2014 Weight Loss Challenge | Girl Meets Life | a lifestyle blog by Gracie Gordon

It’s that time again - everyone is deciding what their New Year’s resolutions are going to be. Although I’m not really big on resolutions, I guess you could call this one of mine for the new year. And if I’m going to have a resolution, I might as well make it the most cliché one of all, right?

So starting soon, I’m going to do something I’ve never done here on GML. I’m giving myself a challenge.

…and not just any challenge – a health & fitness challenge. I’m calling it LEAN in 2014.

LEAN in 2014 is not a specific diet or fitness plan. I never do well with those.

LEAN14 is an ACCOUNTABILITY CHALLENGE to myself to embrace a healthier LONG-TERM lifestyle.

You see, I’m that person who is guilty of getting on a health/fitness kick for a week or month at a time, but then I get lazy and stop caring about it altogether. I’ve been that way for years, and especially over the past few months it’s caused me to get in quite the fitness rut, with some extra pounds to show for it.

As typical as it is to start this sort of thing at the beginning of the new year, this challenge is coming at the perfect time for me. I have a big year ahead with lots of things in the works, so I’m going to feed on that momentum as much as possible.

I’m going to implement smaller challenges and surprises within LEAN14 – probably starting something specific in January (more on that to come!), working with my nutritionist and trainer friends, etc. But for the most part, I’ll be focusing on SMALL changes that can make a big difference. For example:

eat more vegetables on a daily basis
share more meals and workouts on GML
cook at home more
eat less sweets and processed foods
consume less artificial sweeteners
try to lessen snacking and mindless eating
aim for exercise at least 2-3 times a week
do activities that lessen stress/anxiety
gain strength and flexibility
try more NEW workouts
…etc!

You might be wondering why I chose the word LEAN as opposed to a word like “healthy.” And, the reason is simple – that’s what I want this challenge to make me! As much as I want to be healthy and fit, I want to look my absolute best too. Honestly, I’m kind of sick of people/bloggers pretending they just want to be fit because “it makes them feel good.” I want to have a rockin’ bod. Sorry I’m not sorry.

For me, that doesn’t mean aiming to be a fitness competitor or Victoria’s Secret model (but for some, it might!). I’m all about personal goals and reaching my personal best, and that might look different for everyone.

If you’re interested, I’d love to have you join me in LEAN14! Like I said, it’s NOT specific to any sort of nutrition or fitness plan. So whether you’re Paleo or vegan, a yogi or a runner, looking to lose 50 pounds or 5 pounds – I’d love to do this alongside you and share our journeys with each other.