this Isagenix program the more I'm convinced that the weight loss piece is a hugely positive side-effect of a bigger canvas which is an incredibly powerful and holistic renewal of both my mental and physical being. I know it sounds a little extreme but there is no other way to explain it and I am constantly aware of how much better I feel in my own skin. (which incidentally is also looking healthier).
I may have mentioned in an earlier posting that I have just entered my sixth decade where the prevailing thinking is that quick fixes in the physical and mental areas are much harder, if not impossible to come by. Well no longer do I subscribe to that line of thinking as this program has completely revitalized me in only three weeks. And I would expect these results to be universal, irrespective of age, gender or outlook.
As usual I shall conclude with the results of our third weigh-in and measurement check as follows:
Starting weight: - 195.2 lbs.
3rd. weigh-in: - 183.6 lbs.
Net loss to date: - 11.6 lbs.
Starting measurements: - 363.5 inches
3rd. week measure-in: - 353.5 inches
Net loss to date: - 10.0 inches
The curious but satisfying thing about the measurement track is that while I've lost the most around my waist and abdomen, I've actually gained girth around my calves due to running and cycling - and probably some muscle too.
I'm not sure how many people are following this blog but if you are and you have a question or comment please contact me at aew@rogers.com and I'll get right back to you.
Be well,
Ashley
It's the end of week 3 and we're right into the swing of things now with the Isagenix regime being very much a part of our daily life. It's amazing how results drive behaviour and we continue to surprise ourselves at the ease with which we have re calibrated our nutritional intake. No longer do I face the day with a cup of tepid coffee and a rushed - or often - no breakfast leaving me starving by mid-morning when the hunt is on for errant Tim-Bits, left-over cake or a toasted bagel with jam from the coffee-truck!! Nice........
Instead it's a vanilla protein shake with fresh strawberries enjoyed with a natural metabolism accelerator that gets me through the morning with ease. Then a chocolate shake at lunch with fresh blueberries and perhaps a few raw carrots or celery at 3.00 pm - a time when most of us are looking for a place to lie down! That feeling has completely disappeared to be replaced by a steady and constant energy level that continues right through the afternoon and into the evening.
It's difficult to put my finger on it but the more I experience the beneficial effects of this Isagenix program the more I'm convinced that the weight loss piece is a hugely positive side-effect of a bigger canvas which is an incredibly powerful and holistic renewal of both my mental and physical being. I know it sounds a little extreme but there is no other way to explain it and I am constantly aware of how much better I feel in my own skin. (which incidentally is also looking healthier).
I may have mentioned in an earlier posting that I have just entered my sixth decade where the prevailing thinking is that quick fixes in the physical and mental areas are much harder, if not impossible to come by. Well no longer do I subscribe to that line of thinking as this program has completely revitalized me in only three weeks. And I would expect these results to be universal, irrespective of age, gender or outlook.
As usual I shall conclude with the results of our third weigh-in and measurement check as follows:
Starting weight: - 195.2 lbs.
3rd. weigh-in: - 183.6 lbs.
Net loss to date: - 11.6 lbs.
Starting measurements: - 363.5 inches
3rd. week measure-in: - 353.5 inches
Net loss to date: - 10.0 inches
The curious but satisfying thing about the measurement track is that while I've lost the most around my waist and abdomen, I've actually gained girth around my calves due to running and cycling - and probably some muscle too.
I'm not sure how many people are following this blog but if you are and you have a question or comment please contact me at aew@rogers.com and I'll get right back to you.
Be well,
Ashley
Monday, April 5, 2010
Our Isagenix Journey
Week Two Report:
Well, we have reached the end of week two, with Easter in the middle, and I'm delighted to report that the net loss continues - albeit a little more slowly now that the 'easy-pounds' have been released. But a little more about that later because first up we have.........
The Week in Review:
I think it's fair to say that we found week two much easier to handle than week one! This is attributable to several factors which I shall cover off as follows.
1) Improved General Outlook - One of the key benefits of this program is just how much better you feel overall. It's not something you can measure like weight loss or reduced inches but rather a constant and pleasurable background feeling that something good is happening to your body which results in a much sunnier and positive outlook on life. It's a really nice feeling and people tend to notice the difference.
2) Huge Energy Gains - If we had an instrument to measure energy gain then it would simply be off the chart. This past Easter weekend for example found us biking every day as well as me putting in a couple of 2 mile runs. Normally we would be found asleep on the sofa after such exertion but instead we are alert and energized and spending great evening's together simply relaxing and planning our next day activities. And it's not a frenetic, artificial energy but is part of that general feeling of well being referred to in point one.
3) Increased Mental Clarity - No question about it - we're sharper. For example we were right in the middle of a rather complex real estate transaction which had been a source of great mental and physical stress. However over the past couple of weeks we have been able to see things more clearly and make better strategic decisions related to this challenge. Suffice it to say that we have now solved this chronic problem and I firmly believe that an increased mental acuity contributed enormously to this positive outcome. Decisions and choices now come quicker and issues that previously would have caused a great deal of angst are now simply bumps in the road.
4)Economic Benefits - The 30 day program we're on replaces a total of 68 meals and we are already well ahead of the game financially on food expenses. Trips to the supermarket for salad, veggies, fish and lean meat are not only less frequent but are also coming in at about half of what we would normally spend. Add to that the absence of LCBO expenses and multiple daily coffee hits and the savings are mounting while our waistlines are shrinking.
5) Apologies to Goodwill - Like most folk we are having a bit of a spring-clean during which I planned to donate a bunch of pants and jackets that didn't fit anymore. Well that plan has been cancelled as I tried on these clothes over the weekend and guess what, they are now fitting me again and by the time I hit my goal of 15 lbs. they will look fantastic. It's like living the dream of "I'm not going to throw that out as I really like it and I'm going to lose weight so it fits again". How many of us can say we've achieved that goal?
6) The Challenges - Let's face it we are human and basically creatures of habit so there are going to be some challenges to face along the way. My biggest challenge after week one and the attendant weight loss was to stay the course and remain focused. As I saw the great results I was experiencing I took my eye off the ball at dinner and let the portion sizes creep up so I was exceeding the recommended 600 calories. Tasted great at the time but I began feeling bloated again and my weight started creeping back up so I was losing the gains I had already worked so hard to achieve. Fortunately I recognized the problem and dialled back my food intake while increasing my water intake and reversed the trend to get back on track. An easy trap to fall into and one to be aware of.
The second challenge relates to what I will call 'office treats'. Like a lot of people I am currently working in an office where kind-hearted co-workers will bring in baked cookies, cakes and other treats for everyone to enjoy - not to mention the odd box of Tim-Bits. These were particularly hard to ignore during week one when hunger was rampant but I found a good solution was to have some healthy snacks like celery or carrots or nuts handy to munch on instead of the sweet, sugary stuff. As I'm now into my 3rd week and really focused on the Isagenix program it's much easier to ignore the siren call of the calorie demon and chug a glass of water and a couple of small carrots instead. And man you will feel virtuous!!
To wrap up and getting back to the weight loss track you will remember that I released 8 lbs. in week one to go from 195 to 187. As mentioned above I gained back a pound but have lost that again plus 2 more to be at 185 at the halfway point (day 15) of the program. This represents a net loss of 10 lbs to date with our next weigh in on Wednesday April 7th. In essence I have released 2/3 of my target weight loss of 15 lbs in the first half of the program so perhaps the target may be recalibrated downwards after Wednesday's weigh-in. Stay tuned!
Well, we have reached the end of week two, with Easter in the middle, and I'm delighted to report that the net loss continues - albeit a little more slowly now that the 'easy-pounds' have been released. But a little more about that later because first up we have.........
The Week in Review:
I think it's fair to say that we found week two much easier to handle than week one! This is attributable to several factors which I shall cover off as follows.
1) Improved General Outlook - One of the key benefits of this program is just how much better you feel overall. It's not something you can measure like weight loss or reduced inches but rather a constant and pleasurable background feeling that something good is happening to your body which results in a much sunnier and positive outlook on life. It's a really nice feeling and people tend to notice the difference.
2) Huge Energy Gains - If we had an instrument to measure energy gain then it would simply be off the chart. This past Easter weekend for example found us biking every day as well as me putting in a couple of 2 mile runs. Normally we would be found asleep on the sofa after such exertion but instead we are alert and energized and spending great evening's together simply relaxing and planning our next day activities. And it's not a frenetic, artificial energy but is part of that general feeling of well being referred to in point one.
3) Increased Mental Clarity - No question about it - we're sharper. For example we were right in the middle of a rather complex real estate transaction which had been a source of great mental and physical stress. However over the past couple of weeks we have been able to see things more clearly and make better strategic decisions related to this challenge. Suffice it to say that we have now solved this chronic problem and I firmly believe that an increased mental acuity contributed enormously to this positive outcome. Decisions and choices now come quicker and issues that previously would have caused a great deal of angst are now simply bumps in the road.
4)Economic Benefits - The 30 day program we're on replaces a total of 68 meals and we are already well ahead of the game financially on food expenses. Trips to the supermarket for salad, veggies, fish and lean meat are not only less frequent but are also coming in at about half of what we would normally spend. Add to that the absence of LCBO expenses and multiple daily coffee hits and the savings are mounting while our waistlines are shrinking.
5) Apologies to Goodwill - Like most folk we are having a bit of a spring-clean during which I planned to donate a bunch of pants and jackets that didn't fit anymore. Well that plan has been cancelled as I tried on these clothes over the weekend and guess what, they are now fitting me again and by the time I hit my goal of 15 lbs. they will look fantastic. It's like living the dream of "I'm not going to throw that out as I really like it and I'm going to lose weight so it fits again". How many of us can say we've achieved that goal?
6) The Challenges - Let's face it we are human and basically creatures of habit so there are going to be some challenges to face along the way. My biggest challenge after week one and the attendant weight loss was to stay the course and remain focused. As I saw the great results I was experiencing I took my eye off the ball at dinner and let the portion sizes creep up so I was exceeding the recommended 600 calories. Tasted great at the time but I began feeling bloated again and my weight started creeping back up so I was losing the gains I had already worked so hard to achieve. Fortunately I recognized the problem and dialled back my food intake while increasing my water intake and reversed the trend to get back on track. An easy trap to fall into and one to be aware of.
The second challenge relates to what I will call 'office treats'. Like a lot of people I am currently working in an office where kind-hearted co-workers will bring in baked cookies, cakes and other treats for everyone to enjoy - not to mention the odd box of Tim-Bits. These were particularly hard to ignore during week one when hunger was rampant but I found a good solution was to have some healthy snacks like celery or carrots or nuts handy to munch on instead of the sweet, sugary stuff. As I'm now into my 3rd week and really focused on the Isagenix program it's much easier to ignore the siren call of the calorie demon and chug a glass of water and a couple of small carrots instead. And man you will feel virtuous!!
To wrap up and getting back to the weight loss track you will remember that I released 8 lbs. in week one to go from 195 to 187. As mentioned above I gained back a pound but have lost that again plus 2 more to be at 185 at the halfway point (day 15) of the program. This represents a net loss of 10 lbs to date with our next weigh in on Wednesday April 7th. In essence I have released 2/3 of my target weight loss of 15 lbs in the first half of the program so perhaps the target may be recalibrated downwards after Wednesday's weigh-in. Stay tuned!
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