Podcast: Play in new window
Have you ever had to start over or back up to begin again? Well, let’s just say that when it comes to my struggle with my weight, I’ve had to back up and begin again more than once. Here I am… fighting the #fatdemon again.
And because I believe in the power of community and accountability, I’m inviting you to join me.
In the past I’ve done 7 Day Challenges but this one will be 21 days.
That’s right. T-W-E-N-T-Y-O-N-E.
But it’s also going to be different from most of the weight loss challenges I see online. You wanna know why? Because it’s really not about the weight. Changing up your habits and how you treat your body is so much more than counting calories or working out. Change always begin with how you think.
Here’s what you need to know…
While I’m usually pretty good about making changes over short periods of time or in pursuit of a specific goal, my success over the long haul is largely determined by the foundation I lay in my mind, in my heart, and with my time. The habits we want to change have to be changed from the ground up.
If you go hot and heavy, you might have short term success but have you built the mindset that will keep you going when you run out of steam, motivation, or “want-to”?
On today’s show I talk about balance. We all want it right? But balance is a little bit of an idealistic aim. It is not something that you achieve and then maintain in the same state forever. When life shifts, we must take the time to rebalance the weight. And let me tell you, over the last year, my life has shifted big time — a major move, a new book, lots of travel, family health challenges (four members of my household have had hospital visits). And every change or shift resulted in life stress that through my balance goals out the window.
What I’m beginning to understand is that the pursuit of balance is a life long pursuit. You never stop working towards it but if you are not focused on maintaining it you will absolutely lose it. If you don’t have habits of paying attention to your life, you will always lose balance and maybe wait way to long to get back in balance.
So this week I invite you to start a 21 Day Challenge with me.
Each day you simply do the assignment for that day and continue doing any previous assignments. One day will build on the next. This challenge is an Instagram challenge but you can do it anywhere on social media, or do it on your own or with a friend.
Weigh in is optional
Day 1 – Water #1
- Drink water upon waking. Wake up and cleanse.
- Let the first the in your body be H20. Start fresh. God’s mercies are new every morning and everyday you have the opportunity to start clean both physically and spiritually.
- Snap a pic of your “water on wake up”.
Day 2 – Wake Up!
- Wake up 5 to 10 minutes earlier.
- Get your heart and your mind right for the day.
- Pray. Meditate. Lay there and think. This is the prayer I pray everyday.
- Read – Need ideas for what to read or pray? Look at this list of Scriptures that encourage healthy living, check out my post on 20 ways to Study the Bible.
- Snap a wake up pic! (Clock with wake up time, your Bible, a Scripture verse, etc)
Here’s my daily prayer:
Lord today I surrender my will to your way. Help me to be an instrument of your grace, love, compassion, mercy and power. What one thing can I do today that will bring glory to you? How can I be a part of what you are doing today?
Day 3 – What’s Your Why?
- What’s your reason for wanting to be a “healthy you”?
- Identifying your why will give you something to hold on to when you don’t feel like making good choices. Your why can give you strength.
- Write down your “why” and snap a pic.
Day 4 – “We”
- Choose someone to connect with throughout your journey. Who can hold you accountable? Who might want to join you on the journey? We weren’t made to walk alone.
- Decide when you will connect. Weekly weigh in? Daily text with updates? Tagging food choices on IG?
- Tag “your person” on IG.
Day 5 – Water #2
- Drink half your body weight in water.
- Get a cup, container, or water bottle you like and keep it with you at all times.
- If you don’t make it, don’t give up. By the end of the 21 days you will be a water guzzler!
- Add lemon if you like for flavor and to help correct your PH levels.
- Snap a pic of your water bottle
Day 6 -Wind down. Rest.
- Get more sleep.
- Wind down earlier. Take a nap if your schedule allows.
- Slow down. Say no. Give your body room to rebuild and renew itself.
- Snap a bed time pic! (Your bed, your wind down activity, the clock with your bed time hour)
Day 7 -Walk
- Go for a walk. At least 15 minutes.
- If you already have a consistent workout plan. Good. Still plan in a 15 minute walk at least once in your week to clear your head and to keep it simple.
- Take a selfie of your walk or your workout.
Let’s Talk!
- Do you struggle with your weight? If not, where do you struggle with balance?
- What typically throws you off balance? What stressors or shifts have recently occurred make balance a challenge.
- What topic and/or guest would you like to hear from in the future?
- Have a question you’d like for me to answer on a future podcast? Share your question with me HERE.
Highlights for Today’s Episode:
- The reason the #fatdemon has been kicking my behind
- What the 21 Day #fatdemon Challenge is all about
- Why you should start change slowly.
==> Quotes from today’s show {Click to tweet}
- Do something everyday to take care of you! @ChrystalHurst
==> Resources from today’s show
- Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.
- Want to learn more about me and my #fatdemon? Click here.
- Want to learn more about meals vs. motion? Click here.
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How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world. 1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 3. Share today’s show – I could use your help with getting the word out there about my new podcast. Would you take a minute to share today’s post? Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post. Thanks! Can I ask you a favor? However you found me, will you be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists! Thanks in advance for your help!
I’d love to do this challenge. I may have to go at a slower pace as I am being treated for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, I am limiting the way I communicate, as it has become overwhelming. I only have e-mail and Facebook, and I gave up Facebook for Lent. Can I participate without twitter, Instagram and Facebook?
Blessings!
Judy
Amen and Yes! I’m so excited about this #fatdemon challenge. I’m loving the slow & easy start because I often fall victim to the “crash & burn” fast start. Thank you for initiating the challenge. One day I will be as brave as you and post my weight. Girl! I’m always so amazed by your realness & authenticity. God bless you and your willingness to let us share your journey.
My life is so out of balance. I’m glad that you said that it starts there. I thought that it was simply that I am not disciplined. The real culprit is balance. I’m grateful that we are starting slowly. Thanks Chrystal!
My prayers last night was asking God to bring balance into my life. This is a confirmation that God hears me and Im loved by Him. Thank you for your obedience.
I’m in. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for starting this challenge! It came at the right time. I have always struggled with my weight! I have been able to lose 20-60 pounds and for some reason I have always gained it back. 🙁 I am so excited to get this started!
That’s my story too 🙂 Looking forward to the journey with you!
First thing this morning I drank water and ‘cleansed’. Because I don’t do Instagram or Facebook any more, I will check your blog for updates. Thanks Chrystal.
Awesome! I’ll keep you posted 🙂
I am all in!! I’m already in the process of trying to be3 a healthier me, especially with what I bring into my body. Looking forward to experiencing the next 21 days with you Chrystal!
Yea! Glad to have you on the journey!
This podcast is an answer to prayer! I was praying last night about my struggle with weight/food- feeling like I didn’t know where to start. This challenge is just the opportunity I needed to get back on track. Thank you for inviting us along on this journey 🙂
I’m in but I’m off social media for Lent. So I’m doing it but I’m going to be accountable to my daughter. I don’t really need to lose weight but I have trouble maintaining my weight because I love sugar. It would be a lie to say I want to cut it out, but right now I just want to cut down.
Thank you Chrystal for always encouraging me!
Thanks for joining in! However you do it is fine! Grateful for your heart!
Hey Chrystal!
I just started listening to your podcast and have literally binged like a dozen of them. Love them! Love you! I just actually listened to you first 21 day challenge podcast today and I am looking forward to starting it. I don’t do much social media, but I intend to face this challenge head on as I try to break out of this comparison bubble I’ve gotten myself into over the years as I’ve battled with my weight. I am really trying my hardest to trust the Lord so I can see myself for who He and only He created me to be. This challenge is the boost of encouragement that I’ve been praying for. Thank you so much for being so real and so genuine, Chrystal. I appreciate what you are sharing with the world! God blessings to you!
Chrystal I’m behind, but I’m getting the 21 day #fatdemon challenge and have encouraged my REFIT® tribe to join me as well. I write a blog and linked yours as well. I pray this will help me to get my jump start to get over the wall I have faced and be a finisher instead of a failure