Lost 6 lbs in 1 week

I'm doing very well! 6 lbs off as of this morning and loving it! Energy is high, stayed thoughout the weekend. I bought a blender that also came with a food processor so this is going to help a lot with all the smoothies and the chopping that's done. Sat with my SO and he was having roasted potatoes with ketchup. I read the ingredients on the bottle and was amazed at the high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup loaded into those ingredients! Next step is to take instructions from Dominique to sustain this life style after the detox - which, by the way, I'm continuing this next week as well.

Author: Noel Weller, Alexandria, VA.

The party's over :-(

Sad to say and hard to believe its two weeks on Madam D's nutritional detox! Time flies when you are having fun! While my purpose for the detox was to learn more about my body and what should and should not go in it I ended up losing 3 pounds to boot! I reported no weight loss the after the first week and with a commitment to the finish I was very surprised to see this result and can hope that by incorporating much of the ingredients of the meal plan and eliminating the junk, I can continue towards healthier living. Conincidently and as many of you may already know or are coming to realize, Madam D is really onto something here and her advise and services are really starting to hit mainstream. Check out this link to recent nutritional coverage on the very mainstream aol healthly living site! www.aolhealth.com\2010\02\25\surprising-superfoods Hats off to Madam D - Thank You! Good luck to all!

Another Recipe for Variety

My friend made a variation of this salad for lunch one day and I loved it! Made some edits with Dominique to make it "Detox-friendly", and wanted to post it as a suggestion to add some variety to the 2nd week's recipes: Southwestern Bean Salad: 2 cups cooked Quinoa; 2/3 cup dry kidney or black beans, cooked*; 2 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 sweet red pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 1/2 cup vinegar; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 1 minced jalapeno pepper or cayenne to taste; 1 tsp chili powder. Combine all the ingredients. This tastes even better if you let it stand refrigerated or at room temperature, 1 hour before serving. Makes 6-8 servings.

*Dominique recommends soaking the beans overnight with 1/2tsp of baking soda per cup of beans. Then, in the morning, rinse, put in new water, and soak again for a few hours before cooking. They will cook fast and won't make you gassy. Of course, since I am a spicy wimp, I leave out the jalapeno/cayenne and it is still very tasty :) Enjoy!

End of Week 1

I love this detox...I have so much energy and I feel healthier. I don't know how many pounds I lost (prob 1 or 2) but my pants fit looser and I feel skinnier. It's great that i still have energy to work out at night, which usually isn't the case with diets. I travelled this weekend for an engagement party so I was off the detox on Saturday night and Sunday. I'm back on today! I hope to keep this going for awhile and incorporate these smoothies, lunches, and dinners into my diet going forward.

detox

Well, let's see if this works! I'm doing well on this regime - lots of energy, tasty food - even ate out at Sunflower (Vegetarian restaurant) with my sweetie to give him inspiration. As of today, I've lost 6 lbs. Not sure if it was the real egg omelet with veggies (no cheese) or wheat from Tabbouli, but lots of soreness in the intestines today. I went out an bought a blender that also came with a food processor so life may get a little easier for prep of smoothies and food.

Weekend Recap / Quinoa, my new love...

Week #1 is complete, moving on to week #2! Lost 2 lbs last week, not planning to check again until the end :) I was forced to deviate from the plan a bit this weekend while helping my in-laws move, and I could tell it was the first time I'd had coffee in a while (I phased out coffee about 2 weeks before the detox started). Having a little trouble waking up this morning (and am EXTRA sore), but at least the smoothie is keeping from being hungry. I think I mentioned in my last post that my energy levels have been up, and I think so even more now. I don't know how I would have done with a weekend like that on my previous diet without passing out! Plus, basically all of the heartburn/reflux symptoms that I used to experience on a daily basis have disappeared. So that alone is worth the whole 2 weeks! As we move into week #2, I plan to use that Quinoa recipe more. I can't believe I lived my whole life thus far without Quinoa! It may be my new favorite love (don't tell my boyfriend!) and I plan to use it all the time, even after the week is over. I was also really encouraged to hear that another patient had been able to fins Amaranth at the local MOM's, so I'll have to venture out this week for a re-fill grocery trip and grab some things. Looking forward to trying the new recipes too. Since we can't do chips, what are good recommendations to dip in the Salsa? I may have to modify a bit because it looks a bit spicy for my tastebuds.... Hope everyone is hanging in there, we're halfway there!

Its Sunday ALREADY?

My how time flies when you are having fun! Forgive me all for passage of time since my my last entry. This is partly due to simply not having time, not devoting the time and feeling guilty about cheating. Yes, I cheated! I cheated yesterday. I only cheated once - kinda. I took my kids to a very bright place right next to one of those expensive smoothie places in Shirlington: Johnny Rockets. Amazingly found something that I actually enjoyed but realized it was still cheating - a soy burger; they also had turkey burger to my surprise. Wheat bread with iceberg lettuce and tomato with a side salad (with slight sprinkle of some kind of plastic cheese) and a vinaigrette dressing on the side which I would dip my fork into then dip into the salad and as you can imagine, there seemed to be as much dressing left when I finished as was served. I also had a fry from my kids plate here and there. And this morning, I could actually feel the affect of going off diet almost as if my body was reminding me of my bad choices. Otherwise, I have been true to the meal plan and found myself drinking tons of water over the weekend probably because of good workouts and lots of fluid loss in combination thereto. I did not weight myself yesterday or today at the gym and will do so next time I go. Most important, I also, as others have indicated, will likely keep quite a few lessons learned from this week's experience. Every time I go to a store, I get snobbish about all the crap that is constantly dangled in front of us to buy, eat, buy, eat, buy and eat... I have also spoken one on one with Madam D and suggest that if you have not, you do so. She is very knowledgeable and really helped me see my way through not only this week but to a healthier way forward. I've found that as with all aspects of life, choice matters. Madam D and the D week have truly helped me be better prepared to make smarter choices for this ole boy...

Freindly Fast Fuels Fire Within...

With a view that juice fast was more like a juice feast; I think overall I held up fairly well today on smoothie and water all day. It was a busy day at the office with meetings that provided much distraction which helped; still making record trips to the restroom eliminating the water mostly. After gobbling down a large serving of smoothie I finally made it to the gym this evening although much later than I normally do. The circuit training and light weight routine went off without a hitch; however, the elyptical was killer and I had strange feelings in leg muscles that I've not felt before. At first it felt like I was about to get major charlie horse in both calves, the left more severe than the right calf; I slowed down the pace and contemplated stopping but then at the slower pace the sensations subsided almost feeling as if I was working something out of the muscles in a downward fashion, slowly but after about 10 minutes at the slower pace I was easily able to return to my normal pace and actually hit a good second hard sweat. Then I thoroughly enjoyed about 20 min in the dry sauna which provided a good constant sweat. Needless to say - I'm rehydrating now and am hoping to sleep well. And how can I forget - I weighed in, on the same and only scale I use and oddly can report no change to my weight... and yes, I realize its not a goal rather a result, but gee, with all the trips to the restroom I thought for sure I'd have a different result... maybe next trip... I am looking forward to the broccoli event - one of my all time favorite greens! Ah - also finally found Bulgar wheat and an amazing amount - and entire and large grocery isle - of all the stuff on the gro list for making the meals in the week... And also finally found two bags of frozen mangos, they must be popular as 3 x prior at different grocers the frozen mango shelf was empty... damn those Philippians and Panamanians (I've done extensive travel to both and there is no doubt that the best mangos in the world are at either of these spots...) and yes, its a hell of a long way to go for a mango! sounds kinda lyricy, eh? Thanks to those who respond to the call for contributions!

Late Start

I started the detox on Tuesday and it's going great so far. I have a lot of energy and am not hungry. I certainly feel healthier, as I am drinking more water and eating more veggies and fruits than I ever do! It also helps sticking to a strict diet, as it keeps me away from snacking on chocolates that are always hanging around the office and home. I have a question for the juice fast - do we just drink 100% juice all day long? Is there a maximum to the amount of juice I should be drinking? Am I still drinking 2L of water as well? Does it have to be fershly squeezed juice or juice from the store that says 100% juice? Thanks!

Where ARE the clowns?

Say, I feel like some of you are not doing your part: whassup with not blogging? I know that there are more of you out there doing the Madam D Tox Shuffle and just simply ain't puttin your fingers to work: get on with it - contribute, share, tell all, give it up!

D Day 2

After staying fairly close to diet, with some substitutions from other days here and there, I am amazed how not hungry I am. I am eating a bit late in the evening, I did beets & tofu tonight - very yummy quasi stir fried in some sesame seed oil. I clearly do not follow directions well: sorry! It all goes to the same place so I threw everything into a light simmer and had my fill. I do wonder if there are time restrictions as with a normal diet, I presume these general rules, i.e. try not to eat after 7pm, also apply with our detox meal plan? Madam Dominique if you are willing & able, please comment on general timeframes for eating - or slap me for having missed directions on same in some of the literature! I missed exercise today and am really looking forward to some tomorrow; will likely go easier than normal simply because of detox diet... I suppose... Also, have very slight headaches in the morning mostly; glad to also report first and relatively normal bm which seemed to kick start the excess gas thing; wow! I was getting a bit bloated, no longer! I think I may have overdone the kale in my first batch of smoothie as I think I've pee'd near green at least once now, then in the morning it a bright yellow and then clear all day - damn near a rainbow with all the colors! OK - on that nasty note, best to call it a blog, drink some H2O, and dream sweetly about hump smoothie Wednesday!

New to Blog & Detox

I tried to blog earlier today from work but was not able due to high level of i-security, I suppose. then had issues remembering my password and am still not even sure if I am log on with my Google account or my aol account, but no matters - I made it to the site. I'm opting to only read fellow detox'rs for March unless the Dominique suggests more study of older blogs is in order! I did indeed did start detox today and for a former meat and potato guy I am surprised how well I am holding up. I did not have time to make smoothie this am but enjoyed two 10 oz glasses for dinner and am equally surprised how not-so-bad tasting it comes out as compared with the look and smell! I should also note that I forced a tasting onto my 13 old son and 15 year daughter to show them the value of eating right - early in life! I think I probably violated a rule by having two low salt V8s as part of my make-do meal plan for today - which also included a banana and lots of water. In addition, I used some regular nondairy liquid creamer in my coffee consumption today which was probably done in excess. Will switch to soy creamer tomorrow. Will also hit the gym tomorrow for elliptical and lots of reps with light weights and spend a good 30 minutes in dry sauna afterwards. Any Madam Dominique advise is welcome on any fitness no no's or any other observations herein or otherwise! Its either good nite or good morning to all!

My first detox day

It has been a very busy day between my work, helping family with a problem in France, and dealing with an emergency here. I have to say food is the last thing on my mind. I had a very large smoothie with Ultimate Meal protein, collard greens, mangoes, banana, and apple. That is all I had so far. I am going to be on the road until about 8:00 tonight. Will blog later to tell you how my evenings goes. Make each day count!

Last day!

Green smoothie started a full work day 10-5. I had leftover quinoa salad for lunch and brought a cut-up apple for snacks. I went to a friend's Open House after work and ended up "off" the plan with gingerale and ham. Dinner very late is steamed sweet potato and beets. Overall I have had alot more energy this week. Not hungry at all. My asthma also really became almost not noticeable. I usually am exhausted at the end of a full day of clients, and that was not true either yesterday or today. I am very pleased with the week, with how I stayed with the plan and the results. I lost 5.5 pounds! Thanks Dominique

Last Day

The last day of the Detox/fast! I am proud of myself for maintaining this raw diet at the same time as pursuing a really demanding work life. I admit I had doubts at the outset. The few times I was hungry, I had some fruits/veggies or nuts to tide me over till the next meal. Ocasionally I was just not hungry at all even though it was meal time. It was a good awareness exercise to notice when I want to eat - and why. For instance, I noticed that some free-floating stressful situations have the effect of making me want to nibble on snacks (thank heaven for veggie sticks and nuts). Sometimes just a cup of tea is what is needed. This morning I fixed myself the green smoothie and reflected in the unaccustomed leisure of my Saturday morning that I plan to do the green smoothie more often, as it's delicious and fun. (I was not much of a smoothie fan before). I also have a refrigerator full of healthy ingredients - and leftovers. Although I was following a plant-based diet before, I've learned some new things about ways to prepare raw foods and definitely sampled some new dishes. I also liked the blog to follow what/how others were doing. So thanks, Dominique, for an educational and healthy experience!

Friday

I had a Green Smoothie for breakfast. Drank the whole thing because I got hungry yesterday when I just drank 1/2. Brought pineapple and romaine lettuce for lunch and almonds for snacks. I have had several bowel movements today. I made the Quinoa salad for dinner. It definitely seems to be a side dish for me, not the only course. I will probably use it that way in the future. I wasn't excited about it's taste, but it was very colorful. Glad I put the tomatoes in it. I'm really wanting to get some fish in my diet. I have lost 4 pounds, so that is great. For the future, I hope to create a blend of this diet this week and some protein. I am pleased that I tried several dishes and kept on this vegan diet well. I wasn't so sure that I would make it in the beginning. Thanks for setting this up for us. Lynne

Vitamix - from Toni Dungan

The Home and Garden Show is out at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. It started yesterday and goes through Sunday, February 28, 2010. I checked to make sure and the VitaMix people will be there. They do demonstrations and let you taste stuff, answer questions and their prices aren't too bad if anyone wants to check out what a VitaMix can do. Toni

Thursday

I had the smoothie f0r breakfast and afternoon snack. Green drink for dinner. Almonds during the morning. I didn't have a bowel movement yesterday but did have several small ones today. Hunger in the am so I ate almonds. Really getting tired of almonds! Sleepy around 5pm. Short nap. I prepared the green drink for dinner and my stomach hurt just making it. I went ahead and drank it with a side of almonds per your suggestion. No acid. Tomorrow is another day with no time to prepare food. Lynne

Catching Up

Okay, I have missed a couple days of blogging thanks to my wonderful Internet connection. (Not!) Tuesday, followed the plan to the tee and notice the gasie thing I had going on was subsiding; Wednesday didn't have my juicer so I stuck with lots of water throughout the day and had a nice size salad for dinner with various types of greens with lots of interesting veggies, a few Brazilian nuts with lemon juice and olive oil dressing and a side bowl of water melon. Funny thing....I have never attended so many meetings/classes in one week where everyone was pushing pizza! I was awesome (you ladies should have seen me at work) with my high quality H2O networking and not munching :0) Thursday/today I noticed that I had no gas and not much hunger. Worked on taxes (still!) and my mind and thoughts were very clear. Drank water throughout the day and having orange and apple slices along with homemade guacamole and a few blue chips. I don't want totally deny my desire for sugar (refined, sugar) so I am using the blue chips this evening to keep me on track. When that juicer arrives I will have my juice day. Have been sleeping exceptionally well and have lots three pounds! My husband has been enjoying salad every night for dinner too! He feels guilty when we share daily food journals :0)

Juice Day

Interestingly enough, I wasn't hungry during the juice fast today. Had a couple glasses of juice and a lot of water. Toward evening got a little spacy and have a slight headache. Overall a successful day.