The results are in for Week 1 of the New Year New You Challenge and I'm excited to announce that for the most part, everyone had a great week!!!  There were a few who struggled, but you know what, change is hard and no one masters anything in one week's time.  It is a process and I would be willing to bet that every single person who has ever started a weight loss/healthy living journey has had at least one bad week.  Been there...done that...(far more often than I'd like to admit).  The important thing to remember is to stay focused on your goals, forgive yourself and move on.  You gain nothing from wallowing in the mistakes of yesterday.  So for those of you who feel like you rocked last week - way to go!!!  We are very proud of your hard work and success.  For those of you who had a rough week - way to go for sticking it out and being willing to continue your journey into week two!!  That alone is a win and should be acknowledged.

And, for EVERYONE, I would like to offer one piece of advice that has helped me a lot since I started my journey...it's all in your head.  I can't stress this enough.  Weight loss and healthy living starts IN YOUR HEAD.  If you can get to a place in your mind where you stop seeing weight loss as a series of things you have to give up, you will be so much happier and more successful on the path.  You must stop telling yourself that you have to "give up" cookies or brownies or sleep or foods drowned in butter and/or ranch.  Yes, those things are all true.  If you want to lose weight you will have to make some sacrifices, BUT if that is where your attention is focused, you will be miserable the entire time.  Switch your thinking and start reminding yourself of everything you have to GAIN by making this change...the list is endless.  A stronger body.  Mental clarity.  Peace of mind.  Confidence.  A better love life.  Lowered risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or heart attacks.  Disease prevention (think diabetes, cancer, dementia).  Less joint pain.  Longer life.  Better sleep.  I could go on and on, but I'll finish with...The ability to enjoy life more fully because you're not weighed down (literally and figuratively) by a sluggish body.  You are on the right track.  You've started the process and begun making the necessary physical changes...please don't forget to work on the mental aspect as well.  That is where the overall battle is ultimately won or lost.  Focus on what you have to gain instead of what you are giving up or how much you have to lose. 

And for those of you who missed the Week 1 results, here's an overview...

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