So it's been some time, and for that I apologize. To anyone that was reading this blog and to myself. For those of you who were wondering, I did not quit or give up! I've been extremely busy over the last few month's but that's still no excuse. So,here's the rundown. At contest's end I was down a total of just over 35 lbs. From 271 to about 235. It was a pretty visible difference. I had managed to get a decent routine together of juicing 2 times a day and eating a salad or vegetable(tomato, lettuce, and cucumber) sandwich for dinner. I would throw in some raw almonds occasionally as well as cheese or milk every once in a while. I was pretty sure I was going to win. And boy was I ready to have a celebratory weekend eating whatever I wanted!
But then the word came that there were going to be some people out of work on the weigh in day. At first they said we were going to push back the weigh in a few days. While this did put a damper on my weekend plans, I was OK with it and I could accommodate. Then on the first day to weight in, the organizer came around with an envelope.
The contest had to be cancelled due to some people complaining that they wouldn't be around in time for any of the weight in days...
Heartbreak. I had worked so hard to get to where I was and I had plans for the prize money (like paying for my juicer). But because of some complaints we had to stop the whole thing.
Boo. But oh well. In the end I had lost a good bit of weight, my clothes fit better, and I was feeling healthier. I'm not going to lie and say I've been juicing the same ever since but I have made some changes to my diet and incorporate far more fruits and vegetables than I did before. My breakfasts are typically 2 apples and a banana. That fills me up more than any breakfast pouch or sandwich typically did. After a little while off the wagon, I have cut out soda and coffee again. I have learned that a meal doesn't have to be some set in stone idea of a "Meat & three" or starchy pasta dish. Not every meal needs a protein base.
So all in all... Am I going to tell you to juice everyday for the rest of your life? Not every meal, but if you have the determination to do one or two a day, I'd say go for it ! I don't see any downsides. Should you try juicing at all? Definitely! I would hope that as with me, you could see some positive results and some long term insights into your overall dietary habits.
I will probably try to throw in a few more posts about some of the other things I've learned along the way. Like how many different apples there are for no reason, and other ways to use some of the vegetables for your juicing.
If you're reading this or any of the other posts, Thank You! And I hope my diet experience has helped someone else in any way as much as it helped me.
Oh, and somewhere in there I won a chili cook-off! (I've only made chili three times in my life...) I'll share my recipe and experience at some point!
