Ever since my return from India or make that since my mom went back home October last year, I have been trying real hard to shed the pounds gained from consuming all the wonderful stuff that only she can make to such mouth watering levels.
Early this year, I dragged my ass into enrolled myself into the fitness center that is a couple of hundred yards from home. Why the proximity, you wonder? Only because I have used that as a reason to skip working out in prior circumstances. In spite of having religiously kept at my work out the past couple of months, the pointer on the damn weighing scale has sat steadfastly on the same number, stubborn as a mule. The only reason I have succeeded on continuing the work out schedule is by reasoning to self that not just is this something that is immensely satisfying but that the ultimate goal isn’t weight loss but building strength & endurance.
As my resolution weakens, Rads and her 7-day challenge comes as a last straw of support to a sinking soul. This regimen just might be the answer to lose those persistent pounds. Can I do this? Who knows? Me, who has always sat read by the sidelines when other went through their diets, has finally decided to take the plunge. In short, here are the rules…
Starting this Monday (or any day of the week), can you go for one week(seven days, or one hundred and sixty-eight hours) without eating one milligram of bad food? Specifically, do you have it in you to do ALL of the following, for one full week, no excuses?
My week will begin on a tuesday (Mar 31st – Apr 6th)
1. Eat NO artificial sugars, sweeteners, fruit juices, honey, agave nectar, chocolate (and you know what else could come in this group), etc. – chocolate too? Shoot me now!
2. Drink NO alcohol, whether beer and wine, or rum, whisky, etc. – that shouldn’t be much trouble just as long as no one stresses me out 
3. Eat NO grains, including rice, wheat, corn, etc., including hidden forms, for example, batter-fried chicken (the batter contains grain) – no rice? Do I really have a clue what I am signing up for?
4. Eat NO processed foods at all. This includes breads, chips, biscuits, cake, savories, ice cream, pizza, etc. – Will try to fill all the afternoon hours in meetings lest the craving for junk surface during those dreaded hours!
5. Not eat out at all - will try to blame it on the recession in general.
6. Work out or do an activity for 45 minutes every day. You could start bodyweight exercises at home, and you could climb stairs several times fast, or walk outside, or play tennis, to complete this criterion. If you are already doing exercise, increase the intensity by 10 percent and time by 10 minutes. For weight trainers, this could mean increasing your loads or your total reps or both. If you are the type who skips core workouts because you lifted heavy, then be particular not to cheat this week. If you are too busy, remember you are saying no to yourself. Take 30, then – is there anything that is forgotten in this list? I guess will try to push self a little harder, as in increase work out days to daily from 4 days a week.
7. Eat (all) vegetables, except potatoes – potatoes is vegetable, no? I guess will even request OH’s mom to leave out the teaspoon of urad dhal from the tadka.
8. Eat (all) fruits, but no fruit juices. Do not exceed three portions a day – this will be the only week I sign up for this punishment. If fruits are good it better do good for me this week.
9. Eat (preferably lean) meats and eggs ad libitum – considering am a vegetarian, no meat for me. As for eggs, I am never sure which side of the fence I am on. For the next week, eggs will be consumed to keep protein levels at an optimum percentage.
10. Fast for 18 hourson any one occasion. If you can do two, even better. The hours need to be consecutive, and may include overnight sleep time – I wonder if this is a complete fast or milk/fruits are allowed?? I love those occasions when folks claim they are fasting but will eat fruits, drink milk, and eat one meal without salt (hee hee).
If this doesn’t do it, I am not sure what will. Anyone reading this is welcome to take this on at your own risk/peril 
Wish me luck and I will tell you all how it went at the end of the week.
