So today is day 11 on my 24-Day-Advocare Challenge. (Read about my prep for the challenge here.)

This morning I was down 5lbs, BUT (and this is totally TMI) I attribute a lot of the weightloss to using the bathroom right before I weighed myself. Am I the only one who thinks like this? I don’t know, but I wasn’t too mad I guess.

THE FOOD

The first half of the challenge has been (for the most part) relatively easy. Sure there were times I still wanted to eat ice cream or popcorn at night, but I stuck it out without giving into cravings. Honestly I really do believe in the overall principle of the challenge. It teaches wholesome, balanced eating and I’ve never “gone hungry”. In fact, sometimes the alarm has gone off on my cell phone and I realize it’s time for another snack and I’m like “ugh!”, so that’s definitely a pro of this challenge.

The challenge stresses the important of planning and meal prepping, which is a concept that is not new to me. I’ve been doing it for basically two years so it was easy for me to jump on board. You seriously have to plan out every single meal and snack and also consciously be aware of your water intake. My husband has been super supportive of the challenge and has really helped me with meal prepping and also with cooking healthy, challenge approved dinners. In fact, he’s cooked dinner every night this week and all I’ve done is put up a list on the fridge of what we are having which nights! (He really is Mr. Perfect!)

A few things on my meal plan: Spaghetti squash. Zucchini noodles. Shrimp stir fry. Chicken wraps. Avocado toast. Rice cakes with peanut butter. Veggies and hummus. Cajun shrimp salad. Salmon. Stuffed peppers…this list goes on and on. You just have to be really conscious of what and when you are eating. If you are someone who tends to just “wing it” I’m not sure that this challenge would be for you.

THE PRODUCTS

So far I’ve really like the Advocare products. Spark really is as amazing as everyone raves it is. I keep thinking that Advocare really knew what they were doing when they created it and incorporated it into the challenge. Since you cut out coffee and add in Spark, it still gives you something to drink in the mornings and with a little bit of caffeine so you’re not dying. I really do look forward to it every morning.

The other Advocare products have been good as well. I’ve lost 5lbs so far, but the difference in how I feel is also just as great. I don’t feel bloated and I wake up feeling better. Honestly I think if I cleaned up my diet by myself I’d probably have similar results, but it actually has been pretty fun to incorporate the supplements into my routine. It mixes it up and it’s new to me so that definitely helps.

There are a few other Advocare products that my “coach” has suggested to me. Honestly I know they are trying to sell the products to make money, so I’m not totally sure if I will buy them (pretty pricey), but I will think about it because so far so good. I’m excited to try the products in the second part of the challenge (the “max” phase) to see if I like them!

TRAINING / WORKING OUT

I’ve been killing it at the gym. This morning I did P90X plyometrics and honestly I can feel the soreness in my thighs as I sit here writing this. I’ve also incorporated: stair-mill workouts, HIIT, rowing, sprints, regular distance running, cardio kickboxing and weights/circuit training. I’ve been working out in the mornings at my work fitness center and because I feel so good and energetic when I wake up – I’ve been having amazing workouts and look forward to it. I hope this motivation and “fun” never goes away!

OVERALL REVIEW (FOR THE “CLEAN” PHASE)

SO my overall review of the Challenge is very good:

• I like what you get to eat (it doesn’t suck and I’m not hungry).
• Training has been fun because I generally feel better.
• Supplements/products are fun to incorporate and seem to be having a good effect on me.
• “Coaching” has been constructive and helpful.
• Access to a private Facebook group has been super motivating and also very helpful.

I was asked to think about my goals for the Challenge and at first I couldn’t think of any besides “lose weight”. I’ve taken the time to think more detailed about it and here’s what I’ve got:

More to come after Day 24!