Day 1

[Latha Coleman]

Nothing momentous about this day, except I have decided to become accountable for how I take care of myself.  I am taking a course in Nutrition every Saturday morning and, coincindentally, the first full session of that class starts in one hour.  The first session was largely administrative, where we received a few homework assignments that are to be completed over the course of the class and those assignments include

  ** a 24-hour food journal with nutritional analysis,

  ** creating a 5-day meal plan with a nutritional analysis, and

  ** a behavioral change contract. 

The contract can include changing any behavior to get healthier, such as 'stop smoking' (which I began 1/1/13), or 'eat breakfast every day.'  It's totally up to each student, the contract includes naming a support contact, and specifies the duration and details of behaviors to be changed during the life of the contract.  Very legalistic.  And great timing.

I've decided my behavioral change commitments will be:

1) YOGA

To perform yoga every morning, as soon as I get out of bed, beginning with 3-5 simple poses to be held for 2 minutes each.  This yoga practice may change to a series of sun salutations, but I have not practiced yoga in the year since I was in a car accident so anything I do is a challenge and an accomplishment.  My goal is to do yoga every day, first thing in the day, and work back to the flexibility and balance I was at last December and continue getting stronger.

 

2)  MEDITATION

To practice daily meditation, for an absolute minimum of 10 minutes a day, growing to at least 30 minutes total each day.  have attended a weekly meditation class more or less consistently over the past 4 years.  The class, the people involved, and my meditation instructor have played a huge part in maintaining my sanity through some tough times as well as changing my outlook and how I handle issues in a healthier way.  Life's been tough and I struggle, but without meditation...I would have gone over the edge a long time ago.  Still, I have not established a daily practice at home so doing that is my goal.  I look forward to experiencing changes that will happen by simply meditation at least 10 minutes every day.

 

3)  FOOD

To increase my vegetable and fruit intake, eliminating most meats (especially beef), eliminate animal fat, drink more tea, less coffee, and eliminate pop entirely.  I changed my food habits for 3 months 2 years ago and the weight fell off.  Although I know that happened, I have not been able to get back into those habits since.  Eating healthier takes a little more preparation and planning and this year has been difficult to get through, period.  My commitment is to eliminate meat and animal products and reduce pop to nothing or no more than 8oz every other day.  It's a start.  I've joined Raw Food Rehab to find resources and information to help me be successful in changing my relationship with food.

 

4)  EXERCISE

To walk on my treadmill or with the dog every day for at least 10 minutes.  I will build the time and increase the difficulty as I get stronger, but just committing to 10 minutes of treadmill every day is a lot right now. 

 

 

[Amber]

Good luck you can do it!