40 Day Challenge End

I started a personal challenge on November 20th to incorporate more raw and whole foods. Almost every day, I documented what I ate with photos. I chose November 20^th because that was 40 days from the new year.

My weight at the start of this challenge was 165. I’m 5’9”, so 165 is well within my weight range for my height. By the end of the 40 days, I lost 6 pounds (159) and my jeans are extremely baggy!

The important part of this challenge isn’t what I ate. It’s what I did NOT eat that counts.

The following I didn’t eat, or had very minimal amounts of during these 40 days:

-Candy, pastries, and other desserts at my office. Think of all the times you are presented with an opportunity to snack on fun size candies, a free doughnut, mini muffins, etc. These choices add up. Keep your bag or work drawer stocked with alternatives like trail mix, dried fruit, popcorn, clementines–whatever strikes your fancy.

-Soda. I had one mixed drink with soda in it this last month, and half a bottle of Pepsi Throwback on Christmas Eve Day. I avoid soda that contains corn syrup and also diet soda.

-I still had dessert at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and some other events in between. It wasn’t every day, though. When I did have dessert, I went for homemade goodies over things that were purchased at a store. Though homemade can be just as unhealthy as store bought, there is definitely something good about enjoying food that was made for you, from someone you know and care about.

What I wanted to show you all through this challenge is that it’s possible to maintain and/or lose weight through November and December without deprivation. Keep in mind that Thanksgiving and Christmas are only two days out of the year. Depending on the size of your family, it can add up to maybe four or five days max of celebrating. That’s only five days out of a month and a half. Stay on track the rest of the time, and you’re set.

You do not have to be in the mindset that you’re inevitably going to gain weight over the holidays. You don’t have to eat until you hibernate. Enjoy holiday food in moderation, and remember you’ll have it again next year—or any other time of year, for that matter, if you really want it. The same goes for all the other food-oriented holidays out there.

I also wanted to show you that it does not take a drastic change to see results. Just by adding in more of the good stuff, I lost weight. I had some slip ups throughout the 40 day challenge. I had pizza, cheese, and pie, but not every day or every week. Making gradual changes with common sense and persistence will add up to results.

I hope this helps as we go into the new year with our resolution guns blazing. Make realistic goals, stick with them, and you’ll get there!