Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: 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

It's becoming easier to eat dairy-free and vegetable-based meals. On Saturday though, I was really craving a cheesy pizza. I even went to the website of a pizza place (photo at left) to see what I might order. Oh, the torture! Should I or shouldn't I?

I remembered my goal (photo at right) and reminded myself of why I set the goal: to benefit the environment and my health. I remembered your smiling faces and that inspired me to refocus and release the old habit. The challenge was there and I succeeded by working through the challenge and learning more about myself.

Feelings

I was a bit frustrated on Saturday when the whole pizza thing popped into my head. When you are changing a behavior, your ego (which doesn't like change) is resistant to new things and is consistently trying to keep you where you were. I am happy with myself that I was able to follow through. I was also glad that I created a home environment where cheesy foods are not readily available.

What I Learned

Everything happens for a reason, and the challenge I faced this week was exactly what I needed. I experienced that challenge so that I could learn about myself. I learned that I can stick to a goal and work through challenges. I remembered that challenges will come up. What you do in those deciding moments keep you on your new path or take you back toward where you started. If we do move back, we can always turn around and head in the direction we really want to go.

Plans for Next Week

I am considering changing up my SMART goal a bit, but I think I will keep it the same for one more week:

"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.