Starting the Spring 2018 5% Challenge

It's time! Tomorrow is the first day of the new Spring 2018 5% challenge. I'm returning on the Shooting Stars team. This team has stood beside me in good time and in bad. They have seen me through the death of my mom and my dog. They have encouraged me to get below 200. I'm really looking forward to this journey with them. I have done about 5 of these challenges and while they are motivating and fun, I have not lost 5%. However, I think this time I just might do it. My mind is in the right place. I will increase my exercises from just walking 4 or 5 days, to walking every day, even if it's just 10 minutes around my apartment building. I'm going to finally use mt Planet Fitness membership twice a week, and start doing some core work. I hope by the end of the challenge I'll add yoga and strength training, but one step at a time. I've learned if I set too ambitious goals, I don't meet them and get discouraged and even depressed.

My nutrition goals are to plan healthy meals and snacks and to cook at least 4 days a week. I've done this in the past, but I've just gotten out of the habit. It's just so easy to go to Taco Bell for a grilled chicken taco with no cheese, and under $5. My weakness is for Mt Dew. Before I started caring about my health, I used to drink 4 or 5 a day. When I decided to make a change I count down to 1 or 2 a day. When I was at my best, I would ration myself to 3 swallows after lunch and dinner. Believe it or not, I was able to do it. Just enough for a sweet taste and kept my cravings at bay. Chips are also a problem. I love the spicey flavor and the salt and crunch. But I would eat half a bag at a sitting.

Sleep is also a priority. With the proper sleep, I feel so much better. More energy and focus. Also, spiritual health is important to me. When I'm consistent in my prayer life and Bible reading life is just all around better. Glorifying God is such an amazing thing. He has done so much for me and has proven faithful over and over.

So I'm using this opportunity to refocus my life all around. In 8 weeks I plan to be a better me. Say a prayer.