Yay!!! I have officially and successfully finished the entire Ultimate Reset Program!!!
It has been a long road, but the journey was well worth it. Changes occur in life just one day at a time, one decision at a time. Even the smallest (right) choices over time add up to amazing changes in life!
Who would ever know what 21 days could bring? I had high hopes, and the best part is that this program exceeded all expectations. Keeping in mind that this program is not designed as a weight loss program, I want to share with you everything that I have GAINED throughout this experience. But to recap what I’ve learned, I first need to go back to the beginning….
Why did I do the Ultimate Reset?
I’d like to think I was eating healthy, but I was lying to myself. Little things were sneaking in here and there. I wasn’t gorging on hamburgers and ice cream, but I enjoyed a little too much cheese, loved my pasta, and used butter probably more than I should. I toyed off-and-on with the idea of going entirely vegan (for health), but have never had the nerve. I was often feeling bloated, and sick after meals. I wasn’t sleeping well at night. Cory (my hubby) had been feeling awful for years from foods he ate. It was a long-time brewing, but I knew we needed an overhaul!
What exactly is the Ultimate Reset?
Broken into three 7-day phases, this 21-day program is a touted as a detox and cleansing system. I was never much one for cleanses, but I have trusted this company (Beachbody) implicitly with its products, and they have always delivered on what they’ve promised. Many of my friends had been finishing the program, and had loved it. I felt it was time to bite the bullet.
The first Phase: Reclaim, prepares the digestive system for change. Right off the bat, you stop all red meat, alcohol, and coffee (none of which are an issue for me). Within the first three days you are eating vegetarian, and within the first week you end up eating entirely vegan. Phase 2: Release, begins the detoxification via a gentle colon cleanse. Phase 3: Restore, adds nutrients, enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics to the system, and readies the digestive system for maximum efficiency. There are supplements taken during each of the three phases, but real food is eaten throughout the entire process. Breakfasts are mainly fruit, with some grains in week 1 and 2. Lunches are mostly salads (or leftovers from dinner the night before), and dinners are whole grains (weeks 1 and 2), with many vegetables. Everything is homemade, whole-grain, planted-based, and delicious! I spent the first two weeks STUFFED, and only became hungry between meals during the third week (which may have been contributed by going too long between meals due to a busy schedule). They provide a full shopping list and recipes that outline exactly what you are supposed to each during every part of the day. There are snacks also available if hungry between lunch and dinner (I didn’t utilize very often). See the rest of my Blog Posts for details of each day.
What were my RESULTS?
I feel AMAZING! I can’t even tell you how good I feel. Bloating is gone. I am sleeping better. My stomach is never upset after I eat. I feel more confident and walk taller. I am happy about my food choices. I am not craving foods (even ones I thought I would miss). I have loved not having stress about what I was going to make each day for meals. We actually have spent less on meals (with a family of 5 at home, eating out can actually be very expensive). I generally just feel…..clean and healthy.
Even though the program is not designed to make you lose weight, that is a side effect of the program as you begin to eat healthier. That happened with me as well. You can see the pictures below, but my total weight loss was 10 pounds, and I lost 6 inches (over 12 different measurements on my body). I actually weight less now that I have in the past 15 years, and I feel great!
What will I continue doing?
I am so excited to continue on this healthy eating lifestyle, and have my family continue much of it too.
- My plan is to continue eating vegan (for the most part). I am not the type of person who wants to check ingredients at restaurants, nor wants to cause problems at people’s homes by not being “able” to eat certain foods. However, the choices that I can easily control will have me eating mainly vegan.
- I will incorporate more healthy fats in my diet (olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and avocados). I have discovered the use of coconut oil in cooking, and I can’t believe it took me this long.
- I will use olive oil instead of butter.
- I will eat brown rice instead of white rice.
- I will use lemon and lime juice to flavor veggies.
- I will use Himalayan salt instead of other salts.
- I will use Liquid Aminos for a lot my flavoring and salt-craving needs.
- I will eat fruit in the mornings, but limit the consumption later in the day.
- I will limit my consumption of bananas.
- I will time my water drinking better, to stop drinking water 30 minutes before eating, abstain during meals, and resume at least 30 minutes after I’m done eating.
Where will I go from here?
I was unable to exercise much during the Ultimate Reset, as our body needs to focus on repairing the digestive system instead of the muscular system. Therefore, I am so excited to jump back in the ring, and kick off a new fitness program. I am still deciding which one I will do. 21 Day Fix Extreme? T25? 22 Min Hard Corps? Master’s Hammer and Chisel? That is yet to be determined….
Are YOU interested in assistance with your health and fitness journey?
Your changes don’t have to be as drastic as mine were in the past 21 days. Small changes add up, and I can help you make them! Every month I offer free health accountability groups for my clients, to aid in motivation, support, and offer advice. If you are interested, reach out! I would love to help you start making changes in YOUR life!
