Ready or Not

Here we go!  It's time for another fitness challenge, friends.  Tiffany put me in charge, so I'm going to change things up a bit.  If you want to protest, feel free.  I feel strongly that the focus be on fitness and health, not a number on the scale.  I want this process to instill healthy habits that will last beyond the 12 weeks of the challenge.  I want you to feel better about your body and your relationship with food.  That is why we will continue to have weigh ins, but you won't get points for losing pounds.  I believe in weighing in.  I think it's good to have accountability and consistent self-checks.   If you lose weight along the way, that's just a bonus to your new healthy lifestyle.  So, that being said, you get points for doing things that build healthy habits: drinking at least 8 cups of water a day, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day (with a possible extra point for a full hour of exercise), eating at least 5 servings of fruits or vegetables a day, and following a sensible diet of your choice.  Sensible, friends.  Not crazy.  If you want to count calories, that's fine.  If you want to follow a certain diet plan, that's fine.  But it has to be something that is maintainable for the long haul.  We're looking for changes that are sustainable, and that means eating real food and real amounts of it.  If you'd like help finding a diet that works for you, I'd be happy to help you.  Additionally, I'd love for you to post recipes here, struggles, successes, encouragement, etc.  There maybe be challenges from time to time that will give the opportunity for extra points.  So stay tuned.