The 40-Day Health Dare: Goals and Day 1 & 2

My friend, Martin, started a 40-day Health Dare inspired by Joe Cross, unhealthy-workaholic turned juicing health machine, who filmed his journey in the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Martin invited me to join him on his 40-Day Dare, and I am using my blog to document my progress.

My goals in kickstarting this Health Dare include:

• increase energy/stamp out the fatigue I have been feeling
• lose the recent 10 pounds I have gained
• detox and replenish my body with healthy nutrients and eating habits
• learn about healthier lifestyle habits and influence my family to choose healthier habits
• increase my aerobic activity and get back into running

Specific habits that I am aiming for:

• regular juicing of fresh fruits and veggies (and blending in whole foods)
• increased water consumption
• dedicated vitamin supplementation
• increased exercise
• breaking up with fast food dining establishments (it just ain't working out)
• eating more colorful fruits and veggies
• simplifying my family's meals to focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources

Day One:

My husband and I restocked our fridge with colorful fruits and vegetables including:

• apples
• oranges
• grapefruit
• avocados
• peppers
• pineapple
• spinach
• blueberries
• bananas
• zucchinis
• tomatoes
• broccoli

We also purchased chicken (for dinners and salads), fish, Greek yogurt, granola, and eggs. Yesterday for dinner, we made large chicken salads with spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, olives, cheese, and real Ranch dressing (less than 6 pronounceable ingredients!)

For dessert, we had homemade avocado ice cream that Aidyn and I made last week when we were learning about avocados. It was amazingly delicious!

Day Two:

For breakfast, we juiced a pineapple, oranges, apples, and blended it with bananas. My son made eggs (as a Mother's Day service) and whole grain toast.

I made a pitcher of water flavored with grapefruit slices, blueberries, cherries, and chia seeds, and I have been drinking water throughout the day.

Lunch: chicken salad for lunch with fresh juice. : )

Dinner: Tuna steak, brown rice and broccoli.