3-Day Juice Cleanse-Before and After

I am no stranger to doing a 3-day cleanse as I love them for a reset. When I see the scale tip over my “ideal” weight, I stop caring and start telling myself, “well one more donut won’t matter now.” Anyone else?? I hate feeling tired, sluggish, and bloated, but I love crappy food. I was scanning Groupon for something to do over Christmas break with my daughter and there were like 15 different juice cleanses available but no activities. HINT HINT 😂 Ok I got the message loud and clear and decided now was the time. Is there ever a perfect time to start? No. I am always going to have dinner plans or want a glass of wine, but you have to make time for you.

I have done the Suja cleanse in the past and loved it. You can get it at Whole Foods, Target, or online. I really wanted to try something fresh and local to me this time. I found The Juice Company, which has 2 locations, one here in Des Moines, and the other in Ankeny. I called the store and asked a few questions but they encouraged me to come in and try them before ordering. Not going to lie, I was annoyed at the time but it ended up being the best thing ever. So thank you!! A cleanse is something that you should start for YOUR success, not failure, and if you order something without tasting it, you may be setting yourself up to quit.

You order your juice the day before you want to pick it up or start your cleanse so it is fresh. You can pick it all up at once or go in each day. Again, mine is customized to me so if you want to do the same thing I did, they will know if you say you want to try the “ladyandred cleanse”. It cost me around $80 for the 3 days which is the most affordable cleanse I have done and the freshest one too!

My juices consist of these fruits/vegetables:

Spinach, Kale, Apples, Oranges, Lemons, Celery, Cucumbers, Ginger Root, Mangos, Bananas, Carrots, Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Guava.

IMG_9304.jpg

Day 1

I started my morning off with my regular coffee as suggested by The Juice Company, but tried to avoid the creamers and drink it black. I added 1 creamer instead of 2 🤷🏼‍♀️ Got to start somewhere right? I had 2 cups of coffee.

I started late because I picked the juice up at 1030 am, then immediately had one of my berry juices. It was delicious. Like seriously good.

I went to the gym and worked out lightly for about 40 minutes and did legs and some abs. You can see some of my workouts in my Instagram bio under “Workouts” if you are wanting some inspiration.

Then came time to pour my first GREEN drink after the gym. All of the messages from my IG stories were wanting to know how bad it was? 😂 It honestly is not bad and I did a 50/50 mixture of the juices to make it perfect for me. I can't go from donuts to celery in 1 day. I don’t even like celery.

IMG_9298.jpg
IMG_9299.jpg

I took some before photos and I don’t want to hear “ oh you are way skinnier than me or you don’t even need to do a cleanse.” Save it. I don’t need to do anything, but I don’t like feeling like crap every single day and feeling so tired from the food I am shoving in my mouth that I need a nap every day at noon. I am basically working out to stuff my face right now and that is not productive at all. I like my weight to be around 120 ish. That is a good weight for me. Ladies and Gentlemen, stop comparing yourself to everyone else at that same weight. We all look and feel different at the exact same weight and I only ever step on the scale if my pants stop fitting right 😂 But I did it for this so you could see numbers.

IMG_9301.jpg

The jug seemed to keep refilling itself 😳 Like the green juice was never ending. Haha I felt like I was more bloated after day 1 than anything else. I peed every 5 minutes and it reminded me why I hate drinking water. I was preparing myself for the salad shooter to begin (sorry 😂) but it came in the form of a very potent gas 🤢 Thankfully I slept alone.

I took my last juice of the day (it was a banana one) and turned it into a slushy with my most favorite cup ever. It is actually Rowan’s, but I have one too! I will link in HERE. (Pictured below).

IMG_9314.jpg

Day 2.

IMG_9316.jpg
IMG_9317.jpg

I started my day off with a coffee as I normally do with one less creamer, then went to the gym for a 2 mile run. I planned on 3 miles but honestly did not have the energy from my migraine the night before, and I wasn’t eating as many calories and carbs as I was prior to my cleanse. I did however feel more energized mentally and not so foggy, if that makes sense. That’s probably where the term “sugar coma or food coma” comes from.

I weighed myself after my coffee, gym, and first juice of the day because I forgot to first thing in the morning. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Again, this is not about weight loss for me as much as a restart to better eating habits.

IMG_9318.jpg

I had an orange looking drink for my first juice and I was totally not wanting to try it for fear it tasted like carrots and dirt, but again, it was delicious. I have been regular with my bathroom breaks, so for those worried about having to run to the toilet every hour, I do, but just to pee. Although when I went for my massage I was terrified she would squeeze out a toot or perhaps get my bowels working when I didn’t want them too 😂. I was fine and neither happened. Praise the Lord.

After my first small juice, I just start drinking the green juice all day again until it was gone, then finished the night off with another fruity one. I kind of like something to look forward to after green allllllll day! So I definitely recommend spacing out your 2 fruit juices like I did. I began to slack on finishing the recommended amount of green juice throughout the day, but I felt full, so I guess that is a good thing, plus I am not used to consuming that many liquids on a normal basis.

Day 3.

IMG_9331.jpg
IMG_9332.jpg

Can you tell a difference? I certainly can! Pay no mind to a scale friends. I have technically only lost 3 lbs, but my stomach definition is coming back and the bloat is gone! I did a small workout and ran 1 mile, then lifted a few weights, with some abdominal exercises. I wasn’t feeling super and I was a tad light headed, but I am not eating much either, just drinking. Why workout then you ask? Well, because when you start and keep an exercise routine, you tend to stick to it when it is part of your normal day. Plus, I feel a ton better after I do. It clears my head. It’s me time. Even if you just start out by walking. Do something and get moving.

IMG_9330.jpg

I did not finish all of the green juice again on day 3, but then I just drank it the following morning after my workout. I also cheated and ate a filet with asparagus AND 2 glasses of wine. That was the quickest buzz ever 😂

I am going to hop back on the Keto train now where I will avoid most sugar and carbs with balance. I love my wine and occasional sweet. If you are wanting some different Keto recipes, I have a few posted here on my blog in FOOD category! I will also do better at sharing snacks and meals over on my IG stories too so make sure you are following me there @ladyandredstyle.

TIPS:

-The first taste of the green juice will taste very “celery-ish” to you, but by the 2nd or 3rd cup it gets sweeter and then by the second day, it is completely gone.

-Start with one fruit juice in am and end your day with the other one. Green juice in the middle of the day.

-Do it with friends so they can keep you accountable. Or post about it. Don’t worry about the haters who hate seeing you post all of the time. They can find the block or unfollow button.

-Go taste the juices if you can! That way you can figure out what you like.

-Tag me in your posts on either Facebook OR Instagram so I can see your progress!!

Happy New Year Friends!

Get healthy for you. This life is what you make it and your body is a temple. Treat it like one. Cheers!

IMG_9355.JPG

Lady in Lipstick- 8 New Looks

Finally sharing something that I have wanted to do forever! It is easily one of my favorite things and one of the most asked about questions too! Not sure what took me so long 🤔

I am sharing 8 new lip combos and if you want to see the videos and hear the details of everything, head over to my Instagram page @ladyandredstyle and it is saved in the highlights under LIPSTICK. They are linked in my Instagram as well as under each image here! Click the blue links and it will take you where to purchase!

45UeS6ttQ2K51vq7lr6gqg.jpg
dSppevotQ9WPMKDXNtyLuw.jpg

Combo #1.

Liner: Naked2- Urban Decay.

Lip Color: Viva Glam2- MAC

Lip Gloss: Beautimus- Bare Minerals.

4A89D486-9699-4414-BB11-64A5A5456A16.jpg
8V49OqMmQn6cmG%5K4qGWQ.jpg

Combo #2.

Liner: Whirl-MAC

Lip Color: Salt Lyfe- Tarte Cosmetics

Lip Gloss: Sandy-Buxom

ujZWwzoMRWK6Zz8lAriwvw.jpg
v50AMDdIQwaZxNYYPcnPkA.jpg

Combo #3.

Liner: Burgundy- MAC

Lip Color: Odyssey- MAC

toL2wfC4S8KJYRmtYcPnag.jpg
hjAOCeKTRaWx0AC3uhFuUQ.jpg

Combo #4.

Liner: Hover-MAC

Lip Color: Angel- MAC

V%6nyptyTF6c44Upr6jukQ.jpg
eNprtxyjT7e83k0s7nJu4Q.jpg

Combo #5.

Lip Liner: Naked-MAC

Lip Color: Viva Glam 1- MAC

8K%Hr+48SPWhkVH2PY5Imw.jpg
0gQtLZoeT1i4e48xUZWeew.jpg

Combo #6.

Lip Liner: Edge to Edge- MAC

Lip Color: Backtalk- Urban Decay

pXf33w2mRxycvbLtfts2DA.jpg
rGUmE8neTUqoL+frIdNh0Q.jpg

BONUS COLOR!

Lip Color: Prague- NYX Cosmetics

5RZmrXanSzqfGp3vwEOetQ.jpg
ThmZ4o3CR0C8I7wvGZXrWA.jpg

Combo #7.

Lip Color: Baci- Stila

gPL01V3XQHmINgF6%t25cg.jpg
fCT0rux3Qvya+ZKW+5L%8g.jpg

Combo #8.

Lip Liner: Hover- MAC

Lip Color: Velvet Teddy- MAC

jZyywroySPGta3CCF%gZQw.jpg
6mKI%t30RrydiYl37E9qAQ.jpg

BONUS!! Welcome to the dark side 😉

Lip Color: Media-MAC

November Best Sellers!

I can’t believe November is over and now I better get my rear in gear and get my Christmas shopping done! Any last minute gift givers out there? I find that I shop for myself during Black Friday and all of the November sales instead of people on my list. 😬

I have rounded up the top selling pieces from November and I think you may find that some of them will make great gifts for those on your list!

Happy Shopping!

YD2Ks3YG.dpcmyPZsgKkbfBfkdGjgJ6F93kgco8rnySE6fz2KA0hKC_KFj0coYXAIkAx_UhUdlgdtGBKnoirW3gronQkgeTKiMfPrtbqyy5BC6VYWK.3SwrscQcbp1h1TTXkGpdyM5.cvpbjO7m66c-.jpeg

1.) Gucci belt dupe! It comes in 3 sizes and multiple lengths! It is under $45 and would make a great gift for the tween or college student on your list!

4dKCaoVj788.JhcAeFYoyJRi7bj4sksRS7tvPMSXvz7hkbTriFOIdr4hF0xBM7vt49JArrMH6fREMBcg46MUa8zNj_C9SPkYJhyWifHj4tZD_O3Ac78xGcrA17bRLrSc1uoZtw3c4A--.jpeg

2.) Red dress: I wore a similar one on my vacation and found this look alike and y'all loved it!

j.Z170fSOl9eJmlvKnucWxO_5rAxw2O7fEvPfAwq.KstB.dipqDVmsYUXBsodQ.WtWIx.LaQJqqSPbNzdx8yStSXS3H7eW_zxh8yL9yHyaG4JD8MMBmQa6taoLtyk1bGkwGSzYqwJqPUwcJklT59HmLb.Y_j778fHZd8yAga.B2DPzLMzrSl2KVtF507tB5R4w--.jpeg
fQMm6CezQZOGBmjq3WYHTw.jpg

3.) Boots with the fur! Haha and they are so good! They come in 3 colors and run a tad big. I wear an 8.5 but mine are an 8. They are under $40

_wxQMYpSYHhRb_blbnLd_jCunfeIc9pPWl07G_k_DzD9LVAfvyuKwDdR5zMXH8XV_BX1ds8ucfHzFQ03oZR4YzLtM49w6m.Hcg2zGULK7Nj.ZipNGw--.jpeg

4.) Poncho or cape, whatever you want to call it! It has sleeve holes so it stays on and has numerous style possibilities.

mLxxCwffeTZDW4CIeEsSB5VhEepF__wAtZg_QGEGNGo4GUpq1oGvAxbugKiMX4rnJ3okgjieK7Wfb0ogSufNuRZv3loNI1rFK4PYo6OfWms33jT.XEKXnzWMdwsKFAtKwxqBtQ---2.jpeg

5.) Watch band. This leather band is the best! It comes in several colors and would make a great gift. I have this in black!

FqdfDOjdOvedFBs5F4QR6gVxCUWU0RT1gYDTzdacxt6dDRZ7KJZeTsfRjhWVNRdeRA3qLSVSoRer9NB0PR7KYniENizf6VyFxRhWxuBWjSngGY.G9o8bJM5BC7ZVsSk0hr6PkGsUrA--.jpeg

6.) Party dress. You guys were apparently thinking about buying for the upcoming Holiday parties! Or maybe you just needed a red dress in your closet for Valentines day ❤️

z4uvIYDSMEs4LYfh3EkPfYVbi4j9SlXvscb72JDkyfCyS59GRBi70a06zkYqB6UzMG6WLltwMQDJc2NmiRC6dgTxRDUY2hHDher.3nBM8Vbz8osq0tyxpk51RhxsyDfg6AzTZg--.jpeg
IMG_7203.jpg

7.) Coverup or dress! This was a best seller back in March too because I wore it to Jamaica on Spring Break! It is the best coverup!

IMG_7252.JPG

8.) Pink dress. Well you guys sold out the pink color but they do have black left in stock! Who needs a great LBD in their closet? It runs tts and I am wearing a 4.

660YGxF2j7AE_0Va2eN6KWfv8s_gL0IigIuFx6mi1rBng.L_ERYezoT4.5a_OZvyM8FKXesHkjPLFwC28v42JXMl3vpoW8sfYmEznIxqQt0NHnTDaD_ntQaqBg.qMMAHJi6blP3osA--.jpeg

9.) Bikini Top linked HERE and the bottoms linked HERE. I wore this on my last vacation but I have had it for a few years now and found in on Amazon on sale!

IMG_7791.JPG

10.) Cozy pullover. I was so happy that someone asked me about this pullover because it was my favorite from last year. Some of them get dingy when you wash them but this one did not! I sized down to an XS.

2019 Made in Iowa Gift Guide

‘Tis the season to start buying for everyone on your list! Are you looking for a unique housewarming gift or for something Grandma doesn’t already have? Either way, I have you covered. I love to support my home state of Iowa and I am so happy to team up again this season to bring you my favorite Made in Iowa holiday gifts! Even if you are not located in Iowa, you can still shop from my list below!

This year’s Made in Iowa Gift Guide has fun gifts from local artists and shops from across the state. Surely you will be inspired to share the best of Iowa’s homegrown gifts with your loved ones this year.

Who is on your list to shop for?

Housewarming gift: Snuggle up with cozy blankets, candles and see my top pick below that is surely to make a lasting impression.

The Grandparents: Grab a personalized gift for the person who has it all.

The Foodie: Delicious stocking stuffers from more than 20 local Iowa businesses and farmers.

The Men: Beard oil and small-batch tonic mixers are perfect!

The New baby: Grab a matching hat for you and the newest member of your family!

Those are just a few examples of the many items available! Take a look at the website HERE for the complete gift guide, travel ideas within the state of Iowa, and a complete calendar of events!

I have highlighted my top picks below! Happy shopping!

19,p_Behappe designs_Des Moines.jpg

1.) This is the perfect gift for anyone! Secret Santa? A crazed sports fan who needs a hat with their team colors? Or do you want to match your mini? These custom made hats make the best gift and the quality is unlike any other. Contact her HERE to start your design!

19,p_Carvers Ridge_recipe cutting board_Corning.jpg

2.) I am ordering this ASAP. This is the ultimate reminder of that beloved family recipe or one passed on from a late family member. A cherished reminder of memories each time it is used. This makes a great gift for anyone, including a bride anytime of the year! Find more designs HERE.

19,p_RosellaMargaret wooden signs_Ankeny.jpg

3.) From wooden Iowa ornaments to wooden signs, these make my top 5! Attach a wooden Iowa tag to a bottle of wine for the perfect housewarming gift. Use chalk to write names on them for place settings at your Holiday table for seat markers. See everything HERE.

19,p_Carvers Ridge_baking dish_Corning.jpg

4.) Personalized Tupperware for the foodies, the bakers, or Grandma when she forgets who she brought food to last. ☺️ All products available are HERE.

19,p_Maker's Loft_Side Garage Iowa Nice shirt_Iowa City.jpg

5.) Iowa nice. Because we are. This tank top (also comes in short sleeves) is perfect for the college student who obviously attends University of Iowa. ☺️ Perfect tailgate shirt too! Check out all of their products HERE.

I only highlighted my top 5 picks but there are soooo many more to mention. You can take a look at all of them HERE . Want a hint of what is left?? Iowa shaped soaps, jams, hot sauce, and beard oils. Seriously take a peek.

Happy Holidays friends and ‘tis the season to spread love and kindness wherever you go. Be the light.

Make sure to follow Travel Iowa on all of their social channels to stay informed with upcoming activities and events.

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

**This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and words are my own.