A Habit A Month: March Update

Okay people… End of the month… Accountability time! The habit I was trying to develop in March was a healthy lifestyle. I can confidently say that I’ve been partially successful in my endeavor! 😀 I suppose that sounded a bit pathetic, but it’s the truth :)! Here’s a breakdown of the changes I hoped to incorporate in my lifestyle.

Water: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day was first on my list. I did it – for the first time in my life! I’ll share my secret with you… I added it to my To Do list! Every morning, I add an entry in my To-Do list; something that looks like this:

1      2     3     4     5     6     7     8

Every time I drink a glass of water, I strike a number off! Is that a brilliant idea, or what?! OK, so maybe it isn’t that impressive; but it worked for me. It helped me keep track of my water intake, and within a week; I was able to make it a habit. I’ve been consistent for the past 4 weeks, I suppose it is safe to assume this habit is here to stay.

Sugar: Consume less sugary snacks and snack on fruits instead. This is the one I was only partially successful at. I did a few things right, though:

• I stocked up on dates, pears and bananas.
• I limited the cookies I bought, so that it would be just sufficient for the kids alone.
• I switched over to a natural sweetener that didn’t contain aspartame.
• I even baked a chocolate banana cake, substituting wheat for white flour and honey for sugar {It didn’t turn out as well, though :(}.

I restricted my sugar intake during weekdays, but sadly, the weekends found me munching on the Hide & Seek cookies I bought for the kids. What can I say – I love chocolate chip cookies :).

Exercise: Exercise at least 15-30 minutes every weekday was last on my list. Would you believe that I actually did it?! For the past 3 weeks, I have been walking/running – 20 minutes a day, 4 days a week. It isn’t much, but it’s a start. Here are some of my observations:

• The first week was awful. My body was terribly sore and I ached all over.
• Good running shoes are a necessity. I did the first week with an old pair of non-running shoes and it was pretty bad. The new shoes my husband got me soon after, definitely eased the discomfort.
• I prefer to wake up half an hour earlier and exercise before my husband leaves for work.
• I alternate between 2 minutes of walking and 1 minute of jogging.
• After 3 weeks, my legs seem to be stronger and I don’t feel as exhausted as I used to.
• I’ve never been a fan of physical workouts, but now, I don’t mind it as much.

I’ve started using LoseIt to track my food intake/exercise and I’ve joined an online accountability group to help me in this process. I have also started working through Energy Explosion – an ebook by Arabah Joy. I won the book at a giveaway by Livin’ the Good Life – and it’s chock-full of tips to increase your energy level.

The semi-healthy changes I’ve made over the past month have not affected my weight in any way. But then again, weight was not an issue – lack of stamina was. Although, I am a bit disappointed about my weakness for cookies – I’m hoping the calories I lose by exercising will make up for it.

To Do: Keep at it and don’t give up. With God’s help, it is possible.

To Read: 3 Ways to Change Bad Eating Habits

To Ponder: 

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19)