Week Four Challenge - Knowledge is Power

Let's face it. Competing in a fitness challenge requires a good amount of willpower. Sometimes you have it and sometimes you're grasping for it. If you're like me, you've been doing a lot of grasping.

So what can we do to be successful when all we want is to drive down to the nearest fast food joint and sink our teeth into a delicious drippy burger? There are lots of ideas on how we can overcome the sweet enticement of sugary foods and binge eating, but I think in the case of fitness and food, knowledge really is power. The more you know, the easier it is to make better decisions.

That's not to say that a cookie is no longer delectable once you understand the negative impacts of sugar, for example. But knowledge can help you to see your body differently, and perhaps treat it with a little more care. Not only that, but with a little research, we can find ways to eat healthier. Perhaps we find out about new foods we can try, or new meals to prepare, or a new habit that can help us treat ourselves better and stay on track.

I think a little research can expand our horizons and fuel us towards making healthier decisions, giving us a little boost in willpower. So our weekly challenge this week is to read, watch, or listen to something about food, fitness, or health in general each day. 

Myfitnesspal has a section that features articles on health and fitness, for example, and there are many other blogs, magazines, and podcasts that can teach you something new. Go look for a new healthy recipe in some food magazines. Find out about a food you haven't tried, research it, and try it. Find out ways you can be more successful in curbing your sugar cravings. The point is to spend a little time trying to educate yourself about health each day. 

As usual, you get one point each day, six days a week. Feel free to share any interesting or exciting insights with us on our Facebook page! We love to hear from you!

Along with our talk about willpower, our bonus has to do with the strength we gain from sharing our journey with others. Participating in a diet or gym class is far more motivating when you're not going it alone. It gives you a boost in willpower when you have the accountability with someone else. I know I'm far more likely to fully participate in a gym class, for example, when I have a buddy with me. Not to mention it's much more fun!

So for this week's bonus, you get an extra 3 points if you are able to do at least one exercise session with a buddy! You will put your 3 points into your bonus box once you complete it.

Go forth and learn!