Well, I have had quite the month! So… on February 7th, I turned 40 years old… Actually, one of the main reasons I decided to do this challenge in the first place was because I wanted to improve my health and overall wellbeing before turning the page on the next chapter of my life… I can say with great confidence that I have accomplished part of my journey that I started out on! It has not been without its challenges though. My wife’s birthday is 2 days before mine, February 5th. I took her out to her favorite Sushi spot and that is when it hit me! I really wanted a fried roll, some famous cream cheese and avocado fried & stuffed shrimp and a bowl of delicious mixed vegetable and beef fried rice!!! I ALMOST gave in, but I did not! I opted for a cucumber ginger salad and a bowl of hibachi vegetables…
Now, on my birthday, I really wanted to have a ribeye, loaded mash potatoes, rolls, and the works!… I mean “Come on!- It’s my 40th birthday right?- I deserve it!” Well, again I almost gave into going to one of my favorite restaurants,,, BUT I did not… I must confess, did have a piece of beef though. My wife made me a lean top sirloin steak with fresh garlic and shallots, cauliflower mash, grilled asparagus and an awesome garden salad with balsamic vinegar… Let me tell you- So much better than where I was going to go and so much healthier… I cannot believe I was so close to giving in but thank the Lord my wife had different plans!
To top it off, to celebrate my birthday, we got tickets to go see U2 in Las Vegas at the Sphere last week… That proved to be the most challenging part of the month. If anybody is familiar with Las Vegas, you know it is not the best place to go when trying to be healthy… I made it through! I was able to find a couple places that served fresh salads, grilled fish, and nice vegetable and vegan options. I drank plenty of water to stay full and to tell you the truth, I think I had one of the best times of my life!- not only because I saw my favorite band of all times in a fantastic venue, but I had stayed true to myself, despite all the temptations, and the feeling of accomplishment was beyond explanation! I made it through the entire month without giving in…. I would also like to mention the thousands of steps I got in while I was away as we walked everywhere and miles every day!
I know this was a bit long but I wanted to put it out there that it is possible to accomplish what you put your mind to, despite whatever obstacles might be in the way. I am so happy to have been able to be a part of this challenge and look forward to the next 6+ weeks! I feel better than I have in YEARS and look better at 40 than I did at 30! I am so grateful to be starting the next chapter of my life as healthy and happy as I am. I’m ready for the next 40!
