Why I did the Shakeology cleanse and why you should (or shouldn't) too!

As I finished my final serving of Shakeology for the 3 day cleanse last night, I started thinking about my reasons for doing it. Sure, the obvious answer is to lose weight (I lost 6.2 lbs by the way) but what more do you really get out of it? I came to the conclusion that a big part of it is about teaching yourself discipline and learning or re-learning to make healthy choices. Aside from being a little low on calories, this cleanse is about as nutrient dense and healthful as you can get. You're eating tons of fruit, veggies, and lean protein and with Shakeology you are getting a truckload of vitamins, minerals, and all that other good stuff -- the way you should be eating on a normal basis anyway! The discipline part comes in every time you are tempted to give in and take a bite of your child's lunch or stop by the candy jar for just 'one piece'. You think, "one bite won't hurt, right?" Maybe, but when it comes to that final day after the cleanse, do you want to be asking yourself if the results could have been just a little bit more? Could you have done just a little bit better? This is what kept me strong and I did not eat a single morsel outside of the what I had planned for the cleanse. Do you know how much thought it takes not to lick the peanut butter off of your finger while you are making your daughter's sandwich?!? It's not until you really set a goal like that, that you realize all the little extras you have in a day with a nibble here and a lick there. That stuff adds up! So, aside from the weight loss and cleansing my body of all the toxins and junk food, this cleanse has given my the tools I need to refocus on my goals! It has helped me to remember to pay attention to what goes in my mouth and it has made me crave real food again. Not candy and greasy fries and processed garbage; REAL FOOD! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my oatmeal (the one in the canister, not the little packets full of artificial nonsense) sweetened naturally with strawberries and bananas and my scrambled eggs with a hint of black pepper! It was ridiculously delicious! :-D

The conclusion in all of this...? If you are ready to make a fresh start and really reach for your goals, do the cleanse! It will give you a great boost and a clean slate and you'll be set up on a path for success! If you're just looking for a quick fix to drop a few pounds only to go right back to the eating tons of junk food, skipping meals, or any other crazy things you may have been doing beforehand, forget it! I mean, go for it if you want, but I think it would be a bit of a waste. The true secret to losing weight and keeping it off is not from crazy diets or 'magic pills,' it's about making changes to your every day life; changes that will last and that you can live with for the rest of your life! Everyone is capable of this, just put in a little effort and do it!!