Sunday, January 6, 2013

Challenge Accepted

Well, the Mayan Apocalypse was a total bust. Since it appears the world will keep turning for now, I have to get serious about changing my life. To that end I've issued a challenge to my Darling Husband, Mark

Challenge: Vegan Diet vs. USANA Reset Program
Start date: January 7, 2013
End date: April 7, 2013
Details: Mark will follow the USANA Reset Program for 12 weeks. For the same time period, I will follow a traditional vegan diet. We'll both find ways to exercise and submit to weekly weigh-ins. We'll also both be blogging about our experiences, our triumphs, and our tribulations. (Mark will spill his guts here: My Journey with USANA) The one who loses the most weight at the end of the 12 weeks will be treated -- at the loser's expense -- to a movie of her/his choice.

Oh, yeah...he's going down. I'm a super competitive person. I love to win. (Who doesn't?) But this challenge isn't about winning -- it's about losing. Specifically weight. And old habits. And being accountable not only to someone else but also to oneself. You see, I've sadly slipped from my previous commitment to eat a more vegan diet. While I've largely conformed to a vegetarian diet, I have partaken of the Heathen Animal Flesh. (If it's any consolation, I was really conflicted about it.) 

However, in partaking of the H.A.F., I also allowed myself to slip into the trap of "sampling" other forbidden fruits. Okay, they weren't fruits but cookies...and cakes...and pies. Yes, it was the holidays and there should be some leeway for such "indulgences" but let's not forget I'm also diabetic. Sampling the carb-laden delicacies of the holidays isn't the best idea. Sure I pay for it with a few spikes in blood sugar here and there but how much long-term damage am I causing my body? Plus, by eating H.A.F. and Forbidden Non-Fruits  I've added to a potential cholesterol issue, added a few extra pounds, and compounded the guilt/self-esteem issues I've struggled with my entire life. 

So...I'm spending the next 12 weeks complying to a healthy, nutritional vegan diet in the fried heart of the deep south. I'm swearing off H.A.F. and Forbidden Non-Fruits. I'm getting off my fat butt and exercising. All because I want to win -- not just the competition with Mark but I want to win back my life. 

Check back frequently. I'll try to post daily during the Challenge. 

3 comments:

  1. Best of luck to you, Jeannie! As with my husband and his marathon running, I don't completely understand it, but I support you! In fact, I'll pick up your slack in the bacon area. ;-)

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  2. Way to go! I can't wait to see the changes you both make. Please pass along any good recipes, ideas, etc. I started working out and eating better in November as well.

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  3. Thanks, T' and Heather! :) I'll definitely pass along recipes.

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