As usual, my weight-loss and fitness endeavours have been turbulent this year. I hit the two stone loss quite quickly and easily, but everything after that has been hard work. You know the story- lose half a stone, put it back on, lose a few pounds… put them back on! I found Forever Living’s C9 Cleanse through an old school friend, and felt that it could be the kickstart to my weight-loss that I need. Now, this is a cleanse, a detox. It’s not aimed to make you lose massive amounts of weight, nor is it sold as a weight-loss quick fix. The nature of the cleanse, however, means that you should lose a decent amount of weight, and those all important inches. It’s a kick start to a much more lengthy regime (for me, anyway. Some people opt to use this to shift that last bit of weight, or to lose a bit extra quickly for a special occasion).
I’ll reiterate. I’m using the cleanse as a platform to a new weight-loss programme. This is not the sole weight-loss plan that I have in mind. It’s a start.
So, what is the C9 Cleanse? It’s 9 days of intense detox/cleansing. The first two days are full of Aloe Vera gel, a protein shake (this comes in chocolate or vanilla, I opted for chocolate and it’s delicious with almond milk), vitamins, nutrients and water! You can eat as much as you want off a restrictive list (compiled of food with low GI), but it’s not a lot. By all accounts, these first two days are the hardest. Days 3-9 consist of much of the same, with less Aloe Vera (not a bad thing as the taste is shocking), an extra shake and one 600 calorie meal. It takes your total to 1000 calories. Again, you can eat as much off the free foods list as you want. I’ve prepared myself for this mentally for the past week or so. My Forever Living “consultant” has added me into all of the relevant Facebook groups, from which I’ve gained a lot of support and advice. I think that this support is going to make me stick rigidly to the cleanse. From what I have gathered, you need support and motivation to get through the cleanse. Just the odd pat on the back. All that is left to do, is give it my all!
Day 1: Monday
I decided to start my cleanse on the first day of the new term at work… Teaching teenagers on a seriously reduced diet seemed like a good idea at some point! I woke up bright and early and prepared myself. I recorded my measurements and my weight. I took the 120ml of Aloe Vera gel and all of the other nutrients. I was positive and looking forward to the challenge. I got through my day without a hitch. I had my fibre gel during break, and a shake and more supplements and gel at lunch time. I nibbled on berries and apples all day. Water was key to reducing hunger; I drank 2l during the school day. This even helped me reach my 10000 step target as I was back and forth to the loo all day! Dinner was more gel (eugh) and supplements. I am going to go for my final 120ml of gel soon, then have an early night. I felt okay hunger wise until about 6.30pm, when the hubby made tea for him and Noah! I promptly took the dog for a walk to avoid food. I am feeling quite tired, but I do sense that this more my body going into shock about being back at work than anything else. We’ll see… I’ll let you know how tomorrow goes! I’m interested to see my progress. I weigh in on days 3, 6 and 9! Fingers crossed.
All I needed to get started!
Day 2: Tuesday
Tuesday was a hard day! Day two was the same as Monday- tablets, fibre, aloe gel, shakes, water! I had the odd piece of fruit from my free list, but didn’t feel particularly full. I didn’t feel too hungry during working hours. I did get weepy and angry towards the end of the day and cried in my classroom. Not sure if this was work or the cleanse or my crazy hormones. I was a raging lunatic all evening and I am sorry to my husband, who I most certainly took my “hanger” out on. Suffice to say I went to bed early to sulk/avoid food/not make my hubby want a divorce! I was most certainly wondering “Is this worth it?”
Day 3: Wednesday… WEIGH DAY
Well, well, well! I woke up today feeling a million times better. Day three marks a turn in the cleanse. Less aloe gel, an additional shake and a 600 calorie meal. I wasn’t hungry at all all day. I felt energised and an immeasurable amount happier than on day two. I’ve had such a busy day at work today too- a fully day of teaching, worked through break and had a “working lunch”. I came home with just enough time to weigh and measure and finally EAT A MEAL. I made myself chicken breast with some herbs, and a huge salad. I was so excited to eat it. You can tell I hadn’t eaten much all week.
Unfortunately I only managed half of the chicken. I was too full!
So, down to the figures…
I have lost (in three days) 3lbs and 6 inches! I’m very pleased with these results, and genuinely feel amazing. My inches have disappeared from my chest, waist and hips- it’s clearly a lot of the toxins leaving and my bloating subsiding. I’m excited to see what day 6 (my next weigh day) brings.
Day 4: Thursday
Today was pretty uneventful. I have managed perfectly well with the cleanse, and feel extremely energised. I have noticed today that other people are noticing a difference. I’ve been asked twice if I’ve lost weight- due to the bloating disappearing- and one person asked me if I was pregnant, not because I look fatter than usual, but because I’m “glowing”! I’m not a fan of that term, but I took it as a compliment.
Learning to be productive… blogging and watching Nashville!
Day 5: Friday
It’s my day off today and at some points I was wanting to reach for a snack, but I forced myself to have some berries or an apple instead. I feel that I’m learning new habits; I hope that I keep them. It’s a bit unusual having such a quiet Friday night. PJs and bed by 8pm with no gin in sight. I feel oddly pleased about it and I’m looking forward to weigh day tomorrow! Hope I’ve lost a couple of inches and pounds. I’ve also been reading up on the Forever Living F.I.T programme as I’m starting F1 as soon as the cleanse finishes!
My next challenge… Bring it on!
Day 6: Saturday… Weigh-day!
I’m feeling better with each passing day. Today was my second weigh-in, and I have now lost 7lbs and 11 inches. This is mainly from around my stomach, but some from my arms and thighs, so I am very happy. I feel far less bloated and still more energised. Today was my lovely niece’s party, and there was a lot of pizza and junk going around! I resisted the lot and stuck to my shake and fruit, followed by a delicious meal of chicken and grilled vegetables when I got home. I’m finding that the only thing I’m craving during the C9 Cleanse is coffee. I’m genuinely not missing the crisps and chocolate.
Days 7 and 8: Sunday and Monday
Much of the same. The process of the cleanse is daily routine now. Cravings have gone, and although I’ll enjoy a bag of Maltesers eventually, I’m not in a hurry and not going to buy some for the sake of it. I’ve noticed I’m sleeping a lot better and generally feel a lot more relaxed. I know the Aloe Vera gel tastes quite bad (I have got used to this, mind you!) but it’s amazing stuff. I used the gel on it’s own before the cleanse, and the benefits are fabulous. How can I put this? My bowel movements are more normal now- giving up gluten may be a contributing factor but I did stop the aloe for a week or so and my stomach issues returned- so that’s good! Other than days one and two, I’ve never been hungry during this cleanse. All in all, I am happy!
Day 9- Tuesday
Final day! I can’t believe I have managed all nine days. I’ve only drank water and I have sticked rigidly to my nutrients, shakes and meals. It’s not been anywhere near as bad as I had anticipated, and this way of life seems to be the norm! I’m going to weigh myself and do my measurements first thing in the morning tomorrow. I’m feeling very optimistic. The weight-loss is a bonus, not necessarily a guarantee, but it’s spurred me on! I don’t think I can express how wonderful and amazing I feel! My skin is hugely improved (thanks for the acne, PCOS) and my moods have been more under control. For someone with PCOS, this is amazing! I was hesitant spending the money on the cleanse, but I think it’s been money well spent! I can’t wait to go onto the next phase of the weight-management, FIT 1! I’ll no doubt blog all about that too!
Final results
Total weight loss- 9lbs
Total inches lost- 15.5
| Starting measurement (inches) | Finishing measurement (inches) | |
| Chest | 44.5 | 41 |
| Biceps | 14.5 | 13 |
| Waist | 42.5 | 37.5 |
| Hips | 49 | 45.5 |
| Thighs | 23 | 22 |
| Calves | 17 | 16 |
Summary- I am beyond excited about these results. Dedication has paid off, and I’m determined to continue to lose until I’m at my goal weight. I’m 2.5 stone off pre-Noah weight, and I think almost 5 years away from this is long enough. When my baby is four, it can’t be called baby weight, can it?! As you can see from the measurements I have a long way to go, but I have my FIT1 ready, and I’m going to do this with as much enthusiasm as I have the C9 Cleanse! In terms of my PCOS, I feel markedly better. I’m not as lethargic and my moods have been much more stable. Considering I’ve done this during a usually stressful time, I’ve remained calm and collected. I’m also sleeping really well too. I feel like a new woman!
Interested?
Do you want to feel amazing? Do you want to look your best? Please contact me at alison@fabulousandus.com or on Facebook (quote ALICLEANSE and I’ll give you a 15% discount), or have a look at some of the key items on my online shop. I have given my honest opinion on the cleanse, and would seriously recommend it to my nearest and dearest. The Aloe Gel tastes awful, but is super amazing. The first two days are very hard, but then it gets easier! The support out there is amazing, be it from your Forever Living Consultant or the numerous Facebook pages. If you want to feel better, and quickly, give this a go!
Contact me or visit my online shop here.
