21 Day Challenge: Lesson Learned: Preparation, Preparation, Preparation...

So, my blog coverage of the 21 Day NTHS Challenge was not the first time I failed to follow through with a plan (nor the last).  Unfortunately, life is full of times when there just isn't enough time or energy to do all we want, and I think it's important to get up, dust off, and try once more.

I made it almost 18 days without sugars and sweeteners (with a couple of cheat meals or snacks), and I can tell my palate is greatly changed.  Hopefully, all the holiday indulgence hasn't reversed too much of that change...

The biggest lesson I learned from the challenge was the importance of preparation.  I knew going into it that I would have to be prepared for finding appropriate snacks on the go and getting the week's food bought and partially prepared on Sunday.  Still, I wasn't ready for the daily amount of work required when you're cooking every meal from whole ingredients.  I also wasn't ready for the time it would have taken to keep everyone updated through the blog as I was going through the challenge.  I know now that for future challenges, it will be best to pre-write as much as possible and schedule a time each day to work on the blog.

I hope a few people were able to benefit from the workout schedule and week 1 meal plan.  I really enjoyed mixing up my workouts and found it to be a pretty refreshing schedule.  I tried Zumba for the first time - kind of loved it and plan to add it to my regular workouts.  Maybe this coming year I can encourage you to try something outside your comfort zone?!  I've been busily pinning tons of workouts to review for you.  In 2014, I'd love to bring you at least 2 new (free) routines each month.

Speaking of the new year, I want to share with you some of my personal resolutions (yes, I'm one of those eternally hopeful fools):
- Eat MORE fresh, raw fruits and veggies
- Cook MORE dinners with my husband
- Life MORE weights with my husband
- Pay MORE attention to how exercise makes me feel
- Get MORE sleep
- Spend MORE on products that I really need and love (forget the rest)
- Donate MORE stuff to people who need it
- Give away MORE hugs and kisses to the people I love
- Call my parents MORE
- Enjoy MORE time outside
- Write MORE blog posts ;-)

I know resolutions can feel like you're just asking for disappointment, but as someone much more insightful that me once pointed out, the attempt alone is progress and every year you come a little closer... The important part is to avoid words like "failure" or "give up" when you realize that life has once again become bigger than your desire to be perfect.  Resolutions can be a way to reflect on where you are now and to refocus on your health and happiness.  If you make them, don't let them be a burden.

Well, that's about all I've got for now.  I hope everyone enjoys their remaining holidays and has a happy, fun and safe New Years Eve!




Just to tempt you into trying to go 21 days without added sugars, I'll share some delicious images from my kitchen:

NTHS 21 Day Challenge : Day 2

Happy TWOsday!
(get it...because Day 2?)

So excited to be one day down!  And what better way to celebrate the end of day 1 than with that delicious Mexi-Meatloaf.  The portions were HUGE and we still have plenty for lunch today (which I am definitely looking forward to).

Well, today started much like yesterday, with a yummy Buffalo Chicken Egg Muffin (that I topped with avocado and some extra Frank's) and a cuppa tea.  Yesterday I discovered that unsweetened coffee with whole milk is surprisingly palatable, color me impressed :)

Tuesday means Strength Training, and the hubby and I are headed to the gym for real weights BUT I didn't want to leave you hangin' so here's a No Equipment Leg Toning Routine courtesy of Self Mag.

You're going to do 3 sets of each move or go straight through the circuit 3 times.



1. Rear Reshaper: start on all fours, knees under hips, hands slightly in front of shoulders. Lift right knee to side at hip level; trace 12 large circles clockwise (as shown), then 12 the other way. Switch legs; repeat.

2. Butt Lifter: Lie face-up, knees bent, feet flat. Extend right leg toward ceiling, toes pointed. Squeeze glutes and lift hips to form a straight diagonal from left knee to shoulders (as shown). Raise hips higher, then lower to floor for 1 rep. Do 15 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

3. Calf Carver: Raise right knee to hip level, toes pointed, hands behind head. Contract abs as you lift left heel as high as you can off floor, balancing on ball of foot (as shown). Hold for 3 seconds, then lower heel for 1 rep. Do 15 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

4. Twisting Toner: Step right leg into a lunge, arms out to sides, rotating upper body to right until arms align with right thigh (as shown). Rotate to center, stepping right leg back to meet left. Repeat on opposite side for 1 rep. Do 12 reps.

5. Ass Kicker: Start on all fours, knees under hips, hands slightly in front of shoulders. Lift and extend right leg as high as you can, toes pointed (as shown). Keeping leg straight, cross right leg over left leg and tap toes to floor, then swing right leg up as high as you can and across to right, again tapping toes, for 1 rep. Do 15 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

6. Leaping Firmer: Stand with feet together, hands clasped in front of chest. Step left leg into a forward lunge. Push off floor immediately, jumping as high as you can (as shown). Land in a lunge with right leg forward for 1 rep. Do 15 reps as quickly as possible.

Good luck with the rest of your day and stay awesome!

bgt

NTHS 21 Day Challenge : Day 1

Good morning!

Today marks the beginning of our 21 day journey to getting healthier this holiday season.  If you're following the meal plan, chances are this is what your breakfast looked like:

Today also marks our first Cardio HIIT workout - keep it under 30 minutes and follow some interval arrangement (from 20 seconds on, 10 off to 2 minutes on, 1 minute off).

If you're at a loss, try this basic gym class-inspired routine:

    - 5 minute warm-up with jogging in place, butt kicks, jumping jacks, high knees, low switch kicks

    - 3 minute stretch (don't over-stretch)

   Circuit A

    - Shuttle runs (think about running to pick up that eraser and back to start) x 45 second

    - Rest 15 seconds

    - Situps (fast) x 45 seconds

    - Rest 15 seconds

    - High Jump (high as your can, arms way up over head) x 45 seconds

    - Rest 15 seconds

   Repeat Circuit A x 2 (total 3 times)
   Circuit B
    - "100 yard dash" (sprint in place) x 45 seconds
    - Rest 15 seconds
    - Push ups x 45 seconds
    - Rest 15 seconds
    - Long jump (jump as far as possible from standing) x 45 seconds
   Repeat Circuit B x 2 (total 3 times)
    - 5 minute cool down and stretch

As a side note, I want to encourage you to take a minute to reflect on how you feel about your fitness and diet up to now.  Have you been eating foods that nourish your body?  Have you found a way to have fun with exercise?  Write down where you are today and where you hope to be at the end of the challenge.  What are your longterm goals?  Taking time to write them down on paper can help you visualize and give you that little push to start making the right steps.

Good luck with the rest of your Day 1!  Feel free to check in here, in the comments, with your questions and concerns :)

bgt