Another night of deep sleep! Still wasn’t long enough (about 6hrs) but it still felt pretty good. I felt so good that I stepped on the scale again…down to 141.2! That’s another 1.4lbs gone! Now remember, these results are NOT typical. If you choose to try this challenge or change your eating habits, do not expect the same results. You may lose more, you may lose less. But talk to your doctor or health expert before you try it.

Some fresh fruit was waiting for me for breakfast along with a lovely cup of coffee with half & half. So far, so good. I’m half-way done with the challenge, but I don’t think I’m going to stop after day 10. I really enjoy eating “clean” and intend on making this a permanent change. I will still have some “unclean” products like yogurt and, of course, beer. After all, I DO also write a beer blog. But in moderation, it’s not a bad thing.

On that note, let’s talk about beer for a second.  When I posted on my regular Facebook page that I was going to avoid beer for 10 days, I got the usual lovingly smart-ass comments from my friends. I could visualize them grabbing their chests and gasping for air at the shock of it. Kind of like some relatives did when we announced we didn’t want children. I can’t say that I blame my friends for their reactions. I do post various photos of the different craft beers that I’m trying and writing about. So it may seem like chugging pints is the only outside-of-work activity that I have. They could not believe that I can actually live without beer! Yes, yes I can. Why? Because it’s all about moderation. I don’t drink beer at all during the week. On the weekends it’s usually 1-2 pints on Saturday, and 1-2 pints on Sunday. I admit of course there are weekends where I overindulge a bit, but it’s not a regular habit. I know the calorie content of beer and try to keep it in proportion with my activity level and meals for the day. The reason by I bring this up is because the common misconception is that in order to be healthy one has to give up all “sinful” food and drink items. NOT TRUE! THE KEY IS MODERATION!!! In fact, my pal David is a six-time Diamond Award winning Weight Watcher lead. He lost over 106lbs on Weight Watchers and has kept it off for many years…he’s also an award winning craft beer home brewer and President of his local home brewers club.

You don’t have to give up the items you love and enjoy in order to be healthy. Just don’t overdo it. Part of the journey is understanding what your limits are. Anything in moderation is fine! Just know what you are eating and/or drinking and adjust accordingly. Keeping yourself in check is key. Log everything you eat and drink and you will learn when a little treat won’t kill the journey. Again, it’s a journey. One that will never end for me.

So, all of this being said we are approaching the weekend. I plan on making some great food choices and working on my activity level. I’m trying to get my hubby to try the challenge for just 5 days. He’s not quite on board yet but I’m determined to change his mind. I discussed this with my trainer and she recommended skewers. Why didn’t I think of that?!?!?!?  She sent me some great skewer ideas on Pinterest and I’m really looking forward to trying them out! I will keep you posted!

Liz