Monday Mantra: Challenge Accepted

A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation".

Every Monday I will post a new thought, idea, or focus for the week. When you need a breather from life, when you need a little inspiration, or when you're about to jump over the conference table and strangle your co-worker, remember the mantra.

Monday Mantra: I accept the challenge

When I see the word "challenge" some tiny little boxing like bell is rung in my head and I immediately have to research/read all about/sign-up-to-do The Challenge.

Want to try fasting 2 days a week for a year and a half? YES! Yes, sign me up right now. Food shmood. I can survive on air and water. 

Half marathons for the girl who hates running? Why yes, please. I'll take 4 of those and you know what? Throw in some 5k's just for fun, a glow in the dark night race one hour after I land at the airport, and a 12 mile hike at sunrise- in the desert with coyotes howling and trying to eat me. 

Want to get yelled at to do 5000 push ups, high knees, burpees, and crunches in a far too expensive bootcamp class? HELL YES. Being tortured is my favorite pastime. How could you have possibly known that?!

Insane. I know.

All of those above challenges (that I've actually done) have always benefited me in the long run. That's why I like challenges. When I'm done, I feel like I've really accomplished something. And I do always feel better. And accomplished. Majorly accomplished. So it's time for a new one.

The Whole 30 Program

It's a 30 day challenge that requires you to avoid dairy, some legumes, grains, alcohol, sugar (real and fake), certain potatoes, and sulfites. They allow certain things - like ghee and coconut milk - but basically any and all processed foods are out. This means no fabulous, gluten free Nut-Thins or even honey, that doggone real sugar that it is.

Why am I doing this? For one, I like the 30 day any-kind-of-challenge idea. One month. What can I do in one month? It's intriguing. But also, because I believe in their cause. I like their overall approach and reading through their goals reminds me of why I like that type of lifestyle in the first place, why I believe in it. They offer some pretty cool tools, like the daily emails for support, which I think it a great benefit to anyone trying to get started with this.

I will also admit that I might be wanting to do this as a different kind of a test for myself...because I've been "Paleo-ifying" too many things recently (see prior post for Fall French Toast...sheesh), which they call out on their site, and I want to see just how much I'll miss that- or not. I want to really take a shot at giving up sugar - all kinds - and seeing just how much of an impact that has on my life. That will tell me a lot about myself and I will share what I learn with you. If you see a random rant, uh..er, I mean post, at 2:33 in the morning, well...then you know I've lost it.

Also, just to keep it real up in here, I'm not starting this until the end of the week, so please don't yell at me if you see me buying honey at the grocery store. Yell at me next week, that will be fine.

Anyone want to join me on my little challenge? The more the merrier! Or crazier. Either way.

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