21 Day Challenge

So, visiting the BF was a bit of a food bender. There were so many good restaurants near where he is living.  And he is the worst possible influence on me. I am sure that I am retaining alot of water from eating out, and I haven't had a proper BM in a couple of days.  So I am hoping that the weight will drop off to "normal" pretty quickly. But I leave for Jamaica 3 weeks from tomorrow.  And I have a bikini to get into!

Starting tomorrow I am giving myself a 21 day challenge. It's going to be difficult. There will be free food including pizza at least once a week at work (in fact tomorrow is one of them), a huge 4th of July potluck, and my general sweets craving/tendencies to binge.  But I am going to go 21 days with out processed sugar (candy, baked goods). After the first week I will cut out dried fruits as well (I love raisins, but they're little sugar bombs in "natural" mask). And in the third week I hope to cut down on sugar substitutes and at home baking.

So, for the next 21 days:

• No processed sugar - no candy from the store or baked goods. 
• I may bake at home provided I use healthy substitutions for sugar, and make only 1 serving.
• Drink at least 90oz of water a day. 
• Reduce diet soda and coffee consumption no more than 12oz a day (no more 20oz bottles, or fountain drinks). No soda until 45oz of water is consumed.
• AM workouts every day 30 DS and 6 week 6 pack (once it comes in from the library)
• PM running 5 days a week couch to 5K program
• Weekly fast 1 day (tuesday)*

Other things to keep in mind:

• For "4th of July" potluck - choose only a few foods to try, pick two desserts other than my own and have 3 bites of each. Limit post dinner snacking. Alcohol consumption should be 3 drinks or less.
• Morning Afformations and while working out.
• Decide what I am going to have at work functions BEFORE and stay accountable.
• Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables.  

So, this challenge is pretty specific to me and what I see as my biggest challenges and temptations, as well as the things that effect my goals. If anyone reading wants to join in on the challenge and modify it to their own goals that'd be awesome. Come back and post comments about how you're doing!

*While visiting my BF I read one of his fitness magazines that talked about the benefits of fasting either 16 hours a day (that's only an 8 hour eating window!) or once a week for increased energy and well being. I am going to try it once each week allowing fruit juice for "breakfast" and "lunch" and broth for "dinner" but keeping the quantities pretty low and consuming alot of water. I am also going to try to keep my eating window to 12 hours, that's no food after 7:30pm.