First some background; As someone who is older male (not "old"!) I've gained some weight. I grew up on a farm and am a meat and potatoes guy. I travel a lot and have gotten into a habit of eating bad food, from fast-food burgers to a bag of chips before bed. However, I don't drink or smoke at all. A friend has done this cleanse for 8 years in a row. I promised my wife I would lose 20 lbs on her birthday and was struggling. His wife texted me a link to SP and I ordered it in fifteen minutes.So I completed the 21 days and have carried through the good habits for 28. I am 16 lbs. lighter and feel great. My body processes are more efficient and I started doing some short runs, the first time in a decade.I followed the program religiously with the only exception being I didn't buy organic. However, I have not had any dairy, meat or chicken in a month. I love the cookbook and have grown to enjoy ratatouille and quinoa. I have extended beyond the cookbook and am now making baked ratatouille, shrimp quinoa, and many more delicious meals. I enjoy the shakes (banana, coconut milk, cinnamon). So I typically have fruit for breakfast. A mid-morning snake of carrots or cucumbers. A lunch of leftovers (ratatouille, quinoa chili, lentil soup, bean soup, cabbage soup etc.). A shake for a mid-afternoon snack. A full dinner. And a shake around 8pm to keep me from munching. I love the coconut milk with a little Truvia sweetener and cinnamon.So a month in I am about four pounds away from my goal. I loved the idea that I could do a 21 day event so I had a light at the end of the tunnel; just make it one more day! The truth is, I was never hungry and don't feel I was denied. I discovered a whole bunch of new and healthy foods I enjoy. I even enjoy the making and discovery. My plan is to hit the goal of losing 20 lbs. Then I will have a "celebration day" per week where I can eat a brisket, steak, ribs or pasta but the rest of the week is fruit and veggies. I will monitor my weight and if am over my ideal weight, cut back. Under and I stick to the plan. I also plan to do this every January. My thinking here is that it will get me through the winter. Then, as the weather warms and I get more activity, to enjoy the cookouts more. Then get through the fall and holidays with moderate weight gain. Then do the 21 day cleanse again in January.Highly recommended!