I Challenge You

Unless I am using it for a hashtag on Instagram, I don't typically like to say that I practice "clean eating." Actually, I take that back. I love to say that I am, but its just not completely true. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of clean eating, you can read about it HERE. For me, I just try my best to make the healthiest choice in every situation, and of course, sometimes it is easier than others. It isn't that I don't believe in 100% clean or Paleo diets, in fact, I admire and support those people that can uphold a diet like that, I'm just not even close to being one of them.

In the beginning of this year I participated in a Paleo-ish and workout challenge. And, surprisingly, it wasn't as hard as I had expected it to be. However, it was still difficult. It was much more work and prep then anything else. At the time, I was pretty unfamiliar with meal prepping, so I was constantly in the kitchen, chopping, slicing and cooking three meals a day. I was also not seeing many results because I wasn't taking the right prescriptions for my insulin and thyroid problems. All the work and lack of progress really began to get me down and I eventually dropped out. But now it is time to try again!

For me, things like this are most successful if I just throw myself completely in. Quit the junk cold turkey and don't look back. But I understand that most people (at least the ones that I know) don't operate in the same fashion. If you are one of those people that like to take health/diet/exercise one step at a time, then I would definitely recommend eliminating (or cutting back) only 1-2 things every two weeks.

For example (a person who drinks 2 cans soda/day):
   Week One: decrease your intake by 50% (1 can/day)
   Week Two: eliminate your consumption completely five days a week (1 can/day 2 days a week)
   Week Three: eliminate your consumption 100% (no more pop!)

Now remember, I am not a doctor, nor am I a nutritionist. I am just a girl sharing my own experiences.

Other tips for success:
   Always take "before photos" and measurements in the beginning.
   Update with progress pictures and measurements every few weeks/month.
   Set an end date. Yes, this is a lifestyle change, but working towards a date and then measuring success and adjusting or setting a new goal always helps.
   Use meal prepping to make your life easier! I will have a post on this next week.
   Make sure you are eating enough. Track your calories using an app. It's too easy to under eat on a clean diet.
   Do small daily workouts every single day.
  
For the month of November, I have one simple goal: practice what I preach (or in this case, blog)!  I am sharing my beginning weight and measurements. I have taken progress photos... but there is noway I am sharing those until I have an after photo to make them less horrendous.

I really hope that you will join me in this month of healthier choices. And if you do, please let me know! I love comments (tips/tricks/motivation), seeing your progress photos, and food porn. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and use #MRHchallenge (tag me too!) so when can support each other. I know we can be successful if we help one another out!

Starting Stats:

Neck: 13" - L Bicep: 13" - Bust: 38.5"

Waist: 37.25" - Hips: 39.5" - L Thigh: 23.25"

L Calf: 14.75" - Bra: 36DD - Weight: 152.6"