Whether we’re talking fitness or food, I always like a challenge. It keeps things interesting and most importantly, staves off boredom.
In the past, I’ve challenged myself to make more interesting lunches, new dinners, and big batches of veggie burgers.
As I told you yesterday, I also recently challenged myself to become a morning exerciser.
So I’m good in the fitness department, but I’m currently without a challenge in the food department.
Well, my sister and I brainstormed and each came up with 5 things to avoid in April. The idea is that we wanted to give up 5 things that we feel have been getting in the way of our fitness goals – only for a month. This isn’t about restriction, but rather forcing ourselves to find healthier alternatives for the foods that make us weak in the knees.
Of course, our lists are quite different since we both have different habits.
Here are my 5 things to avoid in April:
1. Delivery/Frozen Pizza
This pains me a bit to say it, but I’ve got to give up one of my favorite foods for a month.
When I looked back on March, I realized that I ate pizza an average of three times per week. I’m not talking about healthified pizza either. Three times a week is a bit too much and all of that pizza certainly isn’t help me reach my goal to get toned.
So, I’ll still be enjoying socca pizza, cauliflower crust pizza, and the like – but no Papa John’s for this girl.
A green socca pizza will definitely fill that delivery pizza void.
2. Pretzels
This may sound odd, but I’ve been eating a crap load of pretzels as a night time snack. I dip them in laughing cow cheese topped with mustard. They’re freaking delicious, but unfortunately pretzels have absolutely no nutritional value.
I plan to replace that nighttime snack with something like frozen grapes or Mary’s Gone Crackers. I prefer my snacks to be eaten piece by piece, so both crackers and grapes fit the bill.
3. Appetizers
Think of this scenario – you go to a restaurant. Your family orders 2+ appetizers and of course you have your fair share. Then the waitress/waiter brings out your healthy main meal and you’re simply too full to take a bite.
In order to avoid this pre-meal fullness, I’ll be avoiding the bread basket, the (tear) chips and salsa, and the bleu cheese chips.
This way, I’ll be able to order my own meal and enjoy it too!
4. Frozen yogurt
I know what you’re thinking – I’m crazy, right? But hear me out.
Lately, I’ve been taking more classes at my local YMCA – piloxing, zumba, and turbokick are my current favorites.
Can you guess what’s close to the gym? Yep, frozen yogurt. Therefore, I usually get a great workout, then I shove my face with 2 pounds of frozen yogurt. Something about frozen yogurt just makes me lose all self-control.
Yes, frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream, but everything should be enjoyed in moderation. Is getting frozen yogurt 5 times per week considered moderation? I think not.
So, I won’t be avoiding it altogether – but I’m only allowing myself to get frozen yogurt ONE time in April. This will be hard, but my wallet and my waistline will thank me later.
5. Soy lattes
Oh Starbucks, I love you. But your 5 dollar soy lattes are not doing me any good. I’ll still be enjoying iced coffee, but it will either be homemade or black. Did you know that an iced coffee [with soy milk] from Starbucks is $3, while a soy latte is $5? I’ll keep the $2, thank you.
So there you have it – my five things to avoid in April. With the way time is flying by, I’m sure this month will be over before I know it. It’s one month. No big deal. <—personal pep talk right there
Do you ever challenge yourself to avoid something that’s become a crutch in your diet?
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