And the results are in!!!

21 days ago, a girl on a FB local weight loss group of mine sent out a challenge to all its members. I have never met her not had we ever had conversations prior to her request.
21 days ago she asked if anyone would be interested in doing the 21 day no junk food challenge. Seeing as though I am always up for a challenge, I said yes. And saying yes that Friday night was the best decision I have made in a while!
No Junk Food meant:
No Chocolate
No Candy
No Biscuits or Cookies
No Cakes Donuts or Muffins
No Pastries
No White Bread
No Chips
No Fast Food
No Nutella, Peanut Butter or other naughty spread
No Ice Cream
I looked at this list and declared I was going to have to make some changes. The first few days so super tough...weaning my mid afternoon 'need for something' was probably the worst for me. But then something happened on Day 5. I noticed that my day was easier. I felt like I had more energy. I noticed that my thoughts were clearer and I was able to remember things. I also seemed to have a more positive outlook on life and the challenges that stood before me. Each day after that, the choices were easier. I was finding my groove. But more importantly, I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually in a much better place.
Physically, I felt less bloated and the numbers on the scale were decreasing...but I actually, for the first time in forever, I didn't care. When some of my friends and my sister mentioned how much more positive my perspective was and I truly felt joy...I realized that food has a much greater influence on our bodies then we give it credit for.
Eating healthy this past 3 weeks has opened my eyes. I missed out on birthday cake, refused chocolate treats I enjoy, ate salads instead of the unhealthy choices others with me were making and with bags of halloween candy untouched pour moi.
But I gained so much more.
*The ability to say no.
*The desire to want the best for me.
*Noticing that I had no guilt.
*Each time I refused a treat, my confidence soared.
*I felt like I was a better parent to my kids....the patient kind.
*I had more hours in the day...less time working out.
*I was happy.
*My skin was soft and less sensitive.
*I discovered my love for delicious, flavourful and healthy alternatives.
*At the end of the day, I could smile knowing I had a 'good choices day'.
....and the list continues.
I did lose 5.5 pounds and 4.5" inches overall...those were just the bonus!
Today, I ate two cookies and a handful of chocolate covered almonds. I feel gross and regret that choice. I plan to continue this challenge for another session. But instead of calling it a challenge, I'd like to refer it to my new way of eating. God gave me today and deciding how I choose to spend it makes a huge dent on the lives of others around me. Choosing to be a good steward of the body I have been given and my perspective is a gift.
Who is joining me on this journey?