(30-05-2014, 18:53)KinakoNeko Wrote: Caitemh,
wow...so much to say after reading through your program! First of all congratulations on your growth and quitting smoking! Two huge (no pun intended) life changes!
I have a quick question: how did you go about doing your herb cleanse? I was thinking of doing something similar to what I do for my workout supplements, which is a very basic 3 weeks on 1 week off for the majority of them. Certain things that are more potent I do 1 month on 1 month off to really cleanse my liver and kidneys. Aside from simply stopping the supplements I also drink ~1.5-2gals (6-8 liters) of distilled water/day plus 1tsp Apple Cider Vinegar and 1-2 lemons juiced in my water at night.
Just a thought on the amino acids (l-lysine and arganine) these, plus l-leucine, are used a lot in the bodybuilding world (and with exercise in general) because amino acids are essential to both brain function as well as muscle repair, retention, and growth. Because I workout 7 days/week and have a physically active job sip Aminos throughout the day, the best product I've found is Cellucor Alpha Amino - each serving (powder I add to 1 liter of water) is:
- 5000mg BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acid) mix, which is a 3-1-1 ratio blend of l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine
- 2500mg blend of glutamine, alanine, l-citrulline, l-arginine, l-threonine, l-lysine, and a few others
- 2500mg blend taurine, raw coconut water, phosphates, chia seed extract
I'm wondering if a more complex blend of amino acids, rather than a super high dose of lysine and arganine will benefit you more? Also, being able to sip this throughout the day vs taking a large dose in pill form tends to be better metabolized and absorbed.... just a thought 
Anyway...your progress is amazing. It's reassuring, too, to hear that even when you've gotten busy with life and didn't NB as often your bust didn't deflate back to its previous size! That makes me feel a lot more confident about NBE hahahaha Can't wait to read about more progress! <3
Well, first off to say, your cleanse seems to be much more than what I do! I only cleansed with lots of water and milk thistle for my herbs. I did two weeks.
And as for the blends of amino acids, that does sound like it would be a much better option for me. But, I guess there's no shame in admitting something in not necessarily embarrassed about, I really should stay away from L-arginine completely. I was researching L-lysine and L-arginine together at the beginning of my program, but unfortunately I have been living with herpes simplex 2 virus for about two years now. And with my research I discovered that L-arginine exacerbates the virus and breakouts are more rampant. Where as the L-lysine helps to reduce breakouts. So now I just take L-lysine for the sake of controlling my virus.
I don't know what else I could do really.
And yes, my life has gotten very busy lately and it's put a damper on my program.
When I was with my ex, it was my obsession to keep my mind active, occupied, and off the problems he and I had. It was my salvation and I dedicated so much time to it. After he and I split, I didn't even have the energy to continue my program. I stopped for a couple weeks, herbs and NB. Not even massage. I have shrank a bit, but by no means back to my original size.
I have picked it up again over the last couple weeks, simply because I felt like I was cheating myself out of the year I promised. Im not yet near the goal I set out for myself at the beginning (which was to simply fill an unpadded 32C bra) but I still have hope.
Within the week of restarting my herbs and massage, I have felt those wonderful achey tingles again, and my girls love the massages. I finally picked up some organic cold pressed flaxseed oil, rather than the capsules I was puncturing. So that may be a big help to me.
The NB still hasn't totally been in my forefront. Mainly because of my living situation at the moment. Im in a transition from my home I shared with my ex, to my new home I'll be sharing with my sister. So at the moment I just don't have the time, comfort or privacy to pump.
But I will definitely keep updates, and I WILL make it to my goal. If not by my date set of Aug 25th..then soon after.
Thank you for the kind words as well. :-) it's nice to be told your progress is inspiring.
