I'm eating my failure pie one bite at a time. Happily. I'm giving myself grace moving forward. Today I miss the non bloated feeling from before Thanksgiving, and I will get it back. I'll be resetting completely tomorrow, but I've stayed on track. I actually enjoy eating healing foods and staying hydrated!! Strange right!?!

This process is incredibly empowering. I'm learning more about my body than I have in years. Obviously I have food intolerance and now I have a sure fire way to kick it! I'll be sticking with this moving forward.

Meals for today:
Breakfast- Vega shake
Lunch- Fish with kale salad and virgin diet dressing, side of Quinoa
Snack- Turkey roll up
Dinner- Vegan, gluten free mac&"cheese"

So...it's unnerving how often I eat foods that I claim I don't. Example: "I'm not a dairy person". Lie. I may not drink milk or eat yogurt, but put a plate of cheese near me and I'll devour it. On a daily basis. <==== And that's the real issue. Not only AM I a dairy person, I take it to extreme levels, like training for an eating contest levels. Not good. We have an entire drawer in the fridge dedicated to cheese!!!! And I now LOL thinking how many times I've said "I'm not a dairy person" all up on my high horse of food intellect. Its simply not true and I'm leaving it all on the table here.

Knowledge is power y'all. It's brutal but powerful. One thing this diet and blog has absolutely made me do...be honest. With myself and my body. And you.

I love cheese. It's an addiction and I'm breaking the cycle. Period.

Next up, Corn. I actually don't eat bread often or baked goods at all for that matter, but I make up for it in corn. In my mind...corn is a perfect alternative to floury gluten foods, and it is...in moderation. But apparently I don't do moderation. <===== Again this is the issue. I eat corn chips like its my job. Same with corn torts. I love corn tortillas so much that I handmake my own (which I won't stop doing. EVER. Once you do it you will never go back) and eat them everyday. So my point is, who cares if you stay away from gluten, if you glutinously eat the alternative??? This goes for anything!!!

I find I am not a "sweets" person (this is really true) which would naturally make me lucky, but the downfall is I LOVE salt and savory. So, again...the alternative isn't great. Sodium reeks all kinds of havoc when not eaten in moderation. Which I'll remind you, I don't do.

Let's talk about sushi. Yay. Not giving it up. It's actually the only time I have soy except when I make homemade chicken broccoli. So no, I'm putting my foot down on this one. However, I'm making more fish choices and less rice. But it's my happy place, my date night, my thing. I am a sushi person and that's that's. Soy doesn't exist in my life otherwise.

In conclusion, I can and do life without sweets, bread, and gluten. Eggs aren't a significant part of my diet either. Soy is happening in sauce but nothing else. Peanuts, meh, I don't care for them, and now I love almond butter instead so not an issue. But corn and cheese...even if they don't end up being my trigger foods...they are my problem. Well, they aren't...but my lack of moderation with them is. So I'll be working hard on moderation, and less on what foods "I think I stay away from". Truth bomb. I actually feel 10 lbs lighter after writing this. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the second half of this Virgin diet journey.



It's Small Business Saturday. Each time you support my small biz know this;
-you support each gracious cause I support
-my kids in Africa are provided meals and necessities.
-our mission work is supported
-my family is so appreciative
This is way more than skincare to us. It's helping us change the world.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!!! I have more things to be thankful for everyday and I'm loving my journey!!! I'm one lucky gal for sure.

Ok...so we know I have to restart sugar, gluten, and dairy...now corn as well, so I've decided to do that on Monday. I'll make good choices, but for my organization and schedule I would like to have a Monday start.. Also, for blog sake, I'm going to continue writing for 21 days. Why? Because not all progress is lost and I believe in myself. After my reset on those specifics I'll do an update, with weightloss and progress.

Today I actually really enjoyed my Vega Shake to begin my day. It was delicious and made me realize why I've been leaving out the "trigger" foods. Also my supplements and water are feeling helping put me back on track.
Today I feel a hot mess. Bloated, sluggish, just like before I started...Good news is, I now am certain my issue is food intolerance. Still not sure of the specifics, but it's a definite.
I mean after one day of less than stellar eating and a few glasses of wine...I'm feeling yuck. So, putting on my big girl panties (not because I need them lol) and moving forward! I know I can do this. Holidays will be a challenge every year, but I'm loving my 13 lb weight loss, energy, and to keep moving in that direction I won't quit now. I want this lifestyle change to stick. So I'm all in, even with a few bumps.

Tip for today: H2O!!! It's so so important. Drink at least half your body weight to help keep everything in check! I'm drinking tons of it and as we put up the Christmas tree I started to perk up!!

Meals today:
Breakfast- Vega Shake
Lunch- Vega Shake
Dinner- An authentic CO homemade dish. made as a tradition for our first Thanksgiving alone in MA.

So...about sticking to the diet...Epic Fail. However, I had the best Friendsgiving ever! Also, I am officially 13lbs down today!! Totally awesome!!!! I'm pretty positive that I can do a modified version of the Virgin Diet moving forward (after the 21 day cycle) and stick with it. After all I've just discovered that food intolerance is my thing!

Today what I ate NOT approved was: Dairy, Gluten, and Sugar. Listen, I felt guilty for about 2 seconds after my first bite of delicious mac&cheese...then it was over. I enjoyed a big plate of forbidden foods with a huge smile on my face! My intention isn't to completely blow off the Virgin Diet. I did make the best choices I could lol, and there actually were gluten free options on my plate, but I went BIG. I enjoyed every minute and as I thought through where to turn from here, I actually feel very confident that I will jump right back on track.

So...what now? I have to reset the 21 day clock for the foods I added in. Believe me, there could be way worse things. Do I feel like I failed? Absolutely not. In the last 10 days I've changed my health, eating habits, and started on a journey to better choices. Who knew food intolerance was so easy to kick. Obviously not me. I feel empowered in fact. This diet has changed so much for me and I'm forever grateful.

So...back on the wagon tomorrow and the progress I've made hasn't been undone with one AMAZING day of poor eating choices.

Food tip: Enjoy your journey, there will be bumps in the road but don't quit. Reevaluate and move forward! Don't beat yourself up for doing you! You are amazing and we all deserve grace.

Meals for today:
Breakfast- Vega Shake
Lunch- Skipped to save room for dinner (I know this is a No No but I want to be honest)
Dinner- Thanksgiving dinner, completely NOT Virgin Diet approved.

I found the Berry Vega at a local grocery!! Super pumped!!! It's a nice alternative to the chocolate for sure. I also picked up some ground flaxseed to start adding in. I've found that by amping up my fiber inevitably I'm losing more weight and feeling little to no bloating...even after a glass of wine. Which I did have, and is allowed.
I've also found a blender bottle that really helps me keep up with my water intake. Remember for the elimination cycle you should be taking in 1/2 your body weight in ounces. Trust me it makes a difference. I now notice when I need to drink instead of eat. It's way more often than I thought lol. So find a good drinking cup and sip all day! I must say it again...flavored seltzer water is a life saver too!
I'm gearing up for Turkey Day and SO Excited to cook some famous dishes!!! I will put it out right here...I may be starting the 21 days over after tomorrow. It will surely be a game time decision. I believe there's a balance between healthy and living your life. I am fully committed, but even strong people cave at times. I refuse to be "that girl" who's fussing over what's in a delicious meal shared with incredible friends. I will enjoy the day. So stay tuned...

Meals for today:
Breakfast- Vega Shake
Lunch- Vega Shake
Dinner- Lean beef with Kale and cauliflower, virgin diet dressing

TODAY has been CRAZY busy...but awesome! I'm still feeling great and energized. Gets better each day. My dairy cravings have actually subsided quite a bit, thank goodness.
I AM Also SO trying to keep thoughts of delicious Thanksgiving foods out of my mind lol. However, I can't wait for TURKEY which is totally approved!! It's going to be a challenge for all the rest, but I'm cooking some goodies and that's my favorite part!!

Struggle today: Making time for food. I'm very thankful for the shakes on days like today. They are yummy, quick, and keep me going!

Today's Meals:
Breakfast- Vega shake
Lunch- Wild caught halibut with Cauli mashers and Quinoa.
Snack- Apple with nut butter
Dinner- Vega Shake

Food tip: Fresh squeezed lemon juice on fish!! Yummy!!! Plus an added boost of vitamin C!
I've been running around all day focused on a training tonight for my business, my first LIVE Periscope hosted event, wish me luck!!!
Side note...I'm really diving into some personal development and found a new love for podcasts!!! The peeps I'm following help give me a boost of positivity to start the day!!
Try waking up and immediately watching, reading, or listening to a positive message and see how it changes your day!!!

Welcome to Thanksgiving week on the Virgin Diet, Elimination Cycle. This week will NOT knock me off track...it just won't. I'll still have some amazing choices, but I commit to staying on track. If not, I'll have to start all over, and I've come to far! We are headed to "Friendsgiving" this week since we won't be going back to Nashville for the holidays. My heart is full because of the home we are making here, but I always carry a heavy heart around this time of year. (for many many reasons, but that is for another blog post) So, even though we won't be going home, we will enjoy this holiday surrounded by people we love. When it comes to staying on track, I'm determined for many reasons, but I'll share the most important with you today...
We are "trying" for our first child. So, we've entered the incredibly tough part for me...how to NOT turn this into a chore that ruins "the act" for good. We can't do a ridged, scheduled routine so instead I'm taking a different approach. Clearly we know where babies come from, lol, but I am letting faith carry me most of this journey.
31 years old is creeping up on me next month. Is that old? Hell no, but I'm sure not getting any younger. My biggest Virgin Diet motivation, beside physical health, is to create the best space for the most precious baby. Our first child. This subject is tough for me. Honestly, it tears me apart sometimes, but I'm sharing here because I know I can't be the only one. This subject just isn't easy. Without going into detail, this isn't easy, and my whole heart is with every family that struggles with this. You are loved, prayed for and wonderful.
It helps tremendously to have a husband on board, his support is my life line in many aspects of my life. Especially this. We are beginning a journey and vulnerability is part of that for me. Nothing is perfect. My life and my journey is no exception. Thank you for your genuine kind thoughts and love. We appreciate it.

Sooooo...back on track...I am a week into this "diet" and I'm seeing big changes. I have lost a total of 7 lbs, and my energy is super high!!! No more major bloat (can't wait for FLOW to head out because I see even more results coming) and I totally love that. My clothes fit better, my belly feels better, and my breathing is better. I know...the last one was unexpected for me too. But it's 100% truth. When I started last week, I was having an incrediblly hard time clearing my throat...just a bunch of gunk. I just chalked it up to "allergies" but in fact I've learned dairy may be the culprit. We've still got 2 weeks to go, so I'll do a full update after, but I'm loving it so far. Winter is a tough season for me and clearer breathing would be a total bonus!
Today I got moving!! Went walking with a friend this morning...much needed girl time and extra calorie burn!!! #winning

Todays struggle: honestly, my true issue is that fatigue, cravings, and bloat had become my "normal" and there's just nothing normal about any of those things!! I'm done accepting that my "norm" is feeling like a slug. Here's to reevaluating my "normal" and keeping up with this process!
Food tip: Don't give in...JUST DON'T...whatever you are craving, it stinks, but it's a good sign. It means that food could possibly be your trigger food. Also, note that you can, eventually, reintroduce many of these foods with no problem, but healing your gut is key! So, in addition to staying strong, add a good probiotic to your daily routine!

Meals:
Breakfast- Vega Shake
Lunch- Vega Shake
Snack-apple with nut butter
Dinner- A very picky plate at a Mexican restaurant with my sweet friend! All Virgin diet approved! Feeling proud. :)

The weekends can always be tough on a diet...especially an elimination style diet. I've had intense dairy cravings, but stayed true to myself and the diet and didn't do it!! We had dinner with friends Saturday and I passed on yummy pizza AND a gorgeous cheese plate. It was super hard to be good, but I'm truly committed to finally getting to the bottom of these food issues.

Meals for Saturday and Sunday:
Breakfast- Vega Shakes
Lunch- Vega Shakes
Snacks- Veggies with hummus/turkey roll up
Dinner-Veggie plate with Quinoa and Cauliflower mashers/Kale salad with organic roast beef, virgin diet dressing

Food tip: make Kale chips to have around for a quick snack!! They look a little funny, but are so tasty. Super easy to make and cheap! When I'm feeling a craving I just eat a couple and all is good!!

**comment for recipes

Happy Friday Crew!!!
Today I'm amazed at the energy I have...seriously, I'm a total sleep until 10AM girl and I've been up early with my hubby this week AND stayed up!! My skin looks brighter, (not only because of my amazing skin care, wink emoticon) but healthier and feels good too. I can see a noticeable difference in my was "puffy" face and waistline, so I'm pretty pumped!! Overall, I'm not having many cravings...except each time I see the cheese drawer I imagine myself eating it ALL...in the corner alone...and then the shame sneaks in and I don't. LOL!!! Instead, I have about 8 ounces of water and I'm all good.
I've had a pretty busy morning and afternoon, but I made time and squeezed in my Virgin approved meals!!

Breakfast- Vega Shake (I'm using chocolate, but I want the berry too, just gotta find it)
Lunch- LOTS of green veggies with Brown Rice and turkey
Snack- Tomatoes and hummus
Dinner- Black bean bowl

Tip of the day: Flavored Seltzer Water
It's a total life saver...I WAS a 6-8 Diet Cokes a day girl (I know, I know, for shame) but the point is the be honest. Once I switched to this glorious drink I'll never turn back. I may have an occasional DC as a treat but no longer hooked!!
Seltzer water has 2 ingredients: Water and Natural Fruit Flavor. I'm all in.

I already mentioned my struggle today is mostly with cheese, but I will say...that NOT having my wine at night has helped me make way better choices!
On to the weekend, we have dinner with friends tomorrow and I aim to keep it Virgin! Wish me luck!

*comment for recipes

Morning y'all!! This is a 21 day program...today is my second day...and as with any "restrictive" diet...I had to and will HAVE to use some major self control!! Being honest, last night instead of cheese and wine, I paired green tea with water...it was tough at the time, but my noted 4lb loss this AM, in 24 hours, helped bring some motivation.
I know, I know, I get it, it's mostly water weight now, BUT it's still progress.

Started my morning with black coffee (my new love after completing a 7 day GM cleanse with friends last month) and a Vega shake. So far no BIG noticeable changes, but my energy seems to be up a bit. I don't feel as sluggish as I do after nights of booze and snacks, either.
My weaknesses seem to come at night time, but checking off some sweat time will most likely help with that! I've found, for me, the harder I work out the faster I feel my eye lids closing EARLY in the evening. So secret to dropping my bad evening habits is...getting up early and working out harder. I seem to love my sleep more than boozes and snacks, so it's a win win!
Question is where do you like to sweat the most!?! Personally I have to mix it up...a little gym, a little walking around the hood with a girlfriend...a little hot yoga. Whatever it is I'm doing it.

BIG CHALLENGE, Remembering this is a lifestyle change, not a death sentence. Not always easy to differentiate. I sometimes find myself being very stubborn when things are "taken" from me. Foods are a huge part of that. I realize everything in moderation, but why is it that I go completely overboard JUST to prove "I can do what I want!?" Can you feel me!? I'm currently working through this. Giving myself grace is the hardest part.

Breakfast and Lunch-Vega shakes...I'm really wondering where Vega has been my whole life y'all! Delicious vegan protein with a great price point!!! I'm hooked!
Dinner-simple salad (virgin diet dressing) with lean steak (virgin diet marinade) and quinoa on the side. So far so good, I'm hanging in there y'all!

**Honest Cheat of the Day: This afternoon, as the sun started to set, I found myself REALLY hungry. So I made a batch of the GM cleanse "wonder soup", (basically water and veggies) and I had a small bowl of that, instead of binge eating all the food in the house!! True story. I'm feeling pretty proud and during the GM cleanse this soup saved my life...lol...so I'm using it in my weak moments, even if it's not technically part of the virgin diet.

***comment for recipes