AdvoCare: The 24 Day Challenge Bundle: Phase 1 (Herbal Cleanse)

I LOVE to give AdvoCare products as gifts to friends and family; especially to those who I know will properly utilize the products to enhance their healthy lifestyle. The 24 Day Challenge Bundle is a comprehensive weight loss/weight management system that is literally made of some of AdvoCare’s most popular products. This system can be broken down into two phases. Phase 1 includes the Herbal Cleanse. This gentle cleansing system has made SOOOO many people happy. Digestion issues are REALLY common but since not too many people want to talk about being regular, you may not even realize it. Among my amazing group of customers, the Herbal Cleanse is certainly one of the most popular products.

After talking with my friend Kelcie one day during a deer hunt, I learned that she, too, struggled with staying regular. I told her about the products and I could see the excitement in her eyes. I promised I’d get her the products asap and she in turn promised me a full fledged report. Kelcie’s detailed report is below…

My Advocare 10 Day Herbal Cleanse Challenge:

My Stats:

Gender: Female

Age: 24

Height: 5’ 5”

Current weight: 131

Goal Weight: 127  (over a course of 4 weeks)

Current size: 4

Goal Size: 2- 4

Post Cleanse weight: 126 lbs. !!!!

Total weight loss: 5 lbs.

Reason for trying the cleanse:  I wanted a fresh start to a new year (who doesn’t), cleanse my body of all the junk I ate during the Holidays, kick start my normal clean eating and workout regimen, &  drop a couple pounds because I am trying on wedding gowns in 4 weeks!!!

Straight forward break down of my review:

•I had more energy

•I got back on my healthy eating regimen

•It opened my eyes to my eating habits

•The fiber drinks helped regulate me

•I lost 5 lbs

•I had Kara coaching me through it

•The fiber drinks tasted terrible (drink them fast, the longer they sit the more they coagulate)

•I had gas on the first few days which was kind of rough

•I felt more cleansed

•I felt less bloated

•I saw the results I wanted

My Detailed Review About the Cleanse:

•First off, I would like to say that I am NOT an Advocare distributor, I am NOT being paid to do this, I am a normal person with an honest and realistic review on this product. I volunteered to do this review because it would hold me accountable if I had to share what I ate and how I felt for the 10 day duration.

•So here is what I think about this cleanse. It was great! It was easy to follow for me, because this is similar to what my usual eating pattern is. However, it did open my eyes to the way I eat. Some days I would crave lots of cheese and bread. Other days I would crave red meat. On one occasion I wanted junk food like CRAZY!!! It also helped me see my eating patterns on the weekend. Usually, I eat really well from Monday – Friday and then the weekends are my “Free Days” to eat what I would like. I also skip meals on the weekend which is not good to do, it slows my metabolism down! I realize I need more fruit and veggies in my diet and less processed food. I need to follow more of an 80 %( fruit & veggies) 20% (protein/meat) regimen.

•I really liked the fiber drink. Although it tastes terrible, it was honestly an appetite suppressant for me. I did not get hungry until late in the afternoon. It also regulated me, I have always had constipation issues (TMI I know, but heck this is a “tell all” review) but the fiber drink regulated me. I never had crazy bowel movements which was great since I work all day. I did not like the first few days of gas! It made me feel icky, but after about 3 days your stomach becomes more normal and the gas subsided.

•It helped that I lost 5 lbs. while doing it. My goal was to lose 4 lbs. in 4 weeks so that I could fit into a size 2 when I went to try on my wedding dress. I ended up losing 5 lbs. in just 10 days. This is a pretty significant weight loss considering an average healthy weight loss is 1-2 lbs. per week. I do believe that some of it is water weight which will fluctuate, but I can honestly feel my stomach/waist as well as my inner thighs got smaller which is what I wanted.

•I loved how much energy I had throughout the process. I normal fell lethargic and light headed all day when I cut calories to shed a few pounds. However, with this cleanse. I never once felt tired or hungry, which was very important to me. When I get tired or hungry, I normally fall off the plan.

•I could have honestly eaten better. I did sneak a roll or bread in twice. I ate a slice of cake and I had a scoop of mac and cheese at some point during the cleanse. I also had a bit too much red meat for a cleanse. I should have stuck with chicken, turkey or fish. I should have had more snacks. I should have cut out dairy almost completely, but I didn’t. I could have lied and said I didn’t have any of this. However, I am human… we are all human and I wanted to give you a realistic review rather than some B.S. unrealistic expectation. I still saw the results I wanted. I feel better, I feel cleansed, I feel less bloated, I lost weight, I got back on my eating pattern, I am eating healthy, and I am feeling energetic. I got what I wanted from this and I hope you do too!

•Best of all, I had Kara walking me through the entire process. The communication and feedback was amazing. I was able to ask her if certain things were acceptable on the cleanse. I would inform her of my daily meals to see if I was on the right track. She would provide me with feedback on what I should do differently or encourage me that I was doing well. She sent me reminders for the days I had to change out the supplements. The biggest bonus for me was that she was there to hold me accountable. This is what kept me going strong. I would highly recommend this cleanse to anyone. Whether you want to get healthy, lose weight, cleanse your body of toxins to begin an organic lifestyle or if you just want to start a better year after over indulging during the holidays. I highly recommend Kara, because she is not only an inspiration due to her own weight loss journey, but because she is encouraging and knowledgeable about nutrition and about her products.

Day 1:

Today is day 1 of the cleanse and I am super excited and eager to begin!  After over indulging during the Holidays, it is officially time to get back in my routine of eating clean and working out. Plus I go wedding dress shopping in 4 weeks and I would like to get rid of the pounds that I packed on during the Holidays.

What I ate:

The Fiber Drink: It really tasted terrible, but if it helps sooth my tummy, I am completely ok with chugging it down!

Breakfast:

•Quiche (1egg,  ½ slice of crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed onions, pinch of salt, pepper and dill)

•Fruit Salad (7 strawberries, 1 banana, 6 organic cherries)

•Coffee ( small amount of cream, No sugar)

Lunch:

•4oz. Swai grilled fish

•1 avocado diced

•1 fresh tomato (but I oven roasted it)

•A few left over sautéed onion slivers

Snack:

•Noosa Blueberry yogurt (BEST yogurt ever! All natural, gluten free, rBGH free and REALLY yummy!!!)

Dinner:

•Chicken breast lettuce wraps: Chicken, ½ c. corn, ½ c. Black Beans, ½ tomato, ½ yellow bell pepper

Wrapped in 3 leafs of lettuce

•1 slice of garlic rosemary bread….I know tisk tisk!!!! L

Water Consumed:  96 oz. (16 oz * 6)

How did I feel on day 1?

The fiber drink was surprisingly filling. I felt full after breakfast and my hunger didn’t set in until lunch! After lunch I was a bit hungry. However, I ate my mid-day snack and I was good for my workout and until dinner. I didn’t feel completely bloated but I did have a bit of gas built up. Otherwise, my energy was high and I had no side effects from the cleanse at all. So far, so good! Bring on Day number 2!!!

Day 2:

Today is day 2 of the cleanse. So far, I haven’t had any unwanted side effects except for LOTS of gas. However, I have had no crazy bowel movements (yes, I little bit T.M.I. ).

What I ate:

The Fiber Drink: It wasn’t as bad this morning, I added a little less water but I still chucked it down! HAHA!

Breakfast:

•Quiche (1egg,  ½ slice of crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed onions, pinch of salt, pepper and dill)

•Fruit Salad (1 orange, ½ banana)

•Coffee ( small amount of cream, No sugar)

Lunch: (Swai Salad)

•4oz. Swai grilled fish

•1 fresh tomato (but I oven roasted it)

•A few left over sautéed onion slivers

•Lettuce

•Homemade Dressing ( olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, garlic cloves)

•Pinch of feta cheese crumbles

Snack:

•Noosa Rhubarb and raspberry yogurt

Dinner:

•4 oz. salmon

•Squash with spaghetti sauce on it (very little salt)

•3 apple slices

Water Consumed:  80 oz of water

How did I feel on day 2?

Had a bit of a bathroom episode at lunch, but I knew something was coming with all the built up gas (again TMI I know, but you will thank me later when you don’t have to wonder if your symptoms are normal! J). Also, Kara informed me that I may want to watch my dairy intake during a cleanse. Good to know, Thanks Kara!!! J I had no other side effects from it and I am still feeling energized.

Day 3:

What I ate:

The Fiber Drink: It seems to get easier to chug down each morning.

Breakfast:

•Quiche (1egg,  ½ slice of crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed onions, pinch of salt, pepper and dill)

•Fruit Salad (1 honey crisp apple, ½ banana)

•Coffee ( small amount of cream, No sugar)

Lunch:

•Brussel sprouts

•Baked chicken

Snack:

•I honestly forgot to pack a snack…. Really bad I know

Dinner:

•4 oz. grass fed steak

•Side salad with 2tbsp. of light balsamic dressing

•4 strawberries

Water Consumed:  64 oz.

How did I feel on day 3? No side effects besides the gas. Everything is fairly easy so far. I do however catching myself going to pick up a snack like pita chips or some other processed food out of habit. So this program has been a great way to truly realize what I am putting in my mouth!

Day 4:

Today is day 4 of the cleanse and this is the day I stop drinking the fiber drink and start incorporating my probiotic vitamin 30 min. before breakfast. OMG I freaking took the herbal cleanse vitamins instead of the probiotic. Then I realized my mistake about 2min. later and had an “oh crap” moment! I decided to take the probiotic too…. Yeahhhhh we shall see what occurs today!!! hahaha

What I ate:

Breakfast:

•Quiche (1egg,  ½ slice of crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed onions, pinch of salt, pepper and dill)

•Fruit Salad (7 strawberries, a few blueberries, organic cherries, ½ banana)

•Coffee ( small amount of cream, No sugar)

Lunch:

•Small salad with a few strips of chicken and the light balsamic dressing

Snack:

•Kara suggested I eat a mid- morning snack:  Orange and pineapple

•Afternoon Snack : 1 pickle, few slices of pineapple, a bit of turkey (strange I know haha)

Dinner:

•4oz. Salmon

•Steamed asparagus

Water Consumed:  72 oz

How did I feel on day 4?

I surprisingly did not have any bathroom mishaps from mistakenly taking the Herbal cleanse vitamins and the probiotics. Today was the hardest day for me because I was craving EVERYTHING bad for me! It was so hard to fight the urge to eat a cookie and to have some bread or cheese. BUT I FOUGHT THE URGE!!! WOOOOHOOO!

Day 5:

Today is day 5 …. THAT means I am HALF WAY DONE!!! WOOOHOO!

What I ate:

Breakfast:

•Smoothie (cup of blueberries, almond milk, and a scoop of my vanilla protein) FYI it was soooooo nasty! I’m not sure what went wrong but it coagulated into a gel!!! But I drank it anyway haha

•Coffee ( small amount of cream, No sugar)

Lunch:

•Quiche (1egg,  ½ slice of crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed onions, pinch of salt, pepper and dill)

•Brussels sprouts and broccoli

Snack:

•Mid- morning snack:  a few pineapple slices

•Avocado and carrots and coffee

Dinner:

•Fajita Bowl ( beef and chicken fajita with cheese, beans, pico, salsa)

Water Consumed:  80 oz

How did I feel on day 5?

I felt good. I got a headache towards the end of the day, but I think that was from eating a snack late and being glued to the computer for an urgent project at work! Other than that, I had 1 normal bowel movement, and a decent amount of energy. No crazy sweet tooth or junk food cravings today! And Hey! I am HALF WAY DONE! I got this!

Day 6:

Let me just begin by saying that I don’t have a normal routine on the weekends therefore; I may have skipped meals and been a little bad!

What I ate:

Breakfast:

•1 egg, 1 slice of turkey bacon and a slice of toast

•Coffee ( small amount of cream, No sugar)

Lunch:

•Black bean hummus and pits chips

Snack:

•No snacks

Dinner:

•Steak with asparagus and 1 dinner roll (baaaaad on the dinner roll)

•Smoothie with dessert

Water Consumed:  64 oz

How did I feel on day 6?

About the same amount of energy as I have had and no crazy bowel movements

Day 7:

What I ate:

Breakfast:

1 cup of Orange juice

Lunch:

Did not eat lunch (EKKKKK )

Snack:

No snacks

Dinner:

Steak with a side salad and yes …. A scoop of mac and cheese ….

I also had a slice of CAKE…. It was my fiancé‘s birthday and I caved!!!! SOOOO BAD I know!

Water Consumed:  72 oz

How did I feel on day 7?

I was so bad today!!!! I just realized how terrible my eating can be on the weekends. I didn’t even notice it! Well I better be really good the next 3 days!!!

Day 8:

What I ate:

Breakfast:

•1 egg

•2 tbsp. of black beans

•2 tbsp. of salsa

•Coffee ( little cream no sugar)

Lunch:

•Carrots and black bean hummus

Snack:

•½ of an large honey crisp apple

Dinner:

•One egg

•1 c. black beans

•Salsa on top

Water Consumed:  80 oz

How did I feel on day 8?

I began my day with the fiber drink again. I have to say, that thing is filling!!! I honestly didn’t even get hungry until late in the afternoon! I feel good no upsets. Good energy. Things are good! Especially since I was SO bad this weekend!

Day 9:

What I ate:

Breakfast:

•1 packet of Organic Oatmeal with honey and cinnamon

•Coffee ( little cream no sugar)

Lunch:

•1 orange

Snack:

•Handful of Peanuts

Dinner:

•Fajita bowl

Water Consumed:  80 oz

How did I feel on day 9?

I am feeling good! I really like how the fiber drinks make me feel! They are great for keeping me full in the morning! I know I am supposed to have a morning snack, however I honestly forget because I am not hungry.  I should be eating more but I am honestly just not hungry. I can’t wait to see my progress tomorrow with my weight and before & after photos because TOMORROW is my last day Whoop Whoop!

Day 10 (Final Day):

What I ate:

Breakfast:

•Cup of yogurt

•Coffee ( little cream no sugar)

Lunch:

•1 Orange

Snack:

•Handful of Organic cherries

Dinner:

•Fajita bowl

Water Consumed:  80 oz

How did I feel on day 10?

First of all, I am kind of sad it is over… it was kind of fun to challenge myself and think outside of the box on my normal meals as well as really focus on what I eat on a day to day basis. Read my overall review on the cleanse and see my before and after pics!

While there are a few things I’d critique her on (not enough protein, don’t skip meals!), overall, Kelcie did a great job sticking to the guidelines. This bundle of nutrition products has helped a lot of people lose 10 or more pounds, but if you don’t have that much to lose, you won’t lose that much! The REAL reward is that she is now back on track with her regular cleaner eating lifestyle, she feels great and is ready to go wedding dress shopping!

Let me help you jump start your weight loss, ride your bloat or just feel happy in the tummy! Please feel free to visit my AdvoCare website and let me know if you have ANY questions!