The 21 Day Challenge: The Best Way to Jumpstart a Healthy Lifestyle

Let’s face it: nobody wants to be unhealthy. Yes, that one-pound burger might make your palette twist and scream with joy, and those slices of pizza might make your hungry tummy full and happy; but are they really worth it? I know I might hear a resounding “yes” upon uttering this question, but at the end of the day, what we really want is not to find any complications with ourselves when we get older. You might not feel it yet, but an unhealthy diet can lead to problems as you go through your everyday life. It might be as simple as extra junk around your tummy, or it might get as serious as diabetes – so what should you do about it, then? I know creating drastic changes on your eating habits can be hard, but as the saying goes: if there is a will, there is a way.

Eating fruits instead of your usual afternoon chips and soda might make you feel suicidal at first, but with enough will power and motivation, nothing will stop you from reaching your goal. I’ve seen different tips and tricks online that promise a change on the way I handle things when it comes to food, but nothing was really effective except for this one challenge that has helped me get rid of all of my cravings. A friend of mine tried this 21-day challenge that she saw online and she was able to shed a lot of pounds. With that kind of promise, I decided to try it myself. Although the change wasn’t as drastic as hers, I definitely felt the change – I was able to resist the temptations of gulping down a liter of chocolate drink, and I was able to completely let go of my occasional chips binge-eating. So, what did we do on those 21 days and how come it was so effective? Well, wonder no more. Here’s a quick run-through of what the 21-day challenge is all about.

21 DAY WHAT?

The 21-Day Challenge was created to get rid of your cravings within the next 21 days. As appealing as it sounds and despite the promises of great results and weight loss, though, you might have to think twice before committing to this challenge. The 21-day challenge will require you to completely avoid unhealthy food, so for the next three weeks, you won’t be allowed to touch anything sinful. And NO, there is no such thing as a cheat day for this challenge. It definitely won’t be as easy as you think, but don’t worry; the idea of the challenge is to build a habit of eating healthy and getting rid of the unnecessary food in your system. The first week will definitely be a struggle, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to veer away from junk food without any problem whatsoever.

What to Avoid

• Chocolates
• Candies
• Cookies and Biscuits
• Cakes
• Donuts
• Muffins
• Pastries
• White Bread
• Chips
• Fast Food (so long, chicken joy!)
• Nutella and other naughty spreads
• Ice Cream
• Soda (yes, even diet sodas)
• Other sinful food like burgers, pizza, etc.

So, what are the things left for you to eat? Well, I guess it is time for you to move from your usual morning chocolate cereal to rolled oats, and from your pancit canton merienda to whole wheat sandwiches amongst other things. It sounds overwhelming, but once your competitive soul kicks in, you won’t really notice that you’re no longer eating these things. The fun thing about this diet is the fact that it doesn’t restrict you from eating rice (white rice!), so you can still eat your usual heavy meals as needed. Just make sure you control your rice intake, though, and do not overeat! Don’t think of it as a fad diet or a punishment, either. Instead, look at it as choosing to be healthy and well. Again: will power will always be one of the greatest keys to success.

Does This Really Work?

Apparently, it works really well if executed correctly. Why and how? Getting rid of those 14 sinfully delicious foods involves getting rid of items that are extremely rich in calories. An average person usually has to consume at least 1,200-1,800 calories a day. By substituting water or fresh fruit juice for your usual soda, you’ll get to ingest lower calorie and eat more at the same time. Here’s a quick comparison chart to make you feel a little guiltier about eating that cup of Ben and Jerry’s Choco Chip Cookie Dough:

See the difference? That’s what makes this challenge so effective – it helps you eat healthier and achieve the required calories without any hassle! So what are you waiting for? While it may require a huge adjustment, the 21-day challenge will definitely still be worth it! Here’s to a healthier, fitter you!