It’s time for me to challenge myself again. I’ve been rocking the SAD vegetarian diet since the beginning of October and I’m feeling the effects. Ergo, I have committed to doing another 30 day 100% raw challenge beginning Sunday November 29, 2009. I’m starting after Thanksgiving. 
That’s a big food-focused holiday especially for my family. I will succeed in staying vegetarian, no problem. It’s not a time to be hard-core on the raw though. Christmas isn’t as food-focused for us. We celebrate quietly, with a small amount of gifts, and a moderately special meal. I like the idea of creating a raw holiday menu. I’ve not done a holiday fully raw yet. No better time to start than now. I also give myself permission to make that Christmas celebration cooked vegan, should I change my mind. One meal does not undo the other 29 days of eating 100%.
A challenge means setting up some goals. Obviously, the main goal will be to stay 100% raw vegan. I had 17 days at 100% during my September challenge. I will consider myself successful in meeting the 100% goal when I increase the number of days at 100%. I’ve signed up for Natasha’s 10 day juice feasting program. I do not intend to be 100% juice feasting during those days. The purpose behind it is to inspire me to have at least 1 green juice per day. Getting the greens in increases my raw mojo. And, I like to investigate various people’s coaching programs. I’ve poked around juicefeasting.com for example. We’ll see how Natasha’s fasting regime compares.
My other goals are the similar to my last challenge.
- Stay 100% raw vegan
- Get 30 minutes of cardio 5 times per week
- Continue doing 3 mile walks 2 times per week with my buddy (this can count towards the 5 cardio sessions)
- Honestly journal my daily food intake.
- Spend time each day reflecting on what is good in my life (practicing gratitude)
I’ve informed my spouse that I’m doing another challenge and asked for support. She has agreed to provide it. I will periodically remind her of my personal commitment prior to Day 1. The time for mental preparation has begun. Next week shall be the time for physical preparation. That means adding more living foods (greens!) to my diet and easing off of caffeine and dairy. It also means preparing some raw staples for the month. I need an adequate supply of crackers, raw breads, gRAWnola, and deserts/snacks. Time to try a new recipe or two. The count-down has begun.
