Half way through…

My observations half way on the ReThink diet, this includes the positives, negatives, and just my opinions.

Positives:
• The quick results are more motivating than some other diets
• The incorporation of the cleanse and organic products make you feel better in the long run
• I feel that I have changed my mind set towards food more than I have in the past
• Forces me to appreciate “real” food, and understand that I don’t need so many of the processed foods out there
• I’ve drank more water on a daily basis than I ever thought possible
• Since it is only 40 days, the end in sight is nice, and if you want to lose more, after a short break you can do another round
• I feel healthier and have a lot more energy!

Negatives:
• Finding some of the products necessary can be frustrating, especially if you are not used to shopping at the natural/organic stores
• Many hygiene products that are organic are hard to get used to, or less effective
• I feel that ending the diet will be hard, because of the extreme restrictions I have been used to
• A lot of things to remember to take throughout the day (I am horrible at this)
• Many rules to follow, not enough direction that is very specific
• Can find very conflicting information about the Hcg diet all over the internet
• Hard to eat out at all, even when it is a necessity for a get together, other diets there are ways around this

Nathan and I went to Mamma Jeans and Target to buy new products that were organic when I started the program. I bought new shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, lip balm, lotion substitution/coconut oil, and even a new eco-friendly scale (I was surprised they even made this!)

Non-food products I switched to

Of these products….
• I don’t like the shampoo and conditioner much and will be searching for a new one to try soon (I don’t feel like it cleans very well, and it makes my hair dull)
• Love the lip balm (great all natural product, and smells great)
• Love the soap (I know it’s just Ivory, but it was suggested, and I’ve had dermatologists say to use it as well, just a simple soap with nothing added)
• The scale I’m considering returning (solar powered and never works when I need to weigh, I’m too impatient for it)
• The toothpaste is all right, but I will go back to arm and hammer when I can (I don’t like the feeling or taste when I am done brushing, but it isn’t horrible)
• I like the deodorant (I will probably stick with this brand for awhile, works great and smells good)
• I like the idea of the coconut oil (I have read a lot of great things about it and want to incorporate it into more things)…..but I hate not having lotion and this does not equal the moisturizer lotion provides.

I am on day 17 (15 of 500 calories) and weight loss so far is 19 pounds.