Update - Cynthia

Okay, I stopped my daily cigarette on May 1. This is going to sound really dumb. BUT, today, I did my speed intervals (running) AND they were a lot faster AND I felt energized, not ticked off. I think that there may be something to all that research that says cigarettes are bad for your lungs. I do miss it and have found myself having a snack before bed instead. This is dumb, I’m not going to die of starvation in my sleep. So, now, I will stop that.

Week 7 - Zakiya

Week Seven wasn't super exciting. 2 beers. 5 workouts. Lots of water, veggies, and meditation. I climbed Cowles Mountain this week which was pretty cool. I think I'm going to try to find other mini adventures in the coming weeks just to mix things up.

The only thing I have to add is that after 7 weeks I'm really starting to resent the meditation. When I do it, I don't feel more relaxed. I don't transcend. I am not more enlightened or closer to oneness. I don't feel like my soul is overwhelmed of lightness and love. I feel like I want my 10 minutes back. Am I alone in this? I see a shrink once a week. Can't I count that instead?

Half way point OVERVIEW

THE GOOD:
EXERCISE and WATER INTAKE have been consistently good throught out the challenge.

THE IMPROVED:
MEDITATION: I've increased my meditation overall. First couple weeks were basically non-existent. These last couple weeks have been 4-5 10-min sessions per week. I've been able to use my backyard as a great place to give my mind a rest. I've figured out that when I wake up in the morning and remind myself that this is something I need to do, I find the time in a busy day to include a small amount of meditation.

FRUITS/VEG: Its still a challenge for me. I started this competition by using my blender in the mornings to create some smoothies, but then for some reason, my body began rejecting my Frankenstein concoctions. Who would of thunk it? So now its back to salads and remembering to include some vegetable in every meal I eat. It seems to be working better at this point. I have a banana or an apple a day as well.

THE BAD
ALCOHOL: I've have my good weeks, and I've have my bad. This last Saturday I over-indulged a bit. One thing I've been able to do is to push the moment I take that first drink as much as possible. It seems to help keep those number of drinks down. I'm no where near perfection on this, but I know I'm more conscious of the total number of alcoholic drinks than I EVER WAS BEFORE IN MY LIFE, which I believe is a step in the right direction. In addition, I've had offers to go out (Cinco de Mayo), but I insisted on not participating because I knew I would of had a cerveza or two. Maybe its not so "bad" after all.

JOURNAL: I started great on keeping up with my journal, but it for some reason (mood probably), it has decreased. But I think I'm back on track. No points if I don't do this part of the challenge.

Downhill!

Well, it is now off to week seven which means that we've all reached the peak and are heading down to the grand finale. At this point I've loved the challenge and the consciousness it requires. As previously mentioned one of the greatest benefits I've found is shifting my animal protein-based diet to more of a plant-based diet. While some might say such is antithetical to an active diet, I'm finding that reducing animal-based protein has offered more energy, clearer thinking and an enhanced mood. Being naturally thin and working to keep muscle on my body, I've focused too much on eating a lot of protein. I am now beginning to think that this type of diet may not be an optimal choice. I've recently heard stories about the possible connection between animal proteins and deadly conditions such as cancer and diabetes. I'm not ready to go full on vegetarian however I plan to make more of an effort to reduce animal proteins and up my plant intake.
Despite my first-hand experience in the benefits of meditation, I've noticed that I still don't make the time for it. It is up to me to find a way to make meditation a priority for the remainder of this challenge so that it will become ingrained in my regular routine and last beyond the coming five weeks.
I'm still working on reducing alcohol intake. I know that it affects my mood and my ability to perform while exercising, etc. Each week provides new challenges, but I also feel as though I'm getting stronger. A lot of it has to do with willpower and overcoming the societal influences that have been deeply ingrained.
This past weekend I participated in what is called a Certified Natural Training course (www.monkeybargym.com). I am blown away and so thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in this program. It has changed the way I view exercise and I can see the beginnings of a solid and holistic program that can help me alleviate pains and accelerate my potential. I am also eager to put my education into practice and help others to achieve new heights. I could go into detail about this, but I'll refrain.
So, I'm happy with my progress. These past few weeks have been such a learning experience. From the Conscious Indulgence Party to the certified natural training course, I feel as though I am on a new and amazing path towards growth and change. I'm tired, but excited to see where this path takes me.
Cheers!