Cleansing Me

Well it’s Friday and I feel great!! “Ma Nature” has said farewell for the month and today I was able to go swimming for the first time this week. I didn’t make my swimming goal for the week, (which was to swim 3 hours a week) but I got in one real good hour today. I did 22 laps in 58 mins. which is a little over a half mile and I stretched the last two mins. It’s been several weeks since I last swam, but I felt that I swam much faster today than I did in the past. I weighed myself yesterday because one of the challenges I’m on in Weight Loss Wars  has a Thursday weigh-in and I have to take a pic of my feet on the scale and post it in on my journal. So Tuesday when I was trying to make my updated You Tube video (<–click) I weighed myself to get a pic to post up and to my surprise I weighed 318.6 lbs. Of course I was overjoyed, then I realized that my cycle was coming to an end for the month and that definitely affected my weight. Yesterday I weighed 317 lbs. and I know for sure that I’ll be under 300 lbs. by the 1st of December for my Christmas Concert. So all in all things are going well. I have to go update my WLW’s profile now and I think I’ll enter the some recipes tonight too with pictures. Stay tuned for my Sunday Weekly Update!!

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Update for Sept. 13th

On Thursday I did my NWk/o late morning and it took me  approximately 27 mins. to walk the entire complex. I did the stair portion of the workout in 10 mins. I was even more anal about tracing the complex this day that I was on Wednesday

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Well, Day 3 of this challenge is complete.  I drank 4 glasses of the lemonade today and all went well as far as elimination goes. I had a slight headache which quickly went away when I was done. I did my Neighborhood Workout and was really able to trace the majority of the apartment complex since the parking lot was somewhat bare. It took me 24 mins. approximately to do the walk and like yesterday I did the stairs 3 times in a row in 10 mins. I stretched for a good 10 mins. afterwards just to make sure I wouldn’t be so sore the next day. All in all the Nwk/o was around 35 mins. Then later on in the evening I began to clean my messy apartment. I turned on the radio and listened to the dance mix of 92Q and did my Cleaning Up Workout …. :D. I kept my pedometer on to see if I can make it to 10,000 steps. Not only did I reach over my goal in steps, I ended up with a clean apartment and many calories burned. I basically did aerobics infused with dance moves like jogging in place then breaking to “shake what my Mama gave me”. I had so much energy it was crazy. I video taped that as well to post on You Tube. All I’m just trying to do is move as much as possible through out the day. You don’t have to go to the gym to get a really good workout, simply use the resources around you. I was sweating a lot while I was cleaning because I was dancing so much. *Nos Swimming still do to Ma Nature’s visit. The DVD wkout was replaced by the Cleaning wkout.* Weight 320.2 lbs.

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Update for Aug. 31st-Sept. 9th

Hello, hello, hello …… So I have three more weeks to go!! Which I started yesterday Sept. 10th. I got off of it for a stupid, wack social occasion that was not worth even going, let alone getting off the cleanse for. Here’s my You Tube Update on that. I was suppose to be off for 24 hrs. which ended up being 10 days. But you live and you learn.

Why do we do that? Ok!! I really don’t even want to waste time thinking about the stupid decision I made. It’s in the past and I’m here NOW  handling my business!! Those past 10 days were a real eye opener!!! For 3 weeks I felt clean, clear and fresh. My skin was glowing and feeling smoother (naturally) as the days went by. When you see my vblog, you’ll see the difference in my skin and in 10 days actually 3 days that changed.

I got off the cleanse right, I did the OJ and still taking the herbal tea. I ate fruits, veggies, turkey salad, chicken salad, and even had pasta (whole wheat), w/organic tomato sauce. During the first 7 days I was fine with the exception of the constant sneezing, coughing, and nose blowing because of all the mucus getting back into my system.  Yes, I had dairy and the very next day all of that started happening.

The other huge thing was that last Friday I had some Mc D’s. What is it with Mc Donald’s? Is it Ronald that draws us in when we drive by? Or maybe it’s the red and yellow color pattern that has us in a trance! Oh no, I know what it is!! It’s those damn golden arches sending wave signals to our brains to turn left and go through the drive-thru and Super Size!!!

I think it’s a combination of all three. When I went to buy it, it wasn’t like I said, “Hmmm, I feel like having Mc Donald’s today. Let me go make a trip out there and buy some.” I basically went to go drop something off to my brother, who happens to work near a Mickie D’s establishment. I was driving out of the shopping center to head home and just turned right into the drive-thru lane to pick up a Double Cheese Burger Combo w/mayo (Yes, Mayo!). Oooh then I called myself being good because I got a regular fries and drink instead of the super-sized version. Why do we do that?

Anyway, that weekend I had a cluster of pimples forming on my face and they freakin’ hurt. The majority on my nose and right between my eyebrows on my forehead. I’ve never had an acne problem. I’ve had  one or two pimples but never like what I described above. I felt like I was ready to make a freakin’ ProActive  commercial, but of course it didn’t stop me from getting Chinese take out on Sunday, as my Last Supper Meal since I knew I would finally make myself get back on track and do the cleanse for the last 3 weeks of September!! So I order my favorite, 1 order of Crabmeat Wontons and the “Lunch Special” Sesame Chicken (comes w/fried rice and an eggroll). The good thing is that my stomach shrank so much that I have yet to finish any meal like I use to. I enjoyed as much of my last supper as I could and that night I took the herbal lax. tea to start off the last leg of my Master Cleanser Experience.

So I wake up Monday morning, with a massive headache. My head hurt so bad that it hurt to open my eyes. Good ol’ Ma Nature is here visiting too so that made my condition worse with the bloating, water retention and the other discomforts associated with that time of the month. In addition to starting the cleanse yesterday, I also began my new workout routine, which consists of my ”Neighborhood Workout” (walk around complex and stairs), Swimming 5-8  hours M-F, and doing my Turbo Jam DVDs Mon-Sat. Sunday will “rest day”. The other 6 days will be a combination of 2 or all 3 of the activities I’ve listed or some other form of exercise for at least 30 mins., depending on the day. You would think I was on the Biggest Loser or something (love the show BTW & pissed that I missed the season opener).

I know it’s a lot, but I’m trying to prove a point as well as challenge myself. I’ve blogged here and there about my experience and the changes I’ve noticed in my physical, mental, and emotional state. I have exercised in the previous months but like 3 times a week. A lot of people assume that they will be fatigued and weak because they are going through this fast. I’m going to prove to you that this notion is false.

Update Mon. Sept. 10th

As crappy as I was feeling Monday morning, I just stayed in bed and a few hours later I got up and ready to do my morning “Neighborhood Workout” (NWk/o). I recorded it and I’m trying to splice the clips together to upload it on You Tube.  I also recorded my starting weight so you’ll see that in the video as well as my starting measurements. The weight will be recorded daily and my measurements weekly. I also took a picture of my swollen calves and feet, as well as my nose and face sans make-up to show the hideous state it was in with all of those pimples. I slept most of the day to rid myself of the cramps (since I can’t take meds.). I drank the HL tea and my headaches became tolerable after my first elimination.

NWk./o took me 30 mins. in total to complete. 20 mins. for the walk around the complex and 10 mins. to do the 4 flights of stairs 3 times.  I stopped for a few mins. in between the walk and each round of steps to stretch.

Last week when I came up with this NWk./o plan and tried it out I did the whole thing in one swoop and was shocked and proud of myself because I wouldn’t have been able to do that a couple of months ago. Well, for three days after my calves were really sore and every time I moved them I got a mild charlie horse. So that’s why I stretched in between everything on the first day of the routine.**No Swimming today b/c Ma Nature is visiting, also No Turbo Jam today b/c the cramps were to unbearable.** Weight: 326.6 lbs

Update for Tues. Sept. 11th 

This morning it was raining a lot so, I did my NWk./o when I got in from work around 7:30 pm. Much better than yesterday because my cramps were tolerable. I did the walk in 20 mins. and the stairs (3 times in a row) in 10 mins. I stretched for 4 mins. before the stairs part and for 10 mins. after the entire workout. ** Still no Swimming today do to Ma Nature** 

I still have a headache but it’s not as bad as Monday’s. It seems to go away when I have my eliminations, but comes back through out the day. The blemishes are clearing up and they stop hurting. Sinus cavity feels a bit clearer that yesterday. I still have to blow my nose a lot. My breath is kicking, no matter what I do so I try not to talk too close to people today. The swelling in my calves and feet has gone down significantly. Weight: 323.0 lbs

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So on Friday, August 10th I finally started the Master Cleanser. I will be doing it for the last 6 weeks of summer to pretty much salvage my commitment to myself. My start weight on Friday was 344.0 lbs. Yeah I gained weight and I did tell myself that I wasn’t going to weigh myself until the end of the 6 weeks, but I couldn’t help myself  and have weighed in every morning like I did before. My present weight is 327.8 lbs. Seeing that significant drop in just four days made me realize that my lymphedema returned.

Last year, in a weeks time, my legs became swollen, they were hurting and had discoloration in the inner part of my calves. I went to the doctor to see what was wrong thinking it may have been caused by a spider bite or something. She diagnosed me with Lymphedema. (<– click for more information) Here’s a little bit from the site below.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run through your body. Lymph vessels collect a fluid that is made up of protein, water, fats, and wastes from the cells of the body. Lymph vessels carry this fluid to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter waste materials and foreign products, and then return the fluid to your blood. If your vessels or nodes become damaged or are missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the system. The fluids can then build up and cause swelling in the affected arms or legs.

There are two types of lymphedema:

She basically gave me a water pill to get rid of it and in the first 3 days I dropped 20 lbs. and all the swelling and pain was gone. Then in came back about 3 weeks later.  I couldn’t go back to the doctor  because my school insurance expired and I didn’t renew it since I close to finishing my degree. So I went online looking for natural remedies to cure this problem and that’s when I found information about the Master Cleanser.  This woman had gout and edema and a friend of hers gave her the book and told her that would help her. She said both ailments were gone once she did the cleanse. So I got the book and needed ingredients hoping this would help my edema. After being on the cleanse for 7 days my edema was completely gone and the chronic sinus issues I was having dissolved as well. That was my very first experience with the Master Cleanser. Anyways, i gotta run. I have some work i need to finish, but i wanted to update you guys. I did a video on Friday when I started the MC again so check it out here MC Day 1 of 42 . I’ll catch you guys up later. Take care

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Ok, soon I’ll be running out of names for these Master Cleanser posts. So here’s the deal I have started the cleanse again since I don’t think it was wise for me to get off of it so fast the second time. This time I will be on it for at least 3 weeks, and that will be the end of that for this season. I’ll start eating more whole foods and cooking more, not sure if I’m going to be a total vegan though. We will see when that time comes. One of my best friends is doing the cleans as well, for 10 days.  She’s been on for 2 days and she’s doing well too. I’ll keep you posted on her progress and observations.

I did post a You Tube video(<– click) of pictures of me on my weight-loss journey, so check it out when you get a chance. My starting weight this go around is 336 lbs. Yes, as you can see I gained some weight back, but it will be off by the end of this week. I have a busy week ahead, but I will update daily I promise. Until next time.

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 Recap of Days 7 -9! Well, my first week on the MC redo is complete and the beginning of Week 2 is here!! I’m about 13.8 lbs. lighter than last Thursday. Feeling really good, with happiness and a little fear mixed in. I guess it’s a little scary when you go through a lifestyle change. This is only the beginning and I still have a long way to go. My birthday was a month ago yesterday and I currently weigh 30 lbs. less than I did then.

Did my You Tube video Thursday night recapping Days 5-8, but had trouble uploading it as one whole clip… so I had to split it in two parts.  Click ->Part 1 and Part 2. I seem to be getting more comfy with it all, and trying to make it entertaining. So I hope yall enjoy!!

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Well Howdy yall!! Recap of Day 4*. I slept most of it away cause I was out shaking my booty and got in real late. Lost 2.4 lbs. from Saturday. I took the HL tea when I finally woke up around noon and did not do the SWF at all. I drank about 3 glasses of the lemonade. No real elimination. I did my You Tube video (<- click) for the recap of these past three days. Check it out to see another form of consuming the Lemonade, you’ll enjoy it. Nothing really to report for the day!! Happy Cleansing!

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Ok, so I really don’t know how I should do this!!!!!! Soooo, I started all over again because I f*ed up on Day 12 and stayed off the MC til Day 17. Since I messed up, I actually took advantage of it and did some food testing. I know for certain that dairy is not my friend. I’m still trying to deal with my tragic loss, but we have to part ways.  It was very interesting to see and feel how my body reacted to certain foods. The mucus came back full force and was a pain to deal with. My dandruff came back, which shocked the heck out me because I never realized it was a reaction to what I was eating. I still had the numbness in my left hand, but each day it got better. Ironically it got significantly better today. I don’t know if it’s the cleanse or what. Another crazy thing that I experienced was the fact that I could literally smell the food I ate on my skin. When I ate pineapples I smelled sweet, when I ate dairy I smelled like sour milk, etc. I definitely know what I do need to stay clear of once I’m off the cleanse. The good thing is that once I start to reintroduce food into my system I’ll be in tune with what is good and what my body feels is bad for me. Even though I was off plan for 6 days I at least turned it around and made the best of it.

It really feels good to be back on the MC. Elimination was great and I was extremely happy when everything left my body. I’m down 1 lb. from yesterday and I went swimming today. I did a full hour of nonstop freestyle swimming, something I’m really proud of considering that this time last year I was in the Beginning Adult Swim class for the second time and was overcoming my fear of the deep end. My body is sore, but I’m glad. I went to this site called Calories Per Hour (<- click) to calculate how many calories I burned swimming the freestyle at moderate speed, 1,078 calories!!!! So you can see why swimming is definitely my exercise of choice. I found this site through the Fitness Tools section on the Diet Blog (<– click). This is a very good and helpful blog I suggest reading it from time to time. I’m going to end it here for now. I’ll catch you later!!

 Oh, I also did my You Tube  (<– click) video, which I’ve decided to do an update every fourth day. I basically recapped the last week and shared what I experienced. So, here’s to a new beginning again.

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What a difference one week makes! 1.6 lbs. from yesterday, 12.4 lbs. from my 1st day, and 16.6 lbs. from the 1st of the month. Everything is going smoothly so far. I’m having frequent eliminations and no discomfort at all. Every night I take the HL tea and the next morning I do my SWF although I have trouble taking them at the scheduled times. 

Being on a schedule when I really don’t have to is going to be real challenging for me. I didn’t go swimming yesterday because my eliminations were too frequent that I was not going to chance it. It was definitely because I took the SWF too late in the morning. I think what I’m going to have  to do is; if I decide to swim in the morning for 2 hrs. , I ‘ll take the SWF  after I swim and if I decide to go for an hr. in the afternoons then I’ll make sure to take the SWF around 6 am.  giving me enough time to do what I gotta do by noon. I know, I’m probably giving TMI, but I just want you to know what to expect if you choose to do this. This is especially for the individuals who work all year round. I’m just trying to prevent any forms of embarrassment from occurring. So, I just think it’s important to know this, because the book sure doesn’t tell you.

I uploaded my weekly video log on YouTube  (<— click to view) which was really scary to do, but now you can put a face to this blog. When I do this weeks video I’ll make sure to have better lighting and I’ll try not to make it so long. Sorry, it’s the Gemini in me. I just love to talk!!! I will be putting before pictures up as well, I just need some time to get comfy. It was a big deal for me to post my weight log. It’s embarrassing, especially since it’s still the beginning, but knowing that I only have to claim that number for a short period of time makes it easier to post. Til next time.

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