[srmb60]

I like the idea of counting backwards.

I am in a rut. A frustrating rut. I've been half hearted about all aspects of fitness. Too much 'additional' food. Slack cardio. Wimpy weights. The consequences of my own actions are as can be expected. I'm hovering ... up a couple pounds. Down a couple pounds. Bloat, the blahs ...

Since I've found daily and/or meal planning threads and so on very encouraging let's try this. 21 days. Set you own parameters. I'm not even setting a goal. I just need to kick things up a bit. Stir up some enthusiasm.

I chose 21 days because that takes me to the next time we have a family eating type function. There's no good reason for me to have an off plan day in 3 measly weeks. Is there?

Anybody in? It's only three weeks. Who knows what kind of new habits we can form!

[AmberD]

I'm in!!!!!

I will give up alcohol for 21 days! and out of 21 days I'll exercise for 18 of them.

I can do anything for 3 puny weeks.

[srmb60]

OK, here's my general plan ...1400 cals of superfoods with 150 gms of protein (on average), some jogging in each daily walk and a four day weight lifting split with heavier weights.

Today that's a walk/jog, legs and ...

2 scoops of protein powder
turkey
salmon
yogurt
all bran
blueberries
walnuts
spinach
ff cottage cheese
and lots of greens!

[2frustrated]

Ok 21 days of eating mindfully. I can do it, I can do it, I CAN... Starting tomorrow

[stephyk]

21 days sounds good to me... I have already marked out my exercise days for the month, 4 times a week for the next 3 weeks. I have found that the past two months I have only dieted and that is not enough for me.. I eat right but I sit on my butt all day, so the weight doesn;t come off. I need to add the exercise in also.

21 days, I can do it!!!!!!

[canadian mom]

my plan for the 21 days
1) 1400-1600 cals per day
2) 6 cups of water (I struggle to get a liter in most days)
3) give up chips and cereal (excluding bran cereal) the other cereals I add too much sugar too but bran I just seem to add fruit.
4) stick with my higher weights even when I feel like quiting.

[stephyk]

perhaps I should set some more detailed goals.

21 days- 1300-1400 cals per day
exercising 4x a week (aerobic stepper, walking, weights)
drinking more water- I am horrible for going a whole day without drinking anything

[booklover]

I'm in! I'm going to start small, because small changes add up to big results in the long run.

For 21 days I will drink 10 glasses of water per day, and abstain from all fast food (even the salads). Those are part of my regular plan, but I have lapses every week. Time to start anew!

[alinnell]

If you guys can do 21 days, so can I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hereby pledge to:

• drink only 2 glasses (5 ounces) twice per week--that means weekends only. (This might be tough--it's my 19th anniversary on the 14th and DH is taking me out to dinner on the 12th and we're going to Vegas on the 18th for a wedding! I guess those weekends, I'll have 2 glasses in one night and then switch to club soda.)
• start exercising again. I will get up and exercise for 20 minutes 3 times per week (it's a small start but I think I got burned out on the every morning thing back in January).
• stay OP with my eating (won't be a problem--I rarely stray off plan).

[ennay]

Mine is simple---for 21 days I will not eat in a self sabotage-self loathing manner.

I feel confident in my exercise program, I dont always meet my goals, but the are for valid external reasons, not laziness (fever of 102, kids too sick to take to gym, etc.) and I always get back on track

Food...well sometimes I eat more than "target" but because I am actually hungry...considering where I am...I nreed to learn to listen to that.

But sabotaging binges are self destructive and lead to depression.

[JasonsLea]

I'm in! Is it okay if I start my 21 days tomorrow? That's my WI and the start of a whole new month.

My Goals:

*Exercise 15 days out of that 21.
*Instead of cheating for one day, cheat for one MEAL per week.
*Reduce my soda intake even more from the weekends to one day on the weekend (Sat or Sun).

[poopymary]

Great idea. I have also been a slacker. I think this will be a good kick start.

[HeatherAngel]

Oooh, Susan I am scared....

But,, okay. I'm in.

21 days. No snacking in front of the television. I hope I can do this!

Heather

[Clydegirl]

Good idea Susan.

I need to start exercising again. I've not done any exercise in ages.

I need to stay on program and get all my water in.

[poppins3]

Great idea, Susan!

Exercise has been great for me, but diet . . . well, not so much. I've learned that counting calories is not a great solution for me because it leads to me only want meals that are inside a box and can be meticulously calculated.

So, my new plan is an intuitive/mindful eating approach. The main focus for the 21 days will be to stop overeating, particularly with sweets and snacks.

For 21 days, I will:

• Record all of my meals, snacks, and workouts (and times) in a food/exercise diary

• Workout 18 of 21 days

• Stop binge eating on snacks, candy, and cookies. Have one treat per day (if desired) and stop there.

• Make healthy choices at restaurants without overeating