Eight weeks to a better you...

So in case you're wondering why I've been so much better at blogging for the past 1 1/2 weeks, it's because of a kind of wellness challenge I'm doing.  It's an 8 week challenge. All the participants paid $15 to the pot and the winner gets 75%.  The other 25% is a random drawing.  So, even if you don't have the most points, you have a chance of winning something.  Anyway, there ended up being somethings crazy like 117 people doing it. So, the pot is big, though I'm sure there will be some ties, which means the money will be split.  They also do weekly drawings for other little prizes. My friend Jeannie emailed me about the challenge.  I LOVED the idea. I love that it's not about weight loss, it's about developing healthy habits, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  I really needed motivation, on so many different levels.  And this seems to be exactly what I have needed.  I just cut/pasted below the blurb they had posted on the blog which describes the challenge. It's definitely a little intense, but I like that you have some flexibility to define things best for you, like the no junk-food and no sugar. I'm sure there are people who are interpreting that as nothing processed, while others feel like sugar-free jello is their saving grace.   It hasn't been as hard as I thought, and I love that it just makes me prioritize my time better, and think twice before I do something or eat something.  I've never thought about reading my scriptures while on the bike at the gym, but it's been a good time for me to get some scripture reading in.  I think the hardest things are not eating after 8 p.m. since we often eat late dinners since Dan works late, and the getting 7 hours of sleep.  As far as the nutrition piece, I'm doing surprisingly well.  I've always eaten fairly healthy, and don't drink soda, but I've never had a ton of will power when it comes to sweets, so it feels so good to be at work and not eat any of the donuts someone passes around.  I'm just so much more aware of what I'm eating, and making my calories count.   I've realized it just takes planning ahead and having healthy, nutritious food and snacks on hand.  I've been working out consistently and reading my scriptures more diligently than I have in so long, which just feels great.  It ends right before Thanksgiving, so I think we'll take a little break over the holidays (because that would just be cruel to do something like this over Christmas) and then start up something similar in January (on a much smaller level...).  I figure if I win a few bucks, great, but there are plenty of rewards you get along the way--spiritually and physically--to make it well worth my $15 investment!



8 WEEKS TO A BETTER YOU

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to earn points every day by following a list of requirements.  At the end of every week, you will total your points then record them to the "8 Weeks to a Better You Points Bracket".  All the participants will receive access to this online spreadsheet, and we trust will be truthful when recording their points.  On you honor people!

Here's how you earn points...

Physically Better Yourself

1. Exercise at least 45 minutes a day!

2. Get AT LEAST 7 hours of sleep a night (if you are short a little just squeeze a nap in to make up for it).

3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day

4. No Sugar-there are different ways to do this.  We prefer eliminating sugars and white flours (which turn into sugars) to get the most bang for your buck.  But if you would like to just do without sugars then you can make that call. 

5. No Soda or Junk Food Yes that means no Diet Coke ladies or fast food! Ya we know that will not be an easy point to earn...but you will love yourself and how you feel if you do it.

6. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables

7. No eating after 8 p.m.

Emotionally/Spiritually Better Yourself

8. Write in your journal EVERY DAY.

9. Complete at least 15 minutes of uplifting reading or scripture study.

10. Complete an act of service or random act of kindness.  Whether it be a small one or a big one, do something kind for someone else that is out of your normal routine.

You receive 1 point per item per day, so that's 10 points a day you can earn.  There will also be 1 bonus challenge every week worth extra points.  It could be anything from cleaning out your fridge to donating your time or money to a charity or worthy cause.

Now we know this is not easy so to help out you get a FREE DAY where you get the full 10 points whether or not you complete all the requirements!  You can choose which day of each week is your free day each week, but you cannot choose different days for different points.  The only exception to this rule is exercise.  Your free day from exercise can be different if you choose.  For example - you may choose Saturday as your free day but choose to workout that day and take Sunday off from exercise.