After giving birth to my daughter, I dropped 30 pounds almost immediately. Problem was that I had gained over 70 during the pregnancy. I spent the next year hovering around 160 and feeling absolutely disgusting. And I am pretty sure that I also had some serious postpartum depression adding to my already wondrous experience with becoming a parent. But one day, I literally woke up and decided I did not want to be fat anymore. I had been living in sweatpants just one day too many.
I went on a super starvation diet that mainly consisted of me drinking gallons of Crystal Light and getting exercise by going back and forth to the restroom 46 times a day. But I lost 35 pounds in a few short months. I also lost consciousness several times, as consisting of 50 calories and a jug of water a day has the tendency to do to you. And inevitably nearly all of the weight came back. Just like those skinny bitches in the health magazines always tell you it will. But they are (as much as it pains me to admit) right and the next time I decided to go the recommended route, fueled by both a healthy diet and exercise. I’ll detail everything that has and has not worked for me in this quest on Frenemom, first starting with what I believe got me on the path to success – BluePrintCleanse.
Needless to say, I had built up some pretty terrible eating habits after gaining that much weight. I can now say that I understand how people can become obese and why it is not so simple for them to just “stop eating junk” and lose the weight. The cravings are a nightmare. But I was pretty determined to move on with my life and move out of my hefty figure. I had seen celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow touting the benefits of juice cleansing. What could I lose by trying it? Well quite literally I would lose $255 (the cost of a cleanse + shipping). BluePrint’s cost, which I found the most reasonable of the cleanses I considered for national delivery, was not prohibitive enough for me to pass on it but prohibitive enough for me not to cheat.
BluePrint also had the benefit of being embarrassingly easy. I did not want to deal with cooking anything complex; I also didn’t want to deal with eating anything complex. The three-day Foundation (Intermediate) cleanse arrived in one package, the morning I was set to start, and contained exactly 18 juices – six juices for each day of the cleanse. The juices were also surprisingly tasty, although I will admit by the third day it was very hard to get those green juices (which started off tasting like a refreshing liquid salad) down.
On the first day of the cleanse I had some interesting side effects (earmuffs if you are squeamish!), as I spent the vast majority of that first day in the bathroom. I pooped SIX times. It was simultaneously thrilling and disgusting. But I had never felt more light! The following days were filled with energy and enthusiasm. I had no cravings and I never felt hungry. To be fair, I have had friends who did indeed feel hungry and have cravings on the same exact cleanse, but it never happened for me. And by the end, I had dropped nine pounds and was no longer overcome with debilitating urges to stuff my face with crap. Though I am sure most of that weight was water, it never came back. In any form.
Obviously doing one cleanse did not result in my (second) 30 pound weight loss. This time I exercised rigorously. But unlike the first time around, I was able to eat reasonable portions and healthy meals, no longer having the terrible urge to binge hanging around.
I am still about 10 pounds away from my “goal” weight (see this week’s weigh in), but I now know that it is within reach. As are pants with a non-elastic waistband.
P.S. If you are interested in BluePrint, go ahead and “like” their Facebook page. I have purchased all my cleanses from them on 15-30% off deals, all found there.
Coupon info please. I want to do one next week !
Are you on their FB page? That is where I get my coupons! I need to do another one too!!
How is it on the “little buddy” can’t be having those kind of runs
awesome site you are one talented writer!
Awww, thanks! Let’s just say, it wasn’t bad enough for me not to do it again. I have now done four cleanses (a bit overboard, I admit). And I think I will look to do one every six months from now on.
I just ordered the first cleanse renovation. I’m excited to try this. You should sign up on their website for referrals I would have never known about this without your fabulous blog! I’ll let you know how it goes, I didn’t find a coupon but after reading your reviews and some of the others it seems well worth the $255 dollars. Do you have to start it right away when you get it? I was a little unsure about that. Didn’t know if the juices go bad or not…Thanks Trish T. Ruttgers
Did you get it yet?! Yes, you do have to start right away… By the third day I can even tell that the juices are not as “fresh” as they started. Or maybe I am just paranoid. Anyhow, you’ll have to let me know how you do! I always love to hear if others have success. Or even if they don’t! Helps to understand why some things work for some and not for others. SO HAPPY you are enjoying the blog!!!!
Nice toes! My rule is to weigh absolutely naked and absolutely first thing in the morning.
I definitely do the naked weighing thing as well. Although I am slightly paranoid that one Monday I might slip up and take a picture of my lady bits for the post! Not interested in increasing readership THAT badly.
Great post, and great job girl on working so hard! My hubby lost lots of weight doing “Ideal Protein” program; in fact so much weight, I demanded that he gains back some or I divorce him. Check this out if interested (his sister has this clinic and offers the program: http://www.windsorspinecenter.com/services/ideal-protein-nutritional-program)
xoxoxo
I wouldn’t have had to work so hard if I wasn’t a complete lard when I got pregnant. Unfortunately I saw people like you get pregnant and look amazing and bounce back and thought it would be that way for me. Even if I allowed myself to eat Taco Bell three times a week. Just dumb. Thanks for the link!!!!! I may try it!
I’m gonna do it! Have you seen http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/ ? Very similar juicing idea, the guy it’s about, Joe Cross, is very interesting. He’s my FB friend now!
Um, is it me or is Joe Cross kind of yummy? I should totally do the juice at home… I actually got the recipe for the BPC green and tried, but the produce to do just a few drinks was like $50. Damn you Whole Foods! You’ll have to let me know how you like it!!!
Yes Joe Cross is super yummy! When I do the cleanse I want to list you as my referral – did you sign up for that? Also, it looks like if you write about it on your blog you get a coupon code to give out…
Not too pleased with BPC (not the product, the customer service) right now regarding getting a group code. Needless to say, if they ever give me one, I’ll immediately share!!! If you want to hold off until the end of the week, I’ll give them a call tomorrow. And thank you for wanting to use me as a referral! If you just use my full name, they should look up all my past orders and associate. Love you Liz!
I’ll hold off till the end of the week
Hope you get some free juice from all the ladies that are going to do this after reading your fabulous blog! xoxo
I have a 11 week old baby! I gained 50 pounds during my pregnancy !! I lost 35 quickly, but the last 15 were not coming off!!! Then a high school friend of mind recommended the Advocare 24 day challenge! It’s a cleanse and then it also restarts your metabolism!!! I’m on day 11 and I’ve already dropped 6 pounds!!
Note: You have to use the code by THIS FRIDAY.
Yea! Thanks Ali. I was just on their website yesterday but didn’t order yet.
Alex you look amazing.. I think i have to look into this as i am not recovering from Baby #2 as well as i did Baby #1. BTW – love your site… Congrats.
Love the post – you are an inspiration! I might have to order this come next spring!!!
Mandy, I think it was destiny that you didn’t order! I am so glad I could save you some $$$!!
Thanks Gianna!!! BPC isn’t cheap or “fun” to do, but I have to say that it works SO well for me. I am going to do an after-holiday one. You always look so lovely!!! But I hear you on the bouncing back… Let me know if you decide to try it and if so, how it works for you!
Just ordered! I start Dec. 30th
Day 2, lost 4 lbs and so happy not to be eating cookies!!
Keep rubbing it in…
I have to, I’m a fat old lady and your tiny and gorgeous
You are also mentally unstable apparently.
BTW everyone, the above-mentioned comment is from my mother. She is contractually obligated to say these things.
Started my BPC 3-day Renovation cleanse today – so far so good! Started it with a cold and feel 10x better than yesterday already!! Thanks for the recommendation!
That is so awesome!!!! I hope you really enjoy it. Let me know how it works for you… And Happy New Year!
How many days did you do the cleanse for?
I have done three every time. Just long enough to really do a good cleaning of the house and short enough that I don’t have a complete breakdown during it.
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