Are You Up For A Challenge???

SO, I thought that I was really onto something awhile ago when I had the idea of listening to your body to tell you what to eat, when to eat, how to exercise, and when to sleep.  It sounds crazy- even to me.  But I have found that there are days when I actually NEED to eat more than the 1300 calories myfitnesspal says that I need. In some ways, I was starving myself.  And when I did eat more than the allotted amount, I felt guilty, like I had done something bad. It seemed crazy to me to think that I MIGHT NEED to eat more than I was, but it also sounded crazy to think that there was a "one size fits all" approach when it came to eating and caloric intake. The more that I researched to help myself become healthier, the more I realized that I didn't agree with the mainstream idea of diet and exercise.

Once again, I found myself struggling because I felt that I was lacking knowledge.  I am not a doctor, or a nutritionist.  I'm not a personal trainer. I'm just...me.  But I have always trusted my decisions when both my mind and my heart were in sync.  It wasn't until I sat down to write my own personal beliefs that I really decided to change my ideas.  This decision wasn't easy, and I found myself thinking that I was onto something REVOLUTIONARY!  Ha Ha!  I was excited and interested and when I  found out that other people had already thought of this idea! LOL! Go figure.

So, I found a book called "Intuitive Eating" that I told you about in an earlier post. In this post, you can read a summary of the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating.  I was so excited to see that these thoughts followed right along with what I was feeling and thinking. You can imagine how anxious I was to get started and see how it worked. You can read about the results in THIS POST.  

Since this time, a month ago, I have been doing my best to practice these principles.  Like most things, there have been ups and downs. The difference with this, is that I am CONSISTENTLY getting thinner and feeling healthier. I am surprised at how little it actually takes to satisfy my hunger.  I am surprised at how often I want to be active. I still eat what I want, when I want.  I eat as much as I need.  I sleep better.

This has made me wonder if others would feel the same. So, today, I start a challenge!

For the month of October, we are going to be intuitive!  Each week, we will have a different focus. Using the Facebook Page, we will keep in touch with how all y'all are doing!  I will post motivating and informational posts on there.  At the end of the month, we will gather the results and I will host a secret, exclusive giveaway.  ONLY THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE CHALLENGE WILL GET LINK TO THE GIVEAWAY! Instructions for this will be given at a later time. :)

Week 1: Getting started. Study the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating.  Lose the "diet mentality," and practice asking yourself these questions:
    BEFORE YOU EAT
           1. Am I Hungry?
           2. How do I know that I am hungry? (looking for physical signs                  of hunger)
           3. What will satisfy my hunger? (looking for food that will satisfy                   the physical needs, but also other senses- taste, touch/texture,                 smell, look of the food, a satisfying environment, etc.


     WHILE YOU EAT
            1. Eat Slowly
            2. Enjoy the atmosphere.
            3. Is my hunger satisfied? (Ask this multiple times while eating.)
            4. Stop when you are no longer hungry... NOT WHEN YOU ARE FULL.

Make sure to eat when you are hungry!  Don't wait until you are STARVING!  

Week 2: Intuitive Eating
Week 3: Intuitive Exercise
Week 4: Intuitive Sleeping

Since following a more intuitive lifestyle, I can honestly say that I am happier, and I think that we all can agree that the results speak for themselves. I am anxious to see if you guys all have the same success as I do. You will feel nervous.  It is scary!  But kinda cool!

Remember, this can be done with ANY limitation that you might have. If you are diabetic, gluten intolerant, vegan, whatever. You can do this.  The idea is that your body will tell you what is good for you and what isn't.  OBVIOUSLY, if you have one of those issues, your body has ALREADY told you that it has certain needs.  ;)

SO, what do you think?  Are you in? Leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are.  Are you nervous? Do you think Intuitive Eating works? Have you ever tried this before?

Fill me in!