THE MEGA HAIR DIET CHALLENGE 2008

[tricie]

Thank You Tricie and Nutella20! My poor hair has been through so much trial and error, it's probably saying to itself, "Thank God she figured SOMETHING out to stick with that works!"

You're welcome, hon! I know we have all put our hair through some stuff!

 

[Firstborn2]

Hello Ladies,
Just checking in. This is my 12th day on the cleanse, I have so much energy. I haven't been able to walk in the past 2 days because it has been raining in California, so I've been doing aerobics instead. I cowashed today, but saturday I'm taking my braids out cuz they are lookin like a hot mess.I'll let my hair rest for 2 or 3wks and back up it goes. I went out today and bought The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook, by Tosca Reno, she is featured in Oxygen Mag. She talks about how eating clean is the way to go for weight loss and healthy living. The book has some really good recipes in it (my opinion) and it only cost 19.99 so I dont feel like I wasted any money. I'm going to follow this after I finish up my cleanse on Mar. 10th. Goodluck Ladies

By the way thanks Den once again for starting this thread, it has given me the push I needed

 

[Nanyanika]

Hello Andreainnis thank-you for your love, i have eaten a garlic before, but it burnt my mouth quite badly, so i was tiold to swallow it with water is this okay? i'm going to town today, so i'll be walking, i will add apples to my shopping list today.

I've switched my bread to whole meal, pitta or sliced bread. I eat basmatic rice now instead of white, all the time. I'm not really a sweet tooth person, thank God, so i don't have a problem with these types of foods. I'm trying to cook more homemade foods and steer clear from, junk.

I think i'm using foods for comfort, because i internalise my feelings, i want to discover new ways of releasing my feelings without, being brutual to my body. I've had insomnia, for ten years, nothing has helped i tried meds and they leave me more drowsy the next day because i still don't sleep well.

i had a severe episode last night, and i was taking my meds again this morning including my painkillers and asthma pump i couldn't stop wheezing. i'm going to try meditation and excersing before going to bed.
thank-you for the websites, i'll keep you updated on my progress

Den1, we're gonna do this girl! You are NOT those things that you have been diagnosed with, they are shells that you are going to peel off and leave behind.
First the blood pressure. The medication you are taking, although preventing you from having a stroke, is just masking the issue rather than removing it. I know you are already ingesting a bunch of stuff but should you choose to incorporate this- three simple and natural ways to lower your blood pressure
1) eat a fresh crushed clove of garlic every day (w/a meal)
2) eat an apple a day
3) walking 45 minutes to an hour everyday
Next, Diabetes and cholesterol. From what I have learned, and I truly believe, Diabetes and high cholesterol have sooo much more to do with the American diet than hereditary factors! I also have a history of both of those ailments as well as high blood pressure and obesity in my family but due to my eating habits, I am not subject to them. Families tend to pass down through generations their eating habits and styles of cooking so generations end up with the same sickness and disease but it doesn't have to go that way! Change the way you eat and think about food and you will change your health and life I promise you. Simple processed sugar is a killer and is disguised in so many foods. This is hard but you want to avoid at all cost-
1) soda
2) Juice that contains high fructose corn syrup
3) bread that contains high fructose corn syrup (read the ingredients on your bread... it's in most of them!)
4) pasta
5) white rice
6) doughnuts (this is about the worst thing on earth you can put in your body)
7) french fries (which are usually soaked in sugar before they are fried)
Take baby steps to permanently but slowly eliminate these poisons from your diet. Try to not have one of those things on the list for a week and then the next week eliminate another. Another thing that will really help with insulin regulation is to always eat your protein first at every meal.

Insomnia. Take a look at your before bed routine and bedroom surroundings. Electronic and radio wave emitting devices such as TV's, computers, phones, cell phones that are on and the like should be removed from the area where you sleep! When you can't get to sleep don't stress, this is a perfect time for prayer or meditation where you visualize yourself in perfect health (w/long healthy hair). concentrate on breathing deep and go to each body part from the feet up and relax the tension out of that muscle, then move to the next one and do the same thing until you reach the top of your head. Then, think about your life's wish list, any and everything that you want and that will make you healthy and happy. This is so powerful and fun and you may find yourself falling asleep before you get to finish visualizing all that good stuff It's about putting your mind at peace, letting go of tension in every muscle of your body so that you can drift off to sleep. Incorporating more physical activity during the day will also help you get to sleep better at night as well as having an herbal tea before bed. Please don't let a doc put you on sleep meds before you try these other things.
Mercola.com is one of my favorite webs sites for health tips and natural remedies and it has a lot of info about asthma, look at it when you have a minute. And finally, I'm going to compile a list of herbs for uterine health but I think as you begin to eat clean, exercise and sleep more, a lot of your health issues will disappear. The water and shakes that you have are perfect! Keep a lot of veggies and lean meat in house as well. Let me know how everything is going, I'm so excited for you!

 

[Andreainnis]

Hello Andreainnis thank-you for your love, i have eaten a garlic before, but it burnt my mouth quite badly, so i was tiold to swallow it with water is this okay? i'm going to town today, so i'll be walking, i will add apples to my shopping list today.

I've switched my bread to whole meal, pitta or sliced bread. I eat basmatic rice now instead of white, all the time. I'm not really a sweet tooth person, thank God, so i don't have a problem with these types of foods. I'm trying to cook more homemade foods and steer clear from, junk.

I think i'm using foods for comfort, because i internalise my feelings, i want to discover new ways of releasing my feelings without, being brutual to my body. I've had insomnia, for ten years, nothing has helped i tried meds and they leave me more drowsy the next day because i still don't sleep well.

i had a severe episode last night, and i was taking my meds again this morning including my painkillers and asthma pump i couldn't stop wheezing. i'm going to try meditation and excersing before going to bed.
thank-you for the websites, i'll keep you updated on my progress

Hey Den! You are more than welcome for letting me share my suggestions with you and I'm so happy you see it as love and not torture!;-) I have incorporated some of your hair practices cause you got it down girl:notworthy and your hair is thriving like crazy! So Uuuuh yeah, garlic is no joke. It will definitely burn if you chew it but it HAS to be crushed to get the full benefit of it. Swallowing it w/water is good, just make sure you crush, or smash it somehow before you swallow it. Thats how I do it, crush it w/a garlic press then swallow it w/water. It sounds like you have some good stuff and if you eat every two hours you shouldn't get too hungry. I'm guessing you're somewhere around 1700 calories a day? Don't forget to have a day in the week that you eat whatever you want!

 

[Nanyanika]

hi dreamsicles, sorry i didn't get round to pm ing you back, i went up to the country, to stay with my other sister, she's pregnant with her first baby, its due soon, so i was helping her out. I told my sister about the plan and she heard about how great it is? my roots are growing out maga fast, i'm using my growth formula's too,amnd i think i may be overan inch in the nape area, i've been usig my growth aids on mysides before i strated taking vits and my sides are growing in thick. i'm really g;ad i started thisthread, its given me and others so much encouragement, lets keep it up girls.

Hello Ladies,
Just checking in. This is my 12th day on the cleanse, I have so much energy. I haven't been able to walk in the past 2 days because it has been raining in California, so I've been doing aerobics instead. I cowashed today, but saturday I'm taking my braids out cuz they are lookin like a hot mess.I'll let my hair rest for 2 or 3wks and back up it goes. I went out today and bought The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook, by Tosca Reno, she is featured in Oxygen Mag. She talks about how eating clean is the way to go for weight loss and healthy living. The book has some really good recipes in it (my opinion) and it only cost 19.99 so I dont feel like I wasted any money. I'm going to follow this after I finish up my cleanse on Mar. 10th. Goodluck Ladies

By the way thanks Den once again for starting this thread, it has given me the push I needed

 

[Nanyanika]

you are a star, my darling. i'm going to keep coming back to you for advice, your my mentor now, i hope you don't mind,right i'm off to do more reading on the sites you suggested. As my my hair, its growing like crazy, i don't know if i should keep the weave it much longer, i'm growing a monster under here lol thank-you, thank-you, thank-you

Hey Den! You are more than welcome for letting me share my suggestions with you and I'm so happy you see it as love and not torture!;-) I have incorporated some of your hair practices cause you got it down girl:notworthy and your hair is thriving like crazy! So Uuuuh yeah, garlic is no joke. It will definitely burn if you chew it but it HAS to be crushed to get the full benefit of it. Swallowing it w/water is good, just make sure you crush, or smash it somehow before you swallow it. Thats how I do it, crush it w/a garlic press then swallow it w/water. It sounds like you have some good stuff and if you eat every two hours you shouldn't get too hungry. I'm guessing you're somewhere around 1700 calories a day? Don't forget to have a day in the week that you eat whatever you want!

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

Ok I'm in! lol couldn't resist any longer. I don't just want to do this for my hair. I need to do it for my body.


Den as far as insomnia, I use to suffer from it really bad. What got me back on the right track was meditation, yoga (I'm a meaty chick and although I can't bend like the uber skinny... it really does help to release tension. There are many different varieties that are gentle to the body), and melatonin. Melatonin has been a God send. I started out taking it two years ago and it helps me to get a more restful sleep. I take it two to three hours before bedtime and I'd fall asleep easier and stay asleep (except for the early AM pee breaks lol.) I used Natrol and started out with 3mg. Now I take the 1mg and only take two of those if I really need to get a "great" night's sleep. HTH

 

[PuffyBrown]

Ok I'm in! lol couldn't resist any longer. I don't just want to do this for my hair. I need to do it for my body.


Den as far as insomnia, I use to suffer from it really bad. What got me back on the right track was meditation, yoga (I'm a meaty chick and although I can't bend like the uber skinny... it really does help to release tension. There are many different varieties that are gentle to the body), and melatonin. Melatonin has been a God send. I started out taking it two years ago and it helps me to get a more restful sleep. I take it two to three hours before bedtime and I'd fall asleep easier and stay asleep (except for the early AM pee breaks lol.) I used Natrol and started out with 3mg. Now I take the 1mg and only take two of those if I really need to get a "great" night's sleep. HTH

I have taken it too! I use Natrol and it is great. From this and the vivid dreams that I get from the MSM, I'm all set. I had a good spy movie dream last night it was good! Hopefully, I will catch it where I left off when I go to bed tonight.

 

[ravenmerlita]

I've had periods of insomnia that lasted for months and it is horrible. I am soooo envious of people who can fall sleep easily and fast when I lay awake at night for hours and hours and hours.

I replaced diet sodas with drinking more water this week for the challenge and noticed that I had a much easier time with falling asleep.

I've never really tried melatonin but that's a good suggestion, luvsmuhgrass. I'm going to pick some up.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

Another thing I forgot to add. NO SUGAR BEFORE BED!!!! I had to learn the hard way that sugar keeps me up. Especially in high doses. I could eat or drink something high in sugar early in the afternoon and I would be up all night.

 

[Kimberly]

So far so good. My sweet tooth is a demon! I'm trying my best to control it. I've been able to be consistent with

1)getting my minimum 5 servings of fruits and veggies in
2)bunning/protective styling
3)taking my vitamins
4)not sleeping on my hair...tying it up EVERY night
5)working out everyday since I joined the gym Tuesday

This needs to be a lifestyle thing for me...not just for the challenge...but because I need it to be the woman I want to be and the mother I want to be.

Thanks Den! Good going everyone!

 

[TrustMeLove]

I am late, but I have been taking my vitamins for at least 4 days. So around the 19th.

Vitamin Regimen: Taken at Night

• 1 Multivamin (One A day)
• Vitamin C- 1000mg
• Biotin 3mg (Moving to 5mg slowly)
• Flaxseed Oil 1000mg
• Mega B-50
• MSM Powder (3,000MG WITH (1,020mg of Oranic Sulfur)

Exercise Regimen:
I was on an exercise regimen, but after I moved I no longer had gym access. Gained all 15 pounds back sad. Will try to start doing tae-bo. At least twice a week. lol Wack I know.

I am mending my eating habits. I have lost an appetite for meat. Seriously. Makes me want to throw up except for fish.

• No drinks w/ calories. None includes juices.
• No fast food (I havent' been doing this for at least a month)
• Limited processed foods (Cookies, crackers etc..)
• Continue to drink 1/2 gallon of water at work alone.

Yea, I am late. But, I am still getting in. Hahahaha! Thanks y'all.

 

[ravenmerlita]

This needs to be a lifestyle thing for me...not just for the challenge...but because I need it to be the woman I want to be and the mother I want to be.

Thanks Den! Good going everyone!

Kimberly, this is exactly how I feel too. I've had a great week and could really see myself living like this. I'm sleeping better, my mind is clearer, I've lost a few pounds and I just feel better overall. And if my hair grows healther, that's great too.

Excellent challenge Den.

 

[Nanyanika]

Thanks girl, Andreannis suggested also that i do the meditation i have a dvd that my sister left, i will try this tonight. As for the yoga, I've heard how brilliant it is, but i think i'm too big to try that, seriously i don't have much flexibility lol. the insomnia, i have to get sorted out, Where can i get melatonin or natrol from? i appreciate your help. i've added your name to the list

Ok I'm in! lol couldn't resist any longer. I don't just want to do this for my hair. I need to do it for my body.


Den as far as insomnia, I use to suffer from it really bad. What got me back on the right track was meditation, yoga (I'm a meaty chick and although I can't bend like the uber skinny... it really does help to release tension. There are many different varieties that are gentle to the body), and melatonin. Melatonin has been a God send. I started out taking it two years ago and it helps me to get a more restful sleep. I take it two to three hours before bedtime and I'd fall asleep easier and stay asleep (except for the early AM pee breaks lol.) I used Natrol and started out with 3mg. Now I take the 1mg and only take two of those if I really need to get a "great" night's sleep. HTH

 

[Nanyanika]

oh your lucky, i haven't had a vivid dream in many years....sometimes dreams are soo good that you wish you could dream forever..then you wake up and reality hits, hate that...

I have taken it too! I use Natrol and it is great. From this and the vivid dreams that I get from the MSM, I'm all set. I had a good spy movie dream last night it was good! Hopefully, I will catch it where I left off when I go to bed tonight.

 

[Nanyanika]

I have the same issue, i won't get to sleep until daylight, then i only get an hour or so but its distributed sleep because i can never sleep all the way through the hour, i open my eyes around tens times, I will stop drinking tea before bed and switch to decaf or peppermint.

I've had periods of insomnia that lasted for months and it is horrible. I am soooo envious of people who can fall sleep easily and fast when I lay awake at night for hours and hours and hours.

I replaced diet sodas with drinking more water this week for the challenge and noticed that I had a much easier time with falling asleep.

I've never really tried melatonin but that's a good suggestion, luvsmuhgrass. I'm going to pick some up.

 

[Nanyanika]

Well my love, your doing great, this challenge is MIND BODY AND HAIR, i hope to adopt these new methods in my lifestyle for the long-term, there's no point having nice hair and you feel crap inside, i wanna look great, feel great lol

So far so good. My sweet tooth is a demon! I'm trying my best to control it. I've been able to be consistent with

1)getting my minimum 5 servings of fruits and veggies in
2)bunning/protective styling
3)taking my vitamins
4)not sleeping on my hair...tying it up EVERY night
5)working out everyday since I joined the gym Tuesday

This needs to be a lifestyle thing for me...not just for the challenge...but because I need it to be the woman I want to be and the mother I want to be.

Thanks Den! Good going everyone!

 

[Nanyanika]

Welcome, don't worry about being late!!! i've added your name to the list, your regimen sounds great. everyone, is doing so well....Good luck. keep it going..you ladies are helping me, thanks

I am late, but I have been taking my vitamins for at least 4 days. So around the 19th.

Vitamin Regimen: Taken at Night

• 1 Multivamin (One A day)
• Vitamin C- 1000mg
• Biotin 3mg (Moving to 5mg slowly)
• Flaxseed Oil 1000mg
• Mega B-50
• MSM Powder (3,000MG WITH (1,020mg of Oranic Sulfur)

Exercise Regimen:
I was on an exercise regimen, but after I moved I no longer had gym access. Gained all 15 pounds back sad. Will try to start doing tae-bo. At least twice a week. lol Wack I know.

I am mending my eating habits. I have lost an appetite for meat. Seriously. Makes me want to throw up except for fish.

• No drinks w/ calories. None includes juices.
• No fast food (I havent' been doing this for at least a month)
• Limited processed foods (Cookies, crackers etc..)
• Continue to drink 1/2 gallon of water at work alone.

Yea, I am late. But, I am still getting in. Hahahaha! Thanks y'all.

 

[Nanyanika]

congrats on your weightloss. i've been eating better and i don't feel as hungry. keep it up

Kimberly, this is exactly how I feel too. I've had a great week and could really see myself living like this. I'm sleeping better, my mind is clearer, I've lost a few pounds and I just feel better overall. And if my hair grows healther, that's great too.

Excellent challenge Den.

 

[PuffyBrown]

I have decided to do a complete cleanse.

I ordered the Colonix last night so I am going to start it this weekend. I know that I am well overdue for this. I would like to do the hydrotherapy but I dont have any recommendations for my area yet.

I am hoping that this will give me a kickstart so that I can move past this depression that I just haven't seemed to be able to shake for the past several years. I have tried everything. I think having a cleanse is going to make a big difference. I was reading alot about it in the Health and Fitness forum and I am convinced that this will help me get myself back on track to a healthy new me.

 

[Andreainnis]

you are a star, my darling. i'm going to keep coming back to you for advice, your my mentor now, i hope you don't mind,right i'm off to do more reading on the sites you suggested. As my my hair, its growing like crazy, i don't know if i should keep the weave it much longer, i'm growing a monster under here lol thank-you, thank-you, thank-you

You are a precious soul and a complete sweetheart:sweet: and I hope you do continue to ask advice, it keeps me on my game and I love helping you on your mission! Oh and you are NOT too big for yoga!!! It will increase your flexibility (gotta start somewhere) and help with meditation and relaxation. I know you wanna take something for your insomnia but I sooo want you to figure it out with out all that stuff. Let me tell you something, Your body is responding to the issues that you are trying to combat and filtering medication after medication plus inactivity, so it actually makes PERFECT sense that your body is responding with insomnia and whatever else! As your body detoxifies and you start to move (exercise) on a regular basis, along with meditation and yoga if you choose, sleep will come I promise. I'm surprised that anyone who drinks soda or coffee on a regular basis is ever able to sleep as much as they need to, and it takes a while for a body to shed the effects of being a regular coffee/soda drinker once you stop. But anyway, for now, and since it's here, use your insomnia (and don't look at it as a bad thing) to meditate and practice relaxation techniques because a lot of people get frustrated that they can't complete successful meditation without falling asleep! Meditate on things like what your body would feel like if you were fully rested and completely indulge your thoughts to what exactly that would feel like. Now...
I was thinking about getting a weave again to give my hair even more of a rest than my buns give it, but the take down process is a mess for me and I feel like I lose so much hair. How do you avoid matting and deal with taking it out cause your hair looks so good?

 

[nutella20]

For the hair part everything went ok. I washed and conditioned on braids (thanks Den1 for the tutorial!)"

I drank 70 oz of water and exercised for 45 mn everyday.

The food part was the hardest cause I had to go to different events and cocktails for work.

Next week I'll be doing the master cleanse for 10 days. Wish me luck!

 

[Firstborn2]

I took my hair out of the braids today, right now I'm sitting here with conditioner mixed with castor oil in it and a plastic bag over my head, will rinse it out tomorrow.
Had my first water aerobics class this morning, thank goodness for indoor pools cuz it's still raining in Cali. I'm still cleansing, so I don't have anything to report as far as food and vitamins .

ps Good luck on your cleanse Nutella, I've been on mine for 14days now and I have sooo much energy and I must say, I have learned alot about myself in the process...

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

Thanks girl, Andreannis suggested also that i do the meditation i have a dvd that my sister left, i will try this tonight. As for the yoga, I've heard how brilliant it is, but i think i'm too big to try that, seriously i don't have much flexibility lol. the insomnia, i have to get sorted out, Where can i get melatonin or natrol from? i appreciate your help. i've added your name to the list

Natrol is a company that makes melatonin. You should be able to get it from any store like Walgreen's or CVS maybe even Target. I know there's probably some on ebay as well. Sometimes they send samples too so definitely sign-up for the Nutrition Club.

GIRL YOU ARE NOT TOO BIG FOR YOGA!!! There's a new video out now for plus size sexy mama's because our bodys don't bend the same as smaller thin women. (Girl I tried to slide into a twisty position with all of these boobs and buns and let me tell ya.... LOL I learned QUICK that I had to modify the position to fit MY size.) Just My Size Yoga is the name of it. I haven't tried it but my BFF told me it was AWESOME! I tried two videos that I'm pretty happy with so far. I have fibromyalgia so finding something gentle that works is a plus. See if you can check them out at the library before you buy. That way you can watch it and see if you like it. Give each one a week.... then decide. (that's what I did)

Louise Solomon's Yoga & Pilates Total Body Toner - A little lady who's voice got on my nerves just a little bit lol. BUT I felt pretty goooood after doing the poses! Relatively gentle (listen to your body.) Calming and soothing.

Denise Austin's Pilates for Everybody is a gem. When I changed my eating habits and worked out 1-3x's a week I saw a difference. (I need to jump back on this. I just didn't have the time.) It's more rigorous but I saw results quick and it was not as strenuous as Windsor Pilates and the like.

 

[Nanyanika]

ladies, i will reply later...i'm busy testing and formulating new products, and re-designing my site to a more professional look. be back soon

 

[Guapa1]

Quick check in. I've been really good with taking my vitamins and oils my ends with castor oil.

Food wise... I keep forgetting to eat and when I do, it's more snacky things as I'm too weak to cook. These damn pills I'm taking are making me so spaced out.

Last week at physio they taped up my shoulders to stop me from using the muscles and give them a break... The pain was ridiculous. I was actually breathless from being in pain. I had to take the strongest painkillers and sleeping pills I had just to get to sleep, so I took them off before I was supposed to.

Yesterday though, I slept all day with no pills whatsoever and feel a bit looser today, so I'm going to the pool to do my exercises as recommended. I'm going to make my menu for the week and keep it simple so if I do feel bad after physio tomorrow (I'm so dreading it) it won't take too much effort to make something nutritious when I remember to eat.

 

[Andreainnis]

Quick check in. I've been really good with taking my vitamins and oils my ends with castor oil.

Food wise... I keep forgetting to eat and when I do, it's more snacky things as I'm too weak to cook. These damn pills I'm taking are making me so spaced out.

Last week at physio they taped up my shoulders to stop me from using the muscles and give them a break... The pain was ridiculous. I was actually breathless from being in pain. I had to take the strongest painkillers and sleeping pills I had just to get to sleep, so I took them off before I was supposed to.

Yesterday though, I slept all day with no pills whatsoever and feel a bit looser today, so I'm going to the pool to do my exercises as recommended. I'm going to make my menu for the week and keep it simple so if I do feel bad after physio tomorrow (I'm so dreading it) it won't take too much effort to make something nutritious when I remember to eat.

Guapa1, that pic of the plane crashed blows my mind every time I see it! I know this is way off topic but WHAT HAPPENED!? And what are you being rehabilitated for, arms or legs or everything? Also, a good idea (which you may already know) is, when you just don't have it to cook something healthy, try to have a meal replacement/protein shake cause at least you'll get vitamins, nutrients and calories even though you missed eating a regular meal;-)

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

Guapa1, that pic of the plane crashed blows my mind every time I see it! I know this is way off topic but WHAT HAPPENED!? And what are you being rehabilitated for, arms or legs or everything? Also, a good idea (which you may already know) is, when you just don't have it to cook something healthy, try to have a meal replacement/protein shake cause at least you'll get vitamins, nutrients and calories even though you missed eating a regular meal;-)

You're not the only one. What I appreciate most is what she says with the picture. Talk about powerfully awesome......

 

[ravenmerlita]

Only week 2 and I am having a hard time. I'm getting my supplements in and following my hair regimen but as far as getting in exercise and water .

I need a little motivation. How are you ladies doing?

 

[PuffyBrown]

Try floor exercising/stretching for 30-45 min per day, adding an extra yoga position and/or pilates move 1x per week, end each stretch with 15 min meditation on mat...no tv, soft music....you'll be up to an 1.15 before you know it. you'll be adding in cardio.....then running...then marathons....then o-my o-my... the meditation is what does it for me.....

Only week 2 and I am having a hard time. I'm getting my supplements in and following my hair regimen but as far as getting in exercise and water .

I need a little motivation. How are you ladies doing?