We pick February for our Mindful Eating Challenge because it’s the shortest month of the year.  We are not ashamed to admit it.  Dry January.  Veganuary (being vegan for the month of January).  They got it all wrong with a month with 31 days when they could pick a month with 29.

Food challenges are hard.  At Personal Euphoria, we are all about fitness, not typically food.  But what we put in our bodies matters.  It impacts how we feel.  It is helpful to take a window of time and try to consider food.  Food fuels us and when we exercise how we refuel matters.  Sometimes, once I get started, I actually continue for more than 29 days.

Here’s the challenge if you choose to accept it:

You pick any food-related challenge you want—big or small.  I usually give up sugar.  I still eat fruit and a piece of toast if it has sugar.  But I cut out all desserts and snacks with processed sugar.  Sometimes I make an exception with honey.  I am a beekeeper, after all.

You don’t have to give up sugar.  Here are examples of ways others have participated before:

  • Give up gluten
  • Stop snacking after a certain time of day
  • Give up dairy or a specific dairy item like cheese
  • Try to only eat when hungry
  • Notice eating mindless bites of food
  • Reduce or eliminate sugary beverages
  • Breathing before eating meals or snacks
  • Add a vegetable at every meal (I like this concept because you add, you don’t eliminate).

 

It’s about what you need and would benefit you.  This shouldn’t just be about torturing yourself, but challenging yourself to try ways to feel better in your body.  And you don’t have to do it alone.  We have a group on Facebook where we interact and encourage each other.  You can participate as much or as little as you want in the group.  You can join us even if you aren’t on Facebook.

This year, we also created a free PDF to help you stay more mindful.  The PDF guides you on some points to consider when you eat.  If you’d like to fill out the questions, print as many as you need to get you through the month. To access the PDF follow the link to register (free) for the Mindful Eating Challenge and gain instant access to the PDF.

Let us know if you’re joining in the fun.  Join the Mindful Eating Challenge Facebook Group and write: I’m in.  Share your goal if you’d like.

We also have a plank story about SUGAR!  If you need a little inspiration (or to feel less alone in your healthy eating journey) enjoy this plank story!

Keep Reading

Interested in more mindful tips from Maggie? Click here!

Curious about other aspects of mindfulness? Click here to read Maggie discuss the pressure to be present!

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