Sometimes we need to have a fresh start and reset the system. Our bodies and minds also benefit from resets once and a while. Especially if we’ve been struggling with sugar cravings or have a couple extra pounds we want to shed off.
Normally, I’m not a big advocate for going on strict diets to lose weight. Been there done that and they usually end up with you feeling super deprived, which leads to binge eating and the weight coming right back.
Diets are not sustainable and key to keeping the extra weight off and feeling your best energetically is staying consistent.
However, if you’re wanting to participate in a little fun challenge to kick start your weight loss and overall wellness goals, here are several things to focus on for 14 days. I encourage you to write it down and see if you can stick to it for the full 14 days. Have a little reward planned out for yourself if you can maintain these focuses for the full 14 days. Let me know how it went for you too!
1. No processed cereals - More Oatmeal
Oatmeal takes longer to digest so doesn’t spike your insulin levels as fast. It’s also full of fiber so you stay fuller longer and great for healthy bowel movements.
2. No soda or juice - More water
Liquid calories is a major cause for weight gain. Bside you don’t realize how many sugary calories are in the lattes or sodas or juice. Try still or sparkling water instead. It will help support your metabolism, hydration, and help you feel full longer without the extra calories.
3. No processed sugars - More fish & healthy fats
Candy and pastries are yummy but will leave you with a sugar crash and spiked insulin. It’s also highly addictive. Try to go through this sugar withdrawal for 14 days with the help of eating healthy fats that stabilize blood sugar levels and help you feel full.
Things like fish, nut butters, good fats or chocolate bars are awesome alternatives that will leave you feeling satisfied.
4. No bread - More veggies
Similar to reasons above, if you really want to see a difference with bloat, water retention and weight gain... try cutting out all processed breads and crackers for 14 days. Having raw veggies with hummus or loading your plate with veggies and sweet potatoes or brown rice instead, will give your body the nutrients it needs without spiking blood sugar like crazy.
5. No white pasta - More fiber
Ok, I know chicken Alfredo with a creamy cheese sauce is amazing and wonderful to have once and a while. But let’s try holding off for just 14 days and instead have some quinoa, brown rice or another super high fiber carb that’s slow to digest, full of vitamins and fiber to burnish your body and help you feel full so much longer.
6. No chips - More Herbs
We often eat chips because of cravings. One of the most effective ways to best junk food cravings is balancing hormones that cause them. Lowering cortisol levels and boosting dopamine levels have been proven to not only help with stress but also emotionally over eating.
- Ginseng
- Maca
- Rhodiola
Weight Loss Thermogenic Plants:
- Green Tea
- Cayenne Pepper
- Tumeric
- Ginger
7. No cream in Coffee - More Coffee or Tea Black
For some this sounds impossible but trust me. Drinking your morning coffee or tea black with no sugar or cream will supercharge your metabolism. Especially if you skip breakfast and stay in a fasted state. You can even add MCT coconut oil and/or some adaptogens that will really boost your fat burning metabolism, support your hormones, and help you feel full longer. This is also powerful for mental clarity and focus.
8. More Planks
There's a saying "Abs are built in the gym but they're revealed in the kitchen." So in other words, doing thousands of crunchies isn't what's going to get you to the flat belly. Losing the fat around your abs is what does that. Mostly determined by things like your metabolism, hormones, and what you eat.
However, having a strong core is super important for your lower back muscles, to help tighten the tummy muscles, and to help boost your metabolism. Try doing a plank every day (or most days) for 14 days straight during this challenge. 3 sets of 30 sec- 60 secs. See what happens.
Natashia - Certified Transformation and Nutrition Coach BN, worked as an RN in internal medicine for several years before becoming a full time stay home mom of four. In 2019, she lost her young husband to cancer. Now, penetrating the beauty industry, Natashia and her brand Mia Adora™ are on a mission to help make women’s beauty and wellness game easier. Read more