18 days in.

It's time for an update with my Advocare 24 day challenge!

I'm currently 18 days in and in the Max phase. I don't have an issue at this point with eating clean, I really haven't had many issues with that. It's all the supplements. I have to remember to take the supplements 30 minutes before breakfast and lunch, with a busy schedule it can be tough. Especially when you can't eat at the same time everyday.

I will tell you the very first day that I took these, I felt super jittery, like I was in a caffeine overload. So I delayed taking my spark until after I drank my shake in the morning. The last thing I needed was to be jittery in clinical! Always listen to your body folks, I really can't preach that enough.

However. I will tell you I still feel pretty good. Spark absolutely gets me through my days, and I really thought a protein shake in the morning wouldn't be enough to hold me over until my mid-morning snack, but it actually does! My absolute favorite has been the Chocolate mocha, I love the taste of coffee and this really helps me get over it.

I can tell you right now that day 25 will have coffee in it, with no ridiculous creamer of course. Still plan to keep that part clean.

Another struggle I seemed to be running into... after dinner... DESSERT. My goodness, the struggle is so hard. However, after some searching on Pinterest I did find an idea and put my own spin on it, Honey Cinnamon apples . 

Honey Cinnamon Apples Recipe 

2 Honeycrisp Apples 

1 tsp of cinnamon 

1 tsp of honey (I use Savannah Bee Company, Tupelo Raw honey)

Bake on 350 degrees for 15-30 minutes, leave in longer if you like softer apples. 

I actually threw in some fresh pineapple, that was amazing too. Heating up fruit does something to help the fruit release more natural sugar. 

Don't worry I did actually share with Matt. 

A couple things i've noticed about a clean eating lifestyle is: 

It's really hard to eat clean when you are busy. I absolutely now understand why people prep for the entire week. It not only keeps people on track, but you don't have to worry about not having something ready when you've had a super long day at work/school. 

Not everyone eats clean. It sucks when people around you are eating pizza and all kind of greasy food. WILLPOWER is hard. For instance on Veteran's day, Matt and I went to Chili's to eat because he could eat for free, I saw on the table over they were eating onion rings, and queso. I NEVER WANTED QUESO SO BAD IN MY LIFE. I then looked down at my mango-chile tilapia, and was a little sad. However, when we did leave, I felt amazing, I kept my willpower over eating crap. I never felt so good about our decision to start eating cleaner. 

After explaining my decision with my friends, some of my friends were like, "oh that's great I totally support you", and then some of my friends were like, "why are you even doing this to yourself?"

Yes, a lot of this was directed towards the no coffee aspect, but honestly I know everyone has their own opinion on what is right for them, and I really feel like this is right for me. I needed a change. I felt like crap eating crap. 

So far the challenge is going well, I've kept my focus on my nutrition and NOT the numbers on the scale. I actually haven't weighed myself since the first week of the challenge. 

Talk to me! 

Have you ever tried the 24 day challenge?

What is your favorite eating clean recipe?!