Honest Review of Beachbody's Ultimate Reset 21 Day Detox
Holy shit I actually did it! I did the entire 21 day detox. So how did it go? Was it worth it? What was it like? I'm going to tell you everything... the good, the bad, and the ugly. I kept a 21 day diary throughout the entire Ultimate Reset. I'm going to tell you exactly how each of my days went. After the diary, I'll go over pros and cons, then my final words, and lastly my results on the detox. I don't hold anything back and I give it to you straight. Ain't nobody gots time for bullshit. Find out if this detox is for you.
Note:
I am not affiliated with Beachbody in any way. I am not a BB coach nor did I get paid for this review. I purchased this 21 Day Detox with my own money and will not be reimbursed for doing this review. All opinions are my own.
I am neither a doctor nor a dietician. The following opinions are my own and should not be used as a substitution for medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting a new nutrition plan or exercise regimen.
This article contains Amazon affiliate links. See bottom of page for details.
Why did I want to do this detox?
Over eight years ago I started a weight loss journey and I lost over 120 pounds. It took me two years to lose it all by eating right and exercising. I've maintained that weight loss ever since. But every once in a while I get a little off track. Nothing crazy, I just start to veer off the path a little bit. If I don't reel it in and get my ass in gear, I know how easy it is to become a runaway freight train. It doesn't take long for me to go off the rails once I start making bad choices.
I have a food addiction which I have been able to keep in check for the most part, but I get into ruts where I can feel that I'm at a pivotal place where it could go either way. It is in this place where I can either get my shit together and get right back on a healthy path OR I could keep going down the wrong path and end up really regretting it. I decided to try out this detox to reset and get back on track. I could've gotten back on track without it, but I had always been curious about this detox in particular anyway so I thought what the hell, let me try this.
My husband and I had taken a trip to Nashville and we ate like we were getting paid. I don't regret it, but I was already getting a little off track before we even left and then damn, that trip did me in. I came home with my sugar cravings in high gear, not to mention a new obsession with Hattie B's Hot Chicken. You peeps in the south know how to cook! We ate like friggin' kings in Tennessee.
Okay, I'm going to start by outlining the schedule of this detox so that you know exactly what is involved. None of this next part will include my thoughts or opinions yet. Just the facts, ma'am.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS DETOX?
HERE'S THE TECHNICAL DETAILS
WEEK 1:
You'll be drinking a shit-ton of mineralized water (you do this all three weeks). The mineralization is simply you mixing some Himalayan pink salt into distilled water.
You'll be taking the OPTIMIZE supplement 30 minutes before each meal. This supplement is supposed to fix any kind of enzyme deficiency you may have. The supplement consists of digestive enzymes such as protease (a proteolytic enzyme that helps break down proteins), bromelain (an enzyme extracted from the pineapple plant), amylase (a digestive enzyme that helps break down starches), and lipase (a pancreatic enzyme that helps break down fats). It also contains the camu-camu fruit which is high in vitamin C.
You'll be drinking your Power Greens 30 minutes before your afternoon snack. Power Greens is a combo of six powerful greens: kale, spirulina, cucumber, celery, spinach, and chlorella.
You'll be taking your SOOTHE supplement 30 minutes before dinner. This supplement is a combination of aloe vera and curcumin (an extract of the spice turmeric). You'll take this along with the OPTIMIZE supplement.
WEEK 2:
You'll continue to drink the mineralized water.
You'll continue to take the OPTIMIZE supplement 30 minutes before all three meals.
You'll now also take the DETOX supplement 30 minutes before all meals (you'll take this at the same time as the OPTIMIZE). The DETOX supplement is supposed to reset and restore your liver and colon functions. This is considered to be the 'elimination' phase where any built up waste will be flushed out.
You'll continue to drink the Power Greens 30 minutes before your snack.
You'll continue to take the SOOTHE supplement 30 minutes before dinner. You'll take this along with the OPTIMIZE and DETOX supplements.
WEEK 3:
You'll continue to drink the mineralized water.
You'll continue to take the OPTIMIZE supplement 30 minutes before all three meals.
You'll now also take the REVITALIZE supplement 30 minutes before all meals (you'll take this at the same time as the OPTIMIZE). REVITALIZE is supposed to help restore your healthy flora (bacteria) in your digestive tract (improve your gut health). This supplement consists of both pro-biotics and pre-biotics.
You'll continue to drink the Power Greens 30 minutes before your snack.
You'll continue to take the SOOTHE supplement 30 minutes before dinner. You'll take this along with the OPTIMIZE and REVITALIZE supplements.
Okay, so that's the outline of the detox in terms of your daily schedule.
As for meals, you'll receive many recipes in your Program & Nutrition Guide along with a list of which recipes you can use for each meal in each week. You also have the option to drink the vegan Shakeology for either breakfast or for your snack during all three weeks of the detox.
I opted to not use the Shakeology drinks. I much rather eat my meals than drink them. I'd be able to handle drinking shakes for a few days, but not for 21 days. Also, the Shakeology would've been an added expense and was not included in the reset kit.
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Okay, are you ready to hear how this shit went down? Let's do this. Here's my day to day take on things:
DAILY DIARY: 21 DAY ULTIMATE RESET
THE DAY BEFORE DAY 1
The day before I started the detox, I meal prepped. Having meals already prepped makes the days go smoothly. Meal prepping isn't new to me. I've been doing it for over seven years now, so this wasn't a new pain-in-the-ass thing for me. I'm used to it. I plant my ass in the kitchen, blare my music, and Git-Er-Done.
Greek Salad with Chicken and Pine Nuts meal prep. I added the olives, pine nuts, and Greek Dressing right before eating. I enjoyed this salad. It was not too far off of what I normally have for lunch.
You don't have to meal prep if you don't want to, but I will say this... it makes life a whole helluva lot easier. I'm not gonna lie, it sucks while you're doing it, but it is glorious once it's done!
Veggies with Hummus and Quinoa Salad meal prep. I love veggies with hummus, but I did not like the Quinoa Salad, at all!
I used these meal prep containers to make life easier. They do take up a good bit of space in the fridge though, but to me it was well worth it. The containers are also microwave-safe so no need to transfer to another dish if you wanted it warmed up.
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Do you need some guidance in meal prepping or need a healthy meal plan?
TRY MY
4 Week KETO Meal Plan & Meal Prepping Guide
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DAY 1
I didn't really have to think too much about anything today. I set my alarms for my meals and supplements. Pretty easy... Until the caffeine withdrawal headache kicked in around 5:00pm. Let me tell you, by midnight I thought my head was actually going to split in half. I had a horrendous night with no sleep because of it. And I mean no sleep.
On this detox, Beachbody suggests to refrain from all caffeinated drinks and products. Caffeine is a stimulant and part of the detox is to reset your body and restore your own natural energy levels. In addition, coffee is extremely acidic (as is tea) and this acidity will counteract and cancel out the work that the detox is doing to balance your pH levels (acid/alkaline levels). They suggest that you do a 'coffee fade' for 1-2 weeks before you start the detox, where you would drink less and less each day and wean yourself off. I didn't do this, mainly because I'm a dumbass. Also because I'm addicted to coffee and I didn't want to give it up or even drink less until I absolutely had to. WRONG MOVE. I would highly recommend weaning yourself off of coffee and not doing what I did.
Highlight: I was actually really surprised that I wasn't hungry at all. I think it's mostly because of the water consumption.
Drag: The appearance of The Headache From Hell around 5:00pm.
Exercise: None.
Note:
You are NOT allowed to do any kind of intense workouts or weight lifting during this three week detox. You are only allowed to do 'gentle' workouts. Walking, swimming, stretching, and restorative yoga are permitted.
DAY 2
Omg this damn headache. I was so nauseous from the pain in my head that I didn't want to eat. I still ate all my meals and took all my supplements, but I didn't want to. I stayed in bed all day long. Yup, all day. If I even moved my head, it was unbearable. Those of you who don't have a coffee addiction will probably be fine. I would imagine my day would've gone just fine if it wasn't for this debilitating headache. But for those of you who drink coffee like your life depends on it, like I do, well...prepare for your brain to get really pissed off that it's not getting its java fix. It's not fun.
Highlight: No highlight. Today sucked balls because of my headache from hell.
Drag: See highlight.
Exercise: None.
DAY 3
Today was an exact repeat of yesterday. I had to force myself to eat. I just wanted saltines and ginger ale because of how nauseous my headache made me. I did everything I was supposed to do for the program; however, I was rendered pretty much useless because of this headache. Not sure how much longer I'll hang in there before I plug the coffee machine back in.
Highlight: Pfft, yeah right.
Drag: All 24 hours sucked major ass.
Exercise: Walked 20 minutes.
DAY 4
Thank God this headache is starting to ease up! It's been downgraded to a run-of-the-mill headache now. It no longer feels like my brains are going to spill out of my head. My appetite came back today since the nausea is gone, but I still didn't find myself super hungry. I wanted to eat by the time a meal came around but between drinking all the water and eating, I don't feel hungry or deprived. I've noticed in the past few days that I've been emotional. I even cried listening to a song today. I never cry... unless I'm about to get my period, which I'm not. The last couple of days I thought maybe it was just because of the headache and having some crappy days, but I don't think so. I think it has to do with this detox. I did read that this happens to a lot of people when on this particular detox. Weird.
I tried the Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque. I had read that a lot of people liked it, but I almost gagged. I took two bites and then literally flushed it down the toilet. I could not even force myself to eat it and I love sweet potatoes. I think where I went wrong with the bisque is that you choose between using broth or water and I picked the broth. If I had to make it again (which I never will), I'd pick water instead.
Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque
Highlight: By bedtime, my headache was almost completely gone. Finally got some sleep!
Drag: Okay, I'm really starting to hate the Power Greens. They're gross. I tried to tell myself I'd get used to them. I haven't and I won't. Yuck. And let me add another yuck for the bisque recipe. Ew.
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 5
An interesting thing happened today. I had my reflexology appointment and my reflexologist got to a certain part of my foot and I nearly went through the roof. Normally I'm very tender in specific areas that are ongoing issues for me, but today it was in a place that is never tender. I asked her what part of the body that painful spot represented. She told me it was the liver. She said my liver was very agitated and working overtime. Well guess what, folks? The liver is what detoxifies our bodies. When we're detoxing, the liver is the main player. So this news really excited me because it proved to me that my body is in fact working hard at removing all of the gunk and sludge from my system! As for meals and supplements, everything is going pretty smoothly. I was still emotional today though. So not like me.
I'm really liking my stir-fry veggies! I've always loved stir-fry vegetables so I'm happy I still get to eat them on this detox. I've been eating them with a sweet potato, which I also love. When I meal prepped, I made a shit-ton of baked sweet potatoes and stir-fry veggies so I could eat them everyday. I'm tellin' you, meal prepping is where it's at.
Stir-Fry Vegetables and Baked Sweet Potatoes
Yes, I know they look like regular potatoes, but real sweet potatoes do. Yams are an orange color, but sweet potatoes are more yellow and resemble regular potatoes. Even a lot of grocery stores mismark yams as being sweet potatoes. They are not the same.
Highlight: The detox is working! Knowing that makes it worth the effort.
Drag: Making dinner for my kids and husband is starting to get harder. I want to eat the food I'm making them. I won't, but I want to.
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 6
I woke up today wide awake. I can't be certain that it's because of this detox, but I'm assuming that it is. I can tell you that I haven't woke up feeling awake and refreshed in a very long time. I usually hit the snooze button 3-4 times. Today I opened my eyes, felt super awake, and got right up out of bed. Weird.
For lunch today I had Pinto Beans and Rice with a Microgreen Salad.
Pinto Beans and Rice with a Microgreen Salad
I wasn't feeling the seasoning on the beans and rice. It didn't taste good to me at all. So I decided to just mix it all together and it was much easier to get through that way. Definitely not delicious, but doable.
This evening my husband, Jay, and I went out with my cousin and her husband for dinner and a movie. I thought I was going to have a difficult time at dinner because we were going to one of my favorite restaurants. But I ate my Ultimate Reset dinner right before we headed out the door to the restaurant and surprisingly I didn't have any trouble at all. I sipped lemon water the whole time. I wasn't hungry at all so watching everybody eat delicious food honestly didn't even phase me. I thought I was going to want to stab everyone for eating delicious food, but I was fine.
Highlight: Starting to feel like the 21 days is totally doable. I am not having any cravings of any kind, not even for sweets (which are my downfall).
Drag: As I was chugging my Power Greens today my daughter's friend, who was standing right next to me, told me that it smelled like dirty fish tank water. I nearly gagged because she was absolutely right! I knew that smell was familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it and when she said that I was like, 'Omg that is exactly the smell!'. And believe me, we have a fish tank which I have a horrible habit of neglecting so I can tell you first hand that I know precisely what a dirty fish tank smells like... and yes, the Power Greens are an exact match. So now when I drink it, that's all I'm going to be thinking about. Barf.
Exercise: Walked 36 minutes.
DAY 7
Today's schedule was a little discombobulated because we had the MS Walk this morning/afternoon and then spent time hanging with our MS team afterwards. I had breakfast around 6:00am, but we didn't get home until around 4:00pm. Needless to say I was starving by the time we got home! So my reset schedule got thrown off. I still did everything I was supposed to, it was just severely delayed. I didn't have dinner until after 11:00pm.
I'm a little nervous about starting my second week tomorrow, but it's stemming mainly from the lack of protein in the mornings. On this detox, you can't have much protein at all after the first week. I'm used to very high protein breakfasts, so through this first week of the detox I was fine because I was able to eat eggs for breakfast (which I normally do).
Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Whole Grain Toast
If I don't get a lot of protein to start my day, I'm usually hungry all day. But whatever comes, so be it. It's only temporary and I'm going to trust the process because I'm starting to feel pretty damn good.
Highlight: I have one week down, baby!
Drag: It was super hard watching everyone chow down after the MS Walk today. There was so much food and I was famished! But I made it through without eating any of it.
Exercise: Walked 1 hour, 50 minutes. (MS 5K Walk)
DAY 8
Oh boy, I was pretty hungry today. I had three cups of fruit for breakfast.
It wasn't even 30 minutes later and I felt hungry. I love fruit, but it just doesn't pass as a meal for me by itself. I just sipped my water and anxiously awaited lunch time. I couldn't do any meal prep yesterday because we had the MS Walk, so I spent some time this evening making some meals for this week. I'm excited about all of the sweet potatoes I can have because I love them! They are one of my most favorite foods on the planet. Plus they're really filling.
I also felt tired all day today, but I'm hoping that's just from the 5K yesterday.
Highlight: I was pleasantly surprised at how the Detox powder tasted. I was dreading it this week because I was thinking it'd be gross like the power greens. Now believe me, it's not delicious by any means but it is totally doable compared to the nasty power greens drink.
Drag: Felt very hungry and tired today. Hoping that it was because yesterday's schedule was all messed up and that I exercised more than you're supposed to on this detox.
Exercise: None.
DAY 9
Still tired and hungry today. I also just didn't feel good. I have a sore throat and feel feverish. I don't know if I'm trying to fight something off or what. I went through the program with no real problems. Just felt more hungry.
Highlight: I didn't have any bathroom emergencies. I thought with two days of the new regimen, I might be having those results. Knowing this week is supposed to be the 'release' week, I was expecting some close calls. But everything is still working regularly. I know it says in the manual that it is a very gentle cleanse and doesn't cause urgent bathroom trips, but it doesn't take much for me so I thought it would still cause problems for me. So far it hasn't.
Drag: I am really having a tough time getting in all the water I'm supposed to be drinking. You're supposed to take your weight and divide in half and that's how many ounces of water each day you're to drink. I'm consistently falling about 20-25 ounces short. Damn, it's a lot of water. I feel like I'm floating!
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 10
Still no issues with bathroom visits and everything is going pretty well. I still hate the power greens, but I've learned to stop whining like a little bitch and just shoot it. The Detox drink is fine. It's not good but it's not gross either. I find my times throughout the day for taking supplements and meals to be a little off, but nothing drastic. I'm just so super busy all day, it's hard to stop what I'm doing right then and there and get it done. But it happens and it's not too far off the regimen so I think I'm okay.
Still eating fruit for breakfast. I really do love fruit, but it's getting harder having fruit for a meal. It doesn't stick with me at all.
Highlight: I am feeling a little better today. My sore throat is gone and I'm not feverish anymore. I guess I was just having an off day, but idk I feel like I'm trying to fight something off or something. Feeling good about being halfway through the week already though!
Drag: I made BBQ ribs for my family today. Ya I know, dumbass move. Omg it killed me! The smell was so heavenly. My husband was supposed to make them on the grill but they were calling for rain all day so I put them in the crockpot instead. STUPID! That smell was all through the house. Do yourself a favor and don't make any of your favorite meals for your family during this reset. I couldn't even watch them eat. Just knowing they were sitting at the table gobbling up that yumminess made me want to slap every single one of them upside the head!
Exercise: Walked 43 minutes.
DAY 11
Oh my, I was nauseous all through the night. Ugh. I don't know what the hell is going on. I'm not sure if I really am fighting something off or getting a bug or this is from the Ultimate Reset. I normally am a very bellyache-y type of person so maybe it's just one of those times my stomach decided to be an asshole. Who knows. By lunchtime I was kind of okay again, but I barely ate breakfast.
Highlight: I noticed today that this regimen has become such a routine that it's become my current normal. I'm no longer saying to myself in my head, 'I can't wait for this to be over.' That's definitely a good thing because I still have 10 more days to go!
Drag: I really tried hard with the water today. Like super hard. Still fell short. Ugh, tomorrow is yet another day I suppose.
Exercise: Walked 40 minutes.
DAY 12 & DAY 13
Well, now I know why I felt like shit yesterday. I got the Devil Gut Virus! Omg, I know you all know what that means. Needless to say, there was no supplement taking or power green drinking or any eating of any kind for two full days. I was sick as hell. No wonder I've been feeling off lately!
Highlight: Yeah right. I don't think so.
Drag: Liquid death coming out of both ends.
Exercise: Hahahaha, yeah, no. Unless you count running to the bathroom.
DAY 14
I wasn't feeling that great today but a helluva lot better than I was so I'll take it. But I couldn't follow the meal plan today. My stomach just wasn't ready for fruits and veggies. I sipped organic vegetable broth and had some saltine crackers. I know crackers aren't on the list of allowable foods but I didn't care. I also drank coconut water all day to help replenish my electrolytes. Coconut water is also a no-no on this detox, but I didn't gaf. I had just been through two days of liquid hell and I played by my own rules today.
Highlight: I didn't throw up or shit my pants.
Drag: I still kinda felt like I was going to throw up and shit my pants.
Exercise: Hell no.
DAY 15
It felt good to get back to the routine. Not sure if my stomach was ready for the power greens, but I managed. Not sure why I have such an aversion to the power greens. Oh wait, I know, because it tastes like shit. But whatever, just one more week to go.
Power Greens Drink
Highlight: Back on track and ready to knock this last week out of the ballpark.
Drag: Really missing protein in the morning. Hardcore.
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 16
I started eating the smashed chickpeas for breakfast with a piece of fruit.
Seasoned Mashed Chickpeas
After the first week, you're only supposed to have fruit for breakfast but hey you know what?... I needed some protein. I found myself too hungry an hour after breakfast. For over 8 years, I've had protein every morning. Since the smashed chickpeas are allowed this week I figured how bad can it be if I eat them for breakfast instead of lunch or dinner?
Highlight: I was happy about the little boost of protein in the morning. Yup, that will continue to happen. *I'm not telling you to do this! I have no idea if my rebellion will interfere with the process, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I'm not willing to go without any protein in the mornings anymore.
Drag: Good day. No reportable drags.
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 17
I just realized that if a person could actually turn into a food, I would be a sweet potato right now. I have at least one everyday. Good thing I love them!
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Highlight: Overall I'm feeling really good. No bloating or cravings (except maybe for more protein).
Drag: I'm not feeling the recipes. I've honestly tried to like them this whole time, but I just don't. I'll go more into that in my pros and cons (the next section).
Exercise: Walked 45 minutes.
DAY 18
I'm feeling good. I can definitely feel my body getting back to business. I don't feel sluggish like I did before I started this detox and my mind fog is almost completely gone. That's a biggie. I started feeling like I was becoming a moron. It's good to find out my brain still works. I started slipping too much processed shit into my diet. My bod can't handle that stuff. Now with all of it out of my system, I'm feeling like myself again.
I did something different for lunch today. I had oatmeal and blueberries with Greek yogurt and one stevia packet. It was really good! I know it looks bland and weird, but it really tasted good to me. I wish I would've tried this sooner. I would've eaten this the whole time!
Highlight: Clothes are looser!
Drag: Good day! Drag-free.
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 19
I'm still eating the chickpeas for breakfast with a piece of fruit. But omg I can't wait to have eggs again. That's the first thing I'm adding back into my diet. On the first morning after this detox, I'm going to eat the biggest friggin omelet known to humankind. I've always known that I love eggs, But I never thought I'd miss them this much.
Highlight: Oh baby the end is near! I can feel it! Cakewalk now.
Drag: I'm not sure I'll ever eat another lentil after this. I've always kind of 'put up' with lentils, but I think that tolerance level has plummeted. I really hate them now.
Exercise: Walked 64 minutes.
DAY 20
Put on my jeans today that I haven't worn in a few weeks and they were noticeably big. My daughter even commented on how baggy they looked. I haven't weighed myself, but I know I've lost weight. All of my clothes are fitting better.
Highlight: Very happy that my jeans aren't digging into my waist!
Drag: Good day! No drags to speak of!
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
DAY 21
Oh hells yeah, baby!
Highlight: NO MORE POWER GREENS! Sweet Baby Jesus, no more dirty fish tank shakes! Hallelujah!
Drag: No drags here, baby. This shit is a wrap!
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes.
PROS VS. CONS
PROS:
You don't have to think. All the thinking has already been done for you. You just follow the schedule.
Recipes and food lists are easy to follow.
Sugar cravings disappeared in just four days.
By the second week I noticed more energy. I was feeling very awake in the mornings.
No more brain fog! I can think again!
Hardly any bloating (I was very bloat-y before the detox).
The first week's meal plan is pretty easy to stick to. Eggs and toast in the morning is what I usually have anyway and you're also allowed chicken. Chicken and I are really good friends, so no problemo there.
CONS
The Ultimate Reset will set you back some greenbacks, $200 plus shipping and handling. If you buy a double kit, it's $350, plus shipping and handling. So maybe convince someone to do it with you and each save some money.
My caffeine withdrawal headache the first 3-4 days was hella brutal. I'm not even playin'. It was horrific.
The Power Greens taste like shit. Just the thought of them makes me want to gag and you can never unsmell them.
On busy days it's hard to stay right on schedule with taking the supplements and drinking the greens/detox mixes. Every few hours there is something to eat, drink, or take. I set alarms but still had some trouble staying on track.
I did not make a ton of the recipes but more than half of the ones that I did make, I didn't care for. I still ate them (for the most part) but I wasn't loving them by any means. The Seasoned Smashed Chickpeas, the Lentil Lime Salad, and the Quinoa Salad were huge fails for me. I didn't like them at all. But the worst was the Sweet Potato Roasted Pepper Bisque. In other reviews for this detox, I read that people really liked the recipes, but most of them I didn't. If I had to eat some of that stuff in order to stay healthy, I'd never succeed.
I missed the protein the last two weeks. I'm a huge protein eater so that was something I couldn't get used to. I wasn't necessarily hungry, because I was constantly drinking water and eating meals or having a snack, but I never really felt full. Protein foods always make me feel like I really ate and they make me feel full for many hours after I eat.
It felt weird not working out. At least I got to walk though, it was better than nothing.
21 days is a lengthy detox. Even though three weeks usually goes by pretty quick, it can really drag when you're on a detox, especially one where you have to gag down power greens everyday.
An alternative option:
I've also done the 3 Day Refresh Detox, which is obviously much, MUCH easier to do than 21 days. It's also less than half the cost of the 21 Day Ultimate Reset.
photo source: beachbody.com
I don't think Beachbody's 3 Day Refresh gives you nearly as much detox power as the Ultimate Reset does, but I will say that the two times I did the 3 Day Refresh, it made my sugar cravings disappear, my bloat was gone almost immediately, and I fell right back on track after just three days. I didn't really feel detoxed though. So if you're going for a true detox feeling afterwards, I'm not sure this 3 day banger will do it for you.
NOTE:
I'd like to note again, regarding the recipes in this detox, that I did read a lot of reviews where people liked them. So you might really like them too; however, I honestly didn't care for most of the recipes. I don't want to discourage anyone, because we all have different tastes and what may not taste good to me may be something you think is delicious. But to me, most of the meals tasted like 'diet food' and that just doesn't do it for me. I've become somewhat of a master over the last eight years at coming up with very healthy meals that don't taste healthy. My own recipes have more of a comfort food feel to them so I'm used to eating incredibly delicious meals, all of which helped me lose 120 pounds.
I have over 45 delicious healthy recipes, including skinny desserts, under my Healthy Eats Category.
WHAT I DID A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY FROM THE PLAN:
1. I did not follow the meal plan exactly how it's laid out in the manual.
There is a different set of meals for every single day. There just isn't any way on any alternate universe that I can make all of that food with my schedule. Plus, I felt like I'd need to take out a damn loan to buy all the ingredients for the many, many recipes. In addition, it's really hard to meal prep when you have to make so many different recipes. Homie don't play that. Kudos to anyone who has the time (and money) to buy all those ingredients and make different recipes for every meal, everyday. But there's just no way that was happening in my world.
Each week, I picked two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. I meal prepped before the week started so that it was all made ahead of time. It was just easier for me that way and if I had to do it over again, I would do it that same exact way.
2. I did not drink as much water as I was supposed to.
This was not on purpose. I tried, I really did. Could I have tried harder? Absolutely. But I just felt like I was already floating with all that water in me and I just couldn't force myself to drink any more. Day after day I fell short on the water thing. I feel like it's probably really important to drink the water to help flush everything out. But even though I fell short, I didn't fail miserably. I would usually come up about 20 ounces short each day. So I could've done better, but I don't think I failed. I'd give myself a solid C.
3. I broke rank and started eating some protein in the mornings.
One of the allowed foods in the last week is smashed chickpeas, but not until lunch or dinner. However, I started eating them in the mornings with a piece of fruit. It was either that or I was gonna start making eggs, which aren't allowed after the first week at all.
I don't regret my decision. I didn't even like the smashed chickpeas but at least they stuck with me and made me feel like I actually ate breakfast. Fruit just doesn't do it for me. Like I said earlier, I'm not saying for you to break rank too. I would say follow the plan like you're supposed to. I've just never done well with rules, especially when I'm hangry.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Why this detox might be easier for me than someone who doesn't normally eat healthy:
I eat very healthy. I have for the past 8 years. I'm very used to eating a lot of vegetables, fruit, healthy grains, and lean meats. Other than the lack of protein in the last two weeks of this detox, the eating was very similar to what I'm already used to in terms of clean eating with lots of fruits and vegetables.
I wanted to do this detox because I had gotten off track. It started with me nibbling here and there on a little bit of processed foods (for eight years my diet has been almost completely process-free and sugar-free). Then it became more and more. I also started eating foods with sugar. I was feeling like such shit. My body wasn't used to any of that slop and it was rebelling. I felt the sugar cravings becoming a problem. I was also constantly bloated.
For whatever reason, I just couldn't reel it all in and get my shit together. I wasn't doing anything horribly off track, I just noticed things starting to move in a bad direction. I wanted to do the detox to clear my body of everything and start fresh. I knew my cravings and bloated belly would disappear if I could just stop eating everything that wasn't wholesome and clean. And that is exactly what happened, by Day 4 they disappeared.
Why this detox might appeal to some people:
You are not allowed to workout. You are only allowed to do gentle activities, if any. All intense workouts and all weight resistance and strength training exercises are prohibited. For those of you who get overwhelmed thinking about starting to eat right AND exercise at the same time, this lets you rest a little easier and just focus on your nutrition for three weeks.
Did I need to do this detox?
No. I definitely didn't need to do it. But because I couldn't seem to get my shit together on my own right away and I had always been curious about this reset detox, I figured why not. I also knew if I spent the money on this detox, I would finish it. There was no way I was going to waste over 200 dollars. So I knew it would force me to complete all 21 days. And quite honestly, it doesn't matter which program you are doing, if you can eat healthy for 21 days straight, you have just solidified a new healthy routine and that's what I was aiming for.
I definitely didn't need to do this detox. I already know what I should be doing and if I could've pulled my head out of my ass, I could've saved myself a lot of money. With that being said, I am glad I did the detox. It really did get me back on track.
Would I do this detox again?
Probably not. Again, I am glad that I did it (now that it's over) but in the future if I get off track again and I feel like I really need to do a detox, I would do the 3 Day Refresh Detox instead of the 21 Day Ultimate Reset. For me, the 3 Day Refresh Detox is enough of a jolt to get me back on track. But keep in mind, I've been living a very healthy lifestyle for over eight years now, so it may be easier for me to get back on track after three good days than someone who has been living a very unhealthy lifestyle for a long time.
Would I recommend this detox to others?
Like I said above, I didn't need to do this detox but I'm glad I did. The biggest downfall is the price. But let's be serious here... your health is an investment and if it gets you back on track or helps you start your journey, then it would be worth it.
For someone who doesn't know where to begin or how to start a health journey, this might be a helpful way to start off with a bang. Also, for someone who really feels they need to detox and doesn't feel like doing the research to figure out how to do one on their own, this delivers everything you need in a little white box to your doorstep.
One big benefit of this detox being 21 days is that once you're done, you've really settled yourself into a healthy pattern.
But if your main goal is to simply lose some bloat, kill your cravings, and quickly get back on track, the 3 Day Refresh Detox would do the job without the big price tag.
However, if you are so off track that three days is nowhere long enough to right your path, then maybe the 21 day reset would be a better option. In my opinion, I don't think any 'boxed' or 'packaged' detox of any kind is truly necessary. I believe with the right foods, lots of sleep, Epsom salt baths, and lots of hydration, we can detox on our own. But again, these types of detoxes make it easier because you don't have to think. It's all laid out for you already. Honestly, that was my main reason for trying it. I was in a funk and didn't feel like putting in the extra effort into figuring out things on my own. My laziness won. Sad but true.
Do you need this detox?
Do I think anybody needs this detox? Absolutely not. Just my opinion. There isn't anything in particular about this Ultimate Reset that is magical. You can come very close to getting the very same benefits from simply eating detoxifying foods and/or taking natural supplements on your own. But the fact that it shows up at your house all tucked neatly in a box with everything you need and a manual and a schedule appeals to the masses. I mean it did to me and I already know what the hell I should be doing. I'm just saying with some planning and some balls, you could get similar results on your own without spending the money.
In the end, I will say I'm very glad I did it. My energy is back, my mind is right, and my body feels like it's running efficiently. I can take it from here. So this detox did exactly what I wanted it to do.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or lost or unsure of where to even start with things then yes, I would recommend this detox. It does all the thinking for you and you don't have to worry about what to do. If you just need a little boost in the right direction, then I would recommend the 3 Day Refresh Detox. I do feel like anyone could get very similar results trying a natural detox on their own though, but with that would come some research and thinking and well, we all hate thinking most of the time. I'm including myself in that last statement.
But nobody needs any kind of pre-packaged detox program. Our bodies are designed to repair and restore themselves and with proper nutrition, regular activity, and adequate sleep, they do just that. If anybody tells you that you must take (and buy) a ton of different supplements and detox drink powders to get healthy again, they are full of shit. With that being said, if you follow a sound and safe program, which I believe both the Ultimate Reset and the 3-Day Refresh to be, it can be helpful in getting you to a good starting point. But there's a big difference between helpful and necessary.
This detox wasn't the easiest thing in the world to follow, but it's doable. And it's only three weeks. Just about anyone can deal with anything for three weeks... even fucking Power Greens.
MY RESULTS
I lost 9 pounds and 8 1/2 inches in 21 days. I was pretty impressed with the results, especially since I didn't follow the regimen exactly how it was laid out. I also was a little surprised because I didn't really have that much extra weight on me. I was expecting at the very most maybe a 4-5 pound loss.
I was even more happy about losing the inches. I learned long ago that the scale is a stupid bitch. I don't trust it and I certainly don't let it rule my emotions or define me anymore. But measurements I trust! You can always count on measurements to tell you the truth.
Now if this detox had been strictly a liquid diet or a super low calorie plan (which I would never do), I would chalk up the weight loss as mostly water weight loss or lean muscle weight loss. But the fact that you get to eat three meals, plus a snack everyday and get to eat real food, I would assume that the weight loss is true fat loss.
I would love to hear about your results or thoughts/opinions if you have done this 21 day detox. Please let me know in the comments. I'm curious!
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*The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this article is for general information purposes only. I am not a doctor, nor am I a dietitian. Talk to your physician before making any changes in your diet or exercise regimen. The information found in this article is from various sources which include, but are not limited to, the sites listed above. I encourage you to do your own research and talk with your physician before making any changes in diet or exercise. What has worked for me may not work for you. This information in this article or on this website should never replace or serve as medical advice.
NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR HAVE ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Please Note: The review in this blog post is not meant to serve as the manufacturer's instructions. I did not receive this product for free nor was I asked to do a product review. I purchased this product (detox) and did in fact complete the entire 21 day detox. Results will vary with each individual.
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