Challenge Complete!!

No Junk Food Challenge is complete and I can happily say it was a success!!  Today was the first day that I could eat whatever I wanted and I didn't touch any of the candy in our office.  There were jelly beans during our staff meeting and they didn't even tempt me.  

The whole point in doing the challenge was to teach myself that I don't need that stuff and that there are things way better than junk.  It worked!  I just feel so much better since starting that I don't want to ruin it. I have more energy, my workouts are better and I can see the difference.  

This week I have already run twice and been to the gym three times and each workout was better than the last.  Monday in CycleFit the instructor commented on how she has noticed a change in my workout.  That my form for some of the positions was improved and it was clear that I got it.  She even said she thought I could handle a full class not just the beginner class. Yesterday in Gravity the instructor told me he could see that I was getting stronger. 

The thing with becoming physically healthier is that I also feel more confident.  Last week in our training I was far more vocal and engaged than I have been in a long time.  It was in part the fact that I was comfortable in the group but I also know that feeling better overall improves my mood.  

So what's the plan from here??  Keep doing the things I've been doing and increase my running distance!  It's Half Marathon training time!!  

So Awesome!

Every year at work at this time we have our annual Training Weeks.  It's a chance for everyone to get some mandatory training as well as some time spent together away from the daily workload.  It's always fun and I always come away energized. 

The problem is there is always candy, cookies and junk.  As mentioned I am doing a No Junk Food challenge.  I went into this week knowing there would be daily, even hourly temptations.  I knew I could either give in or be strong.

This year we got "points" in the form of lifesavers!  As soon as the first one was handed out I thought "oh shit!" I really wanted to participate and get my team some points AND I really like lifesavers.  Then came the gummies that the person sitting beside me brought, then cookies and more candy that was in the kept in the kitchen.  

I went into the week with a plan though and was determined not to touch any of it!  And I didn't:). 

Each day I loaded up my lunch bag with good healthy foods and stuff that would satisfy that want for the candy.  It took some willpower and a lot of internal dialogue but I did it.  I also knew that I would be very disappointed in myself if I caved.  

Next week is back to my regular schedule.  I'll be back to my crazy days with meetings and paperwork.  I'll continue to bring my food and not have crap.  I have 5 more days of the challenge but I have learned so much.  

Oh and guess what else happened this week??  I got up at 5:30am and ran twice!!  I have always preferred morning runs but the winter cold makes me not want to get up.  I'm back at the mornings though and loving it!  Maybe the healthier eating really does make a difference ;)

January Round Up!

Wow!!  It's already one month into 2015! My goal for January was to move everyday. I kept track of my movement in a note on my phone so that it would be quick and easy to enter things.  I also started wearing my Fitbit Zip again.  For the month of January I had purposeful exercise (running, walking or the gym) 24 days and the other 7 involved long shopping trips, trips to the library and market and tourist stuff in Florida.  Some days I had purposeful exercise and leisurely movement.  I'm very happy with how January went. 

Near the end of the month I decided to join a challenge in a facebook group.  It's called a no junk food challenge and there is a list of things we aren't allowed to have.  

It's a 21 day challenge and I am currently on day 11(12?).  I'm very proud of how I have done.  The first couple of days I was dying.  I joined the challenge becaus I wanted to try to train myself to choose healthier things for snacks.  I also wanted to cut out pop and decided what better time to try.  I have had nothing on this list.

Since the beginning of January I have lost 7.2lbs and am back to where I was a couple months ago before the wheels fell off.  I feel great.

February's goals will be to keep up the daily movement and bring my lunch everyday for the month.  I know, I know!  I've said that before but this time I'm much more serious.  I spent today making soup, chopping veggies, making hummus and Glo Bars.  I'm going to make a big salad tonight that should last a few days too.  This week is the perfect week to start this one too, it's my annual week of training and there is not enough time to go out and buy something.  

Don't forget!  February is "Heart Month" and not in the valentine sense.  It is a month to raise awareness for heart health and heart defects!!  More on that as the month goes on though;)