I joke around with my husband, Chase, and say that while he eats just to survive... I survive just to eat! I have always had a food management issue. Even as a child, I would hide candy and junk food in my room and eat it when my parents were unaware. Much to my moms attempts for me to eat my proteins and veggies, I have always been more of a junk food eater. Now that I am married and out of my mom's house, the responsibility of being the house cook is mine, to prepare healthy balanced food for my family (although I still need work on doing this properly!). Chase and I try to be somewhat healthy with our bodies in the area of exercise and we both work out a few times a week. For the most part, I decided that as long as I maintained my body by exercise that I could eat whatever I pleased. WRONG. Boy, was I wrong! I was tired all the time. I never had energy and was always felt like I was in a slump. I worked hard in the gym or at lacrosse practice, and I could never see a difference in my body. My friend, Jordan had reached out to me a few times about Advocare and the products, but I wasn't ready to make a change in my food life. I have always struggled with my choices in food and I never thought I would overcome my habits (more like food addictions), so I thought what was the point in Advocare if I wasn't going to change. At first, I was skeptical of Advocare but after a few months of talking with Jordan and looking into the products, I decided to take the plunge and commit to the 24-day challenge. I knew I needed something to jump start me on the healthy life I desired and I figured there’s nothing to lose (except some weight)! In the cleanse phase, I saw amazing results and loved how I felt! I decided then that I wanted to help others feel this good about being healthy. I decided to become a distributor. I loved the way I felt when I was using the products and the results I achieved were incredible. My inherent need for sweets and artificial sugars was becoming less of a desire. Yes, I still struggle sometimes with food choices but overall, I have changed my relationship with food. Instead of junk, I now reach for healthy snacks and spark. I love the 24-day challenge and how it has taught me to get into the routine of choosing to be healthier. I choose to fuel my body with healthy, non-processed foods instead of junk! If you want to learn more about Advocare, contact me and I can tell you more.
These are three examples of results from the 24-Day Challenge. Everyone's bodies are different, so everyone's results will be different. The one thing that everyone's before and after photos show is a positive change in their bodies ! For me, taking the before photo was intimidating. I didn't want to show it to anyone. Sometimes we are our own worst critique, but I had gained a few pounds and I was ready to start losing them! Let's jump into what the 24-Day Challenge is and what it entails!
The 24-Day Challenge is a comprehensive supplementation and nutrition program designed to give your body the jumpstart it needs to help you reach your goals. There's something for everyone whether you are looking for weight management, energy, overall body composition or overall wellness. There are two phases to the 24-Day Challenge, Cleanse Phase and Max Phase.
The Cleanse Phase is days 1-10. When I first heard the word cleanse, I thought "Oh gosh! What I have gotten myself into!" However, I found out that it really is not your average "cleanse". You still eat normal food, it is not just a liquid diet, and you do NOT have to spend the entire cleanse with a messed up belly! I have a sensitive digestive system and I was terrified that I would be spending the full 10 cleanse days on my toilet. TMI, I know, but I am sure some of you reading this were probably wondering how your belly would react! I did just fine, so no worries! Now for the breakdown of the cleanse phase, I am going to copy the information from the Advocare 24-Day Challenge Overview page. They have already done the work describing this phase much better than I could so this next part is cut and dry!
The Herbal Cleanse system can help rid your body of waste and prepare the body for optimal nutrient absorption with its unique blend of herbal ingredients. Using a systematic approach, it guides you through the daily steps for thorough internal cleansing and improved digestion. (This is the part I was scared about, and so was my tummy. I knew I had a lot of toxins and junk that needed to get out of my system but my relationship with the toilet was still a friendly experience!) Each Herbal Cleanse box includes these two key products: ProBiotic Restore capsules and Herbal Cleanse tablets. For the complete system, use these two products as well as AdvoCare Fiber for the duration of the 10 days. |
The second product you will use in the Cleanse Phase is OmegaPlex, which is a high-quality blend of essential Omega-3 fatty acids for overall wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of heart, nerve, muscle, skin, bone and immune health. As with all of the AdvoCare products, OmegaPlex meets high standards for safety and efficacy so you can be sure you are getting some of the purest Omega-3 fatty acids on the market. |
AdvoCare Spark is a unique multi-nutrient system that was developed as a nutritional source of energy and enhanced mental focus.* It's sugar free with more than 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients that work synergistically to provide a healthy, balanced and effective source of energy that won't overburden or over stimulate your body. |
The Max Phase is what I like to call my "Lifestyle Phase". This is the way we should be eating and living on a daily basis. Yes, there are days that are OK to have a cheese burger, chips and a coke, but on average eating habits should match or come close to this model. This phase seamed easier for me than the cleanse phase, so I felt like I could really make this my lifestyle for eating habits. For my cleanse days I completely cut out dairy products and bread/starches. In the max phase, I had them in moderation. OK, lets break down the Max Phase! Just like above, I have copied this information from the Advocare website.
After completing the Cleanse Phase, it’s time to move into days 11-24: The Max Phase. The Max Phase is about fueling your body in order to achieve maximum results. During this phase you will take three products that work together to provide you with sustained energy, appetite control, core nutrition and overall wellness. Upon completion of the 24-Day Challenge, these products can continue to be taken every day as part of a healthy lifestyle.
During the Max Phase, you can choose from three Metabolic Nutrition Systems which all provide sustained energy, appetite control, core nutrition and overall wellness. If you’re not sure which system to use, AdvoCare recommends beginning with MNS 3, which provides you with a foundational level of appetite control and energy. For a higher level of appetite control you can choose MNS C†, and for more energy you can choose MNS® E†. All three formulations include: CorePlex (our multivitamin), OmegaPlex, ProBiotic Restore , thermogenic components and additional wellness supplements. |
Skipping meals is a common mistake people make in weight-management or wellness programs. The Meal Replacement Shake is a healthy, delicious solution. Each shake includes 22-24 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 5-6 grams of fiber, 26 vitamins and minerals, and 50 percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium. They come in several great-tasting flavors. |
Advocare also offers Companion products and they can be used in conjunction with the products that come with your 24-Day Challenge Bundle. Although not officially part of the 24-Day Challenge, these products are fantastic complements to the program and can help target your specific needs Carb-Ease Plus, ThermoPlus, Catalyst and extra Meal Replacement Shakes (optional – during Cleanse Phase). I have not used the products yet, so I feel like I can not personally recommend them, but I do know a few people who LOVE them and order them with their challenge!
My Personal Results The Advocare 24-Day Challenge January 12, 2015- February 4, 2015 | There are a ton more products that Advocare offers, and hopefully over time I will be able to try many more of them! So far, I love Advocare and more specifically the 24-Day Challenge. I started my first challenge in January and I am planning to start my second challenge at the end of this month (April). You can do a complete 24-Day Challenge every 90 days. Since my first challenge, I have maintained the weight loss and my eating habits have improved so much! I am proud of myself for allowing myself the opportunity to live and be healthier. I think I am most proud of the fact that I learned more self-control and that I stuck with the program. I have decided that, if I can do it, anyone can. I have invested in my self, in my body, and in my health and I am glad I took the plunge into Advocare! Now, I will show you my personal progress pictures. Like I said at the beginning of this blog post, when I took my before photos, I was very unsatisfied with my body image and the way I had been treating my body. Now, I can say that I am happy with the way I look and I can't wait for my next 24-Day Challenge to continue my path to a healthier lifestyle. |
As I mentioned above, I am starting my second Advocare 24-Day Challenge at the end of this month. Doing the challenge with a group of people really helps! If you decide to take the plunge and do the challenge, I would be your "coach" throughout the process! As your coach I will keep in touch with you throughout the 24 days and give you advise! I will be available to answer any of your questions...and if I don't know the answer by myself, don't worry! I have an entire team of awesome Advocare Distributors to help me answer!
If you want to learn more about Advocare, contact me and I can tell you more. You can also take a look at my Advocare page to see products and to learn more about this amazing company and opportunity!
If you want to learn more about Advocare, contact me and I can tell you more. You can also take a look at my Advocare page to see products and to learn more about this amazing company and opportunity!