We are heading into the final week of the Challenge! I suppose that you fall into one of two groups at this point: The Balls-to-the-Wall-Push-It-Out -ers, or The Getting-Slacky-ers. Four weeks is a long time to subscribe to a completely measured, calculated, and healthy lifestyle. However, we are all in this for the results, and I can't wait, at least I think I can't wait, to see my numbers.
I must sadly admit I'm falling into the second group. I'm getting slacky, only with my food measurements and timing of meals. I haven't really ventured away from Paleo, and I like the way I feel and am starting to look. However, I think the lure of variety is pulling me, and I'm craving creative food dishes that have texture, variety, and taste. As I write my journal for this past week, I realize what a complete Zone slacker I've been. One day I only ate twice. Yes, I've had a couple (but just a couple, which is a huge accomplishment in and of itself) of alcoholic beverages. The numbers don't lie, so I will not be keeping these little beverage crimes out of my journal.
I'm willing to bet that some of you have sipped the wine, tequila, vodka, beer or whatever. If you have, put it in your journals. If tortilla chips or pizza has found it's way into your digestive system - of course you had a good reason - document it. By writing it down, you can see when you make the decisions to be lazier or not as compliant. You can actually look and say, 'Ok, this is when my food decision-making sucks just a little,' and make yourself better prepared for the future. I know that Friday night and Saturday night are my weak times. I'm always looking for some social activity, and it usually involves something alcoholic. Knowing this, I simply need to make choices that will either distract myself completely away from it or minimize it.
I'm thankful that I like my kitchen, and that I have enough room to move around in it. There is, however, a 5 foot radius between the sink, dishwasher, stove top, oven and fridge that I seem to be tethered to. I've got more cups in use than a football team, more dirty spoons than a crack house, and my dishrack is an ever-evolving modern sculpture of balanced pots, pans and bowls. Despite this virtual playpen I'm in, I'm enjoying cooking again, and I really don't miss restaurants all that much.
How will you be eating in 8 days? Are you going back to your old ways? Just remember, your Old Waist accompanies your Old Ways. They're fraternal twins. I enjoy eating Paleo, it works for me. I'm already starting to think that Sweet Potatoes are too sweet for me, so I know that my sugar dependancy is dwindling. Think about your goals, and how to go about meeting and exceeding them. Is eating the old stuff going to get you there? Nope. Let's drive it home for the last week of the challenge: Eat the right stuff at the right time, get to the gym as much as you can, drown yourself in water, and stay focused. But don't forget to reflect on why you did this in the first place, how you felt about yourself before you started, and how you are going to continue this challenge in your daily life. Your body and longer, healthier life will thank you.
