I made it out of the slump! Yeah, it took a few days longer than I would have liked. I blame sleep deprivation. It’s a bit more difficult to hold the line with new habits when one is groggy groggy groggy. 
But, I did rally! I spent the rest of week 3 eating blissfully 100% raw (don’t ask about the bevvies. I did slip back into coffee — see the part about sleep dep). I was really beat and didn’t exercise too much but managed to get in two stellar cardio workouts nonetheless. So here’s the stats on my monthly goals so far:
1. Complete a 30 day 100% raw vegan challenge: I’m on day 25. I’ve had 17 days of 100% raw. I’ve had a stretch which ran 7 days — the longest run of all-raw I’ve ever had. I’ve gotten into the flow of regular raw routine. I actually think about my choices when I reach to grab food. I’m considering extending the challenge into October! Even though September hasn’t been perfect, it’s been the best period of raw-eating that I’ve ever done. That’s something. I’ve got 5 days left. I’m going to end on a high point.
2. Exercise 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Week 1 I did 4 days of workouts, a couple of which were longer than 30 minutes. One was significantly longer – I rode the tandem with my beautiful wife for 2.5 hours. We’ve started doing that on Saturday afternoons – another good habit instigated! Week 2: 3 30 minute workouts, 1 2.5 hour workout. Week 3: 2 workouts. Hey! It’s better than zero workouts. Week 4: I’ve done 1 1.5 hour skating workout, and 4 half-hour workouts. One of those was a high intensity interval skate. I’d say I’ve been pretty successful at this goal given the circumstances surrounding my lack of sleep and resulting exhaustion.
3. Attend 1 Iyengar Yoga class : this is still pending. The 30 days are not done yet though!
4. Cycle to work 3 times. I’ve cycled to work 5 times. I’m getting close to doing it every work day.
I’m feeling pretty good about it all. In the past I’d take my less than perfect results as an excuse to beat myself up. I’m practicing being kind to myself. Attitude is everything. We are what we think we are. I think I’ve made amazing progress. I’m going way more exercising than I was before. I’m eating much healthier than I was before. I’ve resumed activities which give me great joy (cycling, and in-line skating). I’m becoming accustomed to making the raw choice when presented with obstacles. I even celebrated my birthday in the raw. I made an awesome raw German Chocolate Cake (recipe to follow) which was very well received by the carnivores in my life.
I’m counting my September 30 day raw food challenge as a success even though the month isn’t done yet. I’m planning on giving myself a juice feast challenge pretty soon as a follow-up. At the end of the month, I’ll do a wrap-up and list the positive benefits I’ve experienced from the challenge.
