February Happiness Project

So I really, really liked the January Happiness Project more than I expected.  I may not have met all goals perfectly, but I made progress in all areas. 

January was all about surviving work, and I did it, with much more grace and many fewer breakdowns than last year.  Yay, me.  During February, I would like to continue with the January goals, but add some new things.  February's focus is going to be health.  So here are the problems, and the goals.

1.  6 pounds.  Yes, January was a success in many areas, but I also apparently ate my way thru January, and between it and the holidays, I've put on about 6 pounds in the past few months.  Not pretty.  My clothes are tighter and it just doesn't feel good.  By the end of February, at least 4 of those need to be gone!  A pound a week is not too much to ask, right??

2.  Arms.  I've been doing a better job with my abs when I'm on the floor doing my hip exercises.  Normally, I just add some crunches to the mix, but my arms are getting nothing!  So, I ordered some 3 pound weights yesterday to be delivered to my office.  I watched a you tube video with a 15 minute workout.  I think I can incorporate some of these during lunch maybe 3 times a week, just to do something to be working on my arms. 

3.  Water.  At some point last year, my friend, Melissa, and I started holding each other accountable during the day on drinking 64 ounces of water.  It really helped me.  It's not that I don't like water, I just get busy during the day and forget to fill up my cup.  We jumped back on the wagon yesterday, and mission accomplished!  When I drink my water, I find myself with less headaches, less desire for Coke, and I know it's great for me. 

4.  Lunch.  It's my most difficult meal of the day.  I really wish I weren't hungry and I didn't have to worry with it.  I rarely leave for lunch during the work day, so most days, I end up sending money with whoever is headed out to bring me something back.  Bad idea, unhealthy and expensive.  So, last week, I headed to Target and bought fruits, yogurt, string cheese, etc. so I would have some healthy alternatives in the office.  Friday, I made my first smoothie in the office.  I overdid it on the spinach, but overall, not too bad.  So, the plan is to eat in and healthy on the days I don't have lunch plans. The biggest challenge is planning ahead and making sure I have food at the office.  Planning ahead is not my strong suite, but I need to be working on bettering myself, right? 

So, that's the plan.  I can't go too stringent on dieting rules, it just doesn't work for me, I have a bit of a rebel streak, and when I set strict parameters, it seems like all I want to do is eat pizza and Snickers, so hopefully some added exercise, more water, and more intentional food choices will help me feel stronger and healthier by the end of the month.  I'll keep you posted!