Graduating and Carbs

I don't jump on the bandwagon of diet fads and quick fixes.  I've avoided cleanses for the most part because it's a little too "dramatic" and inconvenient.  However, I've been seeing numerous friends on Facebook and people in my gym I consider athletes, talking about Advocare.  I hit a plateau that's been discouraging and frustrating.  For all my efforts in the gym and my diligence about clean food, I just haven't been able to break it.  I did online research because I don't think any jump start in the world is worth ingesting things that aren't good for you.  I was pleasantly surprised so on the wagon I jumped.  My friend and I have taken the 24 Day Challenge together.

It's a great combination of portion control and metabolism boosting, small, frequent meals.  It's supplements along with lots of veggies, a fair amount of fibrous fruit, healthy fats and lean proteins.  I've been able to cut way back on the coffee but interestingly enough, sans the headache, I find I miss my morning ritual more than the caffeine.  I may save a small fortune on this challenge though!  My apologies to Howard Schultz.

I'm toward the end of the 24 days and feel noticeably different.  I've lost around 6 pounds and have slimmed out but there are still a couple areas that could be slimmer.  I'm continuing with the food plan because the portion sizes and frequency work and it just makes sense.  Not listed as a side effect, but I swear to you, I smell macaroni and cheese everywhere I go.  I'm pretty sure the lack of simple carbs has turned me in to a fiend of sorts.  When I do decide to have a cheat, you can guess what's on the top of my list!

I'm feeling great and with life's transitions...  My son graduated from high school and is on his way to Alaska to work for the summer - I'm managing well.  This business of sending your kids in to the world is much scarier and difficult than I imagined.  While I joked about having suitcases ready for him at graduation, there is this other part of me that wants to hold on to this ankles and beg him not to go.  Alas, in the true spirit of parenting, I've done what I'm supposed to do.  I've prepared my child.  "Be nice to people!" and "Use your manners."  He can do laundry and bake a potato in the microwave.  He understands they sell toilet paper and toothpaste at the store and that car insurance is a monthly cost ("EVERY MONTH, MOM?!?!?").  Now is the time to have faith in that foundation that was built, take a deep breath and watch my baby fly.  Bump and fly perhaps.  I'm looking forward to the next chapter and watching a bit anxiously to see what happens for my firstborn.  Always, always his loudest and MOST enthusiastic cheerleader.  I also can't say this enough:  Having raised him as a single mom, I am so, SO thankful to all the people who have been there along with the way. Some here or there.  Some the whole road.  I could not have done this without them.  They make the "single" part of the mom title unnecessary.  Way too many people to name but I love each and every one of them.  My heart is full.