21 DAYS

It takes 21 consecutive days to create a new habit, or rather for a new goal, activity, lifestyle change to become part of our normal lives, where we no longer have to think about it, it just happens.  Want to stop eating sugar, eat fewer calories, workout in the morning before work, the key is to do it for 21 days straight, and then it feels normal, becomes a part of life.

There is a challenge at the Cycling Centre right now to eat packaged food items that contain 5 ingredients or less.  The goal of the challenge is to get people to read the ingredients on items they plan to consume, to make them more aware of what they are eating, and some things may be surprising.  Something that appears to be healthy, like no-fat yogurt, can actually be less healthy then the option with a percentage of fat in it.  Often, food companies will add in extra sugar for added flavour that is taken out when they remove the fat.  The other key to remember is that fat isn't necessarily a bad thing, it depends on where you're getting it from.  

So here are some questions that have arisen since the challenge began at the beginning of the week: potato chips or whole wheat crackers, which one is the healthier choice?  The answer, in this writers opinion is neither.  The potato chip has 3 ingredients, the cracker has over 12, most of which are things we would never eat on their own.  So what are the options when you're craving something salty and crunchy?  How about popcorn where you have control over the amount of salt and fat that you add.  Pickels can be an option too, they are crunchy, salty, and full of flavour, often satisfying the craving.  Have other healthy snack options, then send them our way.  Veggies and hummus, fruit, nuts ... Let us know what satisfies you and might help us add some excitement to our diet.

Please join us on our January Challenge.   A Facebook group has been started at https://www.facebook.com/groups/JanuaryChallenge/