Changing too fast

When I started my new lifestyle, I changed how I was fueling my body pretty drastically. I went from eating around 2500 net calories a day to 1200 net calories a day. I went from drinking 8-10 oz of water a day to about 80 oz of water a day. I cut out about 80-90% refined sugars, alcohol, bad carbs, and fats. I increased protein by about 50 grams and fiber by probably 20 grams. I upped my fruit/veggie intake from 1 maybe 2 a day to 5 a day, limited carbs and even then only good carbs (Brown rice, whole wheat, sweet potato, granola). No junk. Oh and shakeology every day.

Of all things I thought my skin would be clear and I'd be full of energy and just radiant. But for the first 4 weeks it was the complete opposite. I was breaking out like crazy and not just my face. My chest, back, shoulders. I've had acne since puberty (I'm 32). I've had it under pretty good control the last few years with an occasional breakout. But to go from that to major pizza face while working so hard to be healthy was so discouraging.  Not to mention I had the WORST gas ever! Like ALL.THE.TIME! I was going to be kicked out to the couch at night if something didn't change.

Then I realized something. My body had been used to processing junk for 32 years. If you have ever fasted or done a cleanse you know that part of that process is the flushing of toxins stored up in our bodies from all the junk we've been fueling it with. I was cleansing, flushing toxins, getting all that garbage out of my body.

If I had to do it over again, I'd make the transition a little slower, particularly with shakeology. It is so full of superfoods and stuff that my body has never even smelled much less ingested. Its a big shock to the system to go from 0 to 1 full scoop a day. I'd recommend starting with 1/4 scoop size shake a day for a week and increase 1/4 scoop every week for four weeks till you are up to a full scoop. I think that will cut back on some of that initial shock to the system.

If you are addicted to sugar like I was cutting back on that slowly too will help to avoid headaches and exhaustion. Its hard to actually keep eating refined sugar when we realize how bad it is for us and how much of a hold it has on us. But just like a drug, often a slow weaning is best for your body to avoid major withdrawal which could actually push you back rather than help you progress.

Adding things like lean protein and fiber are important but particularly with the fiber do this one slow as well. We all know fiber is recommended for regularity and adding this in large quantities quickly will certainly get things moving in that area. Be cautious if you don't want to be in the bathroom all day ;)

Finally fresh fish is such a great addition to any diet. Just not too much. Three times a week max but once a week minimum. The fatty oils and omega-3s are so good for your heart and your soon to be new body. But mercury and bacteria are not.  Be sure to cook fish thoroughly and eat only sushi grade nigiri/sashimi. Dont make your own unless you are sure of where it came from.

So, in conclusion, take it slow. It may be hard especially if you are motivated and ready for major change but your body and mind will thank you later.