Days 11-16

So, we are in the homestretch. WOW! Can't believe it's already the final week of this cleanse. Time flies when you're having fun, right? That is definitely true. We have just incorporated the new food and new changes as a new lifestyle, and it's been pretty easy these past couple of days. I will say that Sunday was challenging for me, and I had to fight through a lot of cravings and food porn swirling around in my head. I think that probably had something to do with the time of the month, if you catch my drift. *cough cough* Enough said about that.

Proud to say, though, I fought through the sexy mental food images and all the urges to eat whatever my little PMSing heart desired, and I did not cheat or stray from the cleanse. Aaron is doing so well, I'm still amazed. We're both sleeping fabulously, feeling energized, exercising, and all-around feeling on our game. All of that is directly related to this cleanse and the changes we've made about what we put in our bodies. It's amazing how when you make a decision to do something, even if it seems radical, and stick to it, other things will fall in to place. We are living testimony to that.

So, we've still been discussing and brain-storming about what we want to keep doing after our 21 days are up. So far, our list of "keeps" is:

- Almond milk in place of cow milk

- Vegan butter/cheese

- Green drinks

- All the hippy, non-sugar cereals

- No caffeine

- Sea salt instead of regular table salt

- No whites (bread, sugar, salt)

Aaron is even stretching a little farther and is aiming to stay off coffee. He loves the way he feels in the morning after his lemon water with cayenne pepper, and his cup of decaf green tea. I struggle with the concept of ditching coffee altogether, but I've clearly proven that I can live without it. It will come down to a matter of choice, and I'm still on the fence. I simply love it, more than I love most food/drinks, and it'd almost bum me out to say "adios" permanently. I will keep thinking on that the next few days.

Things we plan to pull back on after we're done?

- Salads, just for a few days. Can't. Take. Anymore.

- Gluten-free bread, simply because of cost. $5.89 a loaf makes me cry.

- Frozen dinners. Those have been handy, but the gluten-free, dairy-free ones are also costly.

- No meat. We will phase it back in, but on a very limited basis, and only local. (We love you, Bastrop Cattle Company!)

Both of these lists will change (most likely grow) over the next couple of days, so I'll do a final list of "keeps" and "outs" at the end.

Last thing before I go, I think I fell short on protein the past few days. My muscles have felt weaker than usual, and I have pulled both hamstrings, as well as my arms while doing yoga and working out. I had begun eating less beans last week than I started out eating, and my body let me know that that's NOT ok in a few painful, but loving reminders. I did make a conscious effort to beef up (for lack of a better word) my protein intake today, and I'll continue to do so until we're done. If any of you ever try this cleanse, don't skimp on the protein. It'll hurt!

Remember the perk of this cleanse? Yes, shedding excess garbage and weight. Total of pounds lost so far: Aaron = 9lbs. Me = 7lbs. Not bad for 16 days. I love how changing to this lifestyle eliminates the craziness of having to count calories and follow diets. Good things just happen naturally once you put better (see: plant-based) stuff in your face, and commit to working out so your heart stays happy. Beautiful.

Bring on day 17!

Love, peace, & veggies.