Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A Challenge: 34 Days to a Better Me

With the stress of work and moving over the past couple of weeks, I know for a fact I haven’t been up to par in my workouts or proper nutrition and sleep, for that matter. I have been feeling sluggish, tired, and my body has been pumped with too much unhealthy food and high calorie beverages. With that in mind, I am going to join Borsch in his 35 day challenge (with a little tweaking) and work to improve my general well-being.

Have any of you heard of Bob Greene? I have read his book, The Best Life Diet, and found it to be very interesting. The next month or so is going to be very similar to his first month plan which is basically a time for cleaning out the system. Bob suggests cutting out the coffee, soda, and alcohol altogether, as well as increasing the healthy foods, supplements, and workouts. I am taking his suggestions and changing them a bit.

Here's what the next 34 days will look like for me:

  • Absolutely no soda. I did this about this time last fall and was soda-free for almost 6 months and somehow got back into a little here and there. It makes me feel like crap.

  • Only allowed coffee 1x/week. This is very manageable and I look forward to getting off the caffeine-roller-coaster-ride. I can’t tell if I am tired because I am tired or tired because I am coming off a caffeine-high. It’s awful.

  • Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum. I could totally cut this out, but that’s not realistic. I like to have a beer or drink here and there and I probably only have a couple a week if that. So I am not going to worry too much about this.

  • Workout daily. This will consist of a minimum of 20 minutes per day, ranging from a long run, bike, or swim, to a short run, bike or swim sometimes including weight training; or something as minimal as a walk, yoga, stretching, Pilates, and Turbo Sculpting/Turbo Abs. I did this in June and found it to be very effective, and actually lost 6 pounds that month.

  • Take daily supplements. I usually take a women’s multivitamin and fish oil. I am usually pretty good about doing this, but on occasion I will go a week or so without taking anything.

  • A minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night. This should really be 8+ hours (for me), but that isn’t always realistic. This should be the easiest thing to accomplish… as I love to sleep.

So, anyone else in on this challenge?

Day 1 Workout:
Run - 2.92 miles, 34:00, 11:38/mile
Perfect 55 degrees, sun shining, no wind, and no walk breaks!
Today's Song: Creed - Higher

I got back just in time to see the sun set in the clear blue sky!




**Breast Cancer Awareness Information**

There are mixed-reviews on whether or not routine breast self-examinations are effective and necessary. Some say it is, and some say that it has led to more doctor visits but does not find breast cancer earlier than regular medical examinations.

I don't know about you, but I would rather be safe than sorry, right?

Click here for an excerpt on early detection at the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website.

22 comments:

IronGambit said...

I have a HUGE problem with soft drinks. Did you lose any weight when you stopped sodas?

Neese said...

can I start Thursday? lol.
I've got most of them down but the challenge (but one I'm willing to take on!) for me would be the workout daily...

Neesha and Dustin said...

Hi...I just found your blog, but also recently cut ALL soda out of my life. That's not really a big deal for me since it kind of leaves a burning sensation in my throat (all that carbon), but when I do occasionally drink it's generally rum and coke.

I suppose I'll need to find something healthier for my next girl's night out. Any suggestions?

Michelle said...

Hey TW...so i am good on the workouts for sure. The coffee, not so much! Soda, no problem. Sleep, i WISH i could sleep 8 hours per night. More like 6 for me. Alcohol not a problem although i am craving some pumpkin beer!!! I think i have it covered right???

Good song choice!!!

Badgergirl said...

I'll join you with the daily workout for the next 33 days. I don't think I can give up my one Diet Coke a day though. It gets me through the hectic afternoons at work!

Unknown said...

i decided i wasn't doing this 35 day thing, but seeing your twist on it...maybe i will

i believe in BSE - i found a lump myself several years ago (that they 'refound' recently via mammogram) - it isn't cancer but it increases my confidence that I could find something abnormal. And I'd definately rather be safe than sorry...

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great plan. I love my tea - does that count for the caffeine?

J~Mom said...

Awesome!! I have trouble with multi vitamins. The one time I saw a trainer at the gym she had a cow about that. LOL

Anonymous said...

You are up for the challenge. Hope everything is starting to settle down. You have had a crazy few months.

Jess said...

Hmmm I also like a good challenge...I may take you up one this, with some modifications of my own.

Wes said...

Good luck with the challenge. Self induced improvement is the WAY TO GO :-)

Marcy said...

Good for you!! Bob's plan sounds good . . .but I don't know abotu the coffee part. I'd have a hard time with that LOL

BeachRunner said...

Great plan and I know you are up for the challenge. Focusing more sharply on your health and fitness again will undoubtedly pay dividends.

Lesley Looper said...

Wow, this sounds like an awesome challenge! I'm impressed! Looking forward to seeing how it goes.

Anonymous said...

I like your plan! I need to formulate one for myself. I think I may follow your lead here. Way to be inspirational! :)

Unknown said...

That sounds like a great plan. I'm doing pretty much the same thing. My biggest challenge is staying away from the junk food... but I'm working on it.

Aron said...

those are such awesome goals!!!

Jess said...

Best of luck with the challenge. Sorry, I'm out. I can't live without caffeine.

M*J*C said...

Sounds like you've got a great plan!!! I can't wait to hear about your progress with it! I will be ready to start something like this next week! I'm all about "rest" this week!

akshaye said...

Alright.. the only I would fo sure be able to do is the 8 hours of sleep!

Frayed Laces said...

Oh my gosh coffee only 1x/week? I would SO die!

Sherry said...

What a wonderful challenge! I would love to be in on it, but there is no way I could give up my AM tea/coffee. I actually go to bed at night looking forward to it in the morning. ADDICTION! I'm envious about the 8 hours of sleep too. If I want that kind of sleep, I usually have to resort to taking a benadryl! YIKES!

Good luck to you! The plan really does sound nice.