Holiday Health Challenge
- ktsveggielife
- Nov 6, 2016
- 3 min read
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is in less than three weeks? How on earth did that happen? That means the holidays are less than three weeks away? Are you ready? I know I am not. One of the biggest challenges of the holidays is the over abundance of parties, treats, and heavy, delicious food. It starts with a gigantic feast and continues through people constantly dropping off cookies and candies. Then there are the parties and events every weekend and the food people bring to work. We are bombarded from every side. Then, after the whirlwind from Thanksgiving to New Years is over, we all discover we've gained 10 lbs in a month.
Bummer. So we make a resolution at the start of the new year. We all commit to loose it all in and be better in the New Year. It happens the same way every year. But who says it has to be a new year to commit to change? Who says it has to be a new year to commit to taking care of your body? I say, let's start now. Let's work on prevention rather than trying to fix the problem the holidays create for our bodies. This isn't to say we can't indulge in a little holiday treat now and then, but if we discipline ourselves now in preparation and going through the holidays, our bodies will thank us in so many ways.
A few years ago, I ran this challenge to help people get ready for summer. It isn't a weight loss program. So if that is what you are looking for, this is not going to meet that goal without a lot of hard work from you. This is a challenge to help to create healthy lifestyle habits. Drinking enough water, not snacking all night long (my problem), exercising regularly, making time for gratitude, learning, and spiritual growth. It focuses on all sides of your health, not just your physical health. And, there is a little bit of a competitive edge to it.
Here is how it works. Thanksgiving is in 2.5 weeks. Christmas is in 7 weeks FROM TODAY. New Year's Day is in 8 weeks. It will be a 10 week program. Starting next Sunday and running through January 21. This gives you 3 weeks to "recover" from the holidays and commit to keeping up a healthy lifestyle on your own.
You will grade yourself on 10 things each day and record them on a shared google doc for all contestants to see. One big thing about creating change in your life is accountability. If there is nobody to report to, nobody knows if you are meeting your goals, you are much less likely to meet them. You will give yourself 1 point for each of the 10 items completed. Each week there will be a wild card challenge as one of your 10 things to report on. This will change every week.
Here is an example.
1. Drink 64 oz. (or more) of water per day (the recommended 8 c/day) 2.No more than 1 serving refined sugar per day ** You can go here http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-portion-size-plate to find serving sizes. (And yes, the 1 oz chocolate = the same as 1 FUN SIZE (not regular size) candy bar/treat.**) 3.No eating after 8 pm or when dinner finishes, whichever is later 4.Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week **You have to sweat or it doesn't count** 5.Eat at least 6 servings of veggies and fruit (combined not each) 6.Study 20 minutes of holy text (or other personally uplifting work i.e. self- help books, yoga mantras, etc.) 7.Record one thing you're grateful for in journal 8.Work toward one personal goal *This goal must last the entire challenge. No changing it half way through* 9.Record daily points on the group Google Doc to stay accountable and encourage others 10.WILD CARD, announced each week (ideas welcome)
*WEEK 1 No Soda, carbonation, energy drinks *WEEK 2 Go to bed before midnight
It will cost $10 to participate in the challenge. Email me at ktsveggielife@gmail.com to sign up. I will need your name and email address so I can send you the google doc. You can pay me directly or use paypal or venmo.
At the end of the challenge, the pot will be split 60/40 with the winner (person with the most points) getting 60% and then the computer will randomly select a second winner to receive the remaining 40%. So you don't have to be perfect to have the chance to win. And in the end, we all win because we are making healthy choices and taking care of our bodies.
I can't wait to get started. You have 1 week to get ready to commit. Share with your family and friends, the more the merrier. I will announce the new wild card via my instagram account at the beginning of every week.
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