And So it Begins...

Day 1 and I have already learned a lot about myself. 

As much as I went into this excited about seeing the changes in my health, feeling better and being stronger I was a little surprised at my mindset about the meal plan.

Most of us have tried diets. Some of us have tried many. I tried Atkins, MediFast and about 5 others over the years in an attempt to lose the last of the weight I gained during my first pregnancy. I know what it is like to force myself to eat something that tastes nasty and isn't filling in any way, day after day and not see any difference. I know what it is like to try a supplement only to have it leave you feeling worse when what you wanted was to feel better. I am a steak and potatoes kind of girl, so looking at a veggie and fruit heavy diet made me nervous. I had actually prepared myself for feeling hungry, and having cravings.

Imagine my surprise when I actually had to break up my meals because I was getting too full! The foods allowed on the 21 Day Fix meal plan really do allow for not only filling but satisfying meals! This is definitely going to be an easier change that I anticipated and that is good news!

The second thing I learned was how many sly little bad habits slip into our routines without us even noticing. Sneaky little buggers, they are. Things like eating to pass time or when you are bored. How many times have I gone to the kitchen repeatedly only to stare into the fridge in search of something to snack on but not really wanting anything in particular. My kids had a container of chips that they left on the table. As I walked by, I reached over to pick it up and put it away and I caught myself thinking "I think I'll have a few..". Any other day and I probably would have without even thinking about it. Not today. Today was a new day and I made a commitment to change. It got me thinking though, how many times had I done just that? How many inches am I carrying around from habitual, mindless eating? It is crazy how form these bad habits without even noticing...

The next bad habit I'm going to shatter is one where my lazy little mind tells me I'm too tired to workout, I'll just do it tomorrow. 

Day 1 meal plan adhered to, workout done! Several small victories that will one day add up to a HUGE one! ^_^

Begin at the Beginning

Step 1: Realizing you have a problem.

Sometimes it hits you like a brick wall other times the notion seeps in slowly and subtly. For us it has been a bit of both. Steve's health concerns have cropped up one at a time and each time they have taken us by surprise. With our fitness level, it has been a slow deterioration over a very long time as the daily routine took us farther and farther from being healthy and active. 

Step 2: Deciding to do something about it.

We started out with Plexus. A dear friend and fitness wonder recommended it to us. It was absolutely great! We felt better than ever, lost weight in pounds and inches and most importantly cut Steve's cholesterol and triglyceride levels in HALF!!! It was a great way to get started. It got us drinking more water and MUCH less soda. We ate better because we wanted to keep the results we were seeing. So far we have maintained. Now it is time to step up our game.

Step 3: Accept the challenge.

We could have decided to take baby steps to get going on this, but not us. We are jumping in! We joined a challenge group for the support and accountability. We could have done this without making any financial investment, but we chose to put emphasis on the need to succeed by investing in our own transformation. It's like a little added drive to keep us on track. ;) 

Step 4: Follow through!

Our challenge begins in less than a week and we are busy, busy with preparations. In order to make this a complete change of lifestyle as opposed to just a temporary change we are going all out. We will be working with others, helping them and coaching them on their journey to a healthier life. We have started a group on Facebook that will be a sharing community for support and encouragement. We also started this new blog. All of which are forms of accountability. Not only that, but it will encourage us as we go along to see what we have accomplished and hear about the success of others! 

Step 5: Live the change.

We are fully committed to this thing. Both feet in. No backing out now. We are doing this to feel better, to be healthier, to be able to do more but most importantly for our three children who deserve our very best! That includes our health. 

Here's to new adventures, tougher challenges and greater rewards! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! <3

Bless and be blessed, y'all! ^_^