Detox Results!!!

Through out January and February I embarked on a Detox! I am not going to lie at first it was tough, very tough. Check out my update posts below

Not the 1st January Detox | Details
Week 1 Update| Not the 1st January Detox
Half Way update | Not the 1st January Detox
Not the 1st January Detox | Things keeping me going

But, I am very pleased to say my detox ended on the 4th February and here are my results

Overall experience
Detox, in particular caffeine and sugar withdrawl are not for the faint hearted. My head literally felt like there was a little army of men inside it with hammers. However, once the pounding headaches and wee trips every 45 minutes subsided around day 6-8, I really started to feel the benefit of not having those 2 devils in my life.  

As time went on my enegy levels improved massively. The biggest thing for me was having a constant energy level throughout the day, rather than feeling like I could fall asleep by 3pm. This actually improved my confidence too, I knew I could book meetings for later in the day and that I would still be raring to go.

At no point did I feel hungry. And I never felt like I was depriving myself.

I had a few remarks from people toward week 3 and 4 that I had lost weight and I could feel my jeans felt looser.

Results
I didn't actually weigh myself before and after because I did not want this detox to be about loosing weight. However, I definitely lost weight, perhaps as much as a jean size. My stomach is flatter, my love handles are a lot smaller and over all I look a lot healther.

My skin is also a lot better, I literally have had no spots or any redness on my skin. Thumbs up there.

Verdict
I absolutely loved how the detox left me feeling.  It changed the way I think about certain foods. In particular white bread, sugarry treats muffins cakes etc and caffeine. It is now 3 weeks since I officially finished my detox and I still haven't had any caffeine. And you know what? I don't want it because I know how much better I feel without it.  I have decided that this is now a way of life for me and I will be eating what ever I like at weekends but stick to the no added sugar, no white refined carbs during the week.

I also realised something else HUGE.  For years I had a very bad habbit of popping to costa or starbucks and grabbing a coffee and a muffin when I was hungry, instead of getting something healthy and nutritional. So when I couldn't have either of those things it foced me to get something else, like a salad and mint tea, that actually gave me energy.  I never even realised what I was doing... feeding my hunger with a coffee? how bad it that!

Tips 

• Choose a time to detox when you actually have a chance of succeeding. For example. if I had decided to do this over Christmas or when on holiday I just wouldn't have completed it and then felt bad about myself. 
• Get prepared. Have a plan and get healthy food supplies in ready. 
• Expect that it is going to be difficult.
• Decide what you will be having instead of coffee, it's half the battle. I decided that I would be having peppermint tea when I went to starbucks instead of a laté and thats what I had, there was no indecision.
•  Frozen blueberries and grapes were a lifesaver for me. A great snack.
• Protein/smoothie shakes of some sort are a great meal replacement (I chose Arbonne vanilla and chocolate protein because it's vegan and has no nasties)

I am so much happier with my body now, I had put on a bit of weight and it is all gone now. I am also a lot more confident, weather it is because I am proud of myself for sticking to the detox for a whole 30 days or because I have more energy, I'm just really chuffed with myself. 

 I would absolutely recommend doing it!!!

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NOT THE 1ST JANUARY DETOX | THINGS KEEPING ME GOING

I thought it might be quite nice if I gave you an insight in to the things keeping me going and helping me to avoid the sweet treats, caffeine and bread.

1. Chocolate protein shakes - These are divine. I have one for lunch or breakfast depending on how I feel. If I really fancy a desert or I am craving some cookies after dinner I will treat myself to one of these, or even half will do the trick (1 scoop instead of 2)

2. Frozen Blueberries - These are literally saving my life!! I have at least one box in the freezer at all times. I put them in smoothies/protein shakes and I eat them as they are.  The centre of the berry turns almost in to a sorbet like texture. I snack on these at least once a day.

3. Detox/Herbal Tea - I do not remember the last time I drank so much of this.  The great thing is that you will never run out of flavours as there are so many.  I am loving the Pukka Cleanse & Detox teas which I featured here . Plus you will end up drinking lots of water which is great!

4. Tomato sauces & whole grain Pasta - This is literally a life saver because you can pretty much add anything to the tomato sauces, onions, prawns, peppers, mushrooms. All good stuff and fills you up!

5. Walking the dog - Because I have been getting up earlier I am having more time in the mornings to walk my wee pooch. I grab a beaker of detox tea to keep me warm and go out for some fresh air. I walk about 10 minutes and it really gets me going and wakes me up in the morning.  Plus seeing Poppi running around happy keeps me going :-)

What are your health/detox tips that keep you going?

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HALF WAY UPDATE | NOT THE 1ST OF JANUARY DETOX

Hello lovelies!

Today I am going to give you a wee update on my Not the 1st of January Detox.

It is day 15 and I can't believe I am only half way, feeling like I have been doing this darned detox forever! It isn't all bad though, I have some good news too :-)

Day 10 - Day 12

Side Effects: Still weeing more than usual. Could be all the herbal tea I am drinking!

Feeling: great!

Body changes: Definitely looking slimmer and my stomach is flatter

Sleep: Still not managing to get to bed early :-(

Cheated? No! I am really enjoying how I am feeling so I don't want to. (still got problems with mobile phone management though!!)

Day 12 - Day 14

Side Effects: None

Feeling: Fantastic! Really energetic and great, can't quite believe the change!

Body changes: Lost a lot of bloating (realised how much bread I was eating before :-o)

Sleep: Feeling so proud of myself been going to bed before midnight and falling asleep within 15 mins!!! Seriously can not remember the last time that happened.

Cheated? Finding that I am happy to leave phone alone before bed because I have got so much more done through the day with my energy levels being a lot better

Day 15

Side Effects: Couldn't sleep last night. Brain was fairly active not 'buzzing' like I usually would be though

Feeling: The amount of energy and excitement I have each day is the best it has been for such a long time. At least a year.  Feeling so much happier that I am getting up earlier and getting more done throughout the day. Finding I don't really want to lounge about on the Sofa in the morning or afternoon.

Body changes: Stomach flatter. Thighs definitely slimmer, more room in jeans.

Cheated? Not with food. Was on phone for 10 mins last night when I got in to bed so maybe that was why I couldn't sleep :-( Or perhaps it was that Ross Kemp documentary that was giving me nightmares!!!

As you can probably see things have really improved for me. I can't quite believe how different I feel after 15 days of no caffeine and sugar.  Don't get me wrong I am missing my Latte's like nobody's business but I am wondering if I will go back to drinking them now or will I find an alternative? The thing is I am loving my regulated energy levels throughout the day. I use to be so up and down feeling like I am superwoman one minute and sleepy Sue the next.

Another bonus is that my skin is looking better, less blemishes and no sore under the surface spots so far so good!!

Wildfox Skeleton Earings*

I am excited to see what happens over the next 15 days!! Is anyone else on a detox at the moment or have you tried one before, let me know!!?

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Week 1 Update | Not the 1st January Detox

Pictured: Arbonne Vanilla Protein, Pukka Detox Teas, Arbonne Spray Vitamin D + B12, Almond Butter, Almond Milk

As some of you may know if you follow me on twitter or instagram (AshlyLondon) I am taking part in a 30 day Detox. Well I am not going to lie to you, this week has been pretty trecherous at times. I had the worst headaches all week and for 2 days it was seriously bad, and I never get sore headS. I am putting it down to the caffeine withdrawl. I was always one who said "But I don't drink a lot of coffee",  I would have one every second day.  But I was having about 10 cups of tea a day!!! Now that adds up to a lot of caffeine,  I had never even thought of it before, duh.

I am happy to say now the headaches have passed, thank god. Not for the faint hearted.

As I write this I am actually sitting comfortably in a caffee with a green tea resisting the sugary biscuits kindly given to me.  One thing I have realised is that I had been feeding hunger with a Coffee, usually a lovely vanilla or gingerbread Latté at that.  My body was craving nutrients so I fed it coffee? Go figure! But it was a habit.  I would be running around town doing my meetings and errands stopping for a coffee and a muffin rather than lunch! Who else does that?  So if this detox has taught me anything so far is that I can go without all the Lattes, have lunch instead and maybe have one afterwards if I still fancy it.

Day 1 - Day 3

Side Effects: Major Headaches, literally no energy, slightly spaced out and can't stop wee-ing!

Feeling: Crap.

Body changes: None that I can see.

Sleep: Bed early on first few nights as I was so tired. Slept for 12 hours on day 2.

Cheated? I had 2 bites of pastry from a chicken pie

Day 3-6

Side Effects: Major Headaches eased around day 5 and 6. Still wee-ing a lot.

Feeling: Proud I managed to stay away from the caffeine.

Body changes: Maybe stomach is a little flatter.

Sleep: Not been able to get to sleep earlier than 2am.

Cheated? Struggling to put phone away at night and switch off. Other than that no cheating!

Day 7-9

Side Effects: Headaches completely gone. Bladder back to normal.

Feeling: Much much better, more alert, more awake! Realising I don't need caffeine to give me energy.

Body changes: Stomach definitely flatter.

Cheated? I had 3 oatcake type biscouts but pretty sure they had sugar in them.

Another great thing about this detox is that I have been venturing a bit more in to cooking, making lots of vegetable soups. Usually at lunch I would have a panini or sandwich so very pleased with this, not missing bread at all, in fact I forgot it existed until I saw it in the fridge (thanks mum).

I have been absolutely LOVING my smoothies and protein shakes. I can't even explain how yummy they are.  I always associated 'protein shakes' as something body builders had after a work out to put on muscle, I didn't think they were for a little bunny like me. Alas I was sadly mistaken.  You can get varietys for building weight, but the ones I have been indulging in are full of 21 essential vinamins and nutrients with 20g of the best protein.  Completely Vegan! So the protein comes from Pea, rice and cranberries. Who would have thought? Such a delightful idea.  The ones I have chosen are by a brand called Arbonne and come in Vanilla and Chocolate (links below). You can get the powder form or pre made in a carton (handy on the go).

My favourite smoothie recipe at the moment getting me through, especially when I am craving a desert, is the Cinnamon Bun Smoothie. It is so yummy.

Where to get your supplies
Vanilla Protein Powder (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Chocolate Protein Powder (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Vanilla Ready Made Shakes (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Chocolate Ready Made Shakes (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Fibre Boost (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners) <-- out of stock

Guys you will need a referal ID to purchase these. You can use: 441140274

I am actually excited about what will happen over the next week and how I will feel. Please let me know if any of you are following a detox or have ever though about it?

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Not the 1st of January Detox | Details

Hi all, a couple of days a go I told you I was going to embark on a little (or not so little) Detox.

And I start TODAY!  To be honest I am actually really excited, who isn't fed up of all the chocolate and massive amount of food we all consume over the Christmas period?

I will list all the details below in case you want to join in or use it in the future.  You will see that I am not doing a hugely strict juice diet or a maple syrup starve, I just think for me those type of things are too extreme and I am not doing this to loose weight.  It is more of a challenge for me and to get in to better habits choosing healthier options and getting fitter.

So here goes... Details below

Avoid: refined carbohydrates, anything white - bread, pasta, rice, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine

Do: Eat little and often, don't skip breakfast, slow down eating, exercise, rest well, stay motivated.

Example daily meals

Breakfast:

 1 chocolate or vanilla Protein shake with added fibre or a shake recipe, herbal tea, piece of fruit

Mid morning:
healthy snack (handful mixed nuts and seeds or berries with natural yoghurt)

Lunch:
soup or salad with lean protein like salmon and whole grains such as brown rice.

Mid afternoon:
healthy snack

Evening:
a well balanced healthy meal like stir fry with chicken. Healthy desert like fruit or homemade recipe (to come in future posts)

Exercise:  I'm going to pop along to the dance centre tomorrow and sign up for weekly ballet and Zumba classes.

Aims: be in bed by 11pm at night with technology away, read for 30 minutes. Up before 10am and no snooze button!!! I will also be doing 15 minutes of yoga everyday which I do off and on at the moment.

Join in with the hashtag #not1stjandetox

I would love to hear if anyone else is doing a detox or January health plan??

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Please note: I am not a nutritionist or doctor, I am sharing what I will be doing for educational purposes. Please seek your own advice before embarking on any new diet or detox. plan taken from Arbonne 30 days to fit.

My not the 1st of January Detox

I am so excited to be in a new year! Wahoooo.. goodbye 2013 hello 2014!!  To start the year of with a bang I have decided to challenge myself to a detox.  OMG I tell you this is not going to be easy for me because 1. I love coffee, sugar, cakes and 2. I hate exercise, the mere thought of it fills me with dread.  But for 30 days I am going to whip myself in to shape.  Why you may ask? I asked myself the same thing.  The answer is because I feel like my body could do with a good cleanse.. I am after all nearing 30 and need to start taking better care of it and also because I really want to challenge myself and get in to new good habits. So there we are.  I would love to hear if any of you are doing one?

My Goals

1. Do more exercise (3 times per week, although once a week technically would be more than I do now)
2. Join a new exercise class
2. Go to bed at a reasonable hour (11pm)
3. Read for 20 minutes before sleep
4. No technology after 11pm (urgh this is a hard one)
5. No Caffeine
6. Healthy food choices

So as you can see I am not on a majorly strict kick ass detox, nor am I trying to loose weight.  Maybe tone up a but but it is more about making better choices.

I have ordered some food and drink supplies so will probably start on the 6th January but I will update when I have an exact date and go in to more details on my meal plans etc.

I am actually really excited, although quite nervous.

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The Detox wrap at home that works!

Hi all you beauties.  I have been doing some research on detox wraps, and what is suitable for use at home and I have been trying out a few.  I am not in the market to loose weight because I am happy with the size I am but I was happy to find something which reduced bloating for a few days.  Perfect if you want to fit in to a dress for a party this season and have a flat stomach without too much effort.

Welcome Arbonne Seasource Spa detox wrap.  Perfect.  To be honest I wasn't sure how this would work but I had heard and seen pictures of great results. So off I went to see..

This is pretty easy to do and takes about an hour including preparation and leave on time.  Bearing in mind you are not too messy so can safely sit in your dressing gown watch tv or read a book while it works it's magic.

What you need

1. Arbonne Seasource Detox Spa purifying Sea Soak

2. Arbonne Seasource Detox Spa Renewing Body Gelée

3. Arbonne Seasource Detox Spa foaming Sea Salt Scrub

5. Cling film

6. Bandages

The first thing you need to do is put on some shorts or comfy trousers and a sports top or bra. Pop in a 1/3 sachet of the Arbonne Purifying Sea Soak to 4 cups warm water in to a bowl or the sink.  Place the bandages in solution to soak.  While this is soaking use the Arbonne foaming Sea Salt body scrub on the areas you are targeting so around your waist, hips, back and wash off.  Next generously apply the Arbonne Body Gelée to the same areas.  Rinse out the bandages and wrap snugly around the area.  Secure with a safety pin or if your bandages have clips great.  The last step is to wrap yourself up snugly with the cling film.  Don't make it too tight so that you are uncomfortable but tightly enough that it feels like support pants.  Leave for 45 minutes then remove.  Bobs your uncle hello flat tummy!

I lost an inch from the top part of my stomach and an inch from around my hips and belly which was great.  I was so happy with the results so wanted to share it with you all.

Arbonne products are free from parabens, Gluten, animal products or by products, they are Vegan approved and cruelty free.

It works out at £5 per wrap which I think is very reasonable.

Have you ever tried an at home wrap?

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