A Cleansing Experience

July seems like a blur to me.   A lot of weekend activities, plenty of time spent at the beach, lots of wine on the porch and and endless supplies of treats.  I was having a hard time staying on track (which by re-reading old posts, seems to be a pattern for me) and was feeling bloated and blah.  My weight was fluctuating up and down so I was getting fed up.  I turned to the Chiropractor at the gym, in the past when I've experienced a plateau in my weight and was feeling bogged down he has suggested a liver cleanse.  This plan uses a shake mix and a 10 day eliminative diet to help flush harmful toxins from processed foods out of your system.  The middle part of the cleanse is pretty strict and can be hard but I made it through and I feel fantastic!  I broke through my plateau ( Now at 210lbs - 19 lbs down total) and re-discovered my love of summer because of the over abundunce of fresh fruits and vegetables available. 

The farmer's market in our area is AMAZING!  I love going with my dad or Shaun and just stroll through.  The sounds, smells and people make me feel peaceful and refreshed.  It is so nice to see the community out and about on a regular basis like that.  Our downtown area recently renovated the square where the farmer's market is and it's simply beautiful.  The best part though, is the flavor of the produce.  I have heard time and time again "farm fresh is best" but then I started to really pay attention to the difference in taste of say, a cucumber bought at the grocery store vs the ones straight out of the garden.  Garden fresh wins, bar none!

I've have also been making good use of the weather and trying to soak up as much sun as possible.  Other than my weekly trips to the beach I broke out the ol' roller blades and got my stride back and got a new bike basket so Piper and I can cruise around the bike trails in the area (See Picture.)  As far as indoor activities, I sporadically drop into the Zumba class at the gym.  Emily, the instructor, is great and so fun!  I work up a good sweat and get to feel like I'm back in dance for the first time since high school (that makes me sound old!)  I love the moves and the music, I will post pictures from the class after the next time I stop in.

Shaun's training is going super well!  Even though he says he's always sore, he always looks forward to the next session every week.  He's already lost 10 lbs (JERK!) and feels great.  I'm so jealous that it is waaaaaay easier for a guy to drop weight, but I'm proud.  He's getting into doing more outdoor activities with me and suggested that we take a weekend day and bike the Green Cirle Trail (26 miles), take Piper and a picnic and make a day of it!  I was so pumped to hear this come out of his mouth and can't wait to do it.  With having this one thing in common it's like we're dating all over again.  My friend Allyssa said she loves how we "like" eachother:)

We've set up times in September to get engagement photos done with Vicki Weaver of Image Weaver Family Photography.  With some new clothes and our leaner bodies this should be a breeze!  We're also planning an Engagement Party in October.  That day I'm meeting with my bridal party to start getting an idea of what dresses they'll be wearing.  Not that I want to wish Summer away, but with all this fun stuff coming up in the fall it's hard not too!  It will be so nice to get together with all my girls!  So much to work towards!