Take it Off, Give it Back!
I don’t really do New Year’s resolutions. Don’t get me wrong — I’m plenty excited about the huge potential of a brand new year. But you’ll never find me sitting down at the table with a mug of coffee making a big “to-do” list of resolutions come January 1.
Part of my resistance is that I don’t like the idea of setting myself up for inevitable failure — they say more than 1/3 of resolutions are ditched by the end of January! — and most of the time, these “resolutions” are too general, too unrealistic. Yes, I’d love to learn a second language this year, buuuut I know myself and I know that’s not really going to happen.
All that being said, I am a big fan of setting goals — meaningful, personal, tangible, realistic goals — and then committing to them with an action plan, next steps, and most importantly — a support network. Maybe that support network consists of my best friend, my sister, or my fiance, or maybe it’s a big group of people all working together on the same goal. Either way, I think this part is the key to success.
The Take Back Challenge
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions made and broken is, you guessed it: losing weight and getting in shape. Why? Lots of reasons, but I bet we’d all make more progress on this one if we set realistic, actionable goals and got ourselves a good, old-fashioned support network.
That’s why I’m psyched that Local Food Hub is participating in Charlottesville’s Take Back 30-Day Challenge! Have you heard about it? It’s really kind of perfect. For a $10 donation you get:
- An action plan: Each day you get healthy tips, recipes and videos from local fitness gurus Tracey Webber and Ivana Kadija.
- A support network: Not only do you get to create your own team, but you get to network with other local teams online and at events!
- Motivation: Your participation entitles you to discounts and prizes at local shops like Relay Foods, Whole Foods, Ragged Mountain and more.
- And a great cause: your $10 donation goes to support a group of local non profits working on food and nutrition issues.
So, how do you get started?
First, register for the program to join the community and start getting nutrition and exercise support, and discounts (don’t forget the Facebook page!). Then, spread the word and build your team! Each week you’ll receive advice and support from two nutrition coaches to help you reach your goals.
A kick-off event is scheduled for January 7, 2012 at EAT! from 1-4. Saturday, January 7, 2012. You can meet the sponsors, get more information, find others who are creating a team, and maybe even win some prizes.
See what I mean? If you’ve set a New Year’s goal to lose weight, get healthy, and start exercising, this is is a great way to jump-start 2012. The challenge may only last for 30 days, but the advice and support you receive will take you through the entire year. Can’t argue with that!
Are you participating in the Take Back Challenge? Let us know!
Image credit: hnau/Creative Commons