Change Now or Die

First stage is over. Great....Actually AWESOME!

2012-04-09T11:42:00.001-07:00

That's right, the first stage! I have completed my 60 day juice fast. What an epic journey it was. I lost a total of 57 pounds in the 60 days of fasting. I honestly feel young again! Now, it is day 4 post fast. This weekend I played around with a little solid food and can honestly say that I already miss the juicing! Not necessarily the actual juicing or even the taste, but the consistency that is juicing! I miss how easy it was to eat healthy while juicing. Basically, I woke up and made juices and drank them. Now that I can eat solid foods, I have to actually make informed decisions about each thing I am putting into my mouth. I miss the empty, light feeling in my gut, that juicing brought with it! With all that being said, I know that I cannot go on a lifelong juicing fast. I have to learn what and how to eat, all over again. That means that we are on the next step of this total journey. EATING healthy.

Yesterday was Easter, which of course means Easter dinner. I had a small piece of Turkey. It was my first piece of meat in three months. It was delicious but not well received by my body. I also had a small salad and fresh pasta tossed with garlic, tomatoes and spinach. Overall, it went well. Today, I have decided to spend the day RAW. Smoothies and juice only. Until I fully learn what exactly I need to eat, I will try small portions of food, mostly vegetarian, partially raw, with the occasional piece of meat (chicken or fish). Beef will be limited to once per month. I love a good steak. However, I see even the once a month beef shrinking to once every couple of months. So, the next week will be mostly smoothies and juices with light balanced meals. Of course I am already looking forward to my next juice reboot (which is planned for May 15). This one will be much shorter, probably around 15 days.

The results from my first reboot were unbelievable! I feel great, actually awesome! The numbers are there to back it up, too! Take a few minuted to watch the video review of the fast, including the blood work results!

I welcome all advice and ideas on how to move into healthier veg and raw eating.

Thanks!!!

Day 51- Pushing hard until the end!

2012-03-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

Day 51 today. It went really well. I still feel fantastic, but am quite ready to chew again. I am down 53 lbs as of this morning. 53 pounds in 50 days! That's insane! My original goal was to lose 50 lbs in the entire 60 days. I hit 50 lbs lost at around day 40, so I made a new goal of being under 200 by the end of the fast. Well, last week I only lost 2 pounds, so I don't think I am going to make my new goal, but am giving it all I've got until day 61! We shall see! Thanks for following, everyone! We are on the final stretch of the first part of my journey!

Day 45 - Still going strong!

2012-03-21T19:13:00.001-07:00

Today is day 45! That means there are only 15 days left in this fast. The weight loss has really slowed done this week. That was to be expected for two reasons....last week I lost 9 pounds and I have now taken up cycling and kayaking. I think my body was just freaking out because of all the activity and is holding on to water weight.,,I still feel great, just want to drop the weight! Sorry for the delay in posts, recently. I am exercising like crazy and have been updating my YouTube channel more frequently. You can always check that out on my channel: MrMattReyno. I will update with pictures and new numbers later this week! Hang in there, be healthy, and get you juice in as much as possible.

Day 36 review!

2012-03-12T18:30:00.001-07:00

Day 36- Weekly weigh in

2012-03-12T07:41:00.003-07:00

Wow! 36 days on this juice fast. I still feel great physically. I feel well rested, less stressed, full of energy and generally great. I am a bit bummed today because it was time to weigh in this morning. I only lost one pound last week! I can't understand how that could happen. I worked my tail off working out, drinking juice like crazy and upping my water intake. I have resolved to not worry about it too much. It is probably just my body adjusting to all the changes. I have also started to change my way of thinking. It's not all about thew weight. I feel great! That alone should be enough to keep me encouraged. At the same time, I see my body and I know what I still have to lose. So, one pound seems menial considering the road ahead, but onward we go. I have 24 days left. There is no way I'm quitting now!

Day 30- Half way there!

2012-03-06T06:34:00.001-08:00

Well, I made it half way. Today is day 30 of 60. There are a lot of people who said I wouldn't make it this far....HAHA! I am feeling fantastic. My energy is through the roof, I am looking thinner, and my stamina, during exercise is increasing everyday! My clothes are fitting quite nicely, at least the clothes that I haven't had to give away. I have had to get rid of two garbage bags full of dress shirts. Now, my pants are getting loose enough to start thinking about replacements. Unfortunately, my butt is usually the first thing to disappear! So in the last 30 days, I have lost 41 lbs!!!! That really exciting! I am half way through my fast and almost half way through my weight loss around the same time. I really don't expect to lose another 40 in the next 30 days, but I am going for 199 by the end of the fast! That is 23 pounds. I am not going to lose sleep over it! Here's to the next 30 days!!!!

Day 26- New camera!

2012-03-02T20:40:00.001-08:00

Day 25!!! I'm feeling great!

2012-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Day 26 of my 60 day juice fast, and I am feeling great!!!! The weight keeps coming off and my energy is still through the roof! I was telling someone the other day, I fell young again....for the first time in years!!!!

Week four starts NOW!!!! New weight loss numbers

2012-02-27T18:00:00.002-08:00

Day 20 Summary- Week four...bring it on!

2012-02-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

Buying Organic? Which is most important?

2012-02-24T05:50:00.004-08:00

Buying organic can get really expensive, really quickly. If your grocery dollar needs to stretch further, here i some useful information. Different veggies and fruits absorb chemicals differently. The general rule is to stick with organic when buying leafy greens or those with soft skins. Although organic is always best, some fruits and vegetables are less vulnerable to the pesticides used today. No matter what you can do, remember that any fruits and vegetables added to your diet (organic or not) are promoting good health.
Keep up the good work!!!

Day 18 Video Update- Frustrated!

2012-02-23T18:43:00.001-08:00

What's going on?

Day 18- Something is happening!

2012-02-23T06:19:00.001-08:00

On day 18 today and trying to figure out what the heck is going on with my body. I didn't post yesterday, partly because I was so busy. The other reason was frustration!!!!! I weighed yesterday morning and was two pounds up! How the heck did that happen? I just went through the day, juicing and tons of water. Then I weighed again this morning and was down one pound. That's still one pound more than the weigh in at the beginning of the week. It was so frustrating considering the amount of exercising and juicing I've been doing, so I did a little research this morning and think I may have found the cause.
Apparently, when your immune system is fighting a sickness or healing from an injury, your body will hold water. There has been a virus going around the house. Everybody in the house has had it except for me! I attribute that to the juicing. Then, for the last few days, I have had watery eyes, sore throat and sneezing like crazy. So, I'm going to mark it up as my body holding water to fight off whatever it is. I'll push through with the juicing and exercise and feel like I will dump the excess water weight when I get over the symptoms. I will update tonight with a video overview of the past two days! Hang in there guys...and of course......GET YOUR JUICE IN!

Day 16- Summary

2012-02-21T20:01:00.001-08:00

Another great day. The days seem like they are all rolling by now. Busy, busy, busy day at work today! Surrounded by food again, but noticed it is getting easier to resist temptations! Awesome! Great News! I have a new baby niece that was born today! Baby Emily was born this afternoon. I am so excited to meet her and know her parents (my brother and sister-in-law) will do an awesome job raising her with love and good nutrition! Their older girl eats a great diet of whole grains, organic fruits and veggies, grass fed beef, etc! Welcome BABY EMILY!!!!

Also have been hearing of numerous people that are starting juice reboots because of my blog! That's so cool. If you're interested, shoot me an email or message with your questions or concerns!

YES!!! Today starts week three!

2012-02-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody! I did it! First two weeks down! Today starts week three! I am feeling great and very motivated! Weighed in this morning for the first time in a week. I was hoping for 8-10 pounds and only lost 6, but am very excited to say...THAT IS 30 LBS! I am super stoked about that number!!! Only 20 more pounds before I get my bike! It' still a long road ahead, but I am ready to hit it hard! This week, my goal is to walk at least 5 miles a day! I know this might slow weight loss a little, but I feel great after a good walk! I am hoping for another 8-10 pounds this week. I am increasing my green juice and the amount of water I drink! Watch the video to hear the other exciting news! Thanks for following along!

60 Day Juice Fast- Day 13 Summary!

2012-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Another great day! Things are going very well. Got a ton of stuff done today, including making up a new juice recipe! You have to try it!

You have been Hijacked

2012-02-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...this is Matt's wife. Yes, his blog has been hijacked. Matt is out taking his afternoon walk/run...and I figured this was the perfect time to hijack his blog. Let me tell you, I am so proud of him. This was a huge jump...huge leap of faith to do. I was a bit concerned at first, but the more I read and listened I was hooked. I am amazed at his stamina level, his focus and how he is getting passionate about living his life to the fullest. It's been hard the past few years watching him struggle...with depression, sleep problems and his lack of self esteem. I am so excited to jump into this next stage of our life...and to see the amazing things God has for us. So keep watching...and see the dramatic transformation that we are watching. So proud Matt...and I love you so much!!!

Day 11- Video

2012-02-17T07:18:00.002-08:00

Day 11- WOW! Hardest day yet?

2012-02-16T20:03:00.000-08:00

Yeah you read it right. ALthough today was day eleven, it was the most difficult day since I began. Let me start by saying it really had nothing to do with the fast at all. It was totally mental. Call it emotions or psychology, but I hit a mental road block today. Before you get worried, let me tell you, I did not break the fast. I pushed through.

It all started with RED VELVET CUPCAKES! Yes this is my cryptonite. My absolute favorite dessert on Earth. Someone brought Red Velvet cupcakes to work. A lot of them! At first I had no problem passing them up. But then, when I went to grab my green juice for lunch....they were there. I think I may have even heard them calling my name. They looked delicious. I smelled the cream cheese frosting! Oh, it was over at that point! I grabbed my juice and went back to my office, but no matter how busy I kept myself, my mind went back to the fridge and dance with these sweet babies! After all, I made it. I left for work and headed home. On the way home the fast food shops were also calling me. Chik Fil et knows my name by heart! I was physically torn down to despair! I came home anyway! I fixed myself a tall glass of Orange/Carrot juice which immediately pepped me up and cleared my mind. I continues with my plans, got ready and took a 4 mile walk/jog. By the end I was feeling great and felt like none of it had happened. Refocused and ready to kick some Red Velvet Butt!

Day 10 Complete! Feeling Awesome

2012-02-15T18:20:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone! Just wrapping up day ten and wanted to give you all an update of how everything is going. One word....AWESOME! I haven't eaten solid foods in ten days and I feel amazing. Exercise is getting more intense... This big guy even jogged today! No weigh ins until Monday! That will be the beginning of week three!

Day 8 Summary

2012-02-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

Another great day in Juice Land. Sorry everybody, no video today. I keep saying the same thing, but I will say it again....I feel great! The energy level is still soaring, I feel lighter, and I am loving the exercise. I took my two daughters on a three mile walk in the evening and felt great afterwards. As I mentioned before, I got new work out clothes that I was wanting to try out. What a perfect Valentines Day gift!

Spent the day thinking about how nice it would be to take my wife out to dinner on V-Day, but stayed focused on life after the fast. How much better will it be to be a leaner, stronger, and older husband for her. I think she understands and appreciates the effort.

It is so crazy how the tradition on Valentine's Day pushes us to think of candy, cookies, cakes, and treats. My day was spent thinking about my wife and how I can love her more. That made me start to think about love in general and how I can be a more loving person to those around me. So, although, I'd love a piece of red velvet cake right now, I am thankful that my focus was taken off of the celebration and put onto the real purpose!

Do one thing today that will improve the way you love people around you. Have you told that person how much you love them? Would a quick phone call brighten their day? Sometimes the smallest gift can make the biggest impact. How about a little love note?

Be Healthy ~Matt

Happy Valentines Day- Green Style

2012-02-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone! It is my first holiday or celebration while living the new lifestyle. Traditionally, by 9 in the morning, I would already be in a euphoric chocolate coma with cupcakes and goodies to come. I have been wondering for weeks what I would get for a gift today, since the norms just won't do right now. I mean even dinner out for a salad, wasn't going to cut it. I was even trying to figure something out for my Valentine, because she is eating vegetarian too. I ended up going with Roses and a heartfelt card. Anyone who knows me knows that I love to get and give creative gifts. So the flowers and card were less than dramatic. I know my wife understands and knows that it was from the heart. She, however was very thoughtful. What do you get a guy who is not eating anything? Brilliant! I got new workout clothes! I couldn't have picked out a better present. Romantic? Probably not to most people. But, to me, it says "I was thinking about you and your passion right now." That makes this year one of the most romantic gifts ever. I am looking forward to using the new workout gear this evening on my walk. As for dinner out? We'll have to skip that this year, but I look at it this way.....We will have many more years, now that we are getting healthier. Those added years mean more dinners out, and better yet, more years together, just us after the kids are raised and gone.

One week in! First week of Juice Fast

2012-02-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

I did it! The first week, often referred to as Hell Week, of my 60 Day juice fast is over! It's only seven days, but for part of it, I thought it would never be over! Days 3 and 4 were the rough ones. I was in total Detox mode and feeling it, but by day 5 I was feeling better, my energy was improving and even my thought process and attitude were getting better!

Big results for the week!
Another 11 pounds lost! That's a total of 24 lbs!!! Current weight is 239.

Some dangerous prescription meds dropped! Ambien and Wellbutrin are all done, as well as a list of regularly taken OTC drugs for symptoms that simply aren't there anymore! Headaches? GONE! Acid Reflux? GONE! Exhaustion? GONE! Heartburn? GONE! I am feeling great and heading full blast into week two!

Looking forward to learning even more about how I can control my body through nutrition. Getting a few books to research and intensely devouring as much information as possible in preparation for my post-fast diet, which for now, will consist of 80% plant based food. I will fill you all in on more details as we get closer. It's a plan in the works anyway. AS I learn more, I change more! No rush, there are 52 days left of juicing. 52 days that I am looking forward to making the best of!

Day 7 Summary

2012-02-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a week! I'm going to wait until tomorrow to go over all the week's progress, but I wanted to post a quick update about the changes I feel after just a week!

Day 6- Summary and weigh in

2012-02-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Day six went great. Started out the morning with a walk and trip to the Farmer's market with Bryn. Came home and went out to walk a few miles with the whole family at the beach boardwalk, so we got a lot of exercise in yesterday! Juicing didn't go to well. I am experimenting trying to find an alternative green juice....some were yuck! Also, we went to the movies! Imagine the movies with no popcorn! Haha. I brought a special treat....a bottle of tangerine juice. Weight lost on day 6 was one pound. I don't quite understand why the weight has shown down so much, but I'm pushing through! Total weight lost is 24 pounds!