Health Challenge

Does anyone else feel like the world of health and nutrition has become increasingly complicated? So much so, that when an easy solution is presented it feels like it won't work? Me too. I was awake last night thinking about why I just can't stick to a diet or exercise plan. The reason is because I have never made exercise or dieting a habit. I eat pretty healthy meals, but then I gorge on desserts and snacks and treats late into the evening. I am a sedentary person at night, and do a lot of running around and cleaning during the day (most days). I guess I just eat more calories than I burn.

Here is my analysis of how easy it should be to lose weight (har har):

Output (calories burned)< Input (calories consumed)

Gain Weight

Output = Input

Maintain Weight

Output > Input

Lose Weight

It look so simple!!! Yet I have a whole folder of pins dedicated to this workout and that diet and these cleanses because I am looking for an "easy" fix that I only have to do for 10 days out of my whole life and then I will be fixed forever. That would be nice and I should technically categorize that under my "dreamiest dreams" category. 

So.....I am going to start a challenge. Not 30 days or 10 days.  A lifelong one, if you will. 

Here goes: 

1. I am going to eat a healthy breakfast everyday. (A struggle, but the evidence is clear that it helps metabolism).
2. Walk Everyday. A brisk walk 15 minutes a day twice a week has so many benefits. Working up to several times a day will have many benefits. 
3. Drink lots of water. Read here for some research about losing weight by increasing water intake.
4. Don't drink my calories. No sodas, juices, or milk.
5. No eating 3 hours before bed. Go to bed hungry. 
6. Move more. Dance around with Atrion, jump on the trampoline, do the Wii Fit, P90X...whatever. Just move!
7. Stretch.
8. Get good sleep.
9. All things in moderation except fresh fruits and vegetables...go crazy with those.
10. I feel like I need a #10 just to make it even....hmmm.....Oh I got it! Don't reward myself with food.

Hopefully, after a few weeks I can check back and let you know how I am doing with these things. If you have tips, tricks, or schedules that work best for you, then please post. I love hearing about people's successes and I prefer to learn from other people's mistakes ;).

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”~Aristotle

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”