Replac-ed.

Today marks the first day of Lent, which for me, as in years past, marks the first of 40 days without chocolate. 

Though I understand that not everyone practices Lent, I believe self-restraint is something worth testing from time to time.  

What is your vice?  Is it facebook? diet coke? wine?

Give it up…just for today.  And even better, replace it with something you wish you did more frequently.  Log out of facebook and write a blog post instead.  Put down the coke can and chug a bottle of water.  Stick the cork back in the wine bottle and take a jog during happy hour.  As for me, I’ll be replacing chocolate with green or herbal tea.  

You know that old saying about breakups?  The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.  It applies here too.  Replace a bad habit with a better one and you’ll lessen the separation anxiety.  

Especially if you ate nearly this entire box of chocolate covered strawberries last night...

Re-Lent-ed.

The countdown has begun.  Fourty-five days from today, I will be lounging on a beach chaise, tropical rum punch in hand, boyfriend, good book, and good friends by my side. 

Fourty-five days seems like forever, but it also is the perfect amount of time to focus on sculpting the bikini body I picture in those beach dreams of mine.  Yesterday began lent #2, except this time I'm not sacrificing for God, I'm sacrificing for me, which ironically is a bit more difficult.  After overdosing on chocolate post-Easter, I've decided to give up sweets and junk food of all kinds, promising myself a good workout at least 4-5 days a week.  Though it's a bit of a vain project, I know it will help me think, move, and feel better.

During my project, I've quickly realized what is effective and what simply won't work.  It is essential to set a goal, lay out the exact parameters, and challenge yourself to meet the goal.  Without a conscious effort, nothing can be achieved.

It's also important to track your progress.  An analysis of how you're doing serves as great motivation to keep going.  So on that note, I've started using the Self Magazine food/workout log to track my caloric intake and burn.  I highly recommend signing up. (It's free and easy!) 

What are your springtime resolutions?

Ah, spring, what a perfect time to eat like a rabbit.