Cleanse: An Option For Lasting Weightloss?

Those who have been reading since January know that I finally started shedding the extra pounds I gained when I stopped breastfeeding last year. My goal (which I haven't weighed in over 4 years) was to lose a total of 22 lbs. The first month, January, I lost 6 lbs and in February I lost 4 lbs. Although I'd hoped to lose more than that, I couldn't complain because I wasn't following The Five Factor Diet to a T (my pick for weightloss programs). He allows one cheat day a week. . .I was giving myself 3!

In March I'd planned to be strict since my goal date was my son's birthday, April 18, but I was consumed with all of the new info I learned about my childhood, and I guess I'm an emotional eater because my program went out the window! Even though everything I found out was positive for me, I've realized that when major events happen I stop eating well and exercising and so then I gain weight. (Same thing for why I quit The Five Factor Diet the first time I tried it last fall - found out about Cosmo's cancer.) But there's always going to be something (life is never just a straight line) so I need to stop doing that if I ever want to get back to my set point weight!

Thankfully, I've gotten back on track in April. I've now lost an additional 2 lbs - putting me at at more lost than I have left -- yeay! (12 down, 10 to go. . .and 3 until I'm finally back to my breastfeeding weight for the first time since January 2009!) Due to my hiatus last month, I won't make my goal by this weekend, so my new goal is Memorial Day (in my opinion that's the start of summer).

My best friend told me about a boost that could help - she did it in January: The Isagenix Cleanse. But, I'm not planning to try it because it's super expensive (between $160-$340), however my friend is a testimonial because it did work for her. When the new year started she had 40 pounds she wanted to lose by the end of June when she goes on a cruise. She lost 25 lbs after using their 30 day cleanse. Not only that, but she went to New York as well as Vancouver during the Olympics which meant she didn't diet at all but didn't gain any of the weight back over a three week period. She then tried their 9 day cleanse, but didn't lose any weight so she knows she reached her maximum for the cleanse (and is now going for the rest on her own) -- generally after the first time clients don't lose anymore weight. She knows a dozen people who tried it before her and never gained their weight back over an entire year which is why she decided to try it.

It is definitely tempting to me, especially since the logic behind the price is that they provide all of your food & drink for that time period so it may be equal if not less than what you usually spend on food & drink. Also, because the ingredients are all-natural, there aren't scary/harmful side effects. From what I read on various websites, it is actually good for you (many doctors recommend this for everyone to do 1-2 times a year just for health - in fact, it was my friend's chiropractor who sold her Isagenix) and most customers seem pleased. My friend said it wasn't as hard as she thought, despite there being a few fasting days.

Many experts claim that the digestive system or intestinal tract is backed up with waste from foods and poor eating habits. Therefore it would make sense to cleanse this bulk matter from the large intestine or colon. This aims to flush all waste from the digestive tract, and restore vitality - making a person's body work better than ever.

Like everything, it's not best for everyone (if you don't have much weight to lose then you won't lose as much as someone who has more to lose). For any cleanse, do your research first and remember that some people probably won't feel good - you should consult your doctor before starting a cleanse and stop if you do experience side effects such as stomachaches, diarrhea, or dizziness/headaches.

Also remember that if you're not planning to improve your diet and exercise regimen then a cleanse is not for you, as you'll eventually gain back any weight you lose. But if you are ready to make lifestyle changes, then a cleanse may give you the boost that you need for lasting weightloss.