Well, we did the dang thang! Seven women committed themselves to our first Vegan-Veget Week for the new year, and mission successfully accomplished! We began last Saturday/Sunday at midnight, and concluded this morning. Although the challenge has been completed, and will reboot again the last week of this month, many of us have continued with a plant-based diet. How long? Not quite sure. But for now, each of us is taking this journey to "wholism," one day at a time.

While we have finally gotten our diets back in check, many of us have, however, shared the struggle of getting back to that place of physical consistency. Daily workouts (4 to 5 days per week) at a minimal 30 to 45 minutes long, is where each of us were this time last year. But life happened and continually happens. So, here we are, again, determined to get our groove back. Once and for all.

​Well, tomorrow begins a new challenge for us. 21 X 45: Twenty-one days of 45 minute cardio workouts at our own pace and according to our own schedules. This, will be a challenge, for sure. Nevertheless, we are determined to give it our all. I'm preparing my mind and devising a schedule to assist me beforehand, and considering the possibilities upon my completion. From the vegan week challenge alone, I can feel a significant difference (we submit our weight this Wednesday).

As always, we will keep each other abreast of our progress - and shortcomings via our Facebook page; encouraging and uplifting one another in the interim. If you are reading this and have not yet joined MFFC, send us an email. We would love to hear from you.

P.S. Don't forget to checkout our calendar for upcoming events!

All the best on your journey,

Dr. Kay

Phew!  Can you believe this is week four already?  I am forced to consider all that I have and have not done towards my fitness goals for this month - and ouch!  We jumped back into the game on New Year's Day.  It wasn't a linear trajectory for any of us, but rather a steady slippery slope, consisting of several low (and a few high) moments.  It was a real struggle to say the least.  That is the realistic response.  The idealistic response, however, is premised on one question, "What would have been my results had I been more motivated, consistent, and committed?"  Yes, needless to say, I bullied myself into a corner today, when I realized this was actually week 4.  "Dang!" I thought, "It takes two weeks to feel a difference, and four weeks for family to notice. Does anyone notice?" I asked self.  "Nope," I answered.  I don't even notice!  Especially today, when I am as bloated as a bloat fish and quite lethargic, which informs me that I need to resume a full "cleanse & purge."  I wasn't ready!

This week, I am working on my mindset. For as a [wo]man thinks in her heart, so is she.  Likewise: Thought + Feeling = Action.  The downside? if I overthink it, I will eventually justify my initial excuses.  But if I "Just  Do It?" I will be further along than not.  So, here I am, once again - just doing it!  But the redemption in it all is, there are actually 5 weeks in January - not four.  Thank Gawd!

Peas & Blueberries!
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Dr. Kay

Good morning, Fitsters!

Today is a wonderful day to start anew. If you have fallen, don't stay down. No, get up, brush it off, and get to STEPPIN'! No, seriously... Get up and move! Today, I declare tenacity, peace, power, provision, and stick-to-it-ness for this week. We can do this. Now, GET UP!

I DECLARE: I am greater than my palate and my plate!

​Selah!

Okay, let's be honest.  Who really enjoys being challenged?  Especially when it requires abandoning particular comforts and familiar behaviors.  I mean, I can think of several things I would more readily give up than my vices of comfort.  How discomforting is the very thought?
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As punishing as it sounds, the reality of it all, is that it really is not so much about the process of abandonment, as much as it is, the object of abandonment, and what we intend to replace in its stead.  Science has proven that most addictive personalities do not actually abandon their addictive behaviors, but rather, substitute their choice vices.  The former alcoholic no longer binges on daily cocktails, but instead, now binges on soda.   The manic gambler, no longer gambles away his earnings, but now has a profound interest or sudden obsession with day trading.  The truth is, humans are always - ALWAYS engaged in some form of over-indulgence.  Even with the sacred things of God. And the longer the indulgence, the greater the comfort.  The greater the comfort, the stronger the stronghold.

Interestingly, some people, in spite of their addictions, food or other, are capable of rebooting their lives cold turkey, while others struggle horribly to regain some semblance of balance.  Sometimes, human will - will actually suffice. But not exclusive of extrinsic resources. Besides human will, faith and community, which affords accountability, actually fosters consistency, These proven resources are universally suggested for a successful outcome to any feat. In this regard, challenges help to measure our human endurance.  It exposes our strengths and weaknesses, and tests our level of resiliency,   It also fortifies human relationship with others.  Knowing this, why not embrace  challenge?

But one word of caution:  The length of the challenge is not as important as the complexity of the challenge.  Refuse to take the easy route, yet don't overdo it the first go around.  Instead, pace yourself.  Then race yourself, all the way to the finish line!

Selah!