Move365

I’m outlining some basic guidelines for my Move365 challenge. 

To count as a Move365 workout, it just has to be a physical activity, at least 30 minutes in duration, that gets my heart pounding and makes me sweat. My intention is for most workouts to consist of yoga, running, weights, gym equipment, fitness classes, etc. But I am leaving myself open to less traditional things like hiking, trampoline bouncing, dancing and even vigorous house cleaning. 

My goal isn’t a specific pants size, weight on the scale, or waist measurement. My goal is to make physical activity a daily habit for my overall health. Along the way, I do expect to learn new skills, broaden my horizons, try new activities and encourage my friends and family to join me. I also know that along this journey my body will change for the better, inside and out. I expect it to be challenging and fulfilling.

I will challenge myself to try a new activity at least once each month. I will try to post daily to hold myself accountable. I will take beginning measurements and post a progress update each month. I will keep it fun and allow myself flexibility to change as it is needed. 

I’m not giving myself any hard and fast rules about my diet. I am not going to count calories, nor will I follow a diet program. I do believe I already eat *fairly* well. I also really enjoy food and do not intend to become a vegan or completely cut out sugar or carbs. I also believe that this challenge, for me, is to create lasting habits toward my overall health. An uncomfortable fad diet or strict limitations may work for a while, but I do not think they are viable for long periods of time. I don’t have an end goal, which I did intentionally, so that there isn’t a point where I think I can quit. 

I already have a home free of partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and very limited on food dyes. I buy many organics, whole grains and try my best to limit processed foods. I participate inBountiful Baskets Food Co-op, which provides me a with a box of organic produce each week, as well as organic whole grain bread. I try my very best to buy organic meats, dairy and eggs. I cook dinner most nights of the week. I think i do pretty well.

My biggest weaknesses are beer and bread. My husband home-brews beer and we enjoy tasting and making different varieties of beer. And I bake a mean French boule, and enjoy experimenting with all types of bread baking. I don’t intend to give up either. 

So what do I need to work on?

• Snacking, especially out of boredom or habit
• Drinking more water
• Bringing my lunch instead of eating on the go, or not eating all day until 4:00
• Eating breakfast, I’m a chronic breakfast-skipper
• Making better choices when eating out
• Cutting portion sizes, and cutting out small things that pack major calories, like the whipped cream on a latte.