I've been watching the documentary Hungry For Change on repeat these days in an effort to solve an ongoing problem.  Why I have not/cannot/will not change bad habits and get on a regular workout schedule. The documentary is very informative, explaining the evils of certain habits and offering up workable solutions. The problem is putting what it teaches me into practice. 

Intellectually I know soda, potato chips and sugar snacks are bad for me.  I know fried foods on the regular aren't doing me any favors and I also know that exercise is important if I'm going to continue to lead a healthy life. 

So why is it that the minute I get stressed, upset or disappointed, I head straight for french fries, donuts or anything with bacon? And if things are really bad I'll throw in a few scoops of ice cream.  Why is it that I'm on a first name basis with the pizza delivery guy?  I know grease, salt, fat and sugar not only mess with my already messed up sleep patterns, they screw up my skin and wreak havoc on my scalp psoriasis.  As much as I love my 'fro, you'd think I'd do anything to protect it, yet off I go to CamiCakes for a hit of red velvety goodness.  Then I’m up all night with an itchy scalp because of the sugar hit I’ve just taken. We won't talk about the addiction to Gummy Bears that I share with my 8 year old nephew. 

I suppose the next question I should be asking is why I don't weigh 800 lbs. I'm not the size 0 I used to be, but don't get it twisted because I'm still as bodacious as always. 

All kidding aside, 2 summers ago I read about the give it 100 Challenge on Facebook. This challenge encourages people to practice something they've wanted to do for 100 days. If you stick to it, you will see real progress, additionally, it's a low key way of forming a good habit.  Per my usual, I loved everything about it, silently promised to give it a go, then promptly went out bar hopping with a girlfriend.

Hey, I never said I was perfect. As a matter of fact I'll go on record saying that I'm a big beautiful mess and I'm okay with it! On the flipside, I honest and truly believe in self-improvement. So what's a girl to do?

 I revisited the give it 100 movement, which has now moved to Instagram. After watching several of the inspiring videos posted by those who successfully completed the challenge, I decided to give it a real shot. 

What would I be giving 100 days you ask? The old me would have promised to give 7 things 100 days and then quit after only 6. The new me decided to pick one thing and stick with it.  That one thing would be the planking exercise. I wanted to strengthen my core, or in my case, my gooey sugar filled center.  The word core doesn't seem like the appropriate term for my current situation.  I may not have a gut, but I don't have rock hard abs either. I also know how important strong core muscles are for having good balance. Good balance is a must for someone like me who insists on living a good portion of her life in ridiculously high heeled shoes. 

I decided to look to those who'd embarked on this journey beforehand by searching Google, and BAM! I found this.... 100 days of planks.  Thank you Marilyn McKenna! She breaks the challenge down to a level even a fitness goof off like me can stick to.  She also has video clips so you can check out the proper form. 

Here I am, 2 and a half weeks into my 100 day challenge and I must say that it hasn't been terrible. I've been consistent, which isn't always in my wheelhouse.  This commitment has ignited a domino effect on other aspects of my life.  I'm more mindful of personal routines that I'd previously set up, but failed to follow. I've already decided on other things I'd like to give 100 days to in the future. 

I know that when my challenge is over, I won't look like my fitness crush Massy Arias, but I will look like a healthier fitter version of myself and I that's good enough for me. 

Happy Friday!