The 24 Day Challenge: An Overview

AdvoCare's 24 Day Challenge is a program designed for anyone looking to jump start their weight-loss, break through a weight-loss plateau, build muscle, or simply looking for proper nutrition to support their active lifestyle!

Most people begin AdvoCare with a 24 Day Challenge because the products incorporated into the program will meet the needs of 80-90% of people. AdvoCare is NOT meant to be a "quick fix" or a "magic pill" for weight loss. Instead, AdvoCare is meant to provide the nutritional balance necessary to support a lifestyle change.

If you need to lose weight, you will. But remember, for things to change, you've got to change. Don't expect to continue to eat fast food and pizza 4 times a week and lose pounds! That's NOT what we're about!

What CAN you expect? The best quality nutritional supplements to support a lifestyle change including dietary changes and, for most people, regular exercise.

Check out the results people are having with the 24 Day Challenge Program! 

The 24DC consists of two separate phases, the Cleanse Phase and the Max Phase, and is comprised of five key products with three optional add-on products that will help to boost weight loss.

During the 10 Day Cleanse Phase you will rid your body of toxins and prepare it for optimal nutritional absorption. This phase consists of three products - Spark, Omegaplex, and Herbal Cleanse. For these 10 days, you will eat a "clean" diet, meaning no processed foods or dairy. Instead, you will enjoy a full diet of lean meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates!

A concern I often hear from people about to start a cleanse is that they will be hungry. Let me set your mind at ease, you will NOT go hungry during AdvoCare's 10 Day Cleanse.

During the Max Phase you will adjust to a more sustainable diet with a goal of continuing to eat clean 80% of the time, allowing yourself to eat less than perfect that other 20% of the time. (I mean who doesn't occasionally splurge on the piece of birthday cake, pizza, or wings?)

The Max Phase is the maintenance phase, meaning most people will support their lifestyle change by continuing to use the three products from the Max Phase after the 24 Day Challenge concludes. These three products consist of Spark, Meal Replacement Shakes, and Metabolic Nutrition System, commonly referred to as MNS.

Both Spark and the Meal Replacement Shake come in a variety of flavors. You will get to choose between 3 unique MNS systems, each designed to meet specific needs for overall wellness, appetite control, or energy. In addition, the Herbal Cleanse comes in traditional Citrus, or, for an even more gentle cleanse, Peaches & Cream flavors.

For those looking to really boost their weight loss during the 24 Day Challenge, we offer 3 Add-On or Companion Products to use in conjunction with the 24DC products.

• Catalyst is my favorite product and helps to maintain your lean muscle mass when in a fat burning state. This helps promote that tone, defined look so many strive to obtain!
• Carb-Ease Plus is wonderful for those "cheat meals" full of carbs because it will partially BLOCK the absorption of carbohydrates and fat! (Now remember this is intended for that other 20% of the time during your Max or Maintenance phase, not the cleanse!) 
• ThermoPlus is awesome because it will help reduce cravings while boosting your fat metabolism! That means you'll burn more calories!

Ok, so we've discussed your clean diet that will accompany the 10 Day Cleanse phase. And we've talked about the AdvoCare supplements that will help to reduce cravings, strip body fat, and provide optimal nutrition. But, we are still missing the last component of your lifestyle change... while not necessary to see results, exercise is important and will accelerate your weight loss, if that is one of your goals.

Whether you are just starting an exercise regimen or looking to increase that burn, AdvoCare's Can You 24? series of home workout videos is a great way to get moving right in the comfort of your own home!

The original Can You 24? does not require any additional workout equipment and provides 3 levels of instructions so you can chose the level that meets your individual fitness level. Oh, and did I mention, the workouts are only 24 minutes long?

The new Can You 24? Level II program takes things to a whole new level...

Check out what people are saying about Can You 24 Level II

Finally, the last component of AdvoCare's 24 Day Challenge  (and possibly the MOST important part) is the coaching, support, and knowledge you will have first hand access to through your AdvoCare Independent Distributor or sponsor! You are NOT on this journey alone! Make the decision and start today! 

Email Me Today for a FREE Product Consultation: AdvoCareWithLindsay@gmail.com

My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part III

It was May and I was focused on pushing through the grief from my miscarriage in order to continue on the path for which I had set out in January - to lose weight. In January, when I had joined Weight Watchers, dead set against exercise, let alone running, I had set a goal weight of 163 lbs. Based off of the BMI scale, for a women my height and weight, 163 lbs was the highest weight in the "normal" range. 

It was a lofty goal.

The last time I weighed 163 lbs I was a Sophomore in high school. 

Late May 2012

Four and a half months and one miscarriage later, I was weighing in at 176 pounds - just 13 lbs away from my goal weight. I had already lost 16 lbs and I didn't want to give up on the tremendous (for me anyways) progress that I had made towards my goal. I was really liking the way I looked. And, since I was no longer sick from an over-abundance of pregnancy hormones, I was also liking the way I felt.

However, I was not sure I wanted to go back to Weight Watchers. While, WW gave my the jump-start I needed to begin seeing weight loss success, I was tired of counting Points.... I truly felt that if I focused on my fitness and eating healthy foods that I would no longer need the meetings and Point restrictions in order to continue down the path to a healthy weight. 

Around that same time, my sister, Sara, asked me to run a 5k with her in July.  The race supported a cause close to our hearts so I decided it would be a good motivator to sign up for the race. That would give me about two months to "train" and build up to the distance. My goal was to run the entire race no matter what the pace. 

Although it was spring time and the weather was good, I preferred doing my training indoors on the treadmill.  Honestly, I was frightened at the thought of running outside. Outside, people I know might see me running on the trail near my home - a risk I was not yet ready to take. Plus, when you are outside running and you get a mile away from your house, you are a MILE AWAY FROM YOUR HOUSE!! What if I had to use the bathroom, or needed a drink of water? No, thank you! I was perfectly happy running on the treadmill in the temperature controlled gym with my water bottle, sweat towel, and music all at arms length away. 

Still, I knew that at some point, I would have to run outside. I couldn't complete the 5k race on a treadmill, after all.... 

Time was ticking away. I was taking it day by day. My hubby and I had fell back into the routine of my coming home, getting the kids situated, changing to my running gear, and starting dinner. Then, when he got home, I would leave him to finish dinner and head to the gym to run. When I arrived home, he'd have dinner waiting. What an AWESOME husband I have! 

Most days I was 'running' 2-3 miles. I use the term 'running' loosely because I would take frequent walk breaks. Slowly, I built up my running minutes in between my walk break. Even with the walk breaks I was averaging about 12-13 minute miles. Now it was time to increase my distance. 

By June my workouts were three miles long and it took me between 36-40 minutes to complete. At that point I was still running inside on the treadmill and I knew I had to get myself outside. Finally, one Saturday, mid-June, I decided to run outside!

The logistics were tough for me. At that point I didn't know about "map my run", which I now use regularly to track my workouts, so I had to drive the distance in order to map a turn around point about 1.5 miles away from my house. The idea of being 1.5 miles from my house still scared me. Also, what about my music? I don't run with an ipod like most people do - I use my phone to stream iheartradio and listen to this GenX station out of Louisville, Kentucky. (Love me some GenX music :) For my first outside run, I decided I was going to just hold my cell phone while I ran. There was also the matter of water. I decided I would just have to deal with not have water readily available while I ran outside. 

Big Mistake. 

This was Ohio, mid-June, and it was H-O-T hot outside. 

That run sucked and sent me crawling back to the gym. How do people do it? All the time I see these fit, sun-kissed, gorgeous, tone, runners trotting along with out anything in their hands -no water, no phone, no sweat towel, nothing. And I couldn't figure out how they could do it. 

Then, one morning on my way home from the gym, I saw a gal running along side the road with a hydration belt on and I thought, "I MUST have on of those!" I would have my water, phone, and sweat towel all stashed right in that belt. Everything available to me at the gym would be right there - except for bathrooms, but I knew I could make it for a 30 - 60 minute run/walk/jog without needing to hit up the bathroom. 

So I searched for a hydration belt and finally found one I deemed suitable. Then, I geared myself up for Saturday, when I would run the FIVE mile loop I had mapped out near my house. 

Saturday came and it was overcast. I debated whether to call the run before I even set out due to the possibility of ran, but I decided I had to listen to NIKE and Just Do It! It took some time to get my hydration belt adjusted. When I finally got out the door and moving I realized that I did not like the jiggling of the water bottles on the hydration belt at all. 

Slowly, I traversed the path I had plotted out. I ran a good 2 miles before I had to stop for my first of several walking breaks. About half way through my course, the water in my bottles had gotten warm from the heat of the day as well as my body heat. Still, I suppose warm water is better than no water. My belt continued to jiggle and I continued to stop and adjust it throughout the run. I felt very conspicuous as I wiggled and jiggled that belt every few minutes. 

As I entered into the last 1.5 miles of my run, I began to feel sprinkles.

At first there were just a few, but in a matter of minutes there was a downpour. No thunder or lightening - just a refreshing summer rain. A refreshing summer rain that SOAKED my clothes. Luckily, I had put my phone in a plastic ziplock bag before I put it in the pouch on the hydration belt. (I know, I'm a dork, but I was afraid of damaging my phone if it rained.) My socks were sloshy in my shoes. And I was tired, so I was still taking walking breaks as the rain poured down.

But, as I turned that last curve that headed up to my neighborhood, something clicked. I felt free! I laughed out loud. It was almost if that rain was just for me - to cool me down after my first official "long run". 

Looking back, that run was really a comical disaster. And I never used the hydration belt again after that run. Still, that run was a turning point for me... I no longer wanted to be a runner - I WAS a RUNNER!

Things began to get easier when I bought an arm band to put my phone in while I ran - it turns out I am not the only runner who streams music through their phone instead of an ipod. :-) Also, I realized that for longer runs, it didn't bother me to carry a water bottle with me. 

By the time July 28th rolled around, I was ready! 

My race time was 32:24! 

That was a GREAT time for me! Way better than my goal of 36 minutes. And, although I did have to take a couple 'walking breaks' during the race, I ended feeling very accomplished. 

I was really starting to ENJOY running! 

And, I had lost another 8 pounds, bringing my weight down to 168 lbs

... only five pounds from my goal.

My Mom, Me, My Sister Sara

My Mom & Me

Curious how this story ends? 

Stay tuned for My Weight Loss and Running Journey Part IV ....

Missed the beginning?

MyRunning and Weight Loss Journey Part I

MyRunning and Weight Loss Journey Part II 

Finding the Courage to Share

Courage is not an easy thing to find.

My moments of courage often come from sitting behind this computer screen, taking a deep breath, and then pushing the post or share button.

Fear and self doubt; intangible concepts that forever prove to be mountains I must climb. Battles I must win. Obstacles I must surmount.

Fear. That's what it comes down to... fear of judgement. Fear of judgement by people that don't really know me.. who certainly aren't going to contribute to my family's future.

Fear. Fear of failure. Can I really do this? Do I really have what it takes?

Learning how to follow AdvoCare's success system is easy. Finding the courage to SHARE AdvoCare the way it's meant to be shared... that's the hard part. That part requires courage. It requires 30 seconds of BOLD. Like my leaders in AdvoCare have taught me, "30 seconds of BOLD may change someone's life."

As I write this I don't even know if I will have the courage to share this post...

As a mother, as a wife, I have so many hopes and dreams for my family. My dream is to be home with my children... to say goodbye to my J-O-B and be free to live life on my terms... and to answer the calling I feel in my heart to provide hope and inspiration to others.

Although I feel a calling to provide hope an inspiration to others, I often find myself asking, how can I provide hope and inspiration to others during the times when I feel so lost myself?

First I must overcome. Then, I can share. First, I must take the journey, climb the mountain, run the marathon... then, and only then, can I provide hope and inspiration for others to do the same.

At least that is the way it worked with my weight loss journey.

When I turned 30 years old, I made the decision that I was not going to spend my 30's (and 40's and 50's for that matter) being overweight, unhealthy, and exhausted. I knew things had to change and I made the decision to change them. I was not sure how (or if) I would complete the journey, but I knew for things to change, I had to change.

Slowly, I started to change, I worked on me. I didn't have to share that with anyone else... if I failed, no one would be the wiser. Many people set out on the journey to lose weight every day. Some succeed. Many fail. Which would happen to me?

All I knew was that I could take the first step. Then another. And if I continued to put one foot in front of the other that I would eventually reach my destination. I was not prepared for the obstacles and twists and turns and BLESSINGS I would find along the path. But I faced the obstacles, embraced the blessings and kept moving in my journey.

Eventually, I reached my goal. And at that point, I had the courage to provide hope and inspiration for others who were setting out on a similar journey.

Hmmm... so work on me, focus on what I can control, don't put myself "out there" for possible criticism or condemnation from others, and wait until success is mine before sharing the hope and inspiration I've found.

That may work with weight loss, but that's not going to work with AdvoCare.

AdvoCare is a team sport. You can't be successful unless your team is successful. You can't reach your goal unless you help your team reach their goals. And, in order to build a team ...

You must TALK TO PEOPLE.
About AdvoCare.

This is where the courage comes in...

The message of AdvoCare is hope but faith also plays a huge part.

You must have the COURAGE to share the message of HOPE and the FAITH that you can be the leader your team needs to see them through to the end of the marvelous journey.

The end of the journey. THAT, I can picture. I dream big and I can see the destination very clearly. (So clearly, in fact, that I will leave that vision for another blog post.)

What I cannot see, however, is how the journey is going to unfold...

But I do know, that for things to change, I must change.

First I must overcome my fears and find my courage.

30 seconds of BOLD is all it takes to change someone's life...

Just. Click. Share.

Before AdvoCare: My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part II

By the middle of February 2012, I had lost 12 lbs and could comfortably wear size 14 pants. My self-esteem was increasing and I was starting to feel more and more like the self-confident woman I had once been. Weight Watchers was largely to thank for my success. I had been attending weekly meetings and adhering to their Points Plus program, which included the ability to earn Activity Points through weekly exercise. 

Read My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part I 

My weight loss efforts were going well and I was getting into my exercising grove! I felt better than I had felt in a LONG time. And... I was finding that I really enjoyed running! Over the last 6 weeks I had gradually increased my "running minutes" on the treadmill. Now, I was able to run for SIX solid minutes before stopping to walk! That may not sound like much to you, but for me that was a miracle. 

Then, something unexpected happened. 

I was tired. 

I was cranky. 

I was late. 

Yes - that kind of late. But I had struggled with PCOS and infertility for quite some time. We had just had our little miracle baby, Micah, in May of 2011 and we knew we wanted another child. Due to my PCOS and the fact that we needed assistance from a fertility doctor to conceive Micah, we were not using birth control. Instead, we were trusting God that if we were meant to have another child, it would happen in His timing. 

... It was a Saturday afternoon in February. I had just TRIPLED my longest run. Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, I had just ran for 18 minutes with no walking breaks! I was on cloud nine. As I left the gym and to headed to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for Micah, I was thinking about how much I was really starting to enjoy running. Then, my mind drifted as I began to think about how tired I had been the last week and that I was late for my period, although that was nothing new due to my PCOS. On a whim, I bought a box of home pregnancy tests. I felt kinda silly for even buying them - it reminded my of when I was taking test after test, month after month, when we were trying to conceive. Well, at least I would know I am not pregnant and the box contained a couple extra tests for when I was late again next month or the month after that...

When I get home, I kissed my kiddos and hopped in the shower. That night was date night for my and hubby and I was looking forward to (comfortably) wearing my new size 14 AE jeans. While I was getting around for the evening, I took a test and set it on the sink to wait the allotted 5 minutes while I continued to get ready. A few minutes later, I glance at the test... 

POSITIVE?! 

WHAT?! That can't be right... but it was. 

Of course, we were elated and I quickly adapted into pregnant mode. 

I quit Weight Watchers.

My nightly gym sessions were traded in for nightly naps. 

And I was SICK. 

The morning sickness was ridiculous. It was every day, seemingly all day. And went I wasn't yacking, my tummy was queasy. No cravings for me. Nothing sounded good. I lost more weight. 

And slept. 

I was EXHAUSTED all the time. 

But my doctor said things were good when she did a 7 week ultra sound. At our 11 week appointment she did not do an ultra sound check, but said the baby's heart was strong and we were "in the clear" meaning our chances of having a miscarriage dropped dramatically at 12 weeks. 

At the end of April 2012, 4 lbs lighter than when I got pregnant, I went in for my 4 month check up. I was 15 weeks pregnant. My husband did not come with me because it was just a routine check. There wouldn't be a need for an ultra sound... 

She couldn't find the heartbeat. 

I couldn't breathe. I was nervous. Anxious. Uncertain. Scared. I tried to concentrate on her words, "The baby's probably just hiding. Let's get you over to the other room for an ultra sound. At least you'll get to see your little peanut today." 

As I wait in the cold, sterile room where the U/S machine is, I had an overwhelming feeling of dread. Something wasn't right. This entire pregnancy didn't seem quite right. The last few weeks I actually had felt like something was very wrong. 

The doctor confirmed my fears. 

The ultrasound showed a little fetus with no heartbeat. 

We came to find out it was a "partial molar" pregnancy. Basically, a genetic abnormality where the baby had inherited an extra set of chromosomes. He or she didn't have a chance from day one. 

On May 6th we celebrated Micah's first birthday. We were determined to focus on the blessings in our lives. Our children. Our families. Our jobs. Our health. We would get up every day and put one foot in front of the other and trust that there is a reason for everything in this life. 

One week after Micah's first birthday, I made the decision that I would go back to the gym. It was mid-May and I had lost 16 pounds since January, leaving me weighing in at 176 lbs - 4 lbs lighter than I was on my wedding day. 

I made up my mind.

Despite my grief.

I would keep on running... 

Stay tuned for My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part III.. 

Product Spotlight: Spark

Ok all you tired wifes and mommies! And all of your equally tired husbands and daddies! And anyone else out there who just needs some extra pep in their step!

This is your magical wake-me-up, pick-me-up, make-me-happy,gimme-that-extra-SPARK-to-get-me-through-the-day drink!


What it is: A sugar-free, 45 calorie, healthy, vitamin-packed, energy drink with 8 amazing flavors to choose from. It wakes up your head and not your heart so it doesn't make you feel jittery like other energy drinks.

What it does: Provides 4-6 hours of energy and mental focus without the "crash" you may experience with other energy drinks.

Who it' for: Do have kids? Do you work out? Go to school? Play sports? Have a job? Drink caffeinated beverages? Spark is pretty much for everyone!

Why I LOVE it: This is a healthy and sugar free alternative to pop, juice, and other high sugar, high caffeine beverages many people rely on to make it through the day. It's delicious! With 8 yummy flavors to choose from there is something for everyone to love!

Nickname: Happy Mommy Juice :) :) :) (seriously, Spark makes mommy happy!)

Note: While I am not a nutritionist, pharmacist, or doctor; AdvoCare does have an awesome Scientific and Medical Advisory Board that ensures our products are safe, effective, and formulated using cutting-edge science. Product descriptions listed on this page are directly summarized from AdvoCare's website and product pages.

The Bucket

Belief. Courage. Determination. Perseverance. Dedication. Purpose. Focus. Passion. Commitment.

These words describe intangible concepts one must posses in order to realize a goal.

Fear. Doubt. Shame. Uncertainty.

These words describe intangible concepts one must let go of in order to realize a goal.

Imagine yourself walking down a rocky path that ultimately leads to the achievement of your goal. Not just any goal, but THE goal. The life-long dream you dare to dream. The thing that, if you should accomplish it, represents the pinnacle of achievement in your life.

As you traverse this path you carry a bucket.

It's up to you to choose what you place in the bucket.

Will you let the heavy rocks of fear, doubt, shame, and uncertainty weigh you down?

Or, will you let go of those heavy burdens and leave them behind you on the path? Instead, choosing to pick up the shining gems of belief, courage, determination, perseverance, dedication, focus, passion, and commitment?

Before AdvoCare: My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part I

Long before AdvoCare found me, I had already set out on a path that would ultimately lead me towards a new and better future. You see, I did not know it at the time, but finding AdvoCare would not only be a turning point in my running and weight loss journey but also a turning point in my life. It's probably best understood from the beginning...

My 2012 New Year's Resolution was to lose weight. At 30 years old I weighed in at 192 lbs. Having recently given birth to my second child, instead of "losing the baby weight" I had just continued to pack on the pounds. I didn't like the way I looked. I didn't like the way I felt. So on the evening of January 1, 2012, I found myself attending my first-ever Weight Watchers meeting. 

Before Picture: 11-11-11 Size 16 - 18

The Points Plus Program assigned me thirty-some "points" a day and allowed for unlimited "free" fruits and veggies. The first meeting was fun and I liked the idea of being held accountable with weekly weigh-ins. The program structure seemed very supportive and conducive to my weight loss needs. One of my favorites tenets of the program was that you didn't HAVE to EXERCISE! 

This appealed to me because I was not a big fan of exercising. Over the course of my adult life, there have been a few brief periods of time where I have gotten on an 'exercising kick' and I probably even lost a few pounds here and there. Still, I despised exercising. It was hard. It made my body sore. It took a lot of effort. It was expensive. I didn't have the time. And, at the end of a long work day, I certainly didn't have the energy. (Sound familiar?)

It didn't take me long to realize that I was WAY off-base with the whole "no exercise" thing. While it wasn't required as part of the WW program, participants could earn extra Points, called Activity Points, for exercising. And extra Points = extra FOOD. I may have not been motivated to exercise for the sake of exercise, but the idea of having extra Points to splurge on that slice of pizza on Friday nights was sure motivating!

I decided it wouldn't hurt to exercise for 15-30 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. But, I was NOT going to RUN. Running was not my thing. No way. 

When I was in middle school some of my friends got the bright idea to join cross country. They did great. They loved gossiping back and forth as we traversed the trail behind the school. They held full conversations during those runs. Meanwhile I was red-faced and panting and praying I wouldn't trip and fall flat on my face. Eventually I would have to stop and walk while they ran on. In middle school cross country the races were only 2 miles but it took me the entire season to be able to run the full race without taking walking breaks. While my friends were running 7 minute miles, mine were 13 minutes. Needless to say that was the first and only season I participated in cross country. 

My only other running experience ever was a 5k race that I ran/walked with no prior training or conditioning. The race was sponsored by an agency I used to work for so I felt obligated by my role in the agency to participate in the race. Yeah. Probably the sorest I have ever been in my LIFE. 

No running for me. I would use the elliptical machine or walk on the treadmill to earn my Activity Points.

My husband was very supportive of my weight loss efforts. We stopping buying soda pop and began buying more fruits and vegetables. I would plan my meals in advance and log my Points prior to each meal. (I found it helpful to log the Points before I ate so I would be less tempted to overeat.) I started setting aside two or three nights a week to go to the gym. My husband would 'pick up the slack' by making dinner on those nights - and so we developed a new daily routine.

And, slowly, I began losing weight. 

12-18-12 Weight Loss 12 lbs. - Size 14

One day - a few weeks into my new exercising routine - I decided to run for one minute at the end of my treadmill session. Then next day I broke my 20 minute treadmill session into two, 10 minute halves, and I walked for 9 minutes and ran for the other minute. By February I was able to run for 6 minutes straight. It had been about 6 weeks since I started WW and I had lost about 12 pounds and I was feeling GOOD! 

Then, something unexpected happened and my Weight Watchers journey and my newly founded exercise routine came to a screeching halt... 

**Stay tuned for the next installment - My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part II**