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Ajima Jackson

Tinisha lost 140 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: Tinisha lost 140 pounds and is now diabetes free.  She went from 283 pounds to 143 pounds with exercise and changing her eating habits.  Read her story:

“Hello Everybody!! My name is Tinisha!!! I wanted to share my story!!! In 2004, I was struggling with diabetes. My weight use go up and down and I couldn’t lose the weight. Between 2004 and 2010, I weighed 260-283 pounds and was in the size 22 clothes. Iwas always sad and depressed because I wanted to lose weight but couldnt lose the weight.  In 2008, I started to have problems with my diabetes and was in and out the hospital. I couldnt control my sugar.  Again, I tried everything to lose weight and it wouldnt come off. In 2009, I got pregnant and I was high risk case, going to the doctor appointments 3 times a week.  So, after I had my baby in 2010 I decided I wanted to make a change. I started to lose weight, eating right, working out and also gave up a lot of stuff I was eating and stuck to my diet.

I changed my eating habits by changing my portion sizes. No pop, no juice, just water. I ate more vegetables, fruit and lean food. Meat wise, I eat chicken, fish, turkey. I don’t eat red meat I also cut out a lot of other foods. I don’t eat candy, sweets or fast foods!! My exercise was I did a lot of walking and also joined a gym.  I walk outside 3 times a week and do workouts at home with workout DVDs. My blessing was to have a healthy lifestyle and to be diabetes free since March 2013.  That’s my blessing.  As of today, I weigh 143 pounds and I’m in a size 6 or 7 in clothes.  I’m very proud of my self!!!”

Tinisha weight loss

Val and Hanan in the Latest Issue of People Magazine

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Two of the weight loss success stories we were contacted about in 2013 made it into the most recent issue of People Magazine’s Half Their Size issue.  I’m so happy for these ladies.

Hanan lost 180 pounds and is also featured in the issue.  Read her story. Pick up the latest issue featuring people who are Half Their Size and show this sista some support. www.facebook.com/hanan.gray

Shout out to Val McLeod!  People featured her 359 pound weight loss, down from 597lbs.  Read her story.  Check her out on FB: facebook.com/val.mcleod1

Get Your copy and support these divas! Val is on pg. 92. Hanan is on page pg. 88.

Hanan weight loss people magazine

Val weight loss success

We are so proud of you!!  Representing Black Women Losing Weight in a major way and we are so happy to have been a part of it.

Hypothyroidism: How Does it Affect Weight Gain and Loss?

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hypothyroid3What is hypothyroidism and how does it affect weight gain and weight loss?

The thyroid is a gland in the body, located at the base of the neck, which is responsible for producing a hormone that helps to regulate your basal metabolic rate (BMR). Your basal metabolic rate is the rate at which you burn calories when you are at rest. On the basic level and stated simply: For most people with hypothyroidism, there is not enough of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced to keep your BMR at a high enough functioning level to provide natural calorie consumption. For some women, they are producing enough TSH, but there is a problem with their pituitary gland that doesn’t allow the body to distribute and use the hormone. This is a reason why women with hypothyroidism have such a difficult time with weight gain and weight loss. (Here is more detailed information on how doctors test for this condition)

Symptoms – From WebMD

  • “Coarse and thinning hair.
  • Dry skin.
  • Brittle nails.
  • A yellowish tint to the skin.
  • Slow body movements.
  • Cold skin.
  • Inability to tolerate cold.
  • Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak.
  • Memory problems, depression, or problems concentrating.
  • Constipation.
  • Heavy or irregular menstrual periods that may last longer than 5 to 7 days.”

Does hypothyroidism affect women only?

No. Hypothyroidism is talked about almost exclusively in regards to women as it is more common than with men occurring at a 10 to 1 ratio. For women, it is more common for people of Caucasian backgrounds closely followed by Hispanics and blacks. That said, it is important to realize that there is more clinical work that is starting to show that hypothyroidism is more common in African American men than previously thought.

How does it affect weight gain and loss?

Simply put, if you have hypothyroidism you could have a difficult time gaining or losing weight. What will develop as symptom depends on other metabolic factors but it is common for women to continue to have unexplained weight gain, or have a difficult time losing weight even when engaged in calorie restriction and extra exercise routines. One of the hallmark symptoms of hypothyroidism that also adds to difficulties reducing weight is fatigue, depression, constipation, muscle weakness and/or pain and a slowed heart rate. Any one of those additional symptoms by themselves will complicate weight loss, but when added to the metabolic problems caused by hypothyroidism it can make weight issues even more difficult to control.

If I have had this problem all my life, why am I just finding out now?

Many women with hypothyroidism have had the condition all of their life, but they are usually not diagnosed with it until the onset of menopause or a related symptom, like weight gain, that significantly affects their health. With menopause, it is with the shift in the hormonal balance of the body that the imbalance in TSH becomes most glaringly apparent through its symptoms. Many women aren’t diagnosed early because they attribute fatigue and weight gain to the natural process of aging or other factors. By the time the problem is diagnosed, they may have to go on medication or hormone supplements to ease the issue.

Why doesn’t the doctor just give me more of the hormone?

Hormone supplementation is something not to be undertaken lightly, as all too many women of another era discovered when the effects of estrogen supplementation were revealed. If your doctor suspects that you have hypothyroidism they may do a test on your TSH levels to more accurately determine if your body is producing too little, too much or just enough but the pituitary is not delivering it before they decide the best course of action to pursue. Unless your T4 levels are in the extremely abnormal ranges where life threatening conditions could develop, your doctor will probably look toward diet, supplementation and lifestyle changes to see if they can jump start the system naturally. Often, this is done with a very small and manageable does of TSH supplementation that isn’t cause for worry.

Approaching balance in stages

The important thing to remember if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism is that it helps to put how your body works into context. Hypothyroidism alone doesn’t cause weight gain, loss or prevent either. The gland and hormones work in conjunction with many other elements of your metabolic system. Just tackling one issue as the cure-all isn’t going to work and an approach to achieving healthy basal metabolic rate should occur in stages. There are instances where hypothyroidism can lead to life threatening disorders. If you suspect that your thyroid may be causing you problems, talk to your doctor so they can perform the right tests and evaluations to find out for sure.  If you have already been diagnosed, it is important that you seek medical help and help with maintaining a lifestyle that will support you having a healthy thyroid and healthy hormone levels.

Here is more info on African Americans and Hypothyroidism.

hypothyroidism

7 Reasons to Give Up Soda, Juice and Sugary Drinks

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sugarEvery year rolls people make resolutions and promises to themselves about what they are going to give up in pursuit of better health. Soda is usually on the top of people’s list because we all know soda doesn’t do your body any good in terms of health. Did you know that most commercial juice and other sugary store bought drinks are just as bad? Here are 7 reasons why you need to give up soda, juice and sugary drinks this year.

Reason #7 – Weight gain

Just about everyone knows that drinking soda leads to weight gain because the average soda has 250 calories per serving. Even diet sodas have too much in terms of chemicals when you compare them to water. What you also need to consider is the calorie content of your juices and other sugary drinks. That can of soda could be the equivalent of a donut.  Even diet soda affects your blood sugar like a sugary snack and some ingredients can cause bloating.  If you use the visual imagery of each soda, diet soda, juice or sugary drink being a donut you are eating through the day – how many donuts are you having? Cutting out these drinks cuts out the weight.

Reason #6 – Diabetes

Surprise! Recent findings have shown that all those “healthy” juices at the store and in smoothie shops are really nothing more than a natural version of a cola for all the sugar they deliver. Commercial juicing strips fruit of the fiber needed to neutralize their natural sugars in terms of blood sugar, making it just as bad as a soda.  Also, many juices and bottled smoothies have sugars (not just one type) added into them to increase their taste appeal. All of this sugar, plus the weight gain from associated with these drinks can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Reason #5 – Sugary drinks cause fatigue

If your drink sugary things, you will likely have a sugary crash several hours later and wind up feeling more fatigued than you should without the sugar. If you are fatigued, two things could happen. One, you will be less inclined to follow through on your exercise goals. Two, all that extra fatigue comes from your metabolic rate being artificially slowed, this can lead you right back into weight gain territory.

Reason #4 – Give your digestive system a break

The one thing that soda, juice and most sugary drinks have in common is a high acid level. While your digestive system is set up to neutralize acid levels in the liquids you consume, the human digestive system was not meant to handle the majority of your liquids having such a burning degree of acid in them.

Reason #3 – Drinking any kind of soda is hard on your liver and kidneys

Your liver and kidneys are how your body filters out what it considers toxic to your natural state of health. These organs are so smart; they will go ahead and filter out things that the FDA hasn’t decided are toxic yet. More studies are showing that sodas, particularly colas, make the liver and kidneys work overtime and place more stress on them then you want these vital organs experiencing.

Reason #2 – Think of your teeth and gums

While there is a common association with sugary drinks and sodas with tooth decay, juice can also contribute to the destruction of enamel because of their acidic contents. There is another role that sugar plays in oral problems that most people are not aware of, that is it contributes to an environment that can protect infection and help bacteria grow. If you want to get the health benefits of more fruit in your life – eat the fruit or make smoothies. Fruit comes with pulp and fiber that limits the contact its sugars and acids has with your teeth and gums as you consume it. Without that pulp and fiber, you are getting the sugar from the fruit first.

Reason #1 – Dehydration

The number one reason to stop drinking sodas and sugary drinks is they contribute to dehydration. Didn’t know that? Processed sugar is a natural diuretic agent. It cause water to be flushed from your cells at as rapid a rate as caffeine. Dehydration, even at small levels, can lead to fatigue, irritation, contribute to depression and poor sleep habits. None of this is worth it, skip the sugary drinks and reach for some water or one of the many different types of flavorful herbal tea to get you through the day and enjoy the changes that happen this New Year.

Alaina lost 105 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Alaina lost 105 pounds.  This Instagram diva and mom was motivated by being simply tired of of how she felt and what she was seeing in terms of her weight and healthy.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

Alaina weight loss

“First, let me just say that I love the positivity and message you are sending to all women but especially our women, that we don’t have to be a part of the untrue stereotype. This past year for me has been all about proving that to myself and others like myself we don’t have to settle.

I started my journey in November 2012. What motivated me may sound cliché, but the truth was I was sick and tired of how I felt and what I saw. I vowed and look forward and until this day I have not looked backed. I am 105 pounds down with 15 pounds to go.

I was simply tired of being lethargic at 24 and unable to keep up with my 3 year old son at the time. After weighing myself and being in total shock at how much I weighed I vowed to change my habits immediately. On November 19th, 2012 weighing in at 249.8 pounds I began my journey by first downloading an app and monitoring my calorie intake, staying away from soda, juice, and all high calorie snacks.  All of my meats became lean and I weighed and portioned out each and every meal. I also purchased a gym membership and began working out 5 days weekly for at least an hour. A year later, I weigh in at 145.6 pounds. My goal weight is 130-132lbs. I have realized that this is not a journey, but a lifestyle! And life is a marathon not a sprint! So, we can’t get discouraged at how long it will take us as long as we are giving our absolute best. I’ve also realized that it is best to set smaller weight loss goals and reach them and keep setting them and reaching them  until your at your final weight, that your comfortable with that’s what helped keep me the most focused.

Follow me on my Imstagram which is dedicated to fitness posts and inspiration: @SimpleeUniique1

Thank you for your page it truly recognize and inspires everyday people.”

Alaina weight loss Alaina before and after

Amber lost 44 pounds

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Let’s show Amber some love.  She lost 44 pounds down from 418 pounds and she is just 25 years old.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:
Amber weight loss
“My name is Amber and I am 25. I have struggled with my weight since I could remember. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family but I continued to pick up and put on weight as my doctor’s dismay. I have tried almost every fad diet, weight watchers, Jenny Craig, cabbage soup and nothing seemed to keep my attention for very long. The doctor seemed to be constantly concerned about my weight and one doctor seemed to have given up hope that I was going to do anything about it at all. I had continued to make excuses about why I haven’t done anything before now but I know that excuses are tools of incompetence :).  So, after seeing myself in pictures and feeling the most uncomfortable that I have ever felt at my highest weight of 418 pounds, I decided that April that I needed to make that change for MYSELF. Not because anyone told me, not by force but because I did it on my own terms. I changed the way that I was eating, drinking, and exercising for the first time in a long time. Shortly into this journey, I experienced a herniated disc and it forced me to curb the exercise for a few months. It was heartbreaking, especially because I was in the groove and I was just about to finish graduate school. When I moved back to CA, through medical assistance, my back has never felt better. Since then, I have joined the local gym with a majority of my family members. I try to go 3-4 times a week (I do Zumba, body sculpting, water aerobics and I am currently training for a 5k), drink as much water as I can and just try to stay positive about the fact that this is NOT A DIET, BUT A LIFESTYLE CHANGE! This page has also been an encouragement to me as well as MyFitnessPal! It has kept me honest and I utilize the support of other women to get through this journey. I have seen results but I am hungry for more…pun intended  but I just wanted to be able to encourage other women who have had similar struggles that you are beautiful and that this journey is not easy but we are doing it to be healthier! You are absolutely not alone and I hope that my 44 pounds inspires the next woman as I work toward the next 44. Instagram:@ _adeebee. I just recently started a blog on wordpress: http://selfgrowththejourney.wordpress.com/.
Have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!
Amber D. Boyd, M.A., MFT
Syracuse University
adboyd@syr.edu

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. -Harriet Tubman”

Felicia lost over 60 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: AKA soror Felicia lost over 60 pounds and was able to improve a pain issue that had her walking with a cane in her thirties.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“I’ve loss a little over 60 pounds and it took a complete lifestyle change. I count carbs and calories. I put down the sodas and brownies! Lol I also hit the gym 4 times a week doing at least 30 minutes of cardio and some light weights to tone because you become quite flabby with extreme weight loss. I feel so much better. At the age of 35, I found myself having to walk with a cane because I had severe back and hip pain. Some of my problem was inevitable because of my body structure but it became worse as the weight packed on. Thought I was going to have to have a hip replacement until the doctor mentioned getting at least 50 pounds off would ease my pain, and he was right.”

Felicia weight loss photos

Audrey lost 47 pounds

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Weight loss story of the Day: Audrey lost 47 pounds.  She credits making changes to her eating and drinking habits as a major factor in her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Hello, My name is Audrey and it took my about 1 year and 3 months to go from 207 pounds to 160 pounds. I worked out 5 days a week starting off. I stopped drinking juice and pop totally. I only drink water, green tea, and milk. I still eat pretty much the same food, I just cut back on portion size and minimized how many sweets I eat.

I was motivated to start cause I never really reached over 200 pounds., only during pregnancy. I also have asthma so I knew if I lost some of the weight that would help tremendously. I started gaining weight after going through a lot of things going on in my personal life with eating and drinking (alcohol). I first lost 17 pounds just buy cutting juice out of my diet cold turkey. After seeing the results it pushed me even more to try going to the gym. I would go at least 4-5 days a week doing at least 1 hour of cardio and weight lifting, abdominal exercises, etc. I stopped eating after 7/8 pm, stopped eating fried foods, eating more fruits, vegetables, & eat more lower calorie foods/snacks. After of months doing this I just made it a way of life. I don’t go to the gym as much now but to maintain my weight I still don’t over eat and at least walk on my lunch break while at work on days I don’t go to the gym.”

Audrey weight loss story

Deborah lost 89 pounds

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Weight loss success story of the day: Dr. Deborah D. Grison lost 89 pounds after being diagnosed with a serious illness. She went from a size 18/16 to a size 4/6.  Here story shows the power of eating healthy, unprocessed foods that are full of life and nutrients. Here is what she shared about her journey:

“My name is Deborah D. Grison. I am writing to share my weight loss and healing success story. In January of 2012, I made a decision due to health the physical challenges of a pre-diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (being unable to walk) to change my eating behavior. I began to prepare all of my own meals, eliminating processed foods, sugars and all things bad. I have been doing this for two years come January 2014. My physical activity consisted of walking everywhere as I live in New York City. In August of 2012, I did begin strength training at a local NY gym that added to my weight loss success. All in all, I have lost 83-89 pounds within a year just by changing my food behavior. Going from a size 18-16 to now a size 4-6. My health challenges have subsided and I am now walking again unassisted. I am continuing with what my program and health initiative I started call EAT LIFE! Its a Movement Not A Moment. www.eatlifeonline.com It will be 2 years in January 2014, that I have lost and maintained my health and wellness success. See photos of my transformation below.”

Dr. Deborah weight loss Deborah before and after photos

January 2014 Green Smoothie Cleanse

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greeen smoothie cleanse 2014It’s monthly challenge time! We will start off 2014 with a 14 day Green Smoothie Cleanse. 

What are green smoothies? A green smoothie is a smoothie that has fresh leafy greens in it, such as collard greens, kale, swiss chard or spinach. This is in addition to the most common smoothie ingredient: fruit of all kinds!  You can also use various vegetables, fresh green herbs, nut milks, unsweetened protein powder, yogurt, raw nuts, coconut oil, seeds (chia, flax), and more!

OUR GOAL FOR JANUARY:  We will use green smoothies for meal replacement and to give our bodies a rest from processed, chemical filled foods.  We will take this time to replace the foods we should not be eating with healthy green smoothies. Give your digestion a rest, detoxify, experience more energy, and get control of your eating habits.

Option 1:  If you really need to let go of some foods that you are addicted to, I suggest this plan.

  • Week 1 – Green smoothies, water and herbal tea only.  Smoothies should be 24 to 32 oz to replace a meal.  It is fine to add natural, unsweetened protein powder to your smoothies.  Drink as many smoothies as you want.  The goal is for you to be full.  I’d suggest 3-4 smoothies per day.  If you feel hungry…have a smoothie.
  • Week 2 – 2 green smoothies and 1-2 healthy, clean meals a day.  You can also have healthy snacks.*
 *Snacks: If you feel very hungry between meals you can have these snacks

  • Uncooked veggies
  • Fresh fruit
  • Raw almonds
  • Raw walnuts
  • Water with lemon
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Plain Greek Yogurt with some fresh fruit on top
  • Whole grain cereal with no sugar added
  • Plain Oatmeal with fruit or honey

Option 2:

  • 2 Weeks of replacing 1-2 meals with a 24 – 32 oz green smoothie.  For example, you could replace breakfast with a smoothie and then eat a healthy lunch and dinner.   The goal is for you to be as full as you would be with your regular meals so you will likely drink more than the minimum 24 oz.  You can extend this option for the whole month of January if you like.

Try going GREEN: Green smoothies are powerhouses of nutrients and enzymes. The key ingredient that makes these smoothies so powerful: leafy greens!  Leafy greens in our smoothies give us:

  • lots of chlorophyll. This helps to purify our blood, enhance our immune system, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and rejuvenate the body.
  • lots of fiber, which helps improve digestion & keep you regular. Being regular is KEY to detoxing the body.  Fiber also helps the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder.
  • Buy organic fruits and veggies, if you can, to cut down on contact with chemical pesticides.
Suggested Greens

  • Lettuce, all kinds
  • Swiss chard
  • Mixed baby greens
  • Spinach
  • Sunflower sprouts
  • Dandelion greens
  • Kale
  • Parsley and other herbs
  • Celery
  • Arugula

Medical Disclaimer: If you have a chronic health issue, diabetes, are pregnant, breast feeding or have blood sugar issues, this is not the challenge for you to try without talking with a doctor first.  Speak with your doctor before engaging in ANY eating plan where you drastically change your eating habits.  Also,  If you are on a low carb diet, you may not be able to work smoothies into your daily food goals in terms of carb load.

STAY ACCOUNTABLE EACH WEEK – Check in each weekend in January to tell the BWLW sisterhood how you are doing and to get support.  Visit blackwomenlosingweight.com to check in via your blog there or post a status message on our Facebook wall.

Example: Daily Diet of Just Smoothies

Meal #1 — Green smoothie composed of 2 bananas, 1 cup of blueberries, 100 grams of greens.

Meal #2 — Green smoothie composed of 2 mangoes, 1 banana, 100 grams of greens.

Meal #3 — Green smoothie composed of 4 cups of frozen fruit and 150 grams of greens.

Meal #4 — Green smoothie composed of 2 bananas, 1 apple, 1 cup of blueberries and 100 grams of greens.

Total: Approx. 1200 calories, and 1 pound of greens.

Recipes:

Green Smoothies Book

I will also be posting a new green smoothie recipe each day of January on Facebook so that you have a lot of options to try.  I’ll post some here on the blog as well.  There are tons of websites where you can find great recipes that include the ingredients you like.  Here are a few links:

Check out my Green Smoothie Book for more info and recipe ideas! I’ve personally bought a lot of smoothie books over the years and I can tell you that this book is packed with not only 80 great recipes, but tons of information on how green smoothies can boost your health and wellness and well as your weight loss efforts.  Click here for more information on what you’ll learn in this book.  It’s available as a PDF download and Amazon Kindle.

Questions:

  • Do I have to buy the book above to participate in the challenge?  No.  There is a lot of information out there on green smoothies.  I’ve just created an all in one guide and done the research for you.
  • Do I need a blender? You will need a blender for this challenge.  There is no need to get a new blender if you have a working one.  If you want to invest in a good blender, I personally like NutriBullet or Vitamix.  Both will really grinds down the greens and heavy ingredients you’re using in your green smoothies.  If you are looking for a good cheap blender, go with those that do a good job with ice.  Also, do some research online before purchasing a blender if you have questions about your potential purchase.  I cover blenders more in depth in my book.
  • I have concerns about sugar and eating fruit. If you have diabetes or blood sugar issues, you should not do this cleanse with out clearing it with your doctor.  Everyone’s situation is different, but it’s best to error on the side of safety.  If you are just worried about fruit sugars, I suggest you try low Glycemic Index fruits – green apples, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, or cucumbers.
  • Can I use protein powder?  – Yes, but you need to know what is in it, how many calories it has and how much nutrition you are getting.  There are some great plant-based powders out there that you could consider.  Utimately, you won’t need them because greens have a lot of protein.  Also, most of the recipes I recommend will not have protein powder in them.
  • What if I’m on a plan where I’m eating 5-6 small meals per day?  – You can still substitute meals for smoothies.  However, you have to know how much food/nutrition you are replacing.  For example:  You want to determine if 2 of your small meals could equal 1 smoothie in terms of calories, fiber, vitamins, etc.  You will need to do some research to determine what will work with your current plan.  Use a calorie counting website to help you figure all this out, like myfitnesspal.com
  • Instead of water can you use 100% fruit juice or soy milk? – I suggest that you use filtered or purified water in your smoothies. Bottled juice, even 100% pure is lacking in enzymes and can be very high in fruit sugar.  Many times it also has preservatives added.  Also most commercial juice lacks fiber, causing the body to absorb it quickly.  This can create unwanted blood sugar spikes.  Nut milks like soy milk can be used.  Look for ones that are unsweetened and all natural.
  • What detox symptoms should I expect? – While participating in the challenge some of you may experience a cleansing reaction.  This will be more common if most of your diet is vegetarian or vegan, but when ever you dramatically clean up your diet…detox can happen.  When you introduce large amounts of high quality, living food into your diet, your body may  take the opportunity to “clean house” by dumping accumulated toxins into your bloodstream. This can cause flu like symptoms, headaches, fevers, runny nose, rashes, nausea etc. Don’t be put off by this.  Your body is cleaning house and fat is on that list as well.  These detox symptoms may last 1-5days.  The best thing to do is to drink a lot of pure water and get extra rest. Also, you may constipation or have loose stools as part of detox symptoms.  If you feel sick, stop and go back to regular healthy eating.