2017 – The Year of Monthly Challenges

Monthly Challenges

2017 is the year that I have to lose some weight and start looking after myself more. Just before I started maternity leave back in August, I told my colleagues that I was determined to be slim by the time I returned – that gives me 8 months from now to sort it out and get my old body back! I put on over 3 and a half stone in my pregnancy, and I have lost a bit naturally, but Christmas took its toll and I now need to lose about 20lb.

I don’t want to be the cliché mum who joins a gym in January, only to stop going in March (I am actually going to QUIT the gym in January, as I haven’t been for months!). I always seem to work better when I have some kind of challenge or goal, so for 2017, I have decided to set myself 8 monthly challenges (between now and August), all of which are centred around improving my overall health and wellbeing – whether this be weight loss, exercise, or generally having a bit more “me time”. In addition to each challenge I will also be attempting to eat more healthily overall. I will still let myself have the occasional treat (I need to be realistic) but hopefully make some better food decisions. I will be weighing myself weekly during each challenge, and will of course track and share my progress.

Here are my plans:

January – #FoodDiaryMonth

This month, I am using the My Fitness Pal app to track my calorie intake during the day. I am hoping that by writing down what I am consuming, I will at least attempt to eat more healthy foods, and think twice before reaching for the crisp cupboard! It is day 4, and I am already finding it tough *cringe*

February – #SugarFreeFebruary

This is for Cancer Research UK – so will aim to raise some money for  a great cause in the process. Sugar Free February means just that – no sugar (apart from natural sugars in fruit and veg). No sweets, cake, chocolates NOTHING. I will find this incredibly difficult as have a VERY sweet tooth, but am hoping that healthy eating in January will make this an easier transition from the crate of Quality Street I consumed over Christmas.

March – #March5aDay

In March, I will set myself the challenge of eating 5 portions of fruit and veg a day for all 31 days. I will do this by having lots of healthy chicken dinners (bolstering up the vegetables), stir fries, and fresh fruit salads. From past experience, once I get into the habit of having veg more often, I begin to really enjoy them.

April – #HappyChallenge

A wellbeing month, In April I will do something every day that makes me happy. This could be anything from going for a nice walk, reading a good book, having an extra long shower, or treating myself to a new notebook (I am a stationary geek!). The aim of this month is to reduce my stress, help me sleep better (children dependent!) and relax.

May – #WaterChallenge

During May, I will challenge myself to drink 8 glasses of water a day, and ditch the other drinks such as Lemonade and Cordial. This will hopefully prevent me from eating when I’m thirsty, and provide benefits to my hair and skin!

June – #MovementChallenge

During June, I will challenge myself to eat less and move more – and tot up my overall miles covered during the month. This could be done via walking, running, cycling or swimming. I am the kind  of person who gets strangely competitive, so the more people I can encourage to do this one with me, the better!

July – #MeatFreeMonth

This will be a real challenge for me – a month of a no meat (just vegetables and fish). I am hoping this will introduce me to a wide range of alternative foods and dinner ideas that I wouldn’t have considered before.

August – #FreshFruitMonth

Eat at least 2 portions of fresh fruit a day for a month. During this month I will also try some fruits that I haven’t had before – again widening my potential meal choices!

Like with any health challenge, having a community of people doing the same can really help! If anyone else wants to join in, please share your progress / photos / advice and tips on Instagram or Twitter using the relevant month’s hashtags! Would love to see you there! 🙂

Wish me luck!
Lucy