50 Reader Comments

1. Thania on
   

   Ok , I am in. The scale issue is going to be tough!!! but OK.
   Due to time difference I already had coffee for breakfast;) , before seeing your tweet Lol! I am from Spain.
   I will guide by the rules for the rest of the day.

   Thanks for setting up this 30 day challenge.

   Thania

   [Reply]
2. jimmyr72 on
   

   I am in too! Hi Thania! Good Luck! I am currently on vacation in Puerto Rico, however. I return on Tuesday so I may have to start then, primarily because I can’t do things like empty out the fridge. (It’s mostly paleo already.) If you’d rather I not comment with a lag as it might cause disruption, that’s fine. But I am in, and I am going to try to get my wife, who just started crossfit after having 3 babies, in as well.

   [Reply]
3. Alexandra on
   

   It’s a great challenge.I am absolutely in.Thank you for it.

   The things I have to stop consuming are coffee and milk .. I don’t eat any junk food or bread…But it won’t be that easy though..I have four bottles of milk I will have to ignore and eventually throw away…and I love milk..but it’s for the greater good.I feel I should ignore the fruits as well…keep it as low in carbs as possible.I should also start exercising more.Weight lifting in the late afternoon is a good idea.

   I had chicken and mackerel for lunch and will have only chicken for dinner with a big salad.
   I am very enthusiastic about this..Wish me luck.

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4. Tim on
   

   Legumes?

   [Reply]
5. Jenn on
   

   I’m ready! Well, I had coffee this morning, but now that I’m up to speed – I’m ready!!!

   [Reply]
6. treelizard on
   

   Okay, I’m in. No veggie oils? So what kind of cooking oil? Olive okay? Or coconut?

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7. Valerie on
   

   I’m in. Like Thania, I already had my coffee before reading (it’s decaf but I love whole milk in it) but the rest of the phase I should go pretty easy -except for desserts

   I’m new to the site, search for articles about legumes but found none. I can’t believe they can be that bad that we shouldn’t even speak of them!

   [Reply]
8. skustes on
   

   Tim and Valerie, legumes are your own call. This isn’t necessarily a strict Paleo thing, but just make sure you prepare them properly with soaking and cooking before eating them. We’re mainly focusing on the big things and compared to alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, legumes are a very very minor thing.

   Treelizard, butter, pastured lard, coconut oil, palm oil, or olive oil are all good. Refer to my article on cooking fats for further discussion of why.

   Cheers
   Scott

   [Reply]

   

   David Reply:
   

   What about organic canned beans, line Black, Pinto, or Kidney?

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   skustes Reply:
   

   David, again, your call on that. Just be sure to soak and cook them properly.

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9. lel on
   

   Oh my goodness, I would love to join and take the challenge but I have one issue I need to think about and address.

   I would have no problems with the “No’s” but one thing on the list – dairy. I get raw milk every week from a farmer and since I didn’t know this was coming, I am still obligated to buy the milk and today is my milk run.

   So, unless I can think of ways to use up the milk in short of throwing it out (doesn’t include feeding it to my husband because he will not drink it), I am in a quandary. Giving it away is not an option because everyone in my circle would not drink unpasteurized milk.

   Any ideas?

   [Reply]
10. Melody on
    

    Hey all,
    LEL – you could freeze it. Unpasteuried milk, I understand, freezes well.

    As for the challenge, I was actually planning on doing some of this anyway, just not as stingent as fast. This will make me step it up. I was going to cut only wheat of the grains, but the rest was already my plan. Group support – Yay!!

    [Reply]
11. Katie on
    

    I just came across fitnessspotlight.com yesterday, and couldn’t believe there was a 30 day challenge just starting – what good luck! I’m definitely in, but I have a toddler in my house so unfortunately can’t get rid of things like milk, and his other foods. He would get pretty mad if I threw out his Annie’s gummy bears! Anyways, I’m thrilled about the detox challenge and will keep visiting the site to see what’s next. Thanks.

    [Reply]
12. cathy on
    

    I am totally in!!
    Was reading yesterday about not eating breakfast, so I
    haven’t had my coffee, but then for lunch I ate a yogurt.
    Oh well, will finish reading your post and move on.

    [Reply]
13. lel on
    

    Melody – Thanks for your idea about freezing the milk. I just returned from my milk run and was going to check on freezing the milk but thanks to you, I will just do it!

    Count me in on the challenge.

    On a side note, I just have to share this with everyone who is interested about sugar. I just saw the most educational presentation about sugar from an endocrinologist. Go to YouTube and search on “The Hazards of Sugar”. There are 9 parts to the presentation so be prepared to spend some time in front of your PC.

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14. Jedidja on
    

    Very cool Looking forward to reading this series!

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15. Kelly on
    

    I am starting in the Morning. Just read post. I think I can give it all up for 2 weeks….

    [Reply]
16. Mike OD on
    

    Great to see so many already on board today….it will be fun and rewarding I promise you!

    @ Thania – Welcome to the challenge. Yes getting rid of the scale will do you more good longterm especially for you overall sense of well-being. Leave it out and you will use it, pack it away in a closet or give it away and you may never miss it! I had too many clients in the past who looked great! But then would still be unhappy over the number on the scale…it shouldn’t be like that. Time to drop the attachment to some number and focus on health and happiness for a lifetime.

    @Jimmy – Enjoy the vacation! The 30 day challenge will still be here when you get back (as you can start it whenever you like, and follow the days on your own timeframe). We will have it setup very soon for anyone to follow and then follow the posts as it fits into their timeline.

    @ Alexandra – The most important part of any elimination period is for you to realize if you are better off with some things (like dairy and wheat especially). You can always add them back in later as you see fit, but for now it is time to just give the body a little break and start fresh! Good luck!

    @ Tim – Scott hit it. This is not a “Paleo” challenge, just a real food one in which we eliminate the most troublesome foods up front and slowly reintroduce as needed. Legumes don’t seem to be an issue for many if cooked properly.

    @ Yael – Coconut and Olive Oil are great. Also see Scott’s link to his article on cooking oils. The big No-Nos are the vegetable oils (and the rancid PUFAs they create when cooking)

    @ Lel – Raw milk is the healthiest form you can get it in for sure. Because of monetary issues (and we would not have you pour your money down the drain), feel free to use the raw milk but maybe cut down on how often (or alternate taking days off). I would still avoid all cheese and yogurt. Dairy can be a huge issue for many especially with breathing-asthma related issues (as it is a bronchial inflammatory). If you can freeze it for a week then maybe take one week off dairy. We will be reintroducing it back in Phase II anyways for many.

    [Reply]
17. Mike OD on
    

    UPDATE – We will actually be posting 5x this week to help everyone get started right! (Mon-Fri) After that the posting for the challenge will be Mon-Wed-Fri.

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18. Rodney on
    

    I’m in! I have made great strides over the past few years in terms of diet, but still have room to improve, especially in sugar consumption, which is probably THE most important thing to gain control of. My goal is just to be able to sensibly include my favorite treats ON OCCASION and not let that devolve into permission to eat them every day since “I already ruined my diet, so I might as well enjoy the junk for awhile as I plan to be good again in a few days or weeks.”

    I look forward to sharing the journey with everyone here!

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19. Chris - ZTF on
    

    Great simple reminder to us all. Forget faddy detoxes what you have outlined above is the best detox you could give your body. Especially cutting dairy and wheat for a while.

    I look forward to the upcoming posts this week!

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20. Mark on
    

    I assume grass-fed hamburgers you make yourself are ok, right?

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21. treelizard on
    

    And here I thought butter (in the ok-list above) was dairy.

    Anyway, I am gonna go eat my almonds from a can.

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22. Mike OD on
    

    @ Rodney – Yes it is all about control. That and getting rid of the word “diet”. As we want to make lasting lifestyle eating habits, that will have occasional “treats” but also not derail us off in the long run. There is nothing to ruin if we choose to eat healthy day in and out.

    @ Chris – Too many fads out there or gimmicks to “lose 10lbs in 10 days” (yeah like that stays off, note sarcasm) when people need to just focus on eating right for health (which is a lasting choice and not a temporary fad) and then it’s funny how the lbs come off anyways!

    @ Mark – Yes, grass fed burgers made at home are great! (and so much healthier than anything grain fed)

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23. Mike OD on
    

    @ Yael (the lizard in a tree)- Almonds in a can? Hope they are RAW and unsalted!

    We allowed things like butter and eggs, and took away the things that give bigger issues in people such as milk/cheese (and are usually lower quality). Grass fed butter is the best choice to make of course.

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24. Sarah Bacon on
    

    Yes! We were already planning on doing something like this — thanks for packaging it into an easy program & building a community around it.

    A few simple meal suggestions (beyond the shopping guide) would make this challenge SUPER easy to follow, especially when we’re tight on time & low on ideas.

    Looking forward to it!

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    Mike OD Reply:
    

    @ Sarah – Great! Hopefully you can get some ideas from the challenge to help you along the way. You are reading our minds too….because the meal suggestions are coming in the next day! Today was all about clearing out the junk from the house and restocking with better foods. Next step…making those foods taste great!

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25. Kim on
    

    Do you have suggestions for breakfast? I usually have coffee, juice and oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts but it looks like most of these items are on ‘no list’. what are good breakfast suggestions?

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26. Mark on
    

    @Kim – A few ideas: smoked wild salmon, eggs any style (boiled, omelet w/ veggies, scrambled), fresh fruit and raw nuts, dinner leftovers, almond meal / coconut flour pancakes if you are ambitious.

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27. mandy on
    

    ive been reading all about IF since fri,when i decided to start the year by fasting…thankfully i stumbled onto this post today!i have been eating for 24 hrs/fasting for 24 hrs, but since its only been a few days,i assume its ok to start this tomorrow?and what about rice/rice noodles,i didn’t see them on the “yes” list…thanks so much for all you do!good luck to everyone:)

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28. @arlojeremy on
    

    Great timing! Tomorrow I’m back on the horse. Or eating the horse, or whatever analogy works best!

    I have in mind my perfect week back in August, before my horrible downward spiral that started with a “cheat” meal to celebrate my first week that contained 100% of my diet and exercise goals (IF, primal/paleo, weights, properly sleep, etc). Months later, here I am.

    So! Time to get to it! Stocked up with some easy to cook meals (grilled meats and veggies all the way), two days off and ready to go. Looking forward to seeing how this goes.

    For me though, I don’t tie myself to the scale, but I do like quickly hoping onto it in the morning. I mean, I’ve seen my weight drop 6-7 pounds in 40 hours after going primal/paleo, so I understand how vastly it can fluctuate. I find personal metrics interesting though, so I do tape measure and BF caliper measurements too.

    Also, as somebody who has done lowcarb/primal before, I find that my body adapts to it easier when I do it again. To those who haven’t done it before, it might take as long as 3 weeks, but IT IS WORTH IT.

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29. Kati on
    

    Oh goodness, reading this in the afternoon I have already ruined this day for starting to follow your challenge – having had coffee, milk, cheese and bread. I am looking forward to taking on this challenge, as I have gone backwards with my health and healthy living in the last few years. Starting a day behind now, but better late than never! And thanks for the shopping list.

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30. Thania on
    

    @MIKE OD, thanks for the advice and you are right the scale does affect me through the day,when it moves in the wrong direction;) Failed this morning but I took it out of bathroom and shall keep it locked for the challenge and hopefully for EVER.

    @Jimmyr72 hi, thanks , what a coincidence I am starting crossfit for 2010 too!

    Day 1 report:

    B- coffee bc I read the task too late!
    L-grilled quail, left over piglet and eggplants and zucchini stew
    D- Leek and swede cream soup
    whiting fish + cauliflower rice sushi of shrimp and avocado
    sour cherries

    work out: 1 hr walk

    No shopping , as I already am eating paleo primal style, BUT cant throw away anything bc my husband will kill me! But I am not tempted, Big issues for me with the challenge are the scale (already out of sight) and the work out, I like walking but doing excecise not much. So with this challenge I hope I get the habit.

    Good luck all , see you tomorrow.

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31. Sam on
    

    Soooo excited!
    Since I saw this was starting, my husband and I started four days ago. The big issue for us was the elimination of dairy and some grains…OK, and alcohol. But having been 99% compliant (with the exception of a tiny bit of cream in a.m. coffee), we’re four days clean, planning for next week already (thank you for the shopping list) and frankly…both feel fantastic!!

    Great Challenge, guys.

    I’ve forwarded link to four of my clients, hoping they’ll join in as well.

    People who do good, like you all, need rewards!
    Sam

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32. Sam on
    

    …and Thania, I can “feel ya” with the scale issue. I’m scale driven as well, but the cool thing is that NOT being compliant with FS’s suggestion of throwing out the scale (sorry guys), I am loving the daily weigh in…1) because it’s doing what I want it to, and 2) because the cleaner I eat, and the better my training (work outs), I KNOW exactly what’s going to happen when I get on…no more scale anxiety. It’s sort of like we’re becoming…dare I say…friends, vs. enemies!

    Anyway, I know how you feel, and think the 30 day program is great too!

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33. Mike OD on
    

    @ Mandy – Rice/Noodles should be on the “NO” list, as for phase I we want to try and mostly focus on the vegetables/fruits/nuts/meats first. The challenge is learning how to eat more of those, and forcing ourselves to try and adapt is the best way.

    @ Kati – Don’t think of one meal as ruining anything (as that is how most get derailed from eating healthy and then can go down a destructive road for a while). The meal is already done, so just more forward from that point on. It’s all we can do afterall and we don’t want to give up completely. There is no “failure” in this challenge, just what right action we need to take next.

    @ Thania – way to go with the scale. You don’t need it, but it needs you!

    @ Sam – good job so far, keep up the great work!

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34. lost on
    

    I’m in.

    The hardest part of this would have been going without sugar. BUT since I had already started no sugar as a resolution this year, the rest of it seems much more do-able. Thankfully, half of the things mentioned aren’t things I consume anyway (soda, coffee, veg oils). Difficulty #2 will be grains. I usually rely on them because they’re “easy.” I live in France and I love cheese (dairy in general for that matter) but I can handle going without.

    If I’m addicted to sugar, I’m even more addicted to my scale. It will be painful, but I WILL put it away. Cleaning out the cupboards was not an option as I don’t live alone, so I’ll be working on ignoring the tempting “easy” foods. Sleeping is a no brainer for me as I don’t function well without my eight hours.

    I think figuring out what to eat will be a challenge. I’ve never been a big meat eater, so I’m clueless about cuts of meat and anytime I do beef, I generally rely on ground beef (for tacos and hamburgers). Also, I have no clue how cows are fed here in France, though I’m assuming it’s grain fed. I’ll need to do a little research and probably visit a few butchers here before I have a clue. Baby steps.

    30 min: WALKING. I did my grocery shopping and then realized I’d forgotten eggs so I hoofed it to the store and back to stock up.

    I’m in a different time zone, so I’ll be starting with dinner: homemade hamburger (cheating a bit? – need to figure out what these cows are eating!!) with eggplant, sundried tomatoes, and a salad.

    @ lel: Thanks for the info on the youtube videos. Soaked that up!

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35. cathy on
    

    @ Mike,
    The scales aren’t getting used any more, the sugar and artifical
    sweeteners are gone. I have been finding it hard to move in the
    morning at 4:45am without my coffee, but haven’t had any in two days.
    It is tough because I make it for my husband every morning, and
    just the smell pulls me to it. lol.
    I find myself drinking more water because there isn’t much else to
    drink. I boiled some eggs to keep in my frig at work and brought in
    some fresh fruit.
    I find myself eating frozen strawberries I froze without sugar if I am
    in the need to snack. I am going to home pre-cook some chicken,
    and deer liver and heart, so I will be able to have them ready when
    I am hungry. That way I tend to eat a good meal instead of just
    pick here and pick there.
    I got my exercise in by shoveling yesterday since I live in Maine,
    plan on doing some weights after dinner tonight and then the
    gym on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Working a steady job makes
    it hard to fit in exercise but not impossible.
    I know what they mean about not living alone. My husband is so
    thin and can eat anything so there has to be things around he wants
    but I put his snacks in his closet wher I don’t see them. Out of sight
    out of mind. I got many chocolates for Christmas and they have been
    put in the freezer and not just in the front so I can see them every
    time I open the door.
    Well, am looking forward to going home from work and see what
    interesting dinner I can stir up that will be good tasting.

    Have a good day and Good Luck Everyone!!!

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36. cathy on
    

    Well, it’s day 3 and I am still going strong and surviving without
    my coffee and sweeteners. I thought that was going to break me
    but I have found I am stronger then I gave myself credit for.
    Working today and heading to the gym afterwards.

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37. Sarah Bacon on
    

    Hi Mike & Scott,

    Just popped in to let you guys know I’ve nominated you for the 2010 weblog awards under best topical & best-kept secret. I’ve really enjoyed your blog throughout all of 2009 and hope that this helps you guys get some well-deserved recognition. I encourage everyone here to vote as well! Nominations close next Tuesday: http://2010.bloggies.com

    Keep on rocking in 2010!

    Sarah

    [Reply]

    

    Mike OD Reply:
    

    @Sarah – Wow, thanks Sarah! We are certainly honored by your nomination (never heard of those awards before) and will certainly keep on rocking in 2010!

    PS. May I say you have a great last name too! (making me hungry now)

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38. DL on
    

    What about smoked fish?

    I tried to buy raw salmon today at the supermarket, but they only had it smoked.

    And also: are all cheeses bad? (I am wondering if they have any good effect at all or should they be completely eliminated from my diet. I am not a cheese lover so I can do that).

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    Mike OD Reply:
    

    Smoked is fine by me. If it is canned, go for the ones packed in water or olive oil. Also avoid ones with added salt. Cheeses are to be avoided for a while in the challenge, you can add back later in as you see fit.

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39. Tamar Cerafici on
    

    I encourage everyone to accomplish this goal! I did a similar program in December (yep) right during the holidays, and I felt fantastic. I always have a recap of my SAD meds about this time, evaluated by a medical professional and a question/answer test. Last time I took it, my anxiety was off the charts.

    I found it was best to go cold turkey from everything.

    This year, I took it right ofter I’d finished the first 2 weeks of the program: my anxiety had gone down to normal (even on the low side) and I had the added advantage of losing six pounds and an inch off my waist and hips!

    So DO IT! You’ll feel better, I promise.

    [Reply]
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42. JS on
    

    I am in.Before reading this I had taken my milk but will follow the rules for the rest of the day. Thanks for this 30 days Challenge Good luck to all

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    Mike OD Reply:
    

    Right on JS. Good luck…the first week is usually the hardest but it gets easier from there on out! Stay strong, you can do it!

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43. Rosemary Brown on
    

    I know this is strange; but I am ready for this 30 day challenge. I’m starting mine on a Saturday. I am ready ready, ready, and I thought if I was going to get started, Saturday would be just as good as any other day. So please tell me what to do.

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    Mike OD Reply:
    

    @Rosemary – Just follow the instructions for the challenge with each post as you go (down the bottom you will see all the days listed out). Once we wrap it all up (as it is still ongoing right now) we will format it so people can start and get updates on their timeframe. The most important step is just doing it. Good luck!

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    Rosemary Brown Reply:
    

    O.K. this is my fourth day ; I’ve done quite well eventhough I don’t know all the rules. I thought life couldn’t be lived without Splenda and other sweetners with your coffee. No coffee, no sweeetners in four days; but I’m really struggling. I strolled to the bottom and wasn’t able to see the days listed out. I will definitedly keep looking. Thanks a lot.

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    Mike OD Reply:
    

    The posts we do for the challenge are listed in the last part of the article above under the “task for the day”. Look for the “Table of contents for 30-Day Challenge” and you should see a list of days and their corresponding articles (note there is not a post for every day, just alternating ones after the first week). Keep up the great work so far!
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45. Andi on
    

    I just came across this website while researching IF. This challenge is fantastic! Here is the rub I have many very bad habits, the biggest is smoking and I am completely additcted to coffee, not just in the a.m. but all throughout the day. (mind you I am in decent shape, I workout usually five days per week including 2+mile runs and use Monica Neave’s site http://www.freeworkoutsguide.com like it is a religion, that is actually where I first heard of IF) Here is my deliema… I believe it will derail my greatest efforts to take away starches, splenda, coffee, wine & cigs all at once(I have many vices huh?). I think the lessor of these evils is coffee and it’s also what I crave the most. Do you think cutting back on coffee, as opposed to getting rid of it completely, until I have my smoking under control would be detrimental to this challenge?
    Thank you in advance for any input…

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    skustes Reply:
    

    Andi, You’re right that too much at once is probably not going to work. Definitely worry first about smoking before coffee. Perhaps try cutting back, but get that smoking handled first and foremost. Most everything else pales in comparison to the damage of smoking. Kudos for deciding to take control of your health like this!

    Cheers
    Scott

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    Andi Reply:
    

    Thanks a lot, that is what I figured. I am officially starting this week, I did a “trial” run last week (because I knew we were hosting a party on Friday) in which I cut dairy (except for a tbsp or two in my coffee), starches, all processed foods. I lost like an inch off of my waist without even trying! I wish I would have thought a year and half ago (post baby) to just cut out these things, anyway glad I have run across it now! Heres to chugging water and eating cucumber sticks at our superbowl party ! Thanks again!

    -Andi

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46. Noel on
    

    I am in. Next Wednesday I start.

    One question: Is it alright to use soy sauce?!

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    arlojeremy Reply:
    

    Depends. If you are using authentic soy sauce and not some cheap knockoff (which isn’t even fermented, it’s made from hydrolyzed soy protein, yum!), it will usually include wheat, sometimes more than the actual soy. There are wheat-free brands out there, but they are usually quite a bit more expensive. Tamari soy sauce has little to know wheat content.

    Traditionally fermented soy sauce, wheat free, if you must use it, is probably the way to go.

    More info on soy sauce here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soy_sauce

    Remember, the least industrialized, the best!

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    skustes Reply:
    

    I use this tamari: http://www.san-j.com/product_info.asp?id=3 It’s wheat-free.

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47. Noel on
    

    uhh, and what about TEMPEH?

    [Reply]

    

    skustes Reply:
    

    Your call, but we both recommend avoidance of soy for the most part, though this fermented soy is better than unfermented.

    Cheers
    Scott

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48. Noel on
    

    Is it okay to use whey protein and creatine?

    And what about smoking weed?

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49. Noel on
    

    oh and fish oil and vitamin supplements? soooo many questions LOL

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50. Anna on
    

    Hi Mike, when did this challenge start? I’ve done the Elimination Diet with my bootcampers before but I didn’t think to combine it with fasting. I think it would be great to do it with more people this time. Is it too late to join?

    Anna

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    Mike OD Reply:
    

    Hey Anna. It is never too late to join in, as the info is here for people to do it on their own schedule. We are also working on a 30 day transformation system to come out in the next couple weeks….so keep an eye out for that as well!

    [Reply]

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