Every day is an opportunity to start fresh. But there’s something about the New Year that gives extra hope and motivation. Forget the “New Year, New You” motto though. Why would you want a new you? Why would you want to start all over instead of building on what you have already achieved, as big or small as it may be. This New Year, think about how you’d like to improve, how you’d like to move forward. Where would you like to be at the end this month? Is it a place you can sustain until the summer? How about the next year?
We are 10 days into the new year and fear not if you have not settled on a plan to help you reach your health goals yet. I have a few awesome challenges that will steer you in the right direction.
I hope these inspire your healthiest and happiest year yet!
The Tone It up New Year’s Challenge
If you’ve been following me then you know i’m a big fan of the Tone It Up ladies. I started off my own health journey back in 2010 with their workouts and nutrition plan. Their routines are fun, easy to follow, suitable for all levels and are guaranteed to get you toned and sweaty. Their nutrition plan gives so many delicious choices, you’ll never get bored. To keep their 800+k followers motivated, they host several FREE challenges a year and of course they are hosting one for the New Year which started January 2nd. But its not too late to sign up! Click here to find out more about the challenge! I know you’ll love it!
iCHANGE Program by The Room
This one if for those of you living in Abu Dhabi. If you need direct accountability or simply prefer working out with a group, The Room is hosting their signature iCHANGE program once again starting this January 15th.
The iCHANGE program challenges you to a minimum of 5 training sessions per week at The Room in Zayed Sports City. The expert staff will help you choose the right classes and give you nutritional guidance to smash the challenge. Check out the timetable here.
For more information on the challenge itself, click here.
Bodytree’s Lean in ’17 Challenge
Whole 30 Challenge
Of course, we all know that health is more than just moving your body. So make sure you are eating whole foods that nourish your body from the inside out.
I am personally going on a nutrition challenge this New Year. While I generally eat “well”, I have suffered in the last couple of years from regular bloating and adult acne. I know my gut and liver need a little extra support, and my hormones a little more balance. While I’ve tried a few elimination diets, I’ve honestly had trouble sticking to them. My friends have been bragging about The Whole 30 and its benefits though and while the word “elimination” usually pushes me to run in the opposite direction, I am determined to get my health back at 100% (or as close to as possible).
What is Whole30?
“Certain food groups (like sugar, grains, dairy and legumes) could be having a negative impact on your health and fitness without you even realizing it. Are your energy levels inconsistent or non-existent? Do you have aches and pains that can’t be explained by over-use or injury? Are you having a hard time losing weight no matter how hard you try? Do you have some sort of condition (like skin issues, digestive ailments, seasonal allergies or fertility issues) that medication hasn’t helped? These symptoms may be directly related to the foods you eat – even the “healthy” stuff. So how do you know if (and how) these foods are affecting you?
Strip them from your diet completely. Cut out all the psychologically unhealthy, hormone-unbalancing, gut-disrupting, inflammatory food groups for a full 30 days. Let your body heal and recover from whatever effects those foods may be causing. Push the “reset” button with your metabolism, systemic inflammation, and the downstream effects of the food choices you’ve been making. Learn once and for all how the foods you’ve been eating are actually affecting your day to day life, and your long term health.”
Learn more about the Whole30 diet here. You will find all the support you’ll need online. I highly recommend you read It Starts With Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, founders of The Whole 30 to really understand why and how this would benefit you.
I will be documenting my journey on my instagram account so make sure to follow me for some inspiration (and support!) @fitnutuae.
#30dayswithoutsugar by the Dubai Health Authority
I’m leaving the best for last. I am so proud of my Government for hosting such an important challenge: 30 days without refined sugar.
Find out more about the challenge here and here. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #30dayswithoutsugar in your social media posts to support, encourage and live the movement!
Happy, healthy and blessed 2017 to you and your loved ones!
Sarah xxx
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