What an AMAZING day...here's to 59 more!

Today was the best 1st detox day that a girl could ask for. I'm crediting this to 1) the fact that this is my 2nd time around so I know exactly what to expect and what to do and 2) I incorporated my own smoothies into the mix and let me tell you, they make such a difference. Ok, you know I have to give you some "vitals" first:

• EXERCISE - I walked 3.605 miles this morning and planned on doing ZUMBA tonight but eh eh, ain't gonna happen.
• POOPS - I had 2 regular morning poops and on the 3rd and 4th poops, you could tell that the detox had kicked in...what a difference. I'll leave those details to the imagination ;-).
• STEAM - YES! I steamed for 15 minutes directly following my walk, and I believe that's a good regiment to follow.  I followed the steaming with a Peroxide face pat.
• MEDS - When I swallowed formula #1, a burning sensation occurred in my chest; so much so that I had to return home in the middle of my walk and drink a whole lot of water, but I was good after that.
• FOOD - I ate exactly what I told you I was going to eat yesterday but I've included some pics for your viewing pleasure.

After breaking my fast with water, I indulged in this delicious HOMEMADE (from my home) Strawberry and Banana Fruit Smoothie...UMM UMM GOOD!!!

I got the idea to make this BERRY ALMOND salad from Wendy's, but instead of paying $6.49 for a large or $4 and change for a small, I made my own. Scrumptious...if I must say so myself ;-)

Drum roll please .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Allow me to present to you the "not-so-green" GREEN SMOOTHIE. Talk about something tasting good? I was a little alarmed at the fact that the coloring wasn't green but when I name the ingredients, you'll see why...Spinach, Apples, Strawberries, and Blueberries (hence the dark color) April suggested that I try using pineapple, peach and mango or strawberry banana as well - I will probably see the green when I do it this way.

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Today was a very good day and I am looking forward to the same success tomorrow.  

This is a step-by-step and day-by-day journey and I'm taking each day as it comes.

Before I go, I'm happy to report that many of you have been looking into April Chapman's website basichealthylivingtoday.com and are taking advantage of her consultation and detoxing services. I am confident that you will experience the same victory and healing that God is allowing me to continue experiencing. 

Stay tuned as I continue to JOURNAL THROUGH HEALING...one day at a time.

Be blessed.

Setting Sail for Day 1 Tomorrow

I am so looking forward to departing for my 60 day detox embarkment at 7am tomorrow morning. I went to Corrado's and bought some strawberries, bananas, apples, blueberries, romaine lettuce, spinach, and raw nuts.

• I will begin my day with a morning walk and 2 glasses of water. 
• I will follow that with a homemade (from my home that is) strawberry and banana smoothie.
• For lunch I will eat a salad with romaine lettuce, spinach, blueberries, strawberries and nuts (I got this idea from the Wendy's Berry Almond salad - I believe blueberries and strawberries are ok to eat with other foods).
• I will follow this with my own green smoothie - my parents gave me a blender yesterday and I will break it in by experimenting - spinach, blueberries, strawberries, apples and ice - we'll see what this tastes like tomorrow.
• I'll eat another salad for dinner.
• I will be drinking PLENTY OF WATER throughout the day.
• I will purchase a scale from somewhere tomorrow morning so that I can begin weighing myself first thing every morning for the duration of my detoxes.

These are the things that I will be paying attention to during the detoxes:

1. How much weight I will lose this time around - the detox guarantees between 10-50 pounds. I lost 12 pounds on the first full body detox so we'll see (I lost an additional 8 pounds on the blood cleanse).  I was 198 pounds in January and weighed 160 pounds on May 31st. I went down to 148 pounds after the full body detox, and down to 140 after the blood cleanse.
2. How long will it take for my skin to clear back up - my skin was flawless until I reintroduced certain foods into my diet. I will continue to use the Moroccan red clay as well as steam daily (I will force myself to do this). I will take daily pics in order to compare and contrast.
3. How long will it take for the joint pain in my hands and now my legs, to go away - I was pain free from May until this past Friday, and I'm determined to be pain free again; this is no doubt as a result of all of the cheese I've been eating. CHEESE=MUCUS=INFLAMMATION
4. How long will it take for this mucus buildup and snorting to disappear - this was completely gone from the end of May up until I began eating dairy and cheese in particular (which was the day after I stopped detoxing)
5. What sized clothing I will be able to fit into when this is all said and done - I was a comfortable size 6 for many years until I was put on steroids last June. Then I gradually (well, rather quickly) went up to a size 12/14 by October. After detoxing I dwindled to a size 10, then a size 8, skipped a size 6, and now am somewhere in between a size 2-4.  This should be interesting...
6. Will I encounter emotional instability as I did the first time around - I'm glad I'm completing the full body detox before I return back to work because I was a raging bull at times during the first detox - emotional toxins were being released in addition to physical toxins. 

Well, I believe that's it for now. I am ready to see TRUE AND EVERLASTING VICTORY this time around. I know what to expect, I know what I can and can't eat, and am determined to be successful from beginning to end and beyond.

I will continue to keep you posted as I JOURNAL THROUGH HEALING.

Be blessed.

Embarking on a 60 day detox journey

Well, I made the decision today that I will not wait until August 30th to detox, I will complete my next full body detox THIS MONDAY. Why the sudden rush?! I found out via April that you can detox as often as you'd like, but more importantly, on yesterday, after ingesting some stuff that I know I shouldn't have, the joints in my left hand began paining me to the point that I had to take off my wedding rings...it must be painful for me to do that.  The pain didn't just come and go either...it was constant and stayed that way all day and night, and is still hurting today. I texted April to let her know what I was experiencing and she stated, "if you are having joint pains this means your body is too acidic again".  So I'm back on the detoxing train but this time I'm going IN! After I complete the 20 day full body detox, I will once again follow it with the 20 day blood cleanse. Immediately after these 2 cleanses are done, I will complete a 20 day Liver cleanse, per April's recommendation, in order to "rebuild and rejuvenate" my liver from all of the damage that may have been caused from the medications I was on.
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I WILL NOT take a break
I WILL NOT come up for air
I WILL complete 60 STRAIGHT DAYS OF DETOX
and I won't just stop there...
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When I'm done, I WILL NOT eat cheese, I WILL NOT eat pasta, but I WILL take every precaution that April recommends as far as my diet is concerned. 

See...I shared sometime ago that I've always had to learn lessons the hard way, and that my Grandma always told me that, "a hard head makes a soft behind."  I am so far past this now. I've seen  and experienced the healing victory and answered prayer that God allowed me to have, and I am determined to get that back and to keep it. I may have to learn the hard way and I may have reaped what I've sown, but I tell you what, I'm learning...and this time, I will be sure to sow good seeds so that my entire body will continue to reap healing and victory until God brings me home.

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For all of you who are currently detoxing, are looking to detox, or who have recently completed a detox, please, please, please learn from me - maintain a diet of fruits and vegetables, be disciplined enough NOT TO eat those things that are not good for you, and STAY HEALTHY!!!  If you're unsure as to what your diet should consist of, please visit April Chapman's website at www.basichealthylivingtoday.com and she can guide you on the right path. 
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It's so funny because I just had a conversation with my rheumatologist onThursday and he was so impressed with the progress that I've made (he's been reading my blog too). I asked him to send out a script for LabCorp so that I could have all of my tests rerun so that I could see the report of victory (even though I'm experiencing it first hand).  He faxed the script right over to LabCorp and I went yesterday to have my blood taken, but due to a severe thunderstorm that left the power out, I left and came back home. (Look at that!) Now, I'm going to wait until my 60 days are complete before I run any tests. 

God will answer our prayers. He will do just what He said He would do. But we have to be sure to do our part and take responsibility for our own actions regarding our blessings (whooo thank You Jesus). I am taking responsibility for my part and asking God for His strength to do it right this time.  

What an awesome God we serve...even in our mishaps, He continues to show Himself merciful and gracious despite us.

Well, I will be sure to keep you updated as I embark on my 60 day challenge, but I am confident that I will come through this even better than before, and that this time, it will be for the long haul.

I will continue to keep you posted as I continue to JOURNAL THROUGH MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL HEALING.

BE BLESSED

"A Salad a Day Keeps the Sleepies Away"

Today marks my 24th day post-detox and I have to tell you, I am so looking forward to detoxing again and have even upped my start date.  Detoxing has great benefits:

• Losing Weight.............CHECK
• Having More Energy...CHECK
• Looking Great.............CHECK
• Feeling Great...............CHECK

All of the above are MORE THAN REASON ENOUGH for anyone to want to detox. But what happens after you're finished detoxing?! If you don't commit to a complete diet/lifestyle change; eating fruits, vegetables, not eating dairy or pasta, then the benefits that you enjoyed during detoxing will be for nothing. 

We have to go back to the philosophy that "we're eating to live not living to eat."  

During detoxing and immediately after, I had so much energy, my skin was flawless, I looked and felt radiant and now, since I've reintroduced foods into my diet that aren't so good, my skin has pimples and blemishes, I have mucus buildup, I am tired all of the time, and just feel sluggish.  I have been speaking to April about my tiredness and she asked if I've been eating green leafy vegetables and my answer was no. After eating salad and raw fruits and veggies for 40 days straight, I couldn't wait to incorporate more cooked foods into my diet, and this was the beginning of my downfall. That's not to say that you can't eat cooked foods, but as she put it, "a salad a day keeps the sleepies away."  She stated that "greens are extremely energizing" and eating and drinking them (smoothie, juices) "will provide the body energy as opposed to using energy." This makes so much sense and I am definitely a witness as to what a big salad can do.  Here are some other things to keep in mind if we want to maximize our body's potential:

• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER DAILY
• EAT AT LEAST ONE LARGE SALAD A DAY
• DRINK A GREEN SMOOTHIE - 
• Take 2-3 of your favorite fruits and blend on high
• Take a handful of kale, spinach OR collards (never mix your greens, choose 1 type per smoothie)
• Add ice
• Drink up
• LIMIT YOUR BREAD INTAKE...BREAD=SUGAR which zaps your energy and makes you sleepy (I'm a witness)
• CHEESE IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU - it causes MUCUS which causes INFLAMMATION (I'm a witness)
• LIMIT YOUR PASTA INTAKE...PASTA=PASTE in the colon and who wants to have a pasty colon?!
• USE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL AT NIGHT - this is the 7th formula of the Full Body Detox and can be used whether detoxing or not; it can also be ordered separately from the detox.

These are just a few tips to ensure that you are energized, look and continue to feel great. With that being said, instead of detoxing in October, I will be detoxing again on August 30th; just in time for school.  Once I remembered that Labor Day was just around the corner, I seriously considered starting after then but the way my body feels, it's more important that I get myself together than worry about eating at a cookout. The only reason why I'm waiting until the end of this month, is because it will mark exactly 3 months from my original start date of the full body detox which was May 30th.  When I'm done, I will do the Supreme Blood Cleanse again (unless April instructs otherwise). Guess what else?! I WILL NOT...I repeat, I WILL NOT eat cheese, even though I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cheese.  It's so not good for me AND I will eat or drink a salad daily.

So for those of you that are still considering detoxing or are currently detoxing, please, please, please plan out your meals now for when you're done. Trust me, you don't want to end up reversing all of the great benefits that you've experienced while detoxing. 

If you're unsure as to what your detox course should be or just want to inquire about it, please visit April Chapman's website at www.basichealthylivingtoday.com.  She is very knowledgeable and you can take advantage of a 20 minute initial consultation with her for FREE. She is SAVED, and CARES about your total well-being and will be completely honest with you about what will be the greatest benefit to meet your needs.

Be blessed. 

The Detox is Still Working

It's been awhile since I've written but I'm happy to report that today is my 17th day DETOX-FREE. You would think that I would be glad about it but I'm actually looking forward to detoxing again in October. Remember: it's good to detox every season (4x a year), so in October I'm going to complete the Full Body Detox again, followed by the Supreme Blood Cleanse. Why am I getting excited about the next detoxing opportunity? Because this time around I'm going to do things right - NO MORE CHEESE, NO MORE DAIRY, and LIMITED (notice I didn't say no) FRIED FOODS. Although I did learn my lesson after messing up the 1st day, I now have a better sense of what has an adverse affect on my body.

I still feel great, I'm still being told that I look great, AND others are benefiting from the Full Body Detox as well. Let me share with you some success stories in the making:

1. Estelle - She is on DAY 8 of the Full Body Detox and is happy to report that she's "feeling great", and she has "so much energy". She commented that she won't check her weight until the half way mark but knows that she has definitely loss some inches. KUDOS! I saw Estelle on Sunday (which would have been DAY 5) and I could already see in her face and body that she had lost weight.
2. Dana - She is also on DAY 8 of the Full Body Detox (and the daughter of Estelle) and is happy to report that she has lost 9 POUNDS and 3 INCHES OFF HER WAIST...in only 8 days...9 POUNDS! Keep up the great work Dana. I also saw Dana on Sunday and it's also very noticeable that she has lost weight.
3. Che - Dana's boyfriend also began the Full Body Detox the same day as Dana and is happy to report that he has lost a whoppin' 10 POUNDS and 2 INCHES off of his waist. This is a man committing to the detox y'all. Some men (like my own) flat out refuse to detox but I'm glad that Che took the chance and is reaping the healthy benefits. I'm praying that others will follow in his footsteps.
4. Tracy - My cousin Tracy began DAY 8 today as well and this is what she had to say about her course so far...she has been able to move her bowels without a laxative (something that she hasn't been able to do in years). Yesterday she was in a lot of pain due to the auto-immune disease that she's been diagnosed with, and the sprained ankle that she got during therapy BUT REFUSED TO TAKE PAIN MEDS AS SHE'S TRUSTING GOD through the detox. She also ended up getting an ear infection and was prescribed Penicillin BUT REFUSED TO TAKE THIS AS WELL. I'm happy to report that after speaking with her tonight, she states that, "I feel good today; I am feeling more energetic". She is still in pain but it's not as bad as it was.
5. Kim - Kim began DAY 18 of her detox today and already has her meal planned out for Saturday LOL. She has lost weight, inches in her waist, has more energy, is not experiencing the pain that she had previously, and April has already directed her on her next steps to continue healthy eating and living. Only 2 more days to go...keep it up ;-)
6. Monique - Her detox just arrived in the mail TODAY, and she will begin THIS SUNDAY.  I can't wait to share in her progress as well.

As you can see, many are benefiting as a result of detoxing, including myself. My mom is still seeing 20/20 WITHOUT HER GLASSES and LOOKS AND FEEL GREAT.  

Why don't you join us in this quest for a healthier you, and share your successes too?!  

PLEASE VISIT www.basichealthylivingtoday.com AND SUPPORT APRIL CHAPMAN AS SHE "PROMOTES HEALTH AND WELLNESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT"... 

She is a Holistic Health Practitioner and nutritional coach who knows her stuff, and is confident in the "human bodies' amazing ability to heal itself of anything when given what it needs to thrive."  She is willing and able to walk you through this process if you let her. She also offers many other detoxes that aren't listed on her site. Sign up for a ****FREE**** 20 minute consultation and she can inform you of what your next step should be.  

Be a healthier you as I chose and am still choosing to be a healthier me.

Be blessed.

Eureka! I've found it!

Last night I shared that my face had broken out and that I wasn't sure of what the root was. Well, I believe I have the answer. I went walking yesterday and the sun was pretty hot. I had the bright idea to put Extra Virgin Olive Oil on my face (I often use it on my face, scalp, and body) and then go walking. I really believe that the sun cooked my skin as if it was a piece of fish. Today, it's no longer bumpy because the bumps have all turned to scabs. I wish I would have uploaded a picture of it yesterday so that I could compare it for you today.  But just take my word for it...it looks horrible! Ok...maybe it doesn't look that bad. But considering the fact that my skin was flawless just a week ago and now not so much, ehhhhhh, not a good look...LITERALLY!

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Thank you to all of you that have visited April Chapman's website www.basichealthylivingtoday.com. Many of you have also taken advantage of purchasing the full body detox through her, which currently is on sale for the LOW, LOW, LOW price of  $47.48 which is a phenomenal price. Considering that the original price of this detox is $94.95, you are saving almost $48.  I would like for you to take it one step further and consider purchasing one of April's consultation services along with the detox. These are the services that she currently offers regarding the full body detox:

1. Full Body Detox Support Package ($125.00)

Basic Healthy Living offers what we believe is the most powerful and effective herbal detox formulation on the market today. Formulated and created by celebrity Master Herbalist Djehuty Maat'Ra this detox is the catalyst to addressing the underlying toxicity in the body. The proliferation of the SAD (Standard American Diet) has placed an enormous burden on the population at large. Obesity, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and widespread inflammation are running rampant. By turning back to nature, you can safely and effectively reset your body in an effort to walk the path to wellness. "Study nature and it's eternal laws will keep you alive." -Dr. Max Gerson

This package includes:*Complete Full Body Herbal Detox-6 Formulas + Activated Charcoal. Details
*1-hour pre-detox planning meeting
*Ongoing detox support via phone and or email
*Personalized Full Meal Plan for the duration of the detox based on palette and food tolerances
*Recipes
*Grocery List
*Post-Detox recommendations based on health and wellness goals

This package is the best value as it provides you with access to a personal consultant who can answer your questions as they arise.  You'll also receive step-by-step assistance regarding the next steps to take on your healing journey.

2. Detox Only-Support ($50.00)

Already purchased a detox but haven't a clue where to start? Do you have questions regarding what you should or should not be doing? This service helps address any "healing crisis" symptoms you may experience while detoxing as well as provides you with access to someone who can answer your questions as they arise. On-going coaching is provided via phone, email or text during the entire duration of the 20 day detox.

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3. Life After Detox-meal planning & maintenance consultation ($75.00)

After a detox, you may be confused as to what to eat and how to nourish yourself post detox. This service provides you comprehensive meal plan suggestions tailored to your specific nutritional needs, particulary if you've recently overcome a health challange. It addresses any underlying illnesses that you may have had and provides you with a full spectrum approach for maintaining wellness. If you've come this far, you don't want to end up right back where you started so you'll need help. We will teach you the best way to provide your body with what it needs to retain health and wellness. Includes recipes and meal inspirations.  1-hour .

4. Initial Consultation (FREE...yes, it's FREE)

This introductory meeting provides us an opportunity to get to know you. We discuss your health goals and challanges  We get to the root of what's going on inside of you. We focus on improving your quality of life through education on diet and lifestyle choices. We discuss herbal remedies as well as many other healing modalities in order to teach you how to recover your health. 20 minutes

5. Follow-Up ($50.00)

Follow up meetings are designed to address any additional questions, concerns or new developments or future courses of actions.

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6. *Full Body Detox-$94.95 on sale now save 50%

$

47.48    

This option is the Full Body Detox Only.

Includes: Complete Full Body Herbal Detox-6 Formulas + Activated Charcoal.
**shipping $7.50**

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR SUPPORTING MY FRIEND APRIL.

Be blessed.

Rash??? What rash?!

Well, helllooooooo world! It took some time but as I knew it would, MY RASH IS GONE!!!! This time of year I'm always getting bit by something but in the past, it would morph into this huge ring, would cause swelling, and joint pain, WELL NOT ANYMORE!! God is so good! He is faithful to finish what He's started, and will never leave or forsake us. I knew that He wouldn't have brought me this far to leave me. My testimony of healing is sure and is only growing.  Here's a pic of where the rash used to be:

I am noticing that my face is beginning to break out; not in pimples but in bumps, kind of like an allergic reaction. I'm not sure if some of the non-raw foods that I'm consuming are the cause, if it's the Extra Virgin Olive Oil that's I'm using on my face, skin and hair, or if I'm simply not drinking enough water. Whatever the root, I am drinking goo-gobs of water, I applied my Moroccan Red Clay mask, steamed my face for 15 minutes and followed that with a Peroxide pat. I've gotten away from steaming but clearly it was helping, so I need to return to this as a daily regiment.  I'm gonna drink the activated charcoal tonight as well in the hopes that some more toxins will be released.  Here is a pic of my mask face, just as a reminder:

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME BUT I guess I got a little carried away when washing off the clay, and mistakenly got a tad-bit in my right eye. I was in here singing soprano notes (and those of you that know me, know that I'm a tenor kind of chick... occasionally an alto).  It was just sitting on my eyeball so we'll see what happens with that...Now my right eye is blood shot red...

I am still faithfully walking in the am and doing Zumba in the pm. I walked 4.134 miles this morning and will do one or two Zumba DVDs in a few.

STATUS ON FELLOW DETOXERS 

• I am happy to report that my mom successfully completed her detox and couldn't wait to consume her first non-raw meal, chicken breast and some other stuff, but she loved her chicken breast. She will continue to eat fruits and veggies but will add wild-caught fish and chicken to her diet.
• My friend Kim began her 11th day today and is happy to report that she has lost another inch in her mid-section. WHOO HOO! She has been doing the "Insanity" workout faithfully and is expecting and receiving results.
• One of my sisters at church began her detox on Monday and so far so good. Her mom also began today and they're both off to a great start.
• My cousin began hers today and is determined to keep a positive and spiritual frame of mind, and is disassociating herself from all negativity,and even from some people during this time.
• One of the teenagers at our church has gotten permission to order the full body detox, and will follow it with the supreme blood cleanse. I am so excited for her. She WILL get the results that she seeks.
• Many people are still inquiring and I hope that they step out on faith and allow God to work through this detox as well.

If anyone else is considering the full body detox, please inquire about it and order it from www.basichealthylivingtoday.com. This is the official website of the holistic health practitioner and nutritional coach APRIL CHAPMAN. Remember, she is the one that referred me to the full body detox and supreme blood cleanse, and I am reaping the healing benefits, and so are many of you. Let's show our support and appreciation back to April by supporting her in this endeavor. She offers the full body detox as well as her consultation services, to help you from the beginning of the detoxification process until the end. 

I hope to share many more detox success stories soon.

That's it for tonight. I hope that everyone has a blessed night, and I will continue to keep you posted as I JOURNAL THROUGH HEALING.

Be blessed.