Epic Fail

Well, it has been longer than I had anticipated getting out this blog.  So to anyone looking for this, I apologize for leaving you hanging.  I have more bad news.  I did not complete the 24 day challenge (cue the boos).  I was able to make it through 17 days and I got busy with other things and I forgot about it.  Not a very good excuse, I know, so please forgive me.  I will be completing my last 7 days next week and I will give some thoughts on my experience on days 11-17.

During the Max phase 4 products are utilized:  MNS MAX E, Meal Replacement Shakes, Spark, and Omega plex.  The Max E comes in daily disbursements of pills broken down into 4 packs (2 white, 2 red). The breakdown for usage is as follows:

Day 11-24

Morning 30 min before meal Red pack, Spark

Morning Meal:  Meal Replacement Shake, White Pack

30 Minutes before lunch:  Red Pack

Lunch:  White Pack

30 minutes before supper:  Omega plex

What did I think of the products?  Well the meal replacement shake is pretty tasty.  I was not expecting that. I used a plain shaker bottle and mixed it with water and it was pretty good.  I had the Chocolate Mocha flavor and it tasted similar to a Dairy Queen Mocha Moo-late.  I did notice an unusual amount of gurgling in my stomach about 30 minutes after consuming the shake.  I am not sure why exactly that is.  The shake does contain milk protein extract and after previous cleanses I have done I notice a certain propensity to be a little intolerance to products containing milk protein (how intolerant of me).  As far as the pills go, they seemed to be pretty easy to swallow.  I did notice that roughly 30 minutes after I took a Red Pack I needed to eat almost immediately because I got some intense hunger pains.  Overall I felt pretty good about the experience but it can be a lot to keep track of all the pill packs and shake mixes.  My forgetfullness got the best of me and it put a dent in my program.  Also I have been very bad about making exercise a  priority since we moved and open the practice.  I am joining Fit 4 Life asap and getting that problem remedied.  When everything was said and done after 17 days I lost about 8 lbs and I felt as though my face looked a little thinner and my skin was more clear.  If I was better about exercising, better results could have been gained.  I will probably try this challenge again later in the summer and focus on finishing it.

For those of you wanting to make some changes without purchasing a system or multiple products, my recommendations for the best at home way to keep your body "cleansed" so to speak would be:

• Up your fiber by eating extra dark leafy green vegetables and possibly a supplement like metamucil or fiber gummies.  Fiber is important for proper digestive function.  Much of your immune function is tied to your digestive function, so healthy bowel equal healthy bodies.
• Add probiotics to your diet through yogurt or a supplement.  With extra fiber intake, you can lose some of the healthy bacteria in your intestines.  This bacteria is important for breaking down waste and synthesizing vitamins among other things.  Yogurt is a good way to restore and maintain that natural flora.  A probiotic supplement is also an effective way to keep your internal bacteria thriving. 
• Drink more water especially 30 minutes before meals, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that drinking a little bit more than two cups of cold water on an empty stomach boosted metabolism by 30 %

Here are a few updates on events we have been involved in recently:

On March 18th we held a ribbon cutting and open house that was hosted by the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce.  The event was a success and we had a great turnout of family, friends, and local business representatives.  We are grateful for all the help and support everyone has given us, helping us get to where we are today.  Council Bluffs has been very welcoming and we look forward to what the future has in store.

On March 29th we attended a Health Fair at Iowa Western.  It was a great event and made for a very "Good Friday"  (see what I did there?).  We were able to speak with many members of Iowa Western's excellent staff as well as some students and community members.  We also were able to give away a lot of great items to spread the word about our office.  We look forward to attending the event next year.

Some upcoming events to look for us at in CB:

• The Gambler Half Marathon/5k April 20th and 21st at the MAC Sat from 8 am-4 pm Sun before and after the race
• Dr. Drew providing free kinesio taping and Krisit will be providing chair massage
• (pending) Live Well Pottawattamie April 27th from 9 am-12 pm at Thomas Jefferson High School
• We will be presenting information on proper posture and activities to build core strength
• Color Me Rad 5k May 11th at the MAC opening at 7:45 and closing 1 hr following the race conclusion
• Dr. Drew providing free kinesio taping and Kristi will be providing chair massage
• (pending) Chip-In for Children Golf Tournament at Council Bluffs Country Club
• Dr. Drew will be a hole sponsor and further services are TBD

If you know of any events that are going on from health fairs to races to events in which somebody is needed to present, please contact Brittany at 712-314-0136 or email us at contact@backandbodycb.com

If you have any health questions for Dr. Drew or would like to request future blog topics please call the office at the number listed above or email at drdrew@backandbodycb.com

Until next time, thanks for reading and have a blessed Easter weekend.

Dr. Drew