Got Fiber? (Hints on Regular Elimination)

Got Fiber? (Hints on Regular Elimination)

Posted on 14. Aug, 2011 by in Best Secrets

I probably get at least 3 contacts per week from people on the Advocare Eating Plan who have questions about “elimination” (bear with me, I am trying to be gentle here 🙂 ).  When you start removing a lot of the unnecessary carbs and junk from your diet, some people notice constipation, or a change in the frequency of elimination.  This is entirely normal, but I have lots of suggestions for “improvement”.

During the 24 Day Challenge, use these tips to avoid sluggish elimination:

  • Drink LOTS of water.
  • Eat salad as directed in the instructions.  Use spinach, romaine, and other higher fiber content greens instead of iceberg lettuce.  More nutritional value as well as fiber content is an added benefit.
  • Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables. Raspberries are great and you can get them frozen without sugar when they are not in season.  The calorie content is also low.  This fiber content chart from Harvard should help you make the right choices (just don’t pick cereal, pasta, bread, etc.).
  • Use small portions of raw almonds as your snack.  We get the box of 100 calorie bags of raw almonds (BJS and Sams carry these as well as supermarkets).  Almonds do have a fair amount of calories, so you don’t want to overdo it, and the portion control certainly helps me.
  • Get some exercise.

Products I Use (for AFTER the 24 Day Challenge)

  • Advocare Probiotic Restore Ultra (I take once a day when I take Catalyst and ThermoPlus (half hour before breakfast or lunch).  There is 1 in your MNS strip pack.

Also, you can try adding one of these daily if your weight loss/maintenance is where you want it.

I found some terrific products that were not really high in calories, yet had incredible fiber content.  Some also had great Omega 3 content, and protein.  I stock up on these from Netrition, since they have great service (I get the items within 2 days of ordering for $4.95 shipping).  They also have all the nutritional info and lots of reviews on the site which helped me select other products.  We order in bulk since the whole carton ships for the $4.95.  These items are ONLY SUGGESTED FOR USE AFTER the 24 Day Challenge:

90 Responses to “Got Fiber? (Hints on Regular Elimination)”

  1. […] For ay prepared foods, read the label carefully to see the ingredients and sugar/carb content.  This post can help you and has a link to a good fiber […]

    Reply to this comment
  2. Lauren

    09. Jan, 2015

    Today is day 3 of my Advocare Challenge, I had my Spark and Catalyst 30 minutes before my fiber drink and breakfast then after about an hour I start vomiting but only once and I know I am detoxing but…is this normal or am I coming down with something?

    Reply to this comment
  3. Sarah

    01. Jan, 2015

    I want to try advocare but have ibs-d. Very concerned the cleanse phase will be an issue for my stomach. Anyone else with ibs-d do okay on this?

    Reply to this comment
    • katy

      09. Jan, 2015

      Hello. I’ve done the cleanse and I had severe ibs.. this product does not harm your belly. It helped my ibs and helped me get regular I fully recommend it. The cleanse is worth it!!! goodluck

      Reply to this comment
  4. Belinda

    11. Oct, 2014

    I’m on the last day of the 24 day challenge. I want to start taking the catalyst, thermoplus and continue taking spark and MNS 3. Is it safe to take all these products together?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      07. Jan, 2015

      We use all of those products starting in Phase 2 and beyond for optimal results.

      Reply to this comment
  5. Tabitha

    11. Apr, 2014

    Can you tell me if someone who is very sensitive to fiber can take the fiber drink? I love the cleanse and my friend wants to try it, however she gets bad stomach pains with oatmeal and other high fiber foods.

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      15. Apr, 2014

      @ Tabitha,
      It is very gentle. You can look at ingredients here.

      Reply to this comment
    • Rebecca

      02. Nov, 2014

      Hey. Curious to how you got on? I’ve just finished Day 3 having stuck to the program to a tee. I also look 7 months pregnant!!

      Reply to this comment
  6. Jennifer Jones

    02. Apr, 2014

    I am on day 3 of the cleanse part. I am drinking a gallon of water a day. Yes, I’m measuring. I drink my spark at 6am meal replacement and fiber drink at 6:30am. Snack berries, pineapple, banana at 9:30. Lunch at12:30 salad with Spinich no dressing with veggies. All three days. Snack again at 3:30 grapes and such dinner at 6:30 chicken, peas and sprouts sautéed in pineapple juice. Snack at 8:30 then herbal cleanse at 9. I am measuring everything on a digi scale. I don’t know why but I have not had a bowel movement at all since I started. I look 7 months pregnant and my tummy is hard as a rock! Please help!

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      15. Apr, 2014

      @ Jennifer,
      These are the directions. You need to follow with the protein, less fruit, no juice. Avoid the grapes and pineapple and use 100 calorie bags of raw almonds as your snack without fruit. Count your carbs including fruit and veggies – should be 100 or less for the day. We don’t use meal replacement shakes until Phase 2. Do not eat with the Fiber drink – wait a half hour.

      Reply to this comment
  7. FFP

    31. Jan, 2014

    I’m reading several inquiries about the gas and other GI distress experienced on the cleanse. If one is following the program exactly, then why are these symptoms happening? Maybe some of the ingredients in the products are toxic and just not tolerated by the body? Not really getting a direct answer from advocare.

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      12. Feb, 2014

      @ FFP,
      Following these directions including drinking enough water should not cause distress.

      Reply to this comment
  8. April

    21. Aug, 2013

    I am on day 10 of 24 day challenge and have only lost 1 lbs and that was this morning. I am following all of the instructions to a T and drinking all of my water that I am suppose to according to my weight. Plus I have been getting horrible headaches with this. Am I doing okay? Just concerned with the 1 lbs loss only.

    Reply to this comment
  9. cristy

    26. Apr, 2013

    Can I have prune juice??? I am on 5 th day and have only gone once (day 3)

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      30. Apr, 2013

      @ Cristy,
      No juice is advised for best results. Try some berries and eat lots of salad.

      Reply to this comment
  10. sue ottone

    17. Apr, 2013

    On day three of 24 day challenge I have diahrea the last 2 days and have been going numerous times. Felt great first day but not last 2 stomach cramping and u can here popping and swishing noises coming from stomach burping a lot also I was drinking about a gallon of water daily and not much today feel like I am going to vomit. It seems like after I started taking the herbal clense this started

    Reply to this comment
  11. Deb

    05. Apr, 2013

    I am on Day 4 of the 24-day Challenge. Yesterday, I had bad stomach cramps that eased up by evening, but my stomach still felt a little cut-up by bedtime. This morning that is all gone, but I am left with lots of gas and it seems to be going throughout my system with no control, if that makes sense….meaning I can’t stop it. Sorry to sound crass.

    I am following the plan to a T. My husband is on the challenge with me. I don’t lose weight easily, never have. Should it still be considered successful if I’ve only lost, say 4 lbs. by the end of the 10 days? A friend lost 9!

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      09. Apr, 2013

      @ Deb,
      We are all different (age, metabolism, past dieting, etc.), and have different amounts of weight to lose. I think 4 pounds is great! Be sure you are drinking enough water.

      Reply to this comment
  12. Nicole

    26. Mar, 2013

    What if you are doing all that listed above and I feel like I have to poop but I can’t what should you recommend ?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      26. Mar, 2013

      @ Nicole,
      Use the contact form. Tell us what you are eating taking and drinking. Include quantities and time of day and what day of the Challenge you are on.

      Reply to this comment
  13. missy

    19. Mar, 2013

    so I now see that balsamic vinigar is not good for you. I have been useing basalmic with olive oil and then a couple sprinkles of the italian dressing (dry mix) for my dressing. How horrible is that? I also eat dry roasted almonds and cocoa covered amonds. they say they have one sugar. I cannot imagine I am doing that much damage with those things but need to know for sure.

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      19. Mar, 2013

      @ Missy,
      For best results use other vinegars. Dry Italian mix contains sugar. For best results avoid that and use raw almonds.

      Reply to this comment
  14. Teresa

    12. Mar, 2013

    Day two for me and i am having alot of upper stomach pain that goes straight through to the back – almost like something is wrong in my upper gastro intestinal track. Very uncomfortable and i certainly thought i was drinking plenty of liquids…weight is 154. Didn’t wake with the pain but it started early afternoon – probably 75-80 ounces of water that i drink. Could it be a problem with the psyllium or something in one of the products?

    Reply to this comment
  15. charity

    09. Mar, 2013

    I am a week into the Max phase of the 24 day challenge; I am following the diet to a tee, yet I have not been able to poop for 3 days and have been steadily gaining about .7 pounds everyday of the max phase. help! i don’t understand what is going on and it is extremely frustrating.

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      12. Mar, 2013

      @Charity,
      Use the contact us link to email us what you have been eating, drinking and taking. Include times of day and quantities.

      Reply to this comment
  16. GS

    24. Feb, 2013

    Hi I’m in the Mins Max phase. My stools are so soft and I go all the time. What do I need to do to correct it? I drink 3L of water a day and eat lots of fruit. I am laying off a couple days an see what happens.
    Thanks

    Reply to this comment
  17. Amie

    10. Feb, 2013

    Me and my husband are on day 6 of the 10 day cleanse are not seeing any results. Have not cheated and becoming very discouraged.

    Reply to this comment
  18. Jim

    04. Feb, 2013

    Are all of the Walden Farms salad dressings acceptable?

    Reply to this comment
  19. John

    15. Jan, 2013

    Is it Ok to use Hydrocil during the cleanse phase if your having constipation?

    Reply to this comment
  20. Ann Marie

    05. Dec, 2012

    I am on the 24 day challenge .I am following the plan to a tee, eating only the foods recommended. I am on day 6, My stomach is burning and I havent had a BM since day 3. I am drinking atleast 1 gallon of water a day . I never thought I could get constipated while doing a cleanse, leave it to me LOL. I need suggestions , wondering if I can even continue on the challenge

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      08. Dec, 2012

      @ Ann Marie,
      Be sure you are eating fibrous fruit like raspberries and blackberries. Hopefully, this resolved itself.

      Reply to this comment
  21. Sherice

    30. Nov, 2012

    Is chicken or beef broth/stock allowed on Phase 2 of the challenge?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      08. Dec, 2012

      @Sherice,
      Most broths and stocks are loaded with sodium, so be careful.

      Reply to this comment
  22. Heather K

    31. Aug, 2012

    First Off thank you for your site and postings…. Very helpful.

    I am on say 6 of the cleanse and have noticed a decrease in bowel movements…. drinking 50-60oz water a day, exercise daily… at day 5 dropped 6lbs, only 3.5″ … eating salads for lunch with like 4-5 cups of mostly romaine or spinach. Fruit as well, blueberries, strawberries (Orange/Clementines Good?) Looking for any more tips, since not much elimination. Thank you!!!

    OH… one other thing… Ok to skip the spark in the AM? First 3 days… off the chart … jittery… I really don’t feel I need it? How essential is it in the AM? I did skip it one day.

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      05. Sep, 2012

      @ Heather,
      Are you using raw almonds as a snack? Raspberries and blackberries are helpful. Your loss sounds good.
      You can use V16 instead of Spark, or just mix the Spark in twice as much water. Were you a coffee drinker before? Spark does have caffeine.

      Reply to this comment
      • Lisa

        18. Jun, 2014

        I thought the Spark was just to replace the coffee if we felt it necessary.
        Is Spark essential to drink during the cleanse phase?

        Reply to this comment
        • Healthy Girl

          27. Jun, 2014

          @ Lisa,
          For best results, use Spark. Will give you great energy.

          Reply to this comment
  23. Cherrie

    21. Aug, 2012

    1. I’m on day 2 of the 24 day challenge. I usually eat salads on occassion but have stepped up my game to eat them for lunch during the cleanse phase. To ensure that the salad is satisfying/appearling to me, I use a little rasberry vinaigrette dressing (fat free) is this ok?

    2. Are unsalted cashews acceptable during the cleanse period. I could have sworn I read that it is but I cannot find it anymore.

    Thx

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      25. Aug, 2012

      @ Cherrie,
      1) See this info on salad dressing.
      2) Use unsalted raw almonds.

      Reply to this comment
  24. C.C

    02. Aug, 2012

    I have often had issues with constipation, but was hoping my “challenge” diet would help with this. I am on day 14 and it has been 5 days since I had a bowel movement. Following the guidelines carefully, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, LOTS of water, but still having issues. Yogurt seems to have helped prior to the challenge for whatever reason. Can I have lowfat yogurt and still be within the guidelines?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      02. Aug, 2012

      @ CC,
      Not the best choice. Add higher fiber things that are allowable.Go for Raspberries, blackberries, other fibrous veggies and fruit. Be sure to eat salad as directed.

      Reply to this comment
      • Chrissy

        27. Jan, 2013

        Smooth Move tea is a great bedtime drink w no sugar and it is in the health food isle . I am on my forth day and have the same problem. It’s all good so far, lost 4 pounds and work out three days a week.

        Reply to this comment
  25. T.L

    02. Aug, 2012

    today is my day 5. I feel so bloated and have not been to the bathroom. Do you know when will the process take effect?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      02. Aug, 2012

      @ T.L.
      Please read the post carefully. You need to be sure to follow the directions for eating as well as drinking the water.

      Reply to this comment
  26. smon69

    27. Jun, 2012

    I am on Day 2 and I thought Pasta was allowed so I had brown pasta last night w/shredded chicken and then leftover pasta for lunch w/vegetables!! Have I totally screwed up

    Reply to this comment
  27. Theresa

    22. Jun, 2012

    I’ve been reading the suggestions for hints on regular elimination. My question is, should you include things that are high in insoluble fiber or soluble fiber if you have trouble with constipation? And can you take laxatives while on the 24 day challenge if increasing fiber doesn’t help?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      23. Jun, 2012

      @ Theresa,
      Do not recommend taking laxatives. Send us the list of what you are eating drinking and taking through the contact us link. Be sure to tell us what time of day and the quantities. We will try to help you sort this out.

      Reply to this comment
  28. MAYLEE

    12. Jun, 2012

    Do you recommend exercise during the cleanse phase? Also, should I drink the meal replacement shakes at alll during the cleanse phase?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      12. Jun, 2012

      @ Maylee,
      Exercise is advised! Some groups use the meal replacement shakes during the cleanse. Our team does not since we eliminate dairy.

      Reply to this comment
      • Maylee

        13. Jun, 2012

        Thanks and please tell what the Thermoplus does? Does it burn calories at all? I was told that each capsule burns 150 calories. Do you recommend taking it over Catalyst or both?

        Reply to this comment
        • Healthy Girl

          16. Jun, 2012

          @ Maylee
          We love it since it boosts metabolism. Our daily routine is:
          Take 3 Catalyst twice a day half hour before a meal on empty stomach. We do at same time as MNS before breakfast pack and before lunch pack and include Thermoplus to boost metabolism at the same time. Did this while losing weight and continue for maintenance.

          Reply to this comment
  29. Tanya

    24. May, 2012

    Everytime I take my spark and the 3 Catalyst 30 minutes before lunch, I am sprinting to the bathroom. Why is this?!?

    Reply to this comment
  30. Lori

    18. May, 2012

    I have tried making the vanilla shake twice and it comes out in a glompy mess. i’m adding water, ice, and a fruit, (one day frozen blueberries, another day banana) and I can’t choke it down. Did I get a bad batch of shakes? Everyone else seems to love them I also have the chocolate and the consistency is completely different.

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      20. May, 2012

      @ Lori,
      We use the vanilla shakes every day with 9 ounces of water. You can vary the amount of water to the consistency you like. A magic bullet or blender works well if you prefer not to do in a shaker bottle.

      Reply to this comment
  31. Sammi

    15. May, 2012

    just ate Nutella on a rice cake, have I messed up the whole process? Thought I could have it!

    Reply to this comment
  32. IRIS

    30. Apr, 2012

    Also, can you have whole wheat pasta? Is there a spaghetti (my all time fav) recipe that is in the guidelines of the challange? During the cleanse?

    Reply to this comment
  33. […] vanilla shake, 9 ounces water and frozen mixed berries or raspberries has maximum fiber and great […]

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  34. Iris

    27. Apr, 2012

    What is the suggested serving size of nuts(almonds or walnuts) as a snack? How bout for a breakfast serving?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      28. Apr, 2012

      @ Iris,
      Get the 100 calorie bags of raw almonds. Don’t eat nuts too many times a day.

      Reply to this comment
  35. Sandra

    17. Apr, 2012

    could we have Nutella instead of peanut butter?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      17. Apr, 2012

      @ Sandra,
      No nutella. It has sugar listed as first ingredient and also has dairy.

      Reply to this comment
  36. Sandra

    17. Apr, 2012

    are we allowed to have whole wheat or whole grain breads as a sandwich with tuna while we are on our 24 day challenge cleanse phase?

    Reply to this comment
  37. KristiE

    15. Apr, 2012

    I’m on Day 15 of the 24 day challenge and am experiencing stomach pains after taking the first packet, spark, and catalyst. I’m drinking breakfast at the 1/2 hour mark, but the pain seems to last. Are Tums okay to try?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      16. Apr, 2012

      @ Kristie,
      Tums have sugar, so not a good idea. It is the color before breakfast pack, and 3 catalyst with the Spark on empty stomach? Are you using MNS3?

      Reply to this comment
  38. […] This is breakfast!   Comes out really thick and filling.  This is really helpful for those who need some more fiber since there are 9 grams of fiber in 1 serving of the berries.  For those of you on the 24 Day […]

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  39. marzupan

    28. Mar, 2012

    I’m taking the mns packets in the 24 day challenge and have noticed an increase of loose bowel movements in the morning after taking the first yellow packet. Is this normal? I have only 2 more days to go.

    Reply to this comment
  40. Sara

    04. Mar, 2012

    I have always had a really bad stomach, the cleanse made me feel awesome, but its day three of the max phase and i have felt awful since a half hour after I took my first yellow pack of pills on day of the max phase. Suggestions?

    Reply to this comment
    • Healthy Girl

      06. Mar, 2012

      @ Sara,
      You need to eat your breakfast half hour after taking that packet. Also – drink lots of water and Spark.

      Reply to this comment

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