Final Update – My 21 Day Genuine Health pH Challenge  – Jan 18 day 1- Feb 7

The last week of my Genuine Health pH Challenge (read my first post here, post two and post three) was spent in Tecate, Mexico at Rancho La Puerta resort.  I packed my greens+ extra energy with me and stored it in the little villa fridge.   Although I had somewhat limited internet access at the Ranch (sorry I didn’t post!) I did continue to  measure my pH levels faithfully.

Mmm...Rancho La Puerta food. Yummy/healthy - the perfect combo! photo: Babette, bakespace.com

It was amazing what a huge difference eating healthy makes!

Using the greens plus energy, I had initially moved my pH level (on average) from 6.6 up to 6.8-7.0. After a few days at the ranch and after eating the vegetarian based meals which included tons of leafy greens as well as vegetables from every colour of the rainbow, I was excited to see my pH level move even farther north.  I now hover around 7.0. (with a target of about 7.0)

Taking the pH challenge has definitely helped my take a hard look at exactly what I’m putting into my body. It was time for me to get serious and start to fuel up instead of pigging out.  Snort.

Happy Birthday, you go, Olympic girl!

Tonight will also mark the first soda I’ve had in a few weeks. It’s my sister in law’s birthday (pictured, right with the Olympic torch this morning) and I’m joining her for drinks. Yup, I’m gonna mix that bad soda with a little naughty rum.

I deserve a little reward – don’t I? – and I’ve already arranged a safe ride home, just in case my little bit ‘o’ fun rocks on to become a LOT of fun.  I can’t wait!

But back to non-alcoholic drinking….liquids for me over the last three weeks have consisted of water and more water, which I had a hard time drinking before. Now I find it really helpful to drink a half liter when I get up in the morning and then it is easier to keep going.  I hydrate myself before my day has even started and I think my body thanks me for it!

Gotta keep up with Gina...okay, can't keep up with Gina, lol!

Since I’ve started the pH challenge and committed to eating healthier I’ve dropped from 139 pounds down to 131. I’m pretty tall (5’8″) so I’m pretty close to my goal weight. Yay!

I’ve started doing some weight training and I’ve seen some changes in my bedroom mirror – definitely good motivation to keep up the work!

I’ve continued to run three times a week and work toward my goal of the Vancouver Marathon (half). I’m on track there as well, although I feel a bit behind from my week in Mexico, where I only ran once. However, I walked and hiked and did many fitness classes there and I know I made some pretty good strength gains working out with new bff Gina, who is training for a figure competition.  Nothing like working out with someone who has a super toned body to motivate me!

Gina is my inspiration!

My plans now are to continue on the same path.  I’m going to continue with my greens+ plus extra energy because I really, really like the product and I know I’ll still be challenged to eat as many greens as I need.  I’m going to continue to eat and drink well, with time off for good behavior, of course!  And I’m going to finish my running clinic, continue my core and strength work and perhaps take up circuit training in the spring.

I’m going to continue to monitor my pH level, although not three times per day.  More like a couple times a week.  Thanks very much to Genuine Health for asking me to participate – I’ve really enjoyed it and am grateful for the kick in the – well, you know!

I’m really grateful for your support and we’d love to support you as well – leave a comment and let us know what you are up to in your fitness journey, or send in your story to me at melanie (at) girlgetstrong.com.

Cheers,

M

Here’s my third update on how my 21 day pH challenge is going! If you aren’t sure what I’ve been doing, you can read my first post here and my second post here.  Here’s a quick recap:

Genuine Health asked me to take a 21 day challenge of taking Greens+ Extra Energy and tracking my pH levels I readily agreed.  I’m really interested in learning more about my pH level and what it means for my health. Acidic vs. Alkaline…my husband will definitely say I’m acidic, lol.

My aim is to measure my pH and if necessary work toward getting to the optimum level of around 7.0-ish. I’ll be taking my pH levels 3 times per day – morning, afternoon and evening.  I’ll be taking the regular recommended serving of Greens+ energy too like I usually do.

So I’ve now made it through 12 days and my pH level seems to be pretty stable around the 6.8 – 7.0 mark which is an improvement from my 6.6-ish levels at the beginning of the challenge. So far, I’m really happy with my results and I’m feeling good.

I’m still not eating enough greens (we had a pretty empty fridge this week so I’ve had a lot of carrots and apples and bananas. There’s still room for improvement in my diet…but not much.  In the meantime, thank goodness for my Greens Plus Extra Energy.  I’ve also been sick this week and the Greens Plus has really helped keep me on my feet.

Day 9 – Tuesday January 26/10

• morning pH level – 6.8
• afternoon – 7.0
• evening – 6.8

Didn’t eat much today, still feeling sick. But what I did eat was healthy. No treats in 9 days  now (not counting the bevvies last week).  Longest I’ve gone without dessert in…well, ever!

Day 10- Wed Jan 27/10

• morning pH level – 6.8
• afternoon – 6.8
• evening – 7.0

Not feeling so great…but made myself eat my four healthy meals anyway.

Scooted over to my girlfriends house to weigh in (our first time together, we each want to lose 8-10 pounds).  I’ve lost four pounds since my starting weight 10 days ago. Yay!  However that amount of weight loss will slow as I go back to running – I need to eat more than I have been to fuel my runs. So I’ll be looking to a more gradual loss for my next few pounds.

Day 11 – Thurs Jan 28/10

• morning pH level – 7.0
• afternoon – 6.8
• evening – 7.0

Had hoped to run today, but my chest is still heavy and hurts to breathe. Drats! Been good with my eating though, and sneaked in some upper body weight training and ab work today.

Good news for this week: I’ve had no alcohol at all. Bad news: Being sick is kinda like a dull, daily hangover without the buzz at the beginning.

Sigh.

Day 12 – Fri Jan 29/10

• morning pH level -  went on an early morning run and forgot. Oops!
• afternoon – 6.8
• evening – 6.8

Almost lost my voice when I woke up this morning…then found it under my bed.  Anyway, still sick but decided to run anyway. Went early and watched the sunrise as I ran beside the Ocean. Beautiful!  Logged 12 miles so my long run is off my plate while I’m in Mexico next week.  All fun and fitness and R&R! Soooo looking forward to it. I leave tomorrow!

One note for today…I had my first “treat” in 12 days…popcorn with butter. But a very small portion.  Yum!

Continuing on my Genuine Health 21 day pH Challenge….I’ve been taking my greens+ extra energy every morning, I’ve been eating much better and I’ve been measuring my pH level three times a day.  And guess what?!

I hit my alkaline target.  I’m an alky!

Or am I….?

It’s been going well. Up till now.

But life always throws up obstacles in front of us, no?  And that’s okay, because an obstacle is something we can climb, knock over or beat a new path around. Right?!

At least that’s what I keep telling myself!

Here’s what’s up:

Day 5 – Friday Jan 22

• Morning pH level -6.6
• Afternoon – 6.6
• Evening – 6.8

PH levels are not as good today, which I guess is to be expected since I was a bad, bad girl at the hockey game last night. So I wrote a little ‘dear john’ letter and mailed it to my good friends at Bacardi:

Dear Rum and Diet Coke,

We need to talk.

We saw a little too much of each other at all those social events this week.  I’m afraid we’re going to have to make it a more casual relationship.  How about friends…with benefits?  A casual fling? Or preferably, an occasional one night stand?

I hate to be a tease, but my eye is wandering….down to my pH strip. The future doesn’t look bright for us.

Yes, it’s true…water and green tea have taken over my heart.

I know.

I just can’t be a monogamous drinker any longer.

I need to break free.  Play the field a little. Date other bevvies.

But you’ll always have a warm, fuzzy place in my belly.

And we’ll still see each other….just not as often.

Love,

Mel

Day 6 – Sat Jan 23

• Morning pH level – 7.0
• Afternoon – 6.8
• Evening – 6.8

Onward and upward!  PH level good this morning, but woke up with a sore throat…drat.  Two of my kids have been off school all week with a wicked fever/sore throat/lost voice/lung-shaking cough (I know, nasty right?  Poor little things!).  And they’ve been climbing in and out of my bed and snuggling a lot, which of course I soak up, sick little kidlets or not.

And now, I’m sick too.

Chest hurts, so no running today.  Hmph.

Day 7 – Sun Jan 24

• Morning pH level – 6.8
• Afternoon – 7.0
• Evening – moped on couch and forgot to measure. Oops!

Feeling worse. I have a fever, headache and my chest hurts. Ugh.

Roused myself with the help of Mr. Advil to do a 3.6 mile powerwalk in the morning with my son (who rode his bike).  We explored all the little trails by our house, and bumped into another mom who runs and teaches boot camp.  Talked to her for half an hour about fitness just to get my fix.

Didn’t work…I’m still absolutely p’d- off that I can’t run.

I hit the couch and watch trashy shows all afternoon.  I’m caught up with all the “Housewives” in all their respective cities, I’ve watched the last three years of Family Jewels. I’ve watched countless houses get extreme makeovers.  I’ve even Lived Free and Died hard while Steve to my son to hockey practice.

Now what?

Sulky thought for the evening: might change blog name to…Girl Gets Weaker.

I’m not a good sick person.  I need to get a grip.

Day 8 – Monday Jan 25

• Morning pH level – 6.6
• Afternoon – 6.8
• Evening – 6.8

Ack. I’ve been eating great (password ‘strong’ to see my food journal).  I’ve been good. No rum and cokes, no bad food, no sugar.  Green tea and veggies even!

So I can’t figure out what is up – or down – with the low pH levels.

I’m taking my greens+ extra energy religiously each morning. I’m on to a new flavor now: natural orange. Can’t decide if I like it better than the cappuccino or not.  Both mask the flavor pretty well.

Back to the low pH… I have been eating a giant banana every day…maybe that’s the innocent little culprit?

Bananas are my FAVE fruit.  They’re easy going, happy little critters. So eager to please. The perfect fast food: always ready, no washing, just peel and go.  They fill me up, unlike other fruits which tend to not satisfy me.  I love to grab a banana when I start getting hungry so I’m not tempted to grab something unhealthy instead. It always tides me over until I can churn out a meal.

So if it is the daily banana causing this problem, I’m gonna be mad at the Fruit Gods. Maybe I’ll have to sacrifice the fruit flies that seem to have moved in with the last batch of bananas.

…But then again, I have to wonder if my pH is lower because I’m sick.

Thoughts? Advice? Jokes? Let me know.

It hurts to breathe deeply today, so probably no running again. Am tweeting out to see if any crazy runners run through chest congestion and live to tell about it.  I’d love to run with the group tonight.

I’ve included a graphic of some of the replies I received on Twitter.

I know if you don’t run you think I’m crazy (I am!) but if you are a runner, you know what I mean.

I just want to get out there and run this off.

In case you missed my first post, I’m taking part in Genuine Health’s 21 day pH challenge, where I’m taking my daily dose of Greens+ extra energy and measuring my body’s pH levels three times per day.  I’m also making some changes to my diet, which is notoriously…bad.

Optimal pH for the human body is 7.0 – 7.25 and apparently if our pH level is below that or above it, our systems will work hard to achieve homeostasis (equilibrium).

This process takes away from other things our bodies could be doing instead and puts stress on us.  You can learn more at the Genuine Health website, or give the topic a Google.

Our North American diet, high in processed foods (yes, I’m guilty) and sodas (really guilty!), tends to give us an acidic pH level, which can apparently “put us at risk for certain illness and diseases. Not to mention premature aging, osteoporosis, weight gain, poor skin & hair health, and internal toxin build-ups resulting in frequent colds, flu and headaches.”

Yikes!

I’m looking forward to seeing if I feel a difference after 21 days!

So here’s how I’ve fared for the first few days.  I’ve also tracked every morsel and drop that has touched my lips on the Daily Plate so we can see how my diet reflects changes to my pH level each day. (Enter the password ‘strong’).  My other goal is to lose 8-10 pounds over the next  2 months (by our spring break) to put me in tip top shape for my upcoming half marathon, so I’m using my food tracking and this challenge as an opportunity to introduce some healthier food habits into my life.

Care to join me?

Day 1 – Jan 18/10 – Monday:

• morning pH  -6.4
• afternoon -6.8
• evening – 6.8

Okay, these are not the greatest pH levels. Definitely room for improvement.  Taking the greens+ extra energy, but also need to eat more greens and colored veggies.

I just read more about how the sugars in our diets can contribute to oxidation, free radicals and aging….high sugar diet=wrinkles? Say it isn’t so!  That may be the one thing that scares me toward clean eating. Even beyond gaining weight.  Extra weight I can lose. Wrinkles, not so easy!

healthy fuel=healthy body. My new mantra for the next three weeks.

Day 2 – Jan 19 – Tuesday:

• morning pH – 6.6
• afternoon – 6.4
• evening – 6.6

Great day eating wise, even though my pH levels don’t reflect it yet. Keeping the faith!  Took my greens plus extra energy as scheduled.

Should I eat pub food....um, no, I think I'll pass, thank you!

In the evening, I went to a social media talk given by Julien Smith, who co-authored the new book Trust Agents with Chris Brogan.  Had a fun and lively commute with Kim, Glenn and Justin, who recorded Julien Smith’s talk here.  The talk was held at a Vancouver pub so I was sorely tempted to order pub fare. But with focused visualization of a pumpkin butt in a bikini I elected to order salmon and steamed veggies instead.

Then I splurged on a couple of drinks.

2 white rum and diet colas later…all was good.Really good.  I  mean bad….of course I mean bad, because diet sodas are acidic and let’s not get started about Bacardi. Yum…I mean bad bad BAD.

But being in a pub and not having a drink?

I’m not that strong.

After the talk we hit Subway where I almost jumped the guy behind the counter for his cookies.  But because Kim, Glenn and Justin were watching me (and I knew Glenn would make fun of me) I ordered a bottle of water instead.

Too embarrassing to give in to temptation twice in one day.

Drat.

Day 3 – Jan 20 – Wednesday:

• morning – 7.0
• afternoon – 6.8
• evening – 6.8

Already seeing a difference in my pH.  When I measured it this morning, my son verified my 7.0 reading. High fives!  Perhaps there’s something to this healthy eating crap lifestyle.

Sat and watched my son’s hockey game from the nice warm upstairs pub. Yup, a pub again. Resisted all temptation, though, and stuck with tea.  Good girl!  These sneaky pubs might be my downfall if I’m not careful!

After dinner though, I’ve not had enough calories for the day.  I’m only at 970, and I have a half marathon training run tomorrow. Without all the sugar in my diet, I’m not craving food as much.  Huh, go figure.

I need more fuel, preferably carbs, tonight.  Maybe popcorn?

Worried about my salt and butter cravings, so I went with some crackers instead.  Bor-ing. And not the best choice.  I need veggies! ( I just don’t WANT veggies…)

Need to open my fridge next time instead of being drawn like a deer in headlights to the pantry.

Will. Do. Better.

Day 4 – Jan 21 – Thursday:

• morning pH- 7.0
• afternoon – 6.8
• evening – 7.0

Things are looking better on the pH level and of course I’ve been taking my greens plus extra energy. That part is easy and I always feel good getting at least some greens into me!

Today I took a good look at my Daily Plate food journal for the past three days.  Although I’m eating much healthier, there is still a noticeable lack of veggies in my journal. Perhaps I can sketch some in…does that count?

Trouble in the evening, though. Dratted pub again…well, the bar at the Vancouver Canucks game.  My date for the evening was a great bartender terrible enabler. I think he was hoping to get lucky because three rum and diet cokes appeared miraculously at my seat.  Hmm.  Apparently he’s quite familiar with how to make me happy my weakness.

And of course if I’m enjoying a drink or two – okay, three, it is usually a great excuse to order those yummy little mini donuts.

Hot, sugary mini donuts are my FAVORITE!

But I was strong.

So strong.

Until the girls sitting next to me pulled out a littlewarmsugarysmelling bag of them.

AGHHHHHHHHHHH!

I sat next to them and fumed.

I glared.

I pouted.

I cried.

But I did not give in and eat a single donut.

Gosh, that was hard.

Really hard.

I’d better look darn fine in a bikini by spring break or there will be hell to pay.

How cute is this t-shirt? That's one big pH test strip held by a tiny little stickperson!

Today was Day One of my Genuine Health 21 day pH challenge.

What is that, you ask?

Here’s the scoop:

My husband and many members of his family, as well as many of my friends have been Greens+ fans for years. I’m a relative newcomer but am a fan of the Greens+ Extra Energy and the O3mega+ Joy. They’ve made a measurable difference in my energy level.

So when Genuine Health asked me to take a 21 day challenge of taking Greens+ Extra Energy and tracking my pH levels I readily agreed.  I’m really interested in learning more about my pH level and what it means for my health. Acidic vs. Alkaline…my husband will definitely say I’m acidic, lol.

Genuine Health has supplied the pH testing kit and a container of Greens+ Extra Energy, a shaker cup, and the fun t-shirt that is pictured. It reads: “Show me your pH and I’ll show you what it says about your energy and overall health.” Bring it on!

My aim is to measure my pH and if necessary work toward getting to the optimum level (is there any question I’m going to need to improve? Not if you’ve seen how poorly I can sometimes eat).

• I’ll be taking my pH levels 3 times per day – morning, afternoon and evening
• I’ll be taking the regular recommended serving of Greens+ energy during this time
• I’ll be focusing on eating alkaline foods (more on this down below) as well

The Genuine Health website reports that the human body should ideally be slightly alkaline, around the 7.0 to 7.2 level, with an ideal diet based on 75% alkaline-forming foods and 25% acidic-forming foods. Vegetables that are green and colourful are among the most alkaline-forming.  See the pH food chart I’ll be using as my guide.

What happens when your pH level is too acidic?

“An acidic pH puts us at risk for certain illness and diseases. Not to mention premature
aging, osteoporosis, weight gain, poor skin & hair health, and internal toxin build-ups
resulting in frequent colds, flu and headaches.”

Yikes!

…So how do I measure up on my first day?

Jan 18/10 – Day One pH levels :

• morning  -6.4
• afternoon -6.8
• evening – 6.8

“Any number below 7 means that your urine or saliva is on the acidic side. If your readings fall below 6.6, you should begin changes aimed at alkalinizing your diet.”

Time to work on incorporating more alkaline-forming foods into my diet and to cut out the diet sodas and other acidic-forming foods.  I bet just cutting out the diet sodas will make a big difference. But I’m not going to stop there, I know I can make some other positive improvements to my diet.  I can also substitute my many cups of mildly acidic tea with green tea some of the time, as well as eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods.

I’ve also just started tracking what I eat at The Daily Plate.

If you’re curious how my pH levels match up with what foods I’m eating, you can check out my food diary (enter the password (key) “strong“). I hope this link to my profile will work for you: http://www.livestrong.com/profile/girlgetstrong/ (let me know!) or you can search for me under my username, “Girlgetstrong”.

I’m curious if you’ve ever measured or paid attention to your pH level?  Hit me up in the comments.