This week, I focused on hydration by making sure I drank at least eight glasses of water each day. I also experimented with infused water, adding slices of lemon, cucumber, and mint to make it more enjoyable (I got super fancy huh!). Alongside this, I kept a food journal to track my eating habits and identify areas for improvement. I noticed that staying well-hydrated helped curb my appetite and kept me feeling refreshed. 
I continued to build on my healthy habits by incorporating whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice into my diet (the brown rice came right back up! yucky). I also started planning my meals ahead of time to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. This week, I felt more satisfied after meals, however I did have some weird  cravings for junk food. My favorite hot chips (paired along with a hot pickle) were needed after a trail loop I did in Palos Hills. Sorry not sorry. I deserved it this week! 
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This week, I focused on hydration by making sure I drank at least eight glasses of water each day. I also experimented with infused water, adding slices of lemon, cucumber, and mint to make it more enjoyable (I got super fancy huh!). Alongside this, I kept a food journal to track my eating habits and identify areas for improvement. I noticed that staying well-hydrated helped curb my appetite and kept me feeling refreshed. 
I continued to build on my healthy habits by incorporating whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice into my diet (the brown rice came right back up! yucky). I also started planning my meals ahead of time to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. This week, I felt more satisfied after meals, however I did have some weird  cravings for junk food. My favorite hot chips (paired along with a hot pickle) were needed after a trail loop I did in Palos Hills. Sorry not sorry. I deserved it this week! 
			 | 
		
		
			| 
			 | 
		
	
 
	
		
		
			
				 
This week, I focused on hydration by making sure I drank at least eight glasses of water each day. I also experimented with infused water, adding slices of lemon, cucumber, and mint to make it more enjoyable (I got super fancy huh!). Alongside this, I kept a food journal to track my eating habits and identify areas for improvement. I noticed that staying well-hydrated helped curb my appetite and kept me feeling refreshed. 
I continued to build on my healthy habits by incorporating whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice into my diet (the brown rice came right back up! yucky). I also started planning my meals ahead of time to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. This week, I felt more satisfied after meals, however I did have some weird  cravings for junk food. My favorite hot chips (paired along with a hot pickle) were needed after a trail loop I did in Palos Hills. Sorry not sorry. I deserved it this week! 
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				Since the introduction of my commitment, I have been diligently working on improving my eating habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. This journey has been filled with both achievements and challenges, and I am excited to share my progress. 
Over the past week,  I've been eating a lot more fruits and vegetables (and trying new ones, of course). Increasing the amount of these nutrient-dense foods in my diet has required conscious effort. I've discovered that eating salads with most of my meals and beginning my day with a fruit-and-green smoothie have significantly improved my general health. 
Furthermore, I have made a conscious effort to consume fewer processed meals. I used to have a terrible habit of buying a lot of microwaveable meals and similar items. I even choose to opt out, despite the difficulty, and make my regular breakfast runs to Wendy's on my way to work every morning. I had some green tea, overnight oats, and a half cup of blueberries instead of my typical over 900 calorie breakfast. By the end of the week, it wasn't too bad (the beginning was dreadful).  Previously, I often reached for chips and cookies as snacks, but I have made a switch to healthier options like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits. This change has not only helped me feel better physically but has also contributed to a more balanced diet. 
Hydration has also received a lot of attention. I've committed to consuming eight glasses of water or more every day. For me, it has never been too difficult to stay well hydrated. I still, however, make sure to monitor my general health. 
Despite these achievements, I have faced some challenges along the way. One of the main hurdles has been dealing with cravings for unhealthy foods. While I have managed to resist most of these cravings, there have been a few instances where I gave in to an ice cream bar a couple times. Recognizing this, I plan to find healthier alternatives to satisfy these cravings, such as opting for a healthier ice cream bar. Possibly one that’s still tasty, but with fewer calories.  
Another challenge has been meal planning. With a busy schedule, it has been difficult to consistently plan and prepare healthy meals. This has sometimes led to choosing quicker, less healthy options. To address this, I intend to set aside time on weekends to prep meals for the upcoming week. This should help me stay on track even when my schedule gets hectic. 
Looking ahead, I am eager to explore new healthy recipes. Trying out different dishes will not only keep my meals interesting but also help me avoid processed foods and discover new favorites. By continuing to address these challenges and sticking to my next steps, I believe I can maintain and further improve my healthy eating habits. 
In conclusion, my journey towards healthier eating has been a mix of successes and learning experiences. While there are still areas to work on, I am confident that with continued effort and dedication, I can achieve my goals and enjoy the benefits of a healthier diet. 
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