Phase 3 on the Ultimate Reset Journey

I cannot believe 21 days has passed and I am finally writing this post after compiling my results and thoughts from the last 3 weeks.

You can read about why I did the Ultimate reset here and what phase 2 looks like here.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Week 3 is 100% fruit and veggies and vegan. For me it was the hardest by far. Not because I was hungry or didn't have energy but because I feel like I am very dependent on carbs, at least mentally. So to cut out all rice, beans, quinoa etc was a big step.  I found myself looking forward to LOTS of veggies at dinner and ate a sweet potato almost every day.

MEAL PREP:

I followed my 3-2 method again for the meal prep which consists of having the same meals Monday, Wednesday and Friday and then the same meals Tuesday and Thursday. I bulk cooked and made everything on Sunday so I was set for the week. An example meal plan for phase 3 can be found here. I actually plan on continuing to follow this method post reset because it really is a great way to prep and to save time for a busy week. 

Overall my energy level has been VERY consistent. I felt a little more tired this week but was excited to see the results and work my way back to a normal, healthy eating routine. Seeing all this prepped food in my fridge was pretty motivating!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

My tips for success during week 3 are to focus on the end goal. Its really all about mindset. Follow the plan. Do your yoga or meditation (which I did almost everyday and then walked or hiked the other days) and remember why you started. I also recommend....

- Drinking LOTS of water. Do not skip this step. I incorporated LaCroix and lots of peppermint tea. I probably drank 2-3 cups of tea a day.

- When you plan to start the reset, plan it over a time when you don't have a lot of commitments at restaurants or eating out. (i.e. not eating candy over Halloween was HARD!)

- Mix up your veggies and fruit. Try new things. Be open to the recipes.

THE RESULTS

Overall I lost 12lbs and 4.5 inches. I lost weight all over and not just in one place. I think I noticed the biggest difference in my legs, stomach and arms. I did this program to lose a few pounds but never expected to feel so amazing and to have truly changed my relationship with food. I also did it to reset set my mental habits with food. I still have a little ways to go but I am very proud of the work that I put in and know that I am on the right track. My biggest take away. Think about how you want to feel and what nutrition is going help you feel that way....I am pretty sure that reese cup for Halloween is not the answer! :) 

I hope you enjoyed following my journey! We are onto the recovery phase which is reintroducing foods back into your diet. I plan to use a lot of the recipes I learned including this amazing Asian Stir Fry in our everyday meal planning. 

Enjoy!

ASIAN STIR FRY

1-1/2 tsp coconut oil

1 tsp sesame oil (my favorite is Trader Joe's Toasted Sesame Oil)

1/2 medium carrot, cut into thin diagonal slices

1/4 cup broccoli florets 

1/4 red bell pepper, sliced 

1/4 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise, sliced

1-1/2 tsp Bragg a Liquid Aminos

Heat coconut and sesame oils in large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add carrots; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add broccoli; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender-crisp. Turn off heat. Add Bragg Liquid Aminos. Mix well. 

This is for one serving. 

Add 3/4 cup of quinoa or 1/2 cup of brown rice.