Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

My SMART goal for the past week of the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change project was:

"I will eat 5 servings (1 serving=1/2 cup) of fruits and/or vegetables and 0 servings of dairy products each day."

Successes & Challenges

I'm still doing well with the veggies! There were one or two days when I had almost 8-9 servings. Big improvement!!

I had a bit of a challenge the first couple days with the dairy. When I included no dairy in my SMART goal, I was really thinking of no cheese. I already do not drink milk or eat a lot of ice cream, so those were not an issue. The main issue I faced involved products that have high concentrations of dairy, like dips, sour cream, etc. So, I started the week in my head thinking "no dairy" = "no cheese." Halfway through a dairy-based product, I realized the error in my thinking and behavior. After that, I had my radar turned on for dairy-based foods instead of only cheese.

The other challenge I faced happened when I attended a luncheon where a salad was served. It was a chicken caesar salad, which had grilled chicken and parmesan. I limited the parmesan intake but it reminded me that if you have special dietary restrictions, you need to communicate them to the event organizer in advance. It also reminded me of a salad I ordered a couple weeks ago. A lot of places automatically put cheese on a dinner salad, so be sure to ask.

Feelings

Overall, I am happy about the week. I am proud of myself for continuing to improve and make changes in my lifestyle. I am really in tune to how my food choices affect the environment, so that is influencing the choices I make regarding the quality of the food I eat. I have been wondering what it would be like to eat only organic, chemical-free, hormone-free, non-GMO, naturally-raised plant and animal products. Hmmm...

What I Learned

I learned from my pitfalls with the dairy to be in tune to what you are eating. Sometimes you just eat things automatically without really thinking about what's in them, how they are made, how they got there, etc. When you bring personal and environmental health into the issue, you have to consider the implications. I also learned that when you have specific dietary needs that you have to think ahead to ask for dietary accommodations at events or restaurants. You can't let other people decide what you will eat.

I also realized that I am eating a lot less sugar and processed foods (part of my original SMART goal related to clean eating) as a byproduct of the SMART goal choices I am making. When you make one healthy changes, several other changes usually follow. No complaints here!

Plans for Next Week

For this upcoming week, I am keeping my SMART goal the same:

"I will eat 5 servings (1 serving=1/2 cup) of fruits and/or vegetables and 0 servings of dairy products each day."

Linky Party Instructions

Join the party using MckLinky. Follow these instructions...

1. Start by posting your post on your blog according to the instructions provided on the course calendar.
2. AFTER the post is completed, join the party below by clicking the "You are next" link.
3. For the title, enter "Your blog name (Eco-Chic Week __)". Example: Eco-Chic with Amy (Eco-Chic Week 3) 
4. For the link URL, add the permalink to your post.
5. Select "enter your link" and you will return to this blog post and should see your entry listed below. Click on it to make sure it takes you to the specific post.
6. Return to your blog. Click "edit posts" and select "edit" next to the introductory post.
7. Add the following text at the bottom of your post: "Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy." Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __" and insert the permalink to this party post. Then highlight the "Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy" and insert the main URL to this blog.
8. Select orange "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the window to publish the changes.
9. Also leave a comment on this post. 
10. Visit your web group members' blogs and leave comments for them as well.