5 IN 4

Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself. ~ Rita Mae Brown

Isn't that the truth...

I have been thinking a lot about how I want to get healthy again. This is spurred on by many things... A general need to not feel like crap all of the time,  A closet full of BEAUTIFUL clothes that no longer fit (but could if I just lost a bit of weight), a few women I'd love to one up (you all know exactly what I'm talking about). But the main reason is - I'm ready (the true key). 

A few things you should know about me:

I am trained to teach people how to make positive health related changes so that they can lead a better quality of life. In the past I have worked hands on with several wonderful doctors. I've even worked with the local news on a biggest loser type of segment. I know my stuff... I just haven't been practicing what I preach.

I really enjoy cooking, baking and eating food.  Are you seeing the conflict?

My boyfriend and I decided to move in together and combine our families a little over 6 years ago. This has been a huge positive on so many levels. I have the big family I've always dreamed of (even better, they like my cooking). The only negative has been a slow, steady weight gain on my part (complacency leads to depression... total domino effect). 

About 5 in 4:

I am proposing a monthly challenge of losing 5 pounds in 4 weeks. This is a realistic number and completely do-able. In fact, if you are disciplined, you will probably lose more than 5 pounds in the 4 week period.  This is the kind of plan where the only way you can fail is if you don't try. 

The link up for this challenge will begin in January 2015. The first Monday of each month I will be logging goals I'd like to achieve, how much weight I've lost, what kind of exercise I've done, any differences in physical symptoms (a few examples: fatigue, mood swings, sleep habits), how I handled cravings, how many inches lost, and anything else I can think of. 

If you choose to partake in the challenge, feel free to write about your goals/results any way you'd like.  (If you are brave enough to start with a before photo then go for it!) 

Along with each update I will be offering pointers on eating clean, exercise, stress reduction and nutraceuticals (vitamins).

Lastly, I will be tackling how to balance a love of food with living healthy. I am VERY open to advice on this. 

There is no pressure to follow me however if you decide to partake in the challenge please link back to Southern Ways. 

The reason I prefer to chip away at the pounds as opposed to a rapid loss system:

1.) Steady weight loss is easier to maintain long term.

2.) Rapid weight loss is BAD FOR YOU... Your muscle mass deteriorates, your hair falls out, your skin looks sallow, your energy level drops, your breath stinks... I could go on and on and get in to  more complex things like cell health and how you are taxing your system but I wont (maybe at a later date).

3.) Giving yourself small goals that are achievable is a great way to boost your confidence and keep you motivated. 

If you feel like getting a head start:

December is, hands down, the hardest month to diet which is why I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Although, I might make things easier on myself by taking one less cookie or cutting a smaller slice of pie.  :)

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