The first 8-9 days of 2015 were an example of great healthy choices. Then... the weekend hit, I had visitors from out of town, and I wasn't prepared to socialize in the most healthy fashion possible. I didn't go nuts and eat a whole pizza, or drink 10 sugar-y cocktails. In fact, if I wasn't trying to lose weight for a bet, my food and activity choices would be considered pretty alright.
But I set goals for myself for this month and this bet. I followed Alton Brown's example (from "Good Eats" on Food Network) and made 4 lists for myself for January:
1. Things I must eat every day (green leafy veggies, whole grains, etc)
2. Things I must eat 3x per week (fish, broccoli, sweet potatoes, etc)
3. Things I can only eat 1x per week (dessert, alcohol, pasta)
4. Things I can never eat (processed foods/frozen meals, soda, canned soup, junk etc)
I also made a goal to not go 3 days without getting sweaty. 1 day off = rest day. 2 days off = life happens, schedules change, couldn't possibly fit in exercise. 3 days off = must be sick or injured. I've kept to this plan so far, and that's been great. I have a running buddy, a skype workout pal, 4 hours of fitness classes to teach per week, and this week: nightly rehearsals and performances for a dance show. I don't see any reason that I shouldn't be able to meet my goal.
Today, I stocked the fridge with fruits and veggies for snacks, I bought a TON of leafy greens and prepared a gigantic salad to eat all week long, and I made a pan of baked oatmeal so I have a healthy, filling breakfast with no prep for the week. I am setting myself up for success!
I know exactly why I strayed from my healthy habits last weekend: I didn't prepare myself. I didn't have an alternative to a pint at the brewery, my fridge was empty, I had a long to-do list and I didn't put exercise at the top of it. I'm learning from my slip-ups and I'm going to be my best self from now on :)