Hi. I’m Asher Keddie, and I’m excited to be about to undertake the Blackmores Personal Health System Detox Program. Long hours, working away from home, and a demanding job make it challenging for me to keep up a healthy lifestyle. I’m hoping that with the help of this simple, easy to use program, I’ll be able to give myself a ‘health boost’, and come out the other side feeling cleansed and energised. What I like most about this program is that it has all the information and tools that I need at my fingertips, and I can access them anytime. With my schedule, it’s hard to find the time to see a professional about my health. With the programs in My Blackmores Personal Health System, I have my own personal naturopath whom I can contact at any time if I ever have a problem or query. It seems so simple, so I can’t wait to give it a go!
Day 1
Ok, here goes. Day 1. I have printed off my shopping list and made sure that I am well stocked. I loved how simple that was, by the way. I was able to just pick up everything I needed all at once; the idea of having everything on hand took the stress out of meal planning for my week ahead. I must say, I’m feeling really excited. Some of the recipes look great. At this stage I don’t feel like I will miss my regular foods and drinks that are restricted during detox. So far so good!
Day 2
One day down, and I am really enjoying it so far. I’m surprised that I haven’t had any major cravings, yet. So far I am loving the freshness of what I am putting in my mouth, and enjoying the new routine. The only thing I am struggling with slightly is feeling a little low in energy, particularly in the afternoon. Hopefully that will pass.
Day 3
Hmmm…. I woke up with a slight headache this morning, though nothing major. I was told to expect some possible minor side effects, so I guess that’s why. I still feel quite low in energy, but I am enjoying feeling a little lighter in my body and am really enjoying the hot water with lemon in the morning.
Day 4
I’m starting to feel a bit more energized today. No headache upon waking, and I feel like my head is a little clearer. One thing I love about the menu plan is that lunches are usually leftovers from dinner the night before, so there is no need to prepare food in the middle of the day. Very convenient!
Day 5
I’ve made it to day 5, and I’m really surprised at how easy I have found it so far. When I first thought about doing the program, I thought I was going to need some serious willpower, but that really hasn’t been the case. I have felt a little hungry on and off, and I did have some side effects at the beginning, but aside from that, it hasn’t been hard at all!
Day 6
I’m really starting to feel lighter, now, and I feel like I am less bloated, or have less fluid retention. It is a good feeling. I love the vanilla and cinnamon oats on today’s menu. I think I will be using that recipe well after my detox is over!
Day 7
Wow! I’m at the half way mark. It’s great being able to look back over the information I have stored in MyDiary, and see my progress in terms of the calories I am burning and consuming, and also the nutritional analysis of everything I’m eating. It really is educational for me. I have always been health conscious, but this program is teaching me that I still have a bit to learn about making the best food choices. It’s great! I get to detox and learn at the same time!
Day 8
I’m surprised at how simple and tasty the recipes are! I have always thought that to be as healthy as possible meant that you need a lot of time. I realize now that it really is just about being organized, and stocking the right things in your cupboard and your fridge. It’s as simple as creating a new habit.
Day 9
I’m still feeling great, and have settled into my new routine nicely. One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is my exercise program. I opted for the Walk & Tone Intermediate exercise program because it has simple exercises that I can do anywhere. I don’t need to be near a gym. At first I thought it would be difficult to fit in exercise four times per week, but putting aside half an hour is surprisingly easy when you can perform the exercise anywhere. It really lifts my energy levels after each session, too.
Day 10
If I have one piece of advice to anyone undertaking this program, it is to use the resources on the website as much as possible. There are so many amazing tools, and loads of information, which I have found both motivating and informative. I also find the website really user-friendly. Who would have thought an online health system could be so amazing?
Day 11
I never thought I would say this, but I am actually starting to enjoy taking the Blackmores Digestive Bitters. It feels like they are doing me good as soon as I swallow them. There’s something really earthy about herbal medicines for me, and despite my initial reservation with the taste, I’m really starting to appreciate them. And, I’m still feeling great. My energy levels are still good, and I don’t even feel like a glass of wine or chocolate.
Day 12
Well, I’m heading towards the end of the program and my digestive system feels great. Sometimes, when I am stressed and tired (usually from trying to balance my work and home life) my digestive system seems to suffer. It feels sluggish, and that affects my appetite. I think this detox has really helped my digestive system to function more smoothly.
Day 13
I’m really enjoying the recipes from the menu plan, and I’m sure I’ll be using some of them again! Now that I am in the habit of preparing these great meals, I can see myself keeping some of the items on the shopping list in my cupboard on a regular basis. My husband has also enjoyed eating most of the meals with me, and he is thinking of doing the detox himself! I can see us doing it together next time. It’s always more fun and easier to be motivated when you’ve got someone to do it with!
Day 14
I’ve made it to the last day of my detox, and I feel great! The two weeks has passed more quickly than I imagined, and even though I am free to go back to whatever habits I please, I don’t even feel to. It will be nice to have some chocolate, or a nice glass of red wine if I feel like it, but it is not like I want to rush out and indulge as soon as I can. I am really enjoying this more energized, fresh sense of being!
Wrap-up
My detox program was a great success! I imagined it would be much harder to stick to than it was, and it’s amazing how much healthier I feel in the space of just 14 days. The program was comprehensive, yet simple and easy to follow. I will definitely be doing it again!