Unplugging My Body: 5 Days to Reset, Reboot, and Survive Without Snacks
On January 13th, I embarked on an adventure into uncharted territory: my first “reset.” I used to swear I’d never do a reset or one of those fancy cleanses. Why would I put my body through that? But, my nutrition was out of control, and when a friend asked if I wanted to try it, I thought, “Sure, why not? How hard can it be?”
When the little box arrived in the mail, reality hit. As I unpacked the daily portions, I laughed nervously. How was I supposed to survive on this tiny amount of food?
That said, I learned a lot about my body—about hunger cues, cravings, and how much I really need protein to maintain stable energy. While I did experience some quick results on the scale and in inches lost, the most valuable takeaways weren’t physical. What I gained was far more important than a temporary drop on the scale.
Day 1: The box, the guide, and a very lived-in counter courtesy of solo parenting chaos. If I can reset my body, maybe I can reset this kitchen next! 😅 #RealLifeMom
What Is the Shaklee 5-Day Reset?
The Shaklee 5-Day Reset is a kit designed to jumpstart healthy habits. It includes your meals, drinks, and supplements for five days, plus a guide suggesting you add protein and veggies to meet your calorie needs.
The goal is to help you up your protein intake, build good habits, and, let’s be honest, lose some weight. While the marketing emphasizes habit-building over weight loss, the extreme caloric deficit is a big part of the program. For some, that’s a selling point. For me? Not so much—but we’ll get to that later.
Why I Chose to Do the Reset
This wasn’t about quick weight loss for me. My goal was to get back into healthier habits and clean up my nutrition. I know gluten and dairy wreak havoc on my body, so eliminating or minimizing them was a top priority. The reset is gluten-free but does contain some dairy, so I figured it was a manageable start.
I also wanted to break my dependence on quick carb fixes, which had been leaving me bloated, tired, and foggy. My PCOS symptoms were flaring up, and I needed a reset to help curb cravings and regain control.
Day 1: Getting Started
Day 1 was exciting—I was eager to dive in! I didn’t do much prep, figuring I’d wing it. Since most items came in the box, all I needed were some extra veggies, fruit, and protein to add to my meals.
I quickly learned that hydration was key. Drinking so much water kept me feeling fuller than I expected, though I found myself running to the bathroom constantly. I also realized that prepping veggies and protein ahead of time was essential; otherwise, hunger hit hard between meals.
Unfortunately, Day 1 came with a hiccup: I discovered I’m mildly allergic to walnuts after a reaction to the protein oats. No biggie—I just made my own protein oats for the rest of the week. By the end of the day, I was low on energy and a little hungry, but it wasn’t unbearable. I went to bed hopeful.
Ah, the infamous protein oats: the breakfast that woke me up and gave me a surprise allergy test. Turns out, I’m not a fan of walnuts—literally. 😬 #LessonLearned
Day 3: The Toughest Day
Day 3 nearly broke me. I woke up starving, exhausted, and battling a terrible headache. I’d gone to bed on Day 2 feeling the same way, and I knew I wasn’t consuming enough calories.
The reset encourages you to add no more than 400 extra calories per day, keeping total intake around 1,200 calories—a level more appropriate for a toddler than a grown adult who weighs 240 lbs. I was ready to throw in the towel.
But then I reminded myself: no one’s forcing me to follow the guide exactly. I decided to listen to my body. I added extra protein and veggies to my meals and even had a snack—chicken sausage with vegetables. That small adjustment made all the difference.
I also remembered something I’d heard: resistance often comes when you’re on the brink of change. Day 3 felt like my body and mind fighting against the progress I was trying to make.
Day 4: Smiling, energized, and finally feeling human again! Turns out a little extra protein and veggies (and a lot of perseverance) can work wonders. 💪✨ #FeelingGood
Day 4: Turning the Corner
Day 4 was a game-changer. My body seemed to adjust overnight, and I felt like I’d settled into a routine. I kept up with my modified plan, adding extra protein and veggies, and found I wasn’t as hungry.
Granted, I started a new job that day and was active all day long, so I may have been too busy to notice hunger. Still, I felt more energized and optimistic.
That said, drinking most of my meals for five days had gotten really boring. Broth, I’ve learned, is not my favorite thing.
My Results After the Reset
While weight loss wasn’t my main goal, I did see some quick changes:
Non-scale results:
• More energy by Day 5
• Reduced morning pain
• Less bloating
• Decreased swelling in arms and legs
• Reduced sugar and sweet cravings
• Feeling full sooner
Scale and measurement results:
• Lost 4 lbs
• Lost 4.8 inches total, including almost 1 inch off my waist
Almost a Week Later
A week after finishing the reset, I’m happy to say I’ve stuck with many of the habits I started. I’ve maintained a gluten-free diet and minimized dairy, which has kept bloating and inflammation at bay.
My energy levels are still great, I’m eating smaller portions, and I’m sleeping better (though I still need to work on going to bed earlier—some things never change!).
I was worried I’d revert to old habits, but the reset helped me establish a clear plan, and I’ve been able to stick to it. And let me tell you, it’s a relief not to be drinking broth anymore. I think I’m done with soup for a while!
Should You Try It?
This is my completely unbiased review—I don’t work for Shaklee or sell their products. My honest take? I wouldn’t do the reset again. The extreme caloric deficit isn’t healthy or sustainable for me.
That said, I did enjoy some of the products (minus the walnut oats!) and appreciated the simplicity of having everything planned out for five days. If you’re looking to clear bloat or build habits, it could be a good option for you.
Ultimately, resets aren’t life-changing—they’re a stepping stone. True results come from consistency and sustainable habits. If you’d like support in creating lasting changes, I’m here to help as a health and wellness coach. Let’s work together to build a healthier, happier you!