When I first started coaching, I thought, I’ll never do that detox stuff, I’ll just exercise and try to eat healthy. I am not one to stick to a plan, so I knew the meal plans would be a challenge, let alone a whole detox.

My lack of planning causes problems when it comes to sticking to the rules. It’s not that I’m some big rebel, although I prefer to think of it that way. The truth is I’m just a picky eater who doesn’t have much faith in my ability to follow through on a commitment like a detox.

I underestimate my abilities because of my fear. Don’t we all. It’s just a little (BIG) thing I call anxiety. We all have our struggles, but this post is about perseverance, so let me move on.

The 3 Day Refresh is actually an amazingly easy to follow plan that helps reset and detox the body in a natural and gentle way.

So, what is

the program?

So, what is the 3 Day Refresh? It’s three days of shakes, veggies, fruits and healthy fats. Oh, and lots of water. I actually found that I was better at eating my veggies and drinking all of my water when I did 3DR, (3DR) though I’ve been slacking on my intake since it was over.

I actually had more energy and felt great on the 3DR. I don’t think I eat enough most days, most of us don’t. I talk to people all the time that tell me they are tired, irritable, have trouble concentrating, etc., then I learn that they skip meals or don’t eat much.

That’s the problem. Most of us don’t eat enough, and that is just as serious a health problem as eating too much. Have you ever heard the term “hangry”? Most of us are hangry and malnourished and it’s not a fun way to live.

Nutrition fuels us, it’s what keeps us going. Most of the people that I talk to about weight problems actually eat very little, and that is a problem. If we don’t have fuel, or if we don’t have the proper fuel, our body does not function the way it is supposed to. Period. There is no way around it. I’ve learned that the hard way.

I decided that the 3 Day Refresh was a good way to regroup and start from scratch.

The details and

daily schedule

• Wake up - drink water
• Breakfast - Shakeology, fruit (can be combined)
• Mid-morning - Fiber sweep shake
• Lunch - Fruit, veggie, healthy fat, and vanilla refresh protein shake (there are lists to follow with lots of options)
• Afternoon snack - Veggie and healthy snack
• Dinner - Vegan meal and vanilla refresh protein shake
• Go to bed before you get hungry.
• You can have herbal tea.
• You can and should add veggie broth to your dinner menu.
• There are lots of “free” add ons like spices and fresh squeezed lemon.

My choice for snack time was roasted green beans (veg) with olive oil (healthy fat) with squeezed lemon (free) and red pepper flakes (free).

I never in my life thought I’d eat green beans for a snack, and I’ve done it a couple times after finishing the refresh. They are so good.

How about

the results?

• lost 4 pounds
• lost 3.75 inches total from my waist, thighs, hips and chest
• slept better
• had more energy
• enjoyed learning new recipes
• felt detoxed
• I felt a little bloated in the evenings, but in the morning, I felt fantastic and ready for the day.

There were eight vegan recipes to choose from. The first night I chose the Carrot Salad, not sure why because I don’t like carrots. I was feeling adventurous and hopeful though. Needless to say, that didn’t go very well.

The second and third nights I had the Veggie Stir Fry, and it was so good. I’ve fixed stir fry in the past, but I’m fixing it differently now, and it’s actually easier. We’ve even had the stir fry veggies as a side for dinner since I finished the refresh, the whole family likes them. Always a plus with a 10 and 14 year old.

Don’t let anxiety

make the choices

I learn so much more when I trust myself and don’t let my anxiety stop me. A year ago, I wouldn’t have gone near the 3 Day Refresh, but I’m a different person now.

This coaching thing has helped me build myself up. I’m a lot braver about trying new things and challenging myself. Who’d a thought? This coach thing isn’t a half bad way to take care of myself, and the things I’m learning about me along the way are pretty cool.

I’m proud of myself for trying something I never, ever, ever thought I’d have the courage or perseverance to do. But I did, and I’m proud of myself. I’m actually planning to do it again. You should join me…for the 3 Day Refresh or for the coaching thing, they are both life changing.

This is a different part of the journey, one that I never expected, but wow, what a great ride! Detox is apparently an important part of Enjoying the Journey!

Editor’s Note: Katie Tolley is a Cambridge resident. She is a mother, wife and pediatric nurse practitioner who coaches holistic health and wellness. Her website is katiepinktolley.com.