Who’s ready for the FemChallenge to begin?

I know I am!

Waiting until January 14th is killing me. But as I’ve said, although the official “Challenge” doesn’t begin until the 14th, you can start NOW by cleaning up your act when it comes to eating and by amping up your fitness level. Try walking a little farther each day, maybe even jogging a bit… Try adding a plank or two to your daily routine… And I DEFINITELY encourage you to check out the clean-eating bloggers and fitness-buff YouTubers I will be featuring in the Challenge.

Here are a few specific hints and tips for the weekend ahead.

1. Purge your pantry. Bag up all of your processed foods and place them somewhere you don’t want to go… The attic, the basement, or even under your bed. (Seal it up tightly!)  My hope is that you will feel so good when the Challenge is over that you’ll decide to give the bagged-up food to friends who aren’t QUITE ready to eat clean (don’t worry, they’ll get there… Especially when they see how radiant you look!).

2. Go shopping for ingredients. ***Check back this Friday for the Week One Meal Plan (with recipe links) so you can make your shopping list!***

3. COOK IN ADVANCE! Microwave dinners are NOT a part of the Challenge… You WILL be spending more time in the kitchen with the clean-eating diet ahead of you. Preparation is the key to success. Make as many of the recipes you can in advance (again, check back on Friday for the “Week One Meal Plan” with recipe links).

4. Pre-cut veggies for snacks.

5. Pre-wash lettuce for salads. I recommend washing your salad greens well, drying them well (I love my salad spinner), loosely rolling up the greens in paper towels, and then storing them in a large zip-lock bag (in the fridge). Pre-washed lettuce makes salad prep a breeze.

6. Hard-boil a dozen eggs for snacks and quick on-the-run breakfasts.

7. Make a batch of trail-mix (see my snack suggestions on this post). Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, and a small container in your car for emergency snack situations.

8. Map out your week so you will have enough time (and the right ingredients) to complete your meal plan.

9. Plan to EAT IN 98% of the time during this Challenge. No take-out, no pizza orders, no fast food. If you must go out to eat, opt for simple menu items (i.e. broiled meat and salad. Skip the bread, skip the potatoes). Thai food is often a “safe” option (choose a Thai-style salad or a large soup that is NOT noodle or rice-based).

Remember, check back on Friday for the Week One Meal Plan (with recipe links).

And please…

Leave comments on my blog posts or on my Facebook page throughout the Challenge! I know you ladies are out there, so please give me a “shout out” so I know you’re listening! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns I am happy to address them.