“I knew that I needed to change some bad habits. As a full time teacher and mom to three young boys, I am extremely busy. Burning at both ends with my career and home duties I was finding it hard to lead a healthy life. I wasn’t sleeping well, my skin looked pale and blemished, and I found myself craving unhealthy food. I needed a “life change”…”
Sound familiar?
So many of us question our ability to take on a new challenge. Even though we feel like crap, we make excuses, we put things off, and we tell ourselves we’re too busy for our own self care.
When we tell you that Lisa Barbato, mother of three young boys and a high school Spanish teacher, made room in her life for the Conscious Cleanse, we think you’ll be inspired to put your own excuses on the back burner and come along for the ride starting September 9.
With more energy and clarity than she’s had in years, Lisa’s story is proof that no matter how busy you are, whether it’s travel for work, an ill loved one, or a full time job, taking care of ourselves is the most loving and nourishing thing we can do for our loved ones.
Read on for the latest in our Confessions of a Conscious Cleanser series to learn about Lisa and how she successfully tackled the Cleanse. Be sure to share her story with anyone you know who is burning the candle at both ends.
As we make this back to school transition, we want to appreciate all of our teachers. Most of us can name a teacher or mentor who has changed our lives for the better. Help us celebrate all teachers by joining us on Facebook for a Teacher Appreciate Contest. Follow the directions here and nominate your favorite teacher for a chance for them to win a free spot in our upcoming Fall Cleanse.
Get all the details here.
Now it’s your turn! Are you finding it hard to carve out time and space for your own self care? Be sure to leave us a comment below!
With love and honest confessions,
Q&A with Lisa Barbato
What inspired you to try the Conscious Cleanse for the first time?
I knew that I needed to change some bad habits. As a full time teacher and mom to three young boys, I am extremely busy. Burning at both ends with my career and home duties I was finding it hard to lead a healthy life. I wasn’t sleeping well, my skin looked pale and blemished, and I found myself craving unhealthy food. I needed a “life change” and a friend recommended the Conscious Cleanse. Initially, the thought of a 2-week cleanse seemed daunting, but after seeing and hearing the results that so many friends have had on the Conscious Cleanse, I knew that I needed to give it a try.
What were you most looking forward to and/or dreading about embarking on the two-week program?
I was dreading no alcohol and no sweet treats.
I was most looking forward to learning more about the foods that I put into my body. I also wanted to see a change in my appearance, including weight loss.
What surprised you most about the Conscious Cleanse?
This may sound cliché, but the Conscious Cleanse changed my life! My skin, my attitude and my eating habits have all improved as a result. I used to feel so tired by 10am while I was teaching because I would load up on carbs. Now I’m drinking lemon water then a green smoothie and at lunch, a big salad. I don’t crash at 10am anymore. My friends, family, and students saw a change in me after the cleanse. If I can do it, you can do it too.
Did you have an a-ha moment that you want to share?
It was during Purification weekend that I discovered my addiction to sugar. My entire life I have never gone a single day without some form of sugar, until Purification. After just two days I had more energy, my skin was glowing for the first time in years, and I had a better attitude at work and at home.
Be honest, on Day 11 did you stand in front of your mirror naked per Jo and Jules’ instructions?! Do you remember how you felt on that day?
I stood naked in front of my mirror before day 11. For me the real shift happened on day 7, after Purification. The bloating that I felt in my belly since giving birth to my third son four years ago was gone. I remember feeling so proud that I gave myself this amazing gift of health.
How did you prepare before heading off to work each day?
I made sure that I always had unsalted nuts handy. I also made dinners each night and a giant salad. I’d split the salad, eat half for dinner and bring the other half to school. I made a smoothie every morning to bring to school. My students would beg me to make extra! They kept saying “We’re eating lettuce? This is so delicious!” In a pinch I could eat from the salad bar at my school. I told the cafeteria workers what I was up to and it turns out that they have a Conscious Cleanse-friendly salad dressing!
Any final thoughts?
Kids really want to learn from their teachers, but not just the academics. Unintentionally I was promoting healthy eating in my classroom. I had all of these mason jars on my desk at school, mostly filled with green foods. People started calling me “The Green Lady!” The Conscious Cleanse gave me a different way to connect with students who may not have otherwise reached out to me. They would casually stop by to see if they could get a carrot with hummus!
