The Burger Bar/Bossa Nova

I have loved burgers since I was introduced to them when I was just a wee thing.  From Burger King's Whopper, to McDonald's Big Mac, my obsession with hamburgers haven't wavered, hence maybe the reason becoming vegetarian has this down side.  I don't eat burgers often, but when I do...oh my!  Whatever the side, it usually takes a back seat to the burger itself, however, at the Burger Bar on Melrose in L.A., I do have to admit the pork burger did nothing for me.  It was worded in such a way, I was expecting my taste buds to do a double take, instead I realized I made better pork burgers at home with bacon and the works so forgo this adventure for the beef grilled cheese sandwich (yummy) since my main course was uneventful.  However, the chorizo mac n cheese was absolutely delicious and upstaged everything on our table including the garlic fries so if you only go for this side, you won't leave disappointed!  Pass on the peanut butter/chocolate milkshake unless you like runny...which I don't but to each their own.  I prefer my shakes to be rich, thick and creamy...let me dig in with a spoon while it's melting slowly away please and then only at the end am I required to use a straw to slurp up the rest of this old time goodness.  With all these burger joints popping up I do expect better, so I'll keep searching until I do find the one.  These are some of the sacrifices I'll make for you...ha, ha, ha. =)

I've been going to Bossa Nova for years now and every time I'm there, I always wonder why I don't get here more often.  Brazilian cuisine that never disappoints and if you haven't been, please make this a must go at some point and time.  Located on Sunset, this nook of fantasticness always seem to have large parties nestled in but somehow I always feel just cozy enough even when stuck by the door.  Is it the attentive waitstaff?  The wonderful food?  The Sangria!!!!!  That's it...good sangria always makes me feel comfortable and ready to eat, and eat I did.  I inhaled the cajun blackened shrimp with rice and couldn't finish the plate, portions are comparable to the price and everyone seems friendly...commented on someone's great looking pizza and they told me to take some home!  Ha!  You just don't get better than that.  So whether you try the beef stroganoff or the blackened shrimp, you'll leave with your taste buds tickled and your belly full without a catastrophic dent in your wallet.

The Fighter/Winter's Bone/Battle L.A.

Love action/fighting flicks so to finally catch up on "The Fighter" was a real treat.  To get more of the turmoil and the emotional challenges that faced this boxer was eye opening inspiration.  He's not only a fighter in the ring but a contender in life, one that with so many odds stacked against him...he wanted it more therefore succeeded.  Well done to Christian Bale for portraying his cracked out brother.  After watching some behind the scenes of big brother Ward, Bale's mannerisms were uncanny and although he's not one my favorite all around actors with all the set temper tantrums, he has definitely stepped up to the plate with this honest portrayal.  Also seeing the transformation of Melissa Leo as Alice Ward was amazing and well worth the curiosity after watching her win the academy award.  Marky Mark (which he'll forever be emblazoned in my mind) was simple and effortless which made this movie smart in terms of casting.  They allowed the characters to be characters without pushing hard and thus allowing this truly triumphant story to come across.  B+ for this solid, well done boxing flick that should be on your netflix list if you haven't caught it yet.

Depressing, harsh and driven sets this next methodical film of crystal meth, the people involved and those it affects.  "Winter's Bone" showed the power of family when family is all that you have...all the good and all of the ugly bad.  Jennifer Lawrence's determination as Ree was clean and I have to admit, casting was excellent here.  People looked rough, worked, haggard and you can tell the effects of that life taking it's toll.  The men were menacing but each had respect and family tattooed all over their egos with glimpses of how much family meant to them where the women were as strong as possible in the male domineering setting but had conformed to survive.  Sad, riveting and strong are the adjectives that float along as the story unfolds and is told through the actions of this character driven piece.  Solid A for this "unhollywood" portrayal of rural, drug life.  Another netflix to watch!

"Inception" was so super brilliant for me that since I now know Hollywood can make these kind of films, yet chose not to take the chance, I will hold it to this standard.  I love action films and I love smart films, why is it so hard to combine????  When intelligent people can come out of a film with different views and thoughts, that's the good stuff and yet I have to have separate categories to judge films on.  Was it action?  Romantic Comedy?  Drama?  Why can't it just be a great film regardless of genre, not only good for it's category.  Tired of formula hence not impressed with Battle LA. as far as story goes.  Everyone had something to live for and we as the audience had to be told what it was...I'm smarter than that, I don't need flashbacks or a told story, let the actors act and let me figure it out.  Now I did appreciate the imagery and the fact that we never got a whack close up of the aliens but all in all, it's a popcorn flick and I just enjoyed it for what it was instead of being moved and intrigued.  During the monologue (although corny at moments), when Sgt. (Aaron Eckhart) started spewing off names and numbers, I could feel that and that's all I wanted throughout the film.  You can make a action film that is smart and has all the drama needed, this just wasn't one of them.  I give this film a C and only because the style and CGI was pretty cool.  Good for the big screen but if you want to save the dough, don't waste it and check it out later....    

Turbosonic (supersonic), vibe plate (so great), infar wrap (oh snap)

Okay, I'm off the cleanse and promised to update on this fantastic contraption that I'll be adding to my already rigorous workout week, 1x every other week.  The thing that I love about these new vibration plate/sonic workout machines are the minimal impact it has on your body and I think that alone helps me to realize just how beneficial this new workout can be.  It lets your body rest (but not really) for a day here and there which is so necessary when training.  It honestly feels like you're doing nothing, so of course on the vibrating plate I have a whole full body workout I've been experimenting with and now have heard there are pilate sessions that are incorporating this "new to me" fitness device.  You do sweat if you want to, you do get sore if you push your core differently, you do feel like you've worked out if you do something other than just stand there although just standing there may have it's benefits too but if you're fit and just trying to incorporate something new to confuse your muscles, don't let the look of laziness fool you.  These new machines pack a powerful punch for your core.  Now it's stated that every 10-15 mins on these things, equals to about an hour on regular fitness machines (hence you're only on it for 10-30 minutes max pending on the machine), not sure if it is but I'll be spending this next year finding out so keep checking back if you're still skeptical.  On the Turbo, you do just stand there for 10 mins as it uses sonic waves to figure out where to target your body and how...I felt shaking, vibrations and bouncing...so very interesting and I used this time to focus where I felt my body was engaged.  Fighting for so long, you develop a "stronger/faster" leg, which is my right, I tend to overuse it when sparring, however when I workout, I tend to kick 2x's on my left to every 1x on my right because I want to keep my left as strong as possible.  So as I was paying attention to the sonic, I realized that it does this weird hard vibration that rings up my left leg but get this, it doesn't do it for my right.  I've been on it twice and I took note the first time and it did it again.  WOW!  This is perfect for everyone, so if you see a deal somewhere offering this service, jump on it and vibrate your way to a stronger you.  This will never take the place of me hiking/running/fighting etc., but if you're injured or just wanting to start off slow, this is something and something is always better than nothing.  Read up, Europe's been into it for quite sometime, I'm just glad we finally got it to!

Infrared wraps are also a new addiction I've been dappling in.  I've tried the full body saunas at Wii spa, the head out sauna at FBE spa and the wraps at On The Beach spa.  All of them good for different reasons but the front runner in these have been the wraps.  I like sitting/laying around at the Wii spa that offers different variations of infrared like salt, clay and jade but I do feel the warmth quicker and concentrated in the wraps.  I think I've also dodged 2 colds that could have been worse but since scheduled by per chance around the treatment time, I've always left feeling better.  This fantastic treatment that wraps just below your chest, waist, hips and each thigh, heats you up from the inside helping you dispel toxins and is said to burn anywhere from 800-1200+ calories in one session!  I only go about 1x every other week but I've had to squeeze some in before expiration that has made me move up to 2x's a week for the next 2 weeks.  I'll keep you posted of more results if shown that quickly with more regular use but usually this session for me precedes my cheat day or comes shortly there after giving me some "maintenance" help just in case I go overboard. =) Again, it's about health and it's about your body, so make time and do something different every now and then to keep yourself in tip top shape. 

The Bistro@Cliffhouse, San Francisco

Right off the beach, located on cliffs, this is definitely a touristy spot (places to avoid usually) however we were trying to get to Lloyd's, a smaller mom and pop eatery next door that supposedly had fantastic food but alas was closed due to renovations on Saturday taking us slightly downwind to Cliffhouse.  Walking into the glass/concrete establishment, you can go right (Sutros) or we chose the left (The Bistro).  We waited for about 15mins for a table, noticed the dinner rush coming in, almost sidelined out of there for a quick phone order to a korean bbq up the road I googled but just as the plans were developing, buzzer was off and we were at our table a few feet from the bar.  In all that, I had accidentally left my beast's only big umbrella at the waiting bench which never found it's way home.  Someone in San Fran decided it was best to steal the umbrella than walk around wet which is inexcusable but I left it, therefor I guess it's fair game?  This place is right on the waterfront, the main entree portions are more inland based and that right there, warmed my heart and stirred my belly!  After the debacle with the motel, I needed some comfort food that would last me all night long and then some and this place delivered surprisingly with taste and quantity...my two favorite things.  Not only was the view of the ocean fantastic but the vibe inside was that laid back, unpretentious bar feel that I have grown disdain for in L.A.  Since I had the 6 hour trip homeward bound, I passed on the wine (to try and stay awake for my zombie driver) and ordered Cliffhouse potstickers (pork/shrimp) as the appetizer and Frutti de Mare for the main course.  Now, potsickers are usually all the same all the way around but it's always the sauce that changes everything...this sauce changed everything.  Sweet/tart ponzu feel, less soy saucy with chili spice, chopped green onions made this oh, so very nice!  For $12 a plate, only 6 came in this tasty bit of joy so I ate half and saved the rest as an emergency snack for the long ride back.  The Frutti de Mare ($24) looks easy to consume however, don't be fooled, this plate is chocked full of shredded crabmeat, loads of shrimp, tons of scallops, plenty of mussels and a few clams that just took over and kicked penne pasta's bootay!  Along with the "not to be missed" chunk of sourdough bread, I was in heaven.  The red sauce was super flavorful with a pinch of creaminess that allowed all the flavors of the sea to be pinpointed on the tip of your tongue which made for sourdough dipping time between bites of taste sensations amazing.  Can I say YUMMY!!!!  I can and I just did!!!  I almost forgot to take pictures and had eaten a big chunk before snapping a shot but I ate about 1/4 of the bowl and had to doggy bag the rest, only to eat 1/2 of the leftover seafood pasta and slice of sourdough on the ride home, leaving the rest for a snack on Sunday.  Ate the 3 potstickers the next day with some veggies and fruit, then reheated the pasta to pour over some mache leaves for a warm salad, pasta dish.  So for $36, I had one full meal, 1/2 dinner fill up, 1 snack and 1 lunch...what's not to love?  So when in San Fran, do this one thing that tourists do...eat at the beach, preferably Cliffhouse.














     

Ocean Park "hidden policy" Motel

I really, really, really wanted to like this place.  Quaint, greal local and artsy-retro vibe...the makings of a cool place to be but 'tis not the case.  Hated giving this place 1 star on yelp but I had to do it and now I must warn future vacationers headed up to the San Fran with doggies to really know what they may get into at this seemingly cool, dog friendly (not) motel.


Headed up to San Fran this weekend for a funeral and booked this 4-5 star "gem" off of reviews and pictures via website.  Only a few blocks from the fam on Taraval, walking distance to a cool coffee shop (Java Beach) and super close to the beach, we thought we had a winner, winner chicken dinner, but alas, no!  From the outside, it's a cool blue looking motel but as with people, looks can be deceiving.  2 nights at $130/a night wasn't the worst price but for a crappy policy about dogs being a "dog friendly" place and rattling doors when the wind blows, the only redeeming factor was the location.  Not posted on the website, was the golden rule that no dogs can be left alone for no amount of time....period.  Did they have "dog friendly" in their wordings....yes, did they have a picture of a dog chillin' off leash in the middle of the court yard...yes.  Everything to lead you to believe that this place not only accepts dogs, but wants them to be at home away from home...but once money is exchanged and you've checked in, then it's stated "only if with you."  We have a bulldog and anyone that knows bulldogs know that bulldogs not only sleep all day but they hate barking for the most part because it takes too much energy and that's energy taken away from them to walk to their food bowl and refind that comfy spot they had on the blanket.  Now we picked this spot hoping to only leave him once for a few hours for a funeral during our 2 day stay only to have paid $260 to get the fact that he wouldn't be able to at all.  Now I'm sure, someone out there ruined it for the rest of us responsible dog owners by leaving their yappy dog for hours on end disturbing other people there, but it is still the hotel's responsibility to state that big nugget of info before taking any money from people that tell them immediately they'll be booking a stay with their 4 legged friend.  So very disappointing because now we have to transport our baby in the back of the Honda element (which has good room space) which he's had to already endure a 6 hour trip up, to stay confined in the vehicle while we try to go celebrate a life but also worry and check up on during and after the funeral/reception.  Thank goodness it was cool and rainy because it would've been out of the question and more of a mess otherwise.

Now for the room itself....urghhhhhh!  The door opens right up on the bed in room 17, barely any walking space for you, your other half and your baby...suck in please.  20" tv located diagonally across the room from the queen size bed and in front of the twin as if everyone will fit on the twin and forget the queen...squint here please.  Bathroom was a good size but hot water in the itty, bitty shower takes 5 mins of time to kick in, therefor wasting more water in the "low pressure" water saving contraption that you must play defense with the coil on the hoisted shower head...duck now and block please.  Door rattling all night whenever the wind blows so be prepared to jerry rig the door with shoes and other belongings to get a better restless night's sleep while wondering if someone will walk into the room at any time it may please them because you have no internal locking device to stop them except for the belongings you have now placed to quiet that rickety door....omg!  Take a good look at the stair case because it may very well kill your doggie if it comes racing out of there at full speed spooked because it's steep and ends with a curving wall...geez.  4-5 star... not so if you want a better shower than you've got at home,  space to move and maybe breathe, a door that's quiet and a place to leave your dog for a short amount of time.  Maybe the bungalows had better rooms but we weren't going to stick around for another moment to find out so we raced out Sat. afternoon and chucked one night's cost out the window to sleep in peace and be at a truly dog friendly spot...our home.  I'm just hoping our dog isn't traumatized by this outrageous experience and be willing to take another chance at a real "dog friendly" spot in the near future. =)

3rd day off the cleanse....

So after 10 days of the cleanse, this is the progress of the toxin release shown above going from the white to a healthy pink/flesh color.  Keep that in mind as you go through this detox just in case you mask the odors from the body with good showers and cover your breath with peppermint tea. =)

1st day off the cleanse, most (including you) are having only orange/pineapple juice but since doing this for years, I'm able to have a couple cups of juice in the morning, then I made my pot of veggie soup with black beans and rice.  I can't do potatoes, so the beans are my sub in and of course your first bite of food is the most amazing experience which you should cherish.  So the 2nd day is the soup day after having more juice, consuming mostly broth and very few veggies, continuing on into the evening but then eating more of the veggies by this time.  For the broth, I get a veggie soup base, add very little salt, some black and crushed red pepper, sesame seeds/oil (for this pot) and a bucket of veggies.  Asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, squash, eggplant, beans and rice...you can't go wrong here, have fun and go at it!  I don't do crackers but you are able to do rye if you must so enjoy this first meal.  I put a small scoop of rice and beans into a bowl and pour the veggie soup over to get my first fantastic meal, for first timers skip the rice and beans, stick to the basics to see how your body reacts to coming off of the cleanse.

So for most (including you), the 2nd day is filled with veggie broth but as years go on, my 2nd day morning meal is 2 egg whites and 1 egg along with soy/dairy free cracked wheat bread topped with soy/dairy free butter followed by more juice for me.  If you're going back to dairy, remember to wait until the 4th day to reintroduce it to your body as it may not take well after the cleanse....coming off the cleanse is so important because you now have options as to what you want to go back into your system, so take this moment to try something different if you wish.  Maybe you've always wanted to go raw or vegan, I say try it now.  After the 3 days of getting light foods into your system, you can go anywhere from here.  I'm not raw or vegan but each year I do get more strict with my intact because I just want to put better things into my body to make it run as smoothly as possible.  Last year, I gave up soy/dairy in the house but I'm not radical if I'm out and about.  I love beef/chicken but I cut it down to only once a week if necessary and now this year I'll definitely have more seafood, doses of pork (as per herbalist's recommendations) and maybe once a month or so with the beef/chicken.  See how you can gradually modify/change your diet to see what suits you and your lifestyle better but there's no better time to start than after your cleanse and every year thereafter because it does get easier.  Mid-day snack called for a vegan smoothie from the Body Factory and a small popcorn at Arc Light while watching a great popcorn flick, Battle LA.  For lunch and dinner for my 2nd day I had thai shrimp fried rice with broccoli and still have left overs for the 3rd day...smaller portions don't overstuff oneself please no matter how good everything tastes.  This process helps you feel your "fullness" quickly, take advantage of it to form good habits/connections to your body now.

Today being your 3rd day, go ahead and have eggs/toast etc, then more soup or some other soup (like dairy free tomato rice from Urth etc.) and finish off with a light salad no cheese, maybe some nuts and avocados etc and add some fish or shrimp...something light before heading back into the heavy.  My 3rd day, I awoke to eggs with daiya cheese (soy/dairy free), cracked wheat bread and juice.  I don't have sugar so no treats until this weekend and I CAN'T WAIT!!!  However, I will be doing more of the vegan/dairy/soy free sweets because I found some awesome places that do it up right!!!!  Which of course I'll tell you soon.  So stick to your guns and know the reward is coming.

With all this eating, I did still weigh in.  Weighed in at 148lbs yesterday and it's the same today even with food coming in.  Your detox/cleanse that lead to some weight loss can be maintained with proper nutrition/diet if you want it, so don't let anything deter you from doing something good for your body.

147.2lbs....

I'm up at the crack of dawn because today I can taste something else besides the lemonade, thank goodness.  Yesterday I came in at 148.2lbs and had to give life a moment yesterday, to send out love and positive energy towards the devastation.  Today I'm at 147.2lbs, I went from 155.4lbs to 147.2lbs for a grand total of 8.2lbs lost in 10 days of the cleanse.  I wanted to get to 145lbs, however my body and this cleanse is obviously looking out for my best interest right now, hence the reason I love the master cleanse so much.  I have to again state that you don't lose muscle, only the fat that needs to shed and all of the other nasty junk floating in your body that even at 10 days you're still flushing out which keeps you from performing at your maximum level.  A healthy weight for my 5'9 frame is 148lbs and because I train to fight and because I train with mostly men, I like my body here because I feel strong.  Just know that if you need to shed more, you will and if you don't, you won't as simple as that, you don't get to make the choice, your body does and everyone knows that when fed correctly, your body actually knows best.

Your tongue coating should be much pinker now with little to no white gunk...feels awesome right?!!!  Just know that if your tongue is still heavily coated that you do need to release more toxins out of your system and if you can do more days, do it.  Otherwise, just keep it in mind and try to make a detox (right for you) part of your yearly ritual if not more times.

So remember the pants I told you about earlier???  They didn't fit over my thighs at the beginning of the cleanse, they pulled on but no way buttoning during the cleanse and on the final day....they slipped on (with less friction) and they buttoned up (with a little coaxing)!!!!  Now I don't look perfect in them yet, but give me a few more weeks.  So when weight loss gets you discouraged, take a good hard look at them inches baby! =)

So now that you have an over view, below are the ingredients/recipe and what it may cost as a recap:

Peppermint (breath) and laxative (nightly) tea: $9
Juicer (don't waste time squeezing by hand): $14
Sea salt (every morning flush if possible, otherwise laxative tea): $4
6 Large bottles of water and water for the rest of the cleanse: $27 (give or take pending on intake)
Limes (I bought a box): $43
Organic Grade B maple syrup (2-3): $20/piece, 2 will usually do for most
Cayenne Pepper (optional): $4

Grand Total: $141 (give/take pending on how many limes/water you purchase) for a 10 day detox/cleanse!

Recipe:
1/2 Lemon/Lime (with limes since smaller, I use 1/2 of a big lime and 1/2 of a smaller lime for 1/2 here)
2tbsp of Organic Grade B Maple Syrup
A pinch of cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
8 oz. glass of water

Coming off of the cleanse is just as important as getting mentally and physically ready to do the cleanse.  For the next 3 days, you'll be re-introducing solid food back into your system, so easy does it.  The book states for your first day off you drink orange juice, because of my dietary needs given to me by the korean/chinese herbalist I have switched this to fresh pressed pineapple juice by Lakewood bought from Whole Foods.  It hasn't upset nor changed my experience this morning, so realize you're able to make small changes to suit your body needs.  On the 11th day, you drink only the orange/pineapple juice etc. along with more of the lemonade...I know, I know, you're tired of it, but if it's your first time reaching 10 days, don't falter now, you don't want to get sick and have to drink the lemonade for a few more days.  I've met several individuals who have eaten too quickly and have had to return to the lemonade, so don't do it!  I know one person (my beast) that can actually come off this cleanse and go straight into eating...I haven't met anyone else yet...including myself but since doing the cleanse for years, I am able to take some liberties.  For me, instead of a 3 day process which I'll go through for my blog readers, I usually cut in down into 2 days which I'll document while telling the first timers to please follow the actual process because I did with my first few experiences on the cleanse.  So enjoy the different taste today and know that tomorrow, you'll get some broth/soup...YAY!

"Skin" the movie

Let me start off by saying my heart goes out to the victims of the tsunami that hit today and I'm very happy that the people I know on the coast of Cali are all okay thus far.  It's truly traumatic for the world and I do hope we start coming together rather than segregate because that obviously has never been the answer.

Watched a good movie, Skin last month via netflix and found it amazing that more people didn't talk about it.  I wanted to see it when it was at the independent circuits but couldn't quite find the time.  It was based on the lives of a south african couple (white) around the 60's or so that had an older son (white) then a daughter (light skinned black) which came during apartheid and the issues that stemmed for the whole family in so many different aspects including the thoughts of infidelity, racism, where one fits in life etc.  Then they have one more son that I think comes out a bit lighter but still not white which shuts down the infidelity issues between them.  So touching and so poignant and so connecting.  We all bleed red, we all want a good life and we all want to love and to be loved so why does our skin color separate us?  If you want to hate/dislike someone do so for their negative, stupidity/ignorance and take pity because they still haven't grasped the simple in life.  This movie gets an A, not for the shooting style or the acting but because they told a true story that simply connects us all.  So if you're looking to be enlightened and moved, check this amazing story out.

I'm at 148.4lbs today and I still have all of today and all of tomorrow to go.  I feel great now that the finish line is fast approaching and will be updating tomorrow after I know that everyone I know is safe and sound!  Hope all is well with you and yours.

  

8 days down!

Weighing in at 149lbs this morning, I'm looking forward to seeing at least another 5lbs go away in the next couple of days.  Otherwise, I'll have to do the traditional thing and work out like I usually do, dammit!  I'm so close I can smell the food....like all the time....everywhere...even in my dreams and it's hard but when I still see stuff come out of me when I haven't been eating for 8 days, I'm disgusted enough to keep on keeping on.  However, I do want to state that after waking up at 8:30a yesterday, to train clients for 2 hours, doing yoga for about 40mins, running errands, working from 4:30p-12:45a and then watching 1 1/2 hours of American Idol (thank God for Tivo!), I'm exhausted today.  As a matter of fact, I felt pretty lethargic and done with drinking this stuff but after making my bottles of lemonade and taking gulps I feel so much better and glad it's evening because it's almost time for day 9!  So just try keeping yourself busy now that we're on the homestretch, stay away from the smell of foods (unlike me and some Costco shopping today) as much as possible and if your body needs rest....relax, you deserve it.  You can always make your grocery list like I did last night!  Ha, ha, ha =)  I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!  Vegetable soup, here I come...

After 8 days, the tongue should be getting a nice rosy pink/red on the outskirts but you'll notice the toxic white in the center, don't worry, it's on it's way out.  Also, if you're having some breath issues, down a cup of peppermint tea to break up the smell and give your body another taste which is exactly what I'll do tonight for the first time during the cleanse.  Yay...something else ticking my tastebuds.

So I usually buy and then mix the lemonade into big bottles of water but since I had a monstrous 64oz water bottle this year, I used that instead with some small bottles as extras since I had that on hand.  You'll also need organic grade B maple syrup...no Log Cabins pretty please.  Your nutrients come from the syrup and the grade B kind has it so don't deviate from this purchase.  It's expensive but just think you'll be able to have real maple syrup on pancakes/french toasts afterwards with the leftover.  I bought the syrup at Whole Foods for about $20/piece but I think Trader Joe's is a little bit less so check here, there and everywhere, you might find a deal and then tell me about it of course.

Slight weight gain...but inches are melting!

7th day in and you have to know that you may have slight weight gain but more weight loss changes during the process.  Now I know it's not fair when you're not eating but it's part of the process especially if you're working out during the cleanse, look to the left, I'm at 149.6lbs  and yesterday I was 148.8lbs urghhhhh.  I remember about 3 years ago while doing the cleanse and still training fairly hard that I was a bit upset because my weight hadn't changed as rapidly as I would've liked working out and cleansing but I have to keep reminding myself (yes, even though I'm a trainer/fighter) that sometimes weight doesn't tell the story.  Check your arms....slightly smaller?  Check your waist....less matching of some excess around your abs?  Check your abs...small contour lines around the sides showing?  Check your hips...jeans fitting a bit easier?????  Small changes that if you're not paying attention, you'll miss until the very last day which would be today but since you know to look for this instead of only weight, then you push forward instead.  One of the main reasons I love this detox/cleanse is I don't lose muscle mass, if anything I get more defined and I may gain weight which tells me right there I'm gaining more muscle.  It may be slight and here and there as my body is fighting to get rid of excess but I welcome the weight gain as well as the weight loss but I promise by the last day for more people, it's more weight loss than gain and if you've tape measured yourself or gotten the sexy, size smaller jeans, you'll realize that you're smaller.  So don't be fooled and don't give up now....these last 3 days are the most important if you've made it this far!

Disregard the Stella, it was for Christmas time and I've been so good, it's still not gone.  :) So the cleanse says you can use lemons/limes and I use to use lemons until I found out it wasn't compatible with my body and limes were better so I switched.  I'm not suppose to have spicy food (although I have to have it) so during the cleanse I skip putting the cayenne pepper in.  I drink as many cups on my first few days to put my body in the state that it's not eating so I disregard 6-8 cups and go more like 20-25 cups which then as the days progress the amount needed gets smaller.  All these changes and it hasn't altered my process one bit, so check your body, keep in tune and go from there.  If you have to stop, STOP!  Sometimes the toxin release for people is traumatic and that's okay, you're now doing something to release it naturally and you can always try again in about 6 months or even another year.  I should know, I had to do so my first year but upon returning to do it again the next, I had a much better experience and it's been on and crackin' ever since!  Don't deprive your body of ridding bad things it's storing and keeping you from the healthy, strong you that you deserve to be.  I just want the option to eat/enjoy a steak/whatever at 80 if I chose to do so, not be told I can't because I didn't take care of myself enough beforehand.  I've noticed that with the cleanse, if I choose to eat some meat I don't feel heavy, it's processed quickly and I still feel good and that tells me my system is up and running perfectly!  So meateater/vegetarian/vegan/raw/whatever, a cleanse right for you body will only help, so do the research now.   

148.8lbs and going down!!!

6 days in and I have to admit that for the first time in all of the years of doing this cleanse, my first 5 days were really hard.  It really makes a difference if you're around food constantly and if you have some control over that aspect of your life. I did notice my crankiness hitting a high meter working late nights and for that I apologize to my poor co-workers. :)  Morning of the 6th day and I'm almost down to my fighting weight with only .8lbs to clear, but I always go for about 10-15lbs or good inches so that I have some wiggle room when I gain my water weight back and fluctuation starts to happen.  So don't quit now, keep on rocking it out even if you're at your goal weight, try to go a bit beyond to give yourself some room for the gain.  That's inevitable, but with a balanced diet right for your body/mind and regular exercise you should be able to maintain most of the weight being off.  Remember that this is just a cleanse/detox that will help jump start your metabolism and get you started on your new or rejuvenating lifestyle.

So yesterday, I decided to check on a new method of working out and although you don't feel like you're doing anything, I have come to realize that your body is and it's fantastic.  I've been dappling into the new vibration power plate machines at FBE spa on Wilshire for the last 6 months only going in 1x a month, so no big change but a mix up for my workouts that seem to keep my body guessing.  I actually bought a groupon for the place and then they offered me a special deal because of my groupon purchase and now I'm so glad I'm open to new/interesting ways of working out.  On the vibration plate machine there, I do squats, plies, push-ups, tricep work and even abs, so no just standing and shaking, you can really get involved which works your core oh, so good.  Now at Beneveda Medical Spa (that specializes in a holistic approach to body/mind) there lies a very cool machine called the TurboSonic.  I went there on another groupon purchase for 3 salt room therapies to help alleviate allergies naturally and afterwards, they were having specials for that day which is where I purchased 10, 10 minute sessions on the TurboSonic for $20.  So glad I looked at their sale paper because it's usually $15/per session so for me to try this amazing machine, it cost me $2/per session...oh yeah baby!  This fantastic machine transfers sonic vibrations to every part of your body while standing there and gently works out body parts differently by the vibrations.  1st minute I felt my tib ant/post. muscles (shin area) slightly burning then it moved to jiggle my abs, then wiggle out my thighs and bounce up and down for the rest and then repeat....I don't know what it was doing but momma like!!!!  I was actually on a runner's high after 10 minutes with no sweat and my body felt exhausted.  My legs just wanted to sit and relax, the bank line was way too long (2 people deep) and I felt tired I tell you.  I felt like I usually do after my 1 hour kickboxing class only after 10 minutes and I do wonder if it has anything to do with my cleanse, so I'll update when I'm back to eating to see if it gives me the same sensation after.  All and all, I love this new way of adding to your workouts, I still love to sweat and work but every now and then, I just want to have the work done too.  If you have any kind of injuries/pain while working out, I suggest you looking into these machines to help lessen the friction/impact on your body because it definitely can help your workouts!

150lbs and losing....

Drank about 9 cups yesterday so as you can see, I do drink as many cups as I need during the cleanse.  Remember it's your body, although the book states 6-8 or so, if you're hungry always drink until you're not because you shouldn't feel hungry/weak during this process at all.  I found out for myself, that it didn't hinder my results and since my body needed more, I didn't deprive it so I was still able to do a hard modified workout and work.  Ally on FB asked today about doing the P90X and Insanity during the cleanse which I'm all for working out, however if it's your first time doing the cleanse with the toxin release, you may feel nauseous so working out may not be an option but if you feel fine I say listen to your body!!!!  Also modify the workout so it's not as intense especially if you have to work in the evenings because your body does get exhausted as it's cleaning itself out.  Years of doing the cleanse has led me to believe that it's some what vacation time for my body, so I tend to take it easy on the workouts.  I may do a modified hard core kickboxing/boxing session-1x, hike/jog-1x, yoga-1x, easy dance sessions like beginners/Wii (yes I said Wii)-2x's, light weightlifting/easy power workouts-1x and biking throughout.  I try to adjust to whatever my body is going through and since I work nights, during this cleanse I've only worked out on the first day but since I don't work tonight, I'll be doing a 10min. power session on a sonic vibration machine (which I'll talk more about later.)  Easy does it is all I say on the first go around and  connect with your body so once you come off the detox you're so in tune, as soon as you put something in your system that doesn't feel right you notice it and change your diet because not all "good" food is good for you.
                                                                                                                   5th day

So the tongue coating is pretty yucky but as the toxins release out of your system/pores/tongue, you'll start to notice that the tongue gets more pink and less white.  Now I photograph first thing in the morning without drinking/brushing so you can get the worse picture and the more toxic you are, the more heavily coated your tongue may be.  This and my "private" bathroom time usually tells me when to get off the cleanse so watch carefully.  I average 10 days on the cleanse but give myself an extra 1-5 days more pending on what my body tells me but if you don't make it to 10 days, just know you did something to excavate some of the crap that's unnecessary in your system right now and that's a great place to start! =)

My handy, dandy Black & Decker electric juicer has been around for years but not soon enough.  When I first started the cleanse, I hand squeezed the lemons like an idiot because I thought good juicers were expensive.  Found this bad boy 9 or so years ago at Wal-mart for about $10, I think Target has them for around $15 but check around, again this cleanse is very economical, there is no reason too spend money unless you want to.  This juicer does the forward and reverse to get all of the pulp/juice it can find so take that you $100 dollar machines!!!!

A full 4 days down and on the morning of the 5th, I have lost a grand total of 5.5lbs since I started and the best part is, it's all the sludge/slime and junky crap that's not wanted.  So do some research, check out cleansers and figure out what works for you and just try it.  My FB friend Teresa does the old and a new version of the mc, so check around...nothing wrong with some extra knowledge!  Just realize I love this one the most for me because for me it's economical, natural, all over and thorough cleanse that gives me the results that I keep because of my lifestyle/diet change.

Day 4

And the lull starts now(151 and holding)...which is always the hard part for most people.  Not seeing those pounds come off on the scale but this is where I tell you to "Stay The Course!"  The next few days are always tough because it seems like nothing is working and you're not eating for no good reason but you are.  You are now flushing out junk that likes to hide in your internal organs, releasing calcium deposits in your joints (which helps with arthritis) and you're even tackling some allergies.  I wish I had tape measured during this process because as a reader you must understand that the waistline is now forming, belly fat is now slimming down and thighs are losing the jiggle, so like any good trainer will tell you, it's all about the inches baby!  So for myself, during this rough period, I always buy a pair of pants I can't fit into quite rightly and go from there.  About a week ago, I went to Rock and Republic's warehouse sale determined to find a pantsuit and not just an ordinary one...a very sexy one.  Now their sizes aren't giving unless you're getting stretch pants or stretch jeans and with my hips and thighs, alot of the regular clothes in my normal size are out because this is european sizes...damn them skinny minnies!!!!  Under the fantastic groupons for this event (I bought 2 $50 certificates and got an extra $100 to spend), I did find a beautiful deep gray suit with baby blue pent stripes, blazer costing only $30 and the pants were $20, I almost walked away but the suit for $50 was yelling at me "EVEN THOUGH I DON'T FIT YET, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FIND ME AT THIS PRICE AND QUALITY ANYWHERE."  I'll talk more about the sale later but I couldn't get the pants over my thighs (try as I may) even though it was a size 10 (and no, they didn't have size 12...I guess the europeans/skinny LA'ers don't go to a size 12) but I knew I was getting ready for the cleanse and that I'd be at my perfect fighting weight soon for good so I risked a small bit just to see if my discipline would pay off.  After not being able to get it over my thighs, I can now tell you that after 4 days on the cleanse they slip on over my hips but don't come close to buttoning yet and the thigh area is tight but I got them on.  Yipee!  So either measure yourself during this tough period or get you a pair of sexy, one size smaller pants to keep you focused so that every time you think you're not doing anything, slip them on and see where they go to keep motivation at hand.

Before you start your cleanse, the night before take an herbal laxative tea...do not deviate from this process because the laxative tea helps you go to the bathroom consistently during this cleanse which is a must because the toxins would stay in your body otherwise and could kill you.  So please, please, please read up on the material and don't skip the laxative tea.  Now, this laxative tea is taken every evening during your cleanse before bed and in the morning if you can't do the salt water flush, but I recommend the salt water flush if you have a few hours at home and are near a toilet because it's an all natural colonic that cleans you from your throat on out.  I prefer the tea pictured because after years of trying the herbal lax tea in the blue box first, I would get stomach spasms which aren't fun.  You may be the other way around so check which tea flows with your body better.  I usually get the tea at Whole Foods Market for about $5-$6, check around, you may find it cheaper and I get sea salt from Whole Foods to Trader Joe's to Home Goods pending on when I need it from $3-$5, but make sure it's sea salt please..no morton's here.  Now, as a trick, let me tell you that on the first evening, this lax tea usually takes about 12 hours (give or take a few pending on your eating habits) so you can usually sleep all night.  The next night you looking at about 9 hours or so and by the 3rd-4th night for me, it usually gets to working in about 6 hours.  So a few years ago I decided to experiment with the process and it didn't change anything but my sleep for me.  By the day it gets down to only 6 hours (usually the 3rd/4th), the next night since I now know it'll be less than 6 hours, I take it 6 hours or so before bed time.  This way I go before bed and sleep through the night without interruption except for the number 1 kind which doesn't wake me up from my much needed sleep.  I count down the hours as I go along pending on how quickly the tea works and by the end, it's 2 hours before bedtime without a hitch.  Now the book says it should be the last thing in the evening and if it doesn't bother you by all means don't switch it but if it does, consider the game plan above and try it because it didn't change any results or bodily functions for me.


                                                                                                                                                                       Sea Salt Water Flush:
You mix 2tsp of sea salt with a quart of water (4, 8oz cups) and drink up.  Now a FB friend (John, I think) told me he was told he could add lemons/limes with his salt water and after all these years of doing the salt water flush, no one ever told me....bbbbbbooooooooooo!  I think it tastes soooooooo much better with a small lime squeezed into it...kinda like a watered down margarita which I'll take any day over some plain old salt water so see if that helps you sip or knock back this interesting concoction.  It doesn't change the effect of the flush so have at it.  

151 even!

Today is the 3rd day and I'm down another 1.2lbs (151lbs), wahoo!!!  Although this is exciting, there is always a lull of nothing but then the last 3 days it's like POW, and you drop some major excess if you can hang in there for the full 10.

I've only consumed about 7 cups so far but it's still a bit early so I'll probably have at least 3 cups more just to round out the night.  I do feel tired and must admit, working nights and doing the cleanse sucks hard when it seems like free food is everywhere...grrrrrrrr.   Last night I only got about 8 hours and that doesn't seem to be enough sleep so remember to plan accordingly to feel well rested, 9-10 hours at least during the toxin release seem to be necessary.

Your tongue gets this nice, gooky coating of white which tells you that your body is letting the bad stuff go.  Hopefully you have a really good toothbrush because I can't tell you how thankful I am of my sonic care electric brush that seems to get most of this goo off.  You can also drink some peppermint tea to help your breath internally and also help your body if it gives off some "toxin odors."  All in all, I feel awesome in the morning, solid in the afternoon and a bit tired by the evening but it's all well worth it when my body processes food like a well oiled machine!


Day 1                                                 Day 3
 

Look into The Master Cleanser by Stanley Burroughs to see if it's something that may be right for you and again, it's a cleanse/detox, not a weight loss dietary program although losing weight is one of the benefits and if followed by a balanced diet right for your body plus exercise, you shouldn't gain anything back except water weight.