30 Day Holiday Health Challenge: Week 1

Last week I put a challenge to myself. I decided to take on my health during the month of December. Some may say it’s crazy to do this before Christmas. Some may say it’s impossible. I say it’s neither.

The challenge includes:

1.       I cannot eat out during the work week.

2.       I must work out at least once a week.

3.       I cannot indulge in any candies, cookies, etc. during the work days.

4.       I must drink one Herbalife shake daily during the week.

To read the rationale behind these, see my blog “30 Holiday Health Challenge.” These rules apply specifically to me and aren’t guaranteed to provide weight loss. They were created to attack the weaknesses I have.

So after one week down, how did I do? Im happy to report that all challenge qualifications were met in the first week! 

The Third Day

In my opinion, the third day of any change is the worst! Days 1 and 2 are kinda new and fun. On day three, I woke up wanting a Chik-fil-A spicy chicken biscuit with no butter and a fruit cup for breakfast, a clear violation of rule number 1. But I resisted! I had a tasty Herbalife shake instead and met rule #4. If you can make it passed days 3 and 4, you can finish what you have started.

The Good Stuff

There are several things to be proud of in just the first week. I lost one pound! Very exciting considering it wasn’t my goal to lose weight. I made it to body pump and was sore for the next 3 days. I set out to accomplish something and for 7 days, I did it.

What’s the bigger picture?

But seriously, why do this? For me, it goes beyond my health during the month of December. I greatly desire to be more disciplined. I wouldn’t say I am a flake; I commit to others and perform what I say I will do for them. But more often than I would like, I am undisciplined in my own initiatives. I easily let myself down.

Someone who is disciplined will follow the path regardless of distraction or deterrence. Someone who is disciplined will complete the task despite others who may say it’s crazy or not possible to complete. Paul encourages self-discipline by comparing it to running a race.  

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27.

So you see the greater objective is to become a better runner, one that finishes races to gain the ultimate prize. If I am able to complete this self-induced, discipline forming challenge, I will be better for it. I will be more equipped to deal with situations that attempt to grab my attention away from God. And of course, there is the increased ability to say no in the presence of queso.

Today’s verse: “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize,” 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Will all the Drama Queens Please Stand Up!

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” Romans 12:18.

My morning reading produced this lovely verse that stuck with me all day. In fact, I chuckled when I read it. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a great directive. The part that made me chuckle was “as far as it depends on you.” How many of us have ever been in the presence of a drama queen? I would not consider myself a drama queen. I think I attempt to see things from the other person’s point of view. Maybe I am and aren’t self-aware. Either way, I have known a few women who have succumb to bouts of queen-ish behavior.  Women are generally perceived to be the ones producing most of the drama. I can’t say I disagree with that. I’m sure there are men who enjoy the drama too, but based on my boyfriend’s friendships and mine….yep, women cause more drama. Whether it’s our desire to end the dispute with us on top or we are addicted to the negative attention that a drama filled situation brings, the “as far as it depends on you” line can be lost on us.

I think the key to tackling the drama queen syndrome is to first find the peace within you. There is no better place to do that than with your health. The drama we place on our physical selves keeps us in a tailspin of perpetual bad health. Let’s look at some common drama-like attitudes that we exhibit. Let me first say, I have done them all. Maybe I am a drama queen.

• Internal negotiations. “Well I only had 200 calories for breakfast and 100 calorie snack. I missed lunch so I can have a Totino’s Pizza.” Okay, yes, Totino’s pizza is the best frozen pizza but it also has 4 grams of trans fat. No rationalizing should allow this. I’m just lucky Taco Bell stopped making the grilled stuffed burrito.

• I’ll start tomorrow.  All day binging won’t translate into a successful start to your diet or physical activity routine tomorrow. Start now instead. It doesn’t matter what you had for breakfast. You can begin making a difference right now.

• Acai Berry will help me lose weight.  Stop right there and begin thinking rationally. There is not one single food or nutrient that will cause your weight loss or solve most health problems. Only moderate intake of calories with balanced nutrients can get and keep you thin.

• I’ve tried but I have no self-control.  It goes beyond the self-control concept. Do you want to go to work every day? Most likely not but you still do. You get a reward for that effort called money. So find the reward and the motivation that will dismiss the notion of self-control and set you up for success. For more tips on successful change, see my blog “Failed Another Health Goal?”

• I’m never eating bread again or I’m not eating after 6pm.  This idea of strict food rules may be the most dramatic of all. While we like to “go big or go home” you will break your rule before you know it and the feeling of failure sets in. Never say never. (Okay I have hit my cliché limit.)

This is by no means an exhaustive list of drama-health behaviors but I think you get the point. So if we are looking to cut the drama and enhance our spiritual life, look no further than physical discipline to achieve this. Gary Thomas, in his book EveryBody Matters says, “For most of our lives we have emphasized growing our souls, not always realizing that a lack of physical discipline can undercut and even erode spiritual growth.” So the next time you are on the verge of sending the text that will only ignite the flames of drama, try aerobics instead. And as far as it depends on you, live at peace with yourself.

Today’s Verse: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:17-19.