Remember this our plan to heal our gut. Consult your doctor before beginning any program. Adjust to your own body and needs. We have done our own research and have come to these steps to help us in our journey to heal our stomach issues. Please do your own research before starting anything new. We are not really sure how long we plan to do this program. And over time we might be changing things depending on how our bodies are doing. We plan to share just about everything as we heal, so we apologize now if some things are TMI. We want to be honest as we are using our blog as our journal.
We keep moving forward with our journey. Each day, each week we are learning, trying, discovering, embracing and loving life and learning more about our bodies along the way.
12 minute core cardio #plankworkout (mountain climbers instead of high knees) followed by Tone It Up Sunkissed ab routine and 25 push-ups
It sure felt good to move the body first thing Monday morning. Great way to start off a busy week with a little cardio and a little ab work!
Remember to make each workout count! You have the power and strength to succeed! Stay positive! You can achieve your fitness goals!
Michelle Day 10 recap:
I woke up last night with a nice surprise. Yep, I got my period.
Lori and I have discussed many times on here (and on pure2raw) about our irregular periods. Well ever since taking the whole summer off from intense workouts and eating more fat, we slowly gained our periods back. But they are still irregular and there are still months when we do not get a period. But we are making progress!! And that is what counts. We seem to be going every 2-3 months of getting a period.
So, yeah, I got my period, which is good, but also bad since I am traveling. Why does it always come at the worst times? This does help explain my skin breakouts and bad constipation. Oh, this trip to California is going to be real fun, haha. I am still keeping a positive attitude during it all.
Morning: I drank a cup of water and took my morning probiotic, fish oil pill and l-glutamine.
Started my morning with a bowl full of raspberries (frozen that I defrost). I do have the juice too.
Since I am going out of town, the older sis and I are making due with the food we have left in the fridge. I enjoyed two eggs, 4 slices of turkey bacon and a whole sweet potato all topped with coconut oil with 2 cups of coffee.
Mid-day I enjoyed the last bit of my cauliflower leek mash with 3 carrots, coconut oil and spices (cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom) with more coffee.
I got hungry early evening so I finished off the frozen bag of raspberries and added a handful of blueberries topped off with cinnamon.
Dinner time. I took my pre-dinner pills: fish oil pill, l-glutamine, quercetin, licorice, digestive enzyme, plus one 1 tsp of calm magnesium.
Dinner was a nice treat as my older sis made-up lots of crispy tuna (took canned tuna that was packed in olive oil and cooked up on the skillet). We used to enjoy this all the time growing up. I forgot how much I loved it! In addition to my crispy tuna I had 1/2 avocado, sauerkraut and the last bag of brussel sprouts. Topped my dinner plate with 1 tbsp coconut oil and spices (turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, as you can tell these are Lori’s and my go-to spices).
I enjoyed more crispy tuna! The sis and I do not like leaving town with leftover food, so we eat till everything is gone 😉 Not the first time we have done this!
I did put magnesium oil on my legs.
Michelle: Day 11 recap –
Bathroom: some success, not much but I will take it
Energy: pretty good
Gas: yes a little gas, bloating and cramping. Thank you period. (my period is not very heavy yet and cramping not bad just really bloated)
Skin: nothing new to report, although I was discussing my dry skin with the sis and she mentioned she uses olive oil in the shower. So I am going to try that out too!
Water intake – 10 cups
Looking back at my eats I realized I should have had my big protein-packed dinner for lunch and my smaller meal for dinner. As I was extremely full after my dinner plate with the second helping of tuna. But hey you live and learn. One reason I ate so much, besides trying to finish off food, was we were leaving very very early in the morning to get to the airport. So I figured fill up now so I am not hungry in the morning. Not sure if that was smart, but at the time it seemed okay. Again you live and learn.
Lori’s 11 day of healing recap:
I took my morning probiotic, fish oil pill and l-glutamine.
First meal of the day was 3 slices of turkey bacon, with 4oz sweet potatoes, chopped romaine, 2 whole eggs, turmeric and cardamom. Topped with 1 tbsp coconut oil. I usually have this meal at least 30 minutes after my workout. Usually it is about almost an hour afterwards before I eat it. I also enjoyed 2 cups black coffee like usual.
How gorgeous is that juice? Love all the different colors shining through!! Real food can be so beautiful!
Next meal was fresh juice, still on my fresh juice kick 🙂
Yesterdays juice was 1 beet, 3 carrots, 2 apples, lots of kale, ginger, half cucumber and fresh basil.
Little bit later I got a little hungry so I enjoyed one large banana with 1/2 cup frozen (lightly defrosted) raspberries. Topped with cinnamon! Perfect snack. I was so satisfied with this bowl full of goodness.
Late afternoon I enjoyed the leftover frozen spinach from the night before and a few brussel sprouts. Topped with 1 tbsp coconut oil and cinnamon. Guess I was feeling the cinnamon yesterday 😉
Picked up this Yogi peppermint tea. Enjoyed a 1 1/2cups of tea before dinner.
I took my pre-dinner pills: fish oil, l-glutamine, quercetin, licorice, digestive enzyme.
Dinner was more brussel sprouts, half avocado, half canned salmon, sardines, sautéed greens, broccoli/carrot slaw, sauerkraut, dulse flakes and 1 tbsp coconut oil.
Also prepped a lot of my food for the next few days. I try to do that every Monday night, so the next few nights my food is ready to go. Makes it a little easier on me to whip up dinners faster.
Lori: Day 11 recap –
Bathroom: yes, stool was between stool 2 and 3.
Energy: very good, was productive and focused
Gas: no major complaints, no bloating besides a little before bed but nothing drastic
Skin: face is doing well, still struggling with getting my back cleared-up (getting a little depressed about it)
Water intake – 10 cups (does not include juice)
Overall my day 11 was good. Like I mentioned I am getting really frustrated with what is happening on my back. I am starting to get a little depressed about it. I continue to clean it morning and night. At night now I am using witch hazel with thyme essential (which is what I use on my face and have great results) so I figured might as well give it a try. Just like Michelle said, I live and learn. I am going to try this out this week and see if I get any improvements. Fingers crossed.
Twins Question: Are you enjoying your life journey? How do you overcome a stumble in the road? Do you find yourself doing the live and learn like us?
til next time,
xoxo
purelytwins
39 comments
Yay for getting back your period! And boo for getting back your period. lol. I went through the same thing last summer. For over three months, I didn’t have one. And of course, my first thought was “OMG I’m pregnant!” So I tested and it was negative. So I went to the doctor, and it was it negative. Doctor made me test every single month. Nothing.
It wasn’t until I decided to stop taking my asthma medication in favor of more natural remedies (decided to try cutting out dairy) that suddenly it came back. Which was awesome because it gave me piece of mind, but also terrible because..well…I got my period. Lol. The only upside is I’ve noticed it’s easier for me to go to the bathroom during that time of the month. Not sure if you guys have found the same thing.
oh the joys of the period.
Great update!
I tend to take things in stride very well these days… I didn’t used to! But, for example, on Sat I went to the airport and realized I forgot my wallet, so I missed/canceled my flight and rescheduled it for a few days later… In the past, I would have been stressed/upset… but now, I just laughed and did what I needed to do. Life is much better this way 🙂
I also take the live and learn approach–that feels so positive rather than having regrets about choices I made (even if they seem dumb after the fact!).
we love you Lisa 🙂
Hello, I was wondering if you could explain a little more about Quercetin. Also, I saw the product Calm on your blog and was wondering if you see any progress using this product for stress and constipation.
Thanks!
sara
We got the idea and information about quercetin from the book Practical Paleo. But here is some quick info.
Quercetin has been linked to supporting the immune system, clearing excess congestion, supporting bone health, and may aid in fighting mild allergy problems
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029182_quercetin_health.html#ixzz2I4Qixlcl
Have not noticed much from the Calm yet, I will mention on the blog if I do notice benefits, but only taken a few days so feel I need more time to notice anything major.
Which model juicer do you have? Which did you used to have?
Thanks!
http://purelytwins.com/2013/01/04/plan-to-heal-the-gut/ we share the pictures of the juicer we have, its the breville compact juice fountain 700-watt
Thanks! Which is the one you did not care for? Researching which one to get 🙂
I’m loving all of these updates! Reading everyday! Have you thought about adding in acupuncture for the constipation? It’s really working for me!
thanks girl! lova ya
and we hope to add in acupuncture when we have a little more extra cash, so happy to hear it is working for you!!! yay!!! HUGS
Lori,
I know you’ve been dealing with back issues and maybe you’ve explored this option already…I had bad breakouts when I was younger and after visiting a dermatologist, found out that I had what was basically a yeast infection on my back. He gave me a topical shampoo (think maybe something that contained charcoal for dandruff?). Anyway, something to think about and hopefully maybe something helpful for you….
Love the blog and this series!
thanks Amanda, very interesting. I never had this before, so new to me. I will have to look into that. thanks
(You girls should read, “Why Women Need Fat”.)
I know it’s easier said than done, but gaining weight (in the lower half of the body) is what will get your period back – but not just back – have it back and regular.
It’s all about the needed percentage of body fat in that region of our bodies (bum, thighs)
This is especially hard for a lot of us who think that to be healthy, we need to be exercising everyday or getting in the right number of carbs, proteins, and fats…
When it comes down to it – when our body is not in a state of homeostatis – when it is out of balance (signs of being out of balance: irregular periods, hormonal acne, fatigue, digestive complaints, etc.) – when it is not at the weight the body is meant to be at (i.e. when it is in a state of fighting to be at its natural weight (your natural set-point)) – nothing will get better.
I’ve been fooling myself for YEARS into thinking that if I follow a certain diet or take the right supplements, I could fix everything, but that’s just not true. The truth is – we need to be in balance, so that our bodies function properly.
I’m not saying stop exercising or stop being careful about what you eat – but be real with yourself. Wanting your body to be in balance, but wanting to have RIPPED abs and a tight ass even more, will not change anything.
I’m sorry if this came off as rude – but it’s the way it is.
thanks Zosia, we have read many hormonal related books, and articles. We are well aware of what we need to do and have thought many things over and over, we are still working everything out. Thanks for the info.
Hello … I have been following and loving the Twins blogs for several years now and I have never commented until today … but today I felt compelled … not to defend the twins as the truth needs no defence but to share another perspective than the one left above … I have had celiac disease since I was a kid … and no one knew what was wrong with me .. I was diagnosed when I was 39 … during this time I have been all over the map with weight and with exercise and with my nutritional intake … and I must say I have been very low fat and weight and had my period and I have been heavier and not had my period …. there are so many variables that impact hormones and our bodies and every individual in a unique way that to generalize that it is all about fat and exercise is simply that a generalization… we are all unique and we all must find our own path and own it!!! And I deeply appreciate how Michelle and Lori share their experiences always prefacing that they are their choices and their experience’s — in doing so encourage their followers to do their own self discovery!!! I thank Michelle and Lori for being brave to share their journey!! may we all use their courage to embark on our own paths of self discovery free from judgement!!!
thank you thank you thank you Dana!!!!! Love you girl!!! You nailed it right on the head! We are all so different 🙂
thank you so much for the kind words and support! It means the world to us!
love ya
there is not need to get angry or feel like you have to get defensive. i didn’t write what i wrote out of anger/negative judgement. i wrote it to give you a new perspective. sometimes we need that. sometimes we need to be told something we don’t want to hear, so that after the anger subsides, we can take a closer look at ourselves.
Zosia we were not trying to be rude or defensive either, we were just letting you know. It is hard to understand peoples tone and reasoning sometimes through blogging and words.
Whoop congrats on the period Michelle! Do you think fat in the diet is important for getting your cycle then? I haven’t had a period in way too long and am looking for advice!
I could slurp up that beautiful juice right now- the colours are so vibrant it’s got to be doing the body some good.
thanks Emma, I think adding in high quality healthy fats is very important in helping you get your period back, and reducing stress, and cutting down the intensity of workouts for a little big, along with clean eating – it takes time but if you give the body the nutrients it needs than it will heal! good luck HUGS
You girls are so very right when you say that you have to do what works best for you. I always had severe acne but after cutting dairy and my skin has cleared. Celiac keeps me from wheat and the film Earthlings has kept me from meat (except the occasional seafood, no one’s perfect!). But God made you the way you are so feel proud and blessed (try not to be discouraged). On a side note, seems like you are very interested in natural healing but to get my period flowing my dr. has put me on the pill (it worked…but it’s back) and for acne I HIGHLY recommend DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ products!
#1 Awesome news about the period! People are quick to blame body fat and being an athlete, but there are SO many things at play. Women are complex!
#2 Love the “fried” tuna dish! I’ve never heard of that before but I’m definitely trying it out soon.
thanks girl! yes we are very complex creatures 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree, Laura (and the Twins!). Gals are complex – way more than guys – haha…I’ve had docs tell me my periods are irregular because I run too much, but the irony is that I got my period (regularly!) when I was training for a full marathon. I tell ya, we’re a mystery 🙂 *on that note, yay for periods coming back!
yay! oh the joys of the human body 🙂
Yay Michelle for getting you period! Too bad it is as you are traveling to CA. Question for Michelle: you may be covering this in tomorrows post, what food are you bringing with you to CA?
Big congrats on getting your period!! I remember as a young teen when I was eating a low fat diet and I got so skinny that my period stopped for a while and my hair even started thinning.
I wish i could get nitrate bacon here 🙁 I looove runny yolks too – have two over easy every day for breaky.
runny yolks the best 😉
I hope you can find bacon soon girl! hugs
What brand of L-Glutamine powder do ya’ll use? My doctor just told me I need to go on the candida diet and wants me to take l-glutamine.
http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulations-L-glutamine-1000mg-Tablets/dp/B0001TNPA2
this is what we take
I have to say I’ve been loving these posts – I think its wonderful that you are sharing your journey. Congrats on your period Michelle! I’m trying to heal my amenorrhoea at the moment with kinder workouts and a lot of extra fat so I’m holding out some hope!
thanks girl! keep up the great work, you will get there, sometimes it takes the body sometime to heal!! HUGS
Not sure if you have tried squatting on the toilet (as is common in China and many other parts of the world). Really helps me. Look up “Nature’s Platform” for more info. You don’t need to buy any special equipment! You can just put your feet on the seat and go. Works best if you remove your lower half clothes completely. Maybe sounds crazy if that’s new, but seriously many people do this all over the world and have less digestive problems.
Second tip: for me to be regular (which has been a challenge ever since getting pregnant for the first time a few years ago), it helps to sleep at the same time every night.
thanks Kate for the ideas!
I am loving your ladies journey and I feel I am starting to be able to connect to my own self more now and really learning to love myself. I really struggle with loving myself and I beat myself up about the way I look but following your journey is opening my eyes and making me enjoy life more and keep positive. You are a true inspiration to me and I feel you have helped me on my journey to being healthy vs. fighting myself to be skinny and hating the way I look. I dont know if you realize how much you truely help people. Thank you so much!
Michelle thank you so much! this comment made our day! love you xoxo
When you do not have period or have it irregural it is not normal and your body is trying to tell you something. This has happened to me after 2 years of bodyrock workout next 9 month no period so I start to listen to my body and just stopped excercise and doing yoga only. I took whole year to get my period back and 10 months to got it regurral and next 10 month to lenghten my lutheal phase necessary for when you want to get pregnent. So no bodyrock no muscles is more than healthy fertility. Keep in mind that when you do not have regurral period you will never have clean face cause hormones. Good luck girls and take care(no fun with period you can be infertile forever)
So interesting.
Ive been pulling with just coconut oil — Im gonna switch it up and see what happens.