Challenge #7: Paying Attention & Changing Things Up

Sorry I'm a little late with the challenge this week. After yesterday's five mile walk for the March for Babies, I was simply way too tired to get any writing done.

But no worries, here are the challenges for this week!

Diet:
Two weeks ago I asked you to measure out your food portions to help you realize what you're eating. This week we're going to keep that theme of paying attention to what you're eating. Your challenge this week is to sit down and pay attention when you're eating. Far too often many of us eat on the run - eating in the car, nibbling on something while standing in the kitchen, walking while eating at an event, etc. The problem with this behavior is that your brain doesn't pay attention to your food intake with so much going on. That means it's easy to overeat, and you'll feel hungry again sooner.

So for this week, really concentrate on the act of eating: sit down, eliminate as many distractions as possible, eat slowly and consciously enjoy your food. You'll likely find that you feel more satisfied with less food and are less hungry between meals.

Fitness:
It's time to change things up with your fitness plan. Doing the same routines for several weeks results in the body getting used to the stress and adapting to it. That means you get less results for all of the sweat time you're putting in. For this week's challenge, change up your routine. Add in a new exercise or workout DVD, or try a new type of exercise. For example, if you're so into yoga that you even sleep in proper yoga positions, maybe try some kickboxing. Or if you do a lot of high-intensity workouts, try a pilates workout this week. Keep your body guessing, and you'll continue to get the results you want.

Personal:
This week's challenge is all about fear. What are you afraid of that is keeping you from your goals? Think about what it is you really want in life, and then brainstorm what's been holding you back from having what you want. Many of us want to lose weight, and psychologists have often said that our weight can sometimes be a layer of protection, insulating us from some past emotional hurt or fear.

As an example, I know I'm somewhat shy around the opposite sex, and I'm sure I have a fear of attention from men if I was thinner. Sounds crazy, but it's true - I don't know how to respond well to positive attention, and staying overweight can prevent much of that attention.

So what's holding you back?

A reminder on how to play: choose one challenge from the three listed above, do your best to follow the challenge, and report in at the end of the week. Leave a comment or e-mail me the link to your results post, and I'll link them up in a round-up results post.

Good luck!

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