Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 6: 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 can't say there were too many challenges this week. When you focus on a goal for an extended period of time, it changes how you see things on a daily basis and gives you a new way of thinking. My father-in-law stayed with us last weekend though. My mother-in-law sent along some kind of lasagna dish and tons of candy and cookies. What was she thinking?! Now, the lasagna she made for the guys, but the candy? She sent the candy and cookies, because she didn't want them in her house! Isn't that just mean?

We went to a buffet place one night while he was here as well. Now, you might think that this would be the place that would be the worst to go, but it was actually fabulous! There were so many veggie options that I wouldn't or couldn't make at home. It was nice to have a large selection of vegetables to choose from. Totally loved it!!

I've been trying new foods and even some teas. Here is my lunch for today...salmon and broccolini. Yum...

Feelings

I feel good with how things are going. I do get a bit frustrated when everyone around me is eating all kinds of unhealthy stuff. But when I look at their plates full of colorless foods, it kind of grosses me out. When I think about all the related environmental issues as well, I am reinforced in my lifestyle change.

What I Learned

I learned that the people around me really influence the way I eat. The way our families influence us as we grow up really has an impact on what we think, eat, and do. Frankly, I am ready to change that. I have more knowledge than my family ever had about healthy and eco-friendly eating. I know that I have had an impact on my family in some ways over the years...getting them to change to skim milk during my undergraduate days, requesting more vegetable dishes at holiday meals, and "trying" to discuss the environmental implications of beef consumption (that one didn't get too far!).

When you are making a change, you have to be open about it and tell people (especially family members) what you need or want. They will expect you to be, do, and act the same as you always have unless you tell them that something is different. If you don't want sugar, tell them not to send it. If you not are eating dairy, make sure they know. That way, you are creating a support network and a supportive environment for you new lifestyle. You will also be influencing other people in positive ways.

Steve and I found a new documentary called "Fresh." I've only seen the first few minutes of it so far, but it reinforced something I've been thinking about each time I go to the grocery store...Americans consume way too many processed foods! This processing requires excessive amounts of energy, transport, packaging, etc. Watch the trailer below...



The main thing I am learning from this semester and from participating in this project is that...

The things that are best for the health of the environment 

happen to be the same things that best for the health of humans.

Plans for Next Week

I'm finally ready to modify my SMART goal a bit. I am ready to reduce my consumption of one of the most common...highly-processed sugar-based foods like candy, chocolate, desserts, etc. I have gone for an extended period of time completely without sugary foods, so this is very realistic for me. My new SMART goal for next week is:

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

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.