Support Systems

With the first week done and over with, I feel like I am getting stronger.  The feeling of being sick has passed and I feel like I have tons of energy and am alert.  My nails have always been pretty healthy but they're growing faster than I've ever remembered.  We have about 130 days or so until we leave for Jamaica, so I really do feel like this is something that I can do.  I haven't really thought about how we'll approach both my husband's and my birthdays (which both happen before the end of the 60 day challenge) but we have a few weeks to sort that out.

I have approached this change in lifestyle differently than I have approached other attempts at healthier eating in the past.  This time, I have secured a support system around me that will help to keep me on track.  I've told my friends and family what I'm doing.  I've gone pretty public by creating this blog and then sharing it on my social media networks.  Not much will keep you in line but everyone you know in real life or on the internet knowing that you've made this kind of commitment.

The biggest difference for me this time is that my husband is also following the challenge.  He's always been supportive of my past attempts but we have approached healthy eating from different angles before this.  Having him doing the exact same thing is really the game changer this time, I think.

I've been toying with the idea of allowing myself a 'cheat meal' every two weeks.  Right now, I'm feeling strong and don't feel like I need it, but I am not delusional enough to think that I'm going to get through 60 days without feeling the need to have a meal that would be considered a cheat.  I'm going to leave it for now because I'm not at that point, but it isn't something I'd rule out 100% in the future.

With regards to smoothie-ing, I have come across a new combination that is easily one of my favourites.  I use two cups of spinach, three cups of water, one banana, a cup of green grapes, and a cup of frozen peach slices.  The taste is so fresh and light I could drink it all day long and not get bored.