Day 12 of the 21 Day No Junk Challenge

Have you ever heard this saying?

abskitchenHow about this one?

baddiet

Because I have… for years. I’ve seen them on tumblr. Heard my trainer mutter the sentiments as he rants asks kindly about our eating habits.

However, that is exactly what I was trying to do, for the past few months. It will surprise approximately no one that it wasn’t working.

NO MORE! I decided to take on the 21 Day No Junk Challenge. It doesn’t include magic potions, wands, wraps, etc. It’s simply being mindful of everything I eat, every move I make, every breath I take. Oh wait, this isn’t a Police song, is it?

21daychallenge

Right now I’m over halfway through the challenge and I’ve lost 4 pounds since I start 12 days ago. What the what? That can’t be right, can it? But it is.

And I’ve told everyone who will listen because this doesn’t usually happen for me. But here I am and it’s been 12 days and I am working hard and I’m down four pounds.

I started at 158 but didn't think to take a picture.

I started at 158 but didn’t think to take a picture.

So what exactly am I doing? (Besides challenging my inner Destiny’s Child with No, No, No…)

1. Really, really, really watching the snacking.

Just call me the mindless snacker. Bored? Stressed? That calls for a snack!

I love snacking. However, when a snack involves thought, you question if you really want/need it.

And when you DO, you land on things like these:

madarinorange

Yum!

applenachos

Om nom nom.

My choices have all been delicious and smart choices. I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself at all. I feel like I’m fueling myself!

Ahem, that’s not to say that I wasn’t craving sugar the first week. There was one evening in particular that I thought that I absolutely needed ice cream.

2. Support group, rally!

“I want candy.”

“I think I really need wine tonight.”

These are the texts I sent to Brooke and Bec last week. And then they sent supportive texts back telling me why I didn’t need those things and gave me alternatives instead.

It takes a village and I am so grateful for mine.

3. Really, really, really watching the steps.

Every day = 10,000 steps (at least)

No excuses.

If this means getting on the treadmill in 20 minute increments while my little dude is sick with a never-ending cold, I will do it. If it means that I can get it all done in one shot with a 5 mile run, I will do that.

Whatever it takes. Additionally, I don’t limit myself to running. If I feel like speed walking, that’s what I do.

As further motivation, I’ve got challenges going on with my Fitbit pals. So throughout the day, I’ll get messages like this:

Back off, Moe!

Back off, Moe!

When I see messages like this one, it makes me want to get moving and beat Maureen. And Cyanne. And everyone else.

4. When I work out and eat well, I feel really good. (Sore, but good.)

I think I might need to invest in regular massages because I’ve got to say that upping the intensity of my workouts has me with a few more aches and pains than I’m used to. That “good sore” is teetering on the edge of “sore sore” on certain days.

On the flip side of that, I’m also feeling good. More toned, more “in shape”. I don’t know actually how true that is, especially after only 12 days. There are no abs to speak of yet, but if I continue this… if it’s more of an every day challenge and not just a 21 day thing, who knows!

With all of this, I need to have that healthy balance, as sometimes I can get a little disordered in my thinking. So I’m not tracking my food and after this challenge is over, I’ll be cutting back on the scale/weight thing to every couple of weeks.

I need to do what works for me so that I can succeed and ultimately do the best by me that is possible.

There’s my update. I’ll be checking in again once I hit 21 days; but I want to hear from you, too!

If you’re doing the no junk food challenge, Whole 30, Whole 60 (Kyle is on round two, holla!), no beets, no nasty stares, whatever you’re doing… I want to hear about it. What are your struggles? What’s been easier than you thought it would be?

12 thoughts on “Day 12 of the 21 Day No Junk Challenge

  1. Yeah girl, yeah! Whole60 is going well. I’m eating a lot of meat. And brussels sprouts. And sweet potatoes. And apples with almond butter.

    Trader Joe’s is a godsend when I’m doing paleo or W30, because not only do they have great a great produce selection, they also have good meat, and almost all of their frozen burgers are compliant – no added sugars or weird junk! BOOM! They also have these amazing fruit bars. Two ingredients: apples and/or mangos, coconut, or strawberries. Great for a sweeter treat and totally compliant as well.

    Mostly, I should probz give you some of my recipes. Because YUM. My coworkers and I (Sarah too!) share recipes back and forth like some crazy test kitchen think tank. It’s great! (And the support system is on point, too.) You got this, lady! (You, too, Brooke and Bec!)

    • Trader Joe’s is probably going to see a lot more of me, despite the hike to get there and back! They’ve been a large part of my meal planning for the past week.

      And yes!!! Recipes! And I still want a “healthy” parent trap!

  2. Those apples look delicious! Sadly my go-to snack lately is a handful of oyster crackers. I meant to start my challenge sooner but life has been nuts. So I will start Monday and follow your sage advice! Keep up the good work

    • Yeahhh, I find that when I’m in a rush I don’t make the best snacky choices. But I’m trying to slow down, prepare each thing, and really savor it all! The apple with cashew butter and granola was SO good. Yum!

      Can’t wait to hear how you do starting next week! I’ll be cheering for you!

    • Thank you, Karen! Those apple “nachos” as they’re referred to on the Internet really hit the spot. I need all of my snacks to be the good (and that pretty)!

    • Thanks so much, Courtney! Trying hard to stick to the plan… although I made brownies for the kids this afternoon and I have to admit, they are very tempting. 😉

  3. That apple looks delish. Fruit is so hit or miss for me. Nothing worse than a soft apple or bland clementine.

    Oh, I need more FitBit pals! Any Scoot Chicks game to add me? 🙂

    • I very much hear you on the fruit. Once it’s past its prime or if it never really hit its prime, we have issues. Thankfully I’ve had pretty yummy fruit as of late!

      YES! I’d love to be fitbit pals with you. Is this the email address I should look for you under?

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