Today: #elf4health Round 2, Week 1

As with most important things in life (Harry Potter, eyebrow waxing, disco nails), I was a little tardy for the Elf for Health party.  A six week holiday season challenge started by Lindsey and Elle, Elf for Health includes partner pairings (I am paired up with Arielle, who just registered for her first half marathon… w00!).  If you’re interested in joining in, you have until December 22nd to sign up.  This week’s challenges were motivating and helped to shake up my usual routine a bit.

Elf for Health Round 2, Week 1

• Monday: Track your water intake; aim to drink your body weight in ounces.  I always have one, if not three, water bottles at my desk, in my car, in my bag, and about the condo.  Having made real progress in my battle with Diet Coke (to quote Boyz II Men, “It’s so haaaaarrd to say say goodbye…“), a tall glass of water with a bit of lemon is my go-to.
• Tuesday: Clean out your fridge and pantry; get rid of expired and unhealthy items.  This was quick and painless, but hugely needed.  Being a little shorty, I had no idea what was up on our top shelves.  Gluten free banana bread mix that expired in October?  Hmm.  I bagged up a number of (non-expired, obviously) items for the can drive in our office building and made room on our cabinet and refrigerator shelves for the week’s meals.
• Wednesday: Work veggies into breakfast and lunch.   I love fresh green juice at the start of the day (the usual mix: carrots, spinach, kale, cucumbers, celery, apples, lemons and ginger) and a big salad for lunch.  I snack loudly on carrots and cucumbers throughout the day.  Dinner is usually less colorful for me, however, and Wednesday was no different.  Perhaps that should be my new challenge.
• Thursday: Buy coffee for the person behind you.  Real talk: I was thiiiis close to buying coffee for the man behind me in line at the Dunkin’ drive through, but I chickened out for the following reasons imaginations: What if he thought I was hitting on him?  What if he followed me?  What if he accidentally spilled the gifted coffee, got burned, and then sued me?  I decided to forgo the coffee and handed out mandarins to co-workers instead.
• Friday: Workout with a buddy.  I worked out solo on Friday, with plans to hit up Green Tea Yoga with my friend Elizabeth on Sunday.  It always feels so good to share a workout with a friend.  Especially when that workout is immediately followed by a chatty brunch, complete with mimosas.
• Saturday: Donate to a holiday charity in your area.  Clark and I made a therapy dog visit to BU’s Mugar Library, where students were studying for final exams.  I also boxed up some extra holiday cards, lights, and Christmas decorations, which my mother brought to the local food pantry to be handed out to clients.  Whoever decided it’s better to give than receive was onto something.  Did you know that volunteering helps you stay healthy?  It’s true.

Also On Tap for Today:

• A beautiful weekend meditation
• Working, cleaning, and running (in that order, likely)
• Need a laugh?  Here’s a trunksicle.

Have you ever bought coffee for a stranger?  Was it lovely (I am guessing, yes)?  Teach me your ways.