1 week down, a lifetime to go

Today ends one whole week that I have been a user.

I'm not ashamed to be a user. I don't want to stop using. I. Like. Using.

I'm not addicted to it yet; I mean, I can stop at anytime if I wanted to, but I don't want to.

Hello. My name is Melanie and I'm an Isagenix user.

I'm carefully optimistic of this new program. Careful because I've been here before. I've done this whole roller coaster of great initial results leading to plateaus and instant weight regain dozens of times before. This whole depressing cycle of great momentum followed by a steady decline of interest or control, ultimately leading to personal sabotage. Optimistic because this program seems to be, for me at least, a perfect balance of what I need to make it work this time. I get convenience twice a day (shakes) which is a MUST for me since I'm always on the go, and very flexible array of ingredients that allow endless possibilities for meal creations. I get to be creative, don't want for flavor or variety, and get the "full" sensation that I need. Throw in 2 days of pure will and determination, topped with a splash of dedication, and it's just what I need to re-access where my limits should be.

This morning, 1 week from my start date, I weighed in 4 pounds lighter and 4 inches smaller.

As I said, cautiously optimistic.

Items to note after my first week:

• Despite taking 2 IsaFlush tablets/night I am not....um.....doing well in that department. Sometimes I sit in the bathroom silently reciting in my head the witty poem often found in public stalls, "Here I sit broken hearted....." I'm hoping things get more regular once my body accepts this as the new routine.
• The weather is finally starting to cool down...I think. If it continues to be below 90° at night, I should be able to take some late-night adventures. Last night I went on a 7 mile bike ride, and surprisingly could have done at least another 3 miles.
• I have a garden that is producing a crazy amount of delicious cucumbers. I have been eating 2-3 a day in-between shakes/meals as snacks, just to keep up my metabolism and satisfy hunger sensations.
  
• I still can't get my chocolate shakes, which seem to mix much thicker than the vanilla, to meet my tastes. I'm able to down them without a problem, but really rather prefer the vanilla.
• I found it surprisingly more difficult to down the 4-5 liters of water over the weekend than during the week. Perhaps because I can drink all day in my office while I sit, while on the weekends we're busy with the kid's sports and errands. Nevertheless, I need to be aware of this and make a stern effort to maintain good hydration.

4 days down, including first cleanse

I can't believe it, but I did it.

And to be honest, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Welcome to my story. My no holds barred, no reservations, no hidden trials, open, honest and RAW diary of my journey on Isagenix.

I am just like any of you who need to read this. Overweight, unhappy with my self image, low self esteem, and willing to try anything, ANYTHING, to lose the weight.

About 3 weeks ago, my Aunt sent out a bulk Facebook message introducing this program she and my Uncle had been on called Isagenix. After nearly 18 months of a very difficult and ineffective weight-loss era and nearly losing my sanity, I contacted her to learn more. Long story short, I liked what I heard, but was particularly moved by how passionate she was about the results. After our conversation, I agreed to try it.

Day 1 was on Monday Labor day, September 5. I took my measurements, weight & photos (as I entered the Isagenix Challenge) and tried my first chocolate shake. It wasn't great, but tolerable. For 2 days I followed their "shake-meal-shake" plan. My meals were spinach salads with grilled chicken, reduced fat dressing and LOTS of veggies. I also ate apples and almonds for snacks.

Days 3 & 4 were scary for me to imagine, but now that I'm past them, they weren't that bad. They were the CLEANSE days, where you eat nothing, only drink water and their Cleanse for Life product 4 times a day. They do encourage you to eat their Isa Snacks in between the cleanse drinks, which really helped stop my brain from wanting to cheat.

Things I want to note from my first 4 days:

• I am drinking about 1+ gallons of water a day. Usually 5 liters, but 4 on average. The odd thing is, that this has ALWAYS been hard for me, but for some reason, this time it isn't.
• The first night of my cleanse, I slept the best I have in 12 years. Didn't wake up once and felt so good in the morning.
  
• The second night of my cleanse (last night), I slept the worst I have in quite a while. I woke up at least 5 times and could not rest. Not sure if it was because there was a lot on my mind or if Isagenix played a role. HOWEVER, despite a lack of sleep, I'm feeling pretty rested and not sluggish as I normally would have.
• I did not cheat at all. Not even 1 calorie's worth of cheat in there.
• Due to my busy schedule, the only workout I got in was an hour of volleyball practice Wednesday night.
• I am following this program without any alterations. I will also be making every effort to prepare my daily meals personally, since convenience comes with 2 price tags: More money and preservatives/chemical components.
  

Rather than allow myself to become obsessed over my weight as is usually the case when I try to lose weight, I am only weighing myself when I measure, which is once a week. I plan on taking monthly photos so that I can see any changes over time and have something to look back on.

This morning, I got to drink a chocolate shake. Can I just tell you, I never looked forward to anything more that that first sip. OK, that's a lie. I look forward to my chicken spinach salad wrap this afternoon more!

I am very optimistic right now, and motivated. I pray to God that this feeling and momentum doesn't dissipate as time goes on. I have enrolled my friends, husband and Aunt to push me since they're in my face and close to hold me accountable for my actions.

Here's to Monday when I can measure and weigh again. We'll see if there are any results yet!