Many people ask us: “Will I lose weight on the Clean Program?” The simple answer is, most likely. Each person comes into the program with different health issues, genetic factors, diets, and hormonal patterns. How much and when weight loss occurs varies from person to person. However, there are many other ways to see progress called non-scale victories. We are going to take a closer look at these.
Inflammation levels
When inflammation levels are high, our bodies are “fighting” to keep going and can hold onto excess weight. Once this has been reduced, the digestive system is less burdened, and the immune system is supported, the body is allowed to fall into balance, and healthy weight loss occurs (if necessary).
Excess weight is often a result of consuming foods that don’t work with us, or over-consuming foods, leading to poor digestion and food sensitivities. The 21-day Clean Program helps the body begin to repair itself from years of these habits. When weight loss is brought on by quick, drastic actions without doing the important foundational work, it typically doesn’t last or bring about the real, deep change that we want. Sometimes it can lead to its own health problems.
The Clean Program is so much more than a “diet” to help us lose a few pounds. Weight loss is an additional bonus. There is so much more going on in our beautiful bodies when on the
program. Let’s recognize the non-scale victories!
CLEARER SKIN
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It often reveals underlying internal imbalances, showing up as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dark circles under the eyes, irritation or dull skin. While our bodies heal on the Clean Program, these symptoms of internal toxicity fade away. Increasing hydration, healthy fats, antioxidants and phytonutrients all help give the skin that beautiful glow.
BETTER DIGESTION + IMPROVED GUT HEALTH
Healthy digestion is a huge focus of the Clean Program. A properly functioning digestive system is critical to overall health and vitality. With improved gut health comes a stronger immune system, heightened brain and mental health, proper nerve functioning, and proper nutrient absorption.
LESS INFLAMMATION
This entire program is centered around elimination inflammation-causing foods and replacing them with nutrient-dense, high-quality foods. Inflammation is thought to be one of the leading root causes of disease. The Clean Program helps our bodies significantly decrease inflammation, which has profound effects on overall health.
MORE ENERGY
With proper digestive function, decreased stress on the adrenal system (a beautiful benefit of more sleep paired with no alcohol, coffee, and sugar), and less inflammation comes more energy! Our bodies do everything that they can to keep us going. Constantly fighting against irritants is energy intensive. By easing digestion and allowing the body to repair itself, a surge in energy, and not caffeine-induced energy, can be celebrated.
CLOTHES FIT BETTER + CHANGE IN BODY COMPOSITION
A change in body composition can occur with or without a change on the scale. We’ve been
decreasing sugar, toxins, and inflammation. Bloating and water retention has decreased. Pants button easier. Our hormones are reaching a more balanced state, allowing belly fat to fall away.
REINVIGORATED CLARITY, DISCIPLINE AND MENTAL STRENGTH
At first, our bodies tend to resist changing the deeply ingrained habits around eating and
drinking, even if we know they aren’t serving us. Making it through week one is a huge
accomplishment. Discipline and strength are really put to the test during the 21 days on the
program. We aren’t living with convenience anymore.
We are living with a purpose to heal. We are forced to tap into this intention and purpose day in and day out, revisiting why we actually started this in the first place. Once we get into the habit of exercising discipline, strength and intent, like any habit, it begins to flow naturally. These “strengthened muscles” will now accompany us for years to come.
INCREASED HAPPINESS
Improved physiological balance can have a positive effect on psychological and emotional
levels too. Think about it, no stomachache, a good night’s sleep, tons of energy, clothes that fit comfortably, it’s no surprise that we’re happier! Specific conditions that once had a hold of our psyche, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, have been washed away. In addition to all of these more tangible improvements, self-awareness and mindfulness are now heightened.
Don’t forget to celebrate these non-scale victories as they occur. Health is much more than a number on the scale.
Written by Hannah Aylward
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