What started out as a 21 day challenge, turned into a 26 day experience.
We put our 21 day challenge on hold and ate mostly what we wanted to for five days at the beach in Florida. As a result I have spent the last several days, since returning home, reciting these words over and over again from an old commercial that played back in the 70s when I was growing up: “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!”
I admit, I indulged and ate several things that I normally wouldn’t eat, and I am paying for it today! Proving to myself once again, there is a very good reason why I enjoy eating healthy. As a family we had some similar experiences and some different experiences. I’ve asked my wife and daughters to comment on what they thought about the 21 day challenge/experience.
We’ll start with the Queen of the castle…
On the challenge, unlike dieting, I was never hungry. I was basically just replacing unhealthy foods with healthy food. Contrary to what I thought, there were so many good foods I could eat on Phil’s nutrition plan for us. Sure there were times I was tempted, but that only lasted as long as I allowed myself to think on it. The plan was definitely easier with all of us doing it together. One thing I noticed that made me happy, as a mom, was that preparing meals was more fun. The girls and I have so often said, “Let’s just grab a meal out”, but we found during the 21 days that we preferred the food we prepared at home much more than eating out. I think we spent more time in our kitchen together in the last 21 days than we have in the last 21 weeks. Happy! Honestly, our free time at the beach was fun while we ate, but not after the meal. I began to feel “heavy” on the inside, which is the best way I can describe the feeling. I had less energy and missed the “light” feeling I experienced while eating healthy. When we arrived home, I immediately started back on the plan without Phil pushing me or even asking me to. Previously, I had eaten “clean” for a few days here and there, but the 21 uninterrupted days of consistently eating healthier has really made an impact on me and the girls. Thank you Phil for the challenge…I feel a change staying, not just coming then going! — Kim
I want to elaborate on Kim’s comment, “as long as I allowed myself to think on it.” I believe our attitude and perspective on eating healthy is based largely upon what we think and tell ourselves about food. When it comes to changing old habits, the toughest battle is fought between our two ears. Your thoughts and your words have power, so remember what you think and what you say can determine your success.
It wasn’t always easy, but it was definitely worth it, and because we did it together as a family, it made it more fun and not as hard as doing it by yourself. I’m thankful for the guidance from my dad through the 21 days and I know that it will stick with me! – Claire
Claire has a good point here. When you are doing something that is seemingly difficult, having someone to hold you accountable makes a tremendous difference. Yes, doing it together did make it more fun and easier!
The challenge was very hard through the process, and I know I didn’t work out enough while I was eating healthy. If I would have, then I could have lost more weight. I feel like it is going to be hard for me to get back on track eating healthy after going to the beach and going back to how I used to eat. — Anna Kat
Anna Kat makes a good point here as well. When we go backwards, it is much more difficult to get going again in the right direction. It’s when we go backwards or slip up that the battle between our ears I spoke of intensifies. You must be strong and tell yourself over and over, I can do it, I will do it!
It was hard and not fun, but it was worth it. — Caroline
Caroline is young woman of very few words. Four of those words though really sum up the experience for everybody, “it was worth it!
I have to say that this experience was very rewarding for me, in many ways. It was very encouraging, after a few days, seeing my wife and daughters embrace the plan that I laid out for them. It turned into a truly great bonding and learning experience for our family, as I’m sure you can gather from their comments above. Parents, if you are interested in doing something to help your children eat and live healthier, feel free to contact me about Carson Natural’s health coaching services!
If reading this blog inspires you to begin your own 21 day challenge, then you may be interested in a product I recently discovered. This product can provide a genetic nutrition and fitness assessment based upon your unique DNA and lifestyle. Click here for a short video detailing the assessment. If you’re interested in achieving a new level of wellness, then please contact me by filling out the contact form on CarsonNatural.com or by leaving a voice message by clicking the “Ask Dr. Phil” Microphone!
Happy Summer and Healthy Blessings,
Dr. Phil
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Leave a Reply