Green Juice makes my heart, my skin, and my whole body very happy :)

Well it took me a few weeks to get this blog written and posted, but for good reason! I have been on vacation and continuing to focus on my health and wellness before gearing up for a very busy fall filled with new clients and managing my business full-time.

The challenge! It was a success for me and many others. I was so excited to see how many people joined with me and all of the creative habits they chose to make and break.

Make a Habit: There were so many good habits being made by the 20+ people who joined me in this challenge. Some, like me, chose exercise and more consistent activity, others chose to add healthier foods into their diets. Other habits made were getting up earlier (not hitting the snooze button), spending quiet time in prayer each morning, having hot water with lemon each morning, and many others!

Break a Habit: Many habits were broken during this challenge. For me, it was my need to constantly have a Starbucks in my hand! Others gave up junk food, staying up too late, not sitting down to eat meals, and saying "yes" to every request made of them to name a few.

For me, this challenge was a great learning experience in many ways. My goal was not to just make a habit and break a habit for 28 days and then go back to normal. I wanted to create true change. Post challenge, I am continuing with my daily exercise (more on that below) and really trying to keep the Starbucks intake to a minimum. In fact, I am planning to cut it out again for a few weeks as I felt so good when I wasn't having my drink every day and I think I need to either cut it out completely or not at all (there is apparently no in between for me). I hope to get to a point one day where I can enjoy it in moderation, but for now, I might need to completely avoid.

In order to find success in this challenge, I had to get creative. For the exercise, I found all sorts of new ways to get my body moving each day. I tried new classes, worked out with friends, and really pushed myself in a lot of ways. By the last week, I was doing way more than 45 minutes a day (some days even 2 hours because I was having so much fun!) This is something I know I will continue for a few reasons. First of all, I feel amazing! I have so much energy, I am excited to exercise and I have loved all of these new experiences. Second, I truly created a habit. My body expects some form of movement every day or else I really notice a different in my energy and overall feeling of my body. Finally, it's been VERY fun.

I also got creative with my beverages. I missed my morning drink so I tried to mix it up with healthier (mostly) options. Green juice, smoothies, lemon water, all were in the mix (and at least on one occasion, a milkshake...)

Thanks for reading!

Lauren

I loved trying out the Barre Classes at my Gym

This S'mores Milkshake was INSANE. Enjoyed it with my husband on our 4th Anniversary!

Cycling is one of my new favorite classes at the gym!

Homemade Chai Tea Latte's eased the pain a bit. I only did this a few times but it was a much healthier, organic option.

Swimming at the beach pool was another favorite way to get those calories burned!

My Starbucks-Free, Exercise- Filled Month