Food & Drink Challenge – Week 1

So it’s almost the end of week one of the February Food & Drink Challenge. For those joining in, your welcome to leave comments on how your week has been or links to blog posts.

How has my week gone?

I’ve slept far more this week and felt better for it. No doubt mainly due to no coffee or tea, plus not having other unhealthly bits n bobs. I’ve have felt a bit tired in the early mornings, but less so towards the end of the week and have been more relaxed, which has helped me with my job and also any stressful situations. Towards the end of a working day my productivity has still been very good and I’ve not suffered annoying headaches like I used to. So good on Friday that I tackled my Friday to do list and was onto Monday’s tasks.

What have I replaced tea with?

Variety! Due to abandoning caffeine, we have brought more variety of cordials. Plus we treated ourselves to a couple of bottles of tesco’s high juice. I’ve really been enjoying these and found myself increasing my water intake, which could of helped remove the afternoon headaches I sometimes got, plus other benefits.

What about the cheese?

Lunch wise not missing cheese at all. Again variety is important and soup, vegetarian pate (not unhealthly like meat versions) or soya slices with salad sandwiches have been great. Plus I’m eating more fruit in the morning and afternoons. There has been no snacking, unless a few pieces of fruit a day count.

Were dinners a challenge?

We’ve gone even further with dinners than just removing vegan mayo, brown and tomato sauce. We’ve removed most condiments also other than a hot sauce (very low calorie) and lemon juice. Keeping to our shopping budget we’ve introduced a few different meals this week. It’s been great and we’ve looked forward to evening meals (and with candlelight). Plus at no stage this week have I drunk any alcohol, which I have not done so far this year.

Even though I am a fairly relaxed positive outlook person, it’s been even more noticable this week. We’ve not broken the challenge once and other than missing tea to begin with, we are enjoying it.

Of course there is peer pressure around us. From people, adverts to locations and events. It’s like any challenge you have to take it on fully and to be honest not care about other peoples opinions or even motivations (or lack of) for being negative. No doubt team work has played a part and it’s been great to share this challenge with others.

Looking forward to week two.