Weight Loss Challenge

So, you've probably heard of the freshman 15 and perhaps you feel invincible. I was pretty oblivious to it and pretended to be. But let me tell you...

There's nobody stopping you from eating the unhealthy choices cooked in meal hall every time you have to have to eat. There's nobody stopping you from grabbing that delicious dessert topped with extra whipped cream. There's nobody stopping you from grabbing a second dessert, and you really have no idea how tempting it is until you're in this situation.

Other factors contribute to those unwanted pounds:

• Late night snack at meal hall
• Unhealthy munchies stored in your dorm room
• Lack of exercise (walking to your classes doesn't count as exercise)
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

When away at university, you have to take control and become more responsible about your health and eating habits.

There is a gym on campus, but some people (like myself) may find it intimidating to try to shed the pounds surrounded by people who I'd give anything to look like.

My roommates and I decided to do a 14-day weight loss challenge to see who can lose the most weight in two weeks. This is my fourth day into it and I've lost three pounds already! I've been doing the cabbage soup diet which claims to have you lose ten pounds in a week. I've tried this particular diet several times before but this is the first time I've actually been sticking with it. My roommate, Leah, and I also do a workout down in our basement every day. You can get some really great workout videos and, this way, you don't have to worry about having to go to the gym. Our workouts last about 90 minutes a day.


Eric, creating the chart where we monitor our weight each day.

The soup - the bane of my existence right now.

I've been feeling fantastic! It was extremely hard the first two days to avoid grabbing the leftover bag of chips in the cupboard but I'm doing great now. It's definitely more motivating having people do this with you. I probably would've given up if it wasn't for the challenge we created. I'm not sure I'll be able to look at cabbage again after this week...

The cabbage soup diet helps improve your urinary and digestive system which means you can lose weight faster. During the diet, you tend to urinate more because you're getting rid of toxins and other bacteria in the body. The soup is full of Vitamin C which boosts the immune system and energy levels. If you're interested you can check out the recipe and meal plan here It's probably one of the most reliable and affordable diets out there.

Anyway, I better go head down to the kitchen and warm up some soup!

Music is my cure.

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. I had an amazing break in the Cape but it was very very busy. What should have only been a nine hour bus ride turned into twelve hours because there were so many people traveling home for the break. I was a bit bitter but happy to be back on the island when I finally was.

My break consisted of putting off all the work I brought home to do, relaxing, seeing friends, taking 30 minute long showers, having ridiculously hot bubble baths, eating delicious home cooked meals, and sleeping in past noon. I was home for ten days but it really felt I was only home for a weekend. However, I cannot believe it's now March and there are only six weeks left of classes. I know it's going to fly by; It always does.

I'm going to the Great Big Sea concert in Halifax next weekend; So, that's a little something to look forward to to help break up the next month. I was blaring GBS in the kitchen yesterday while washing the dishes when my roommate asked who they were. You've got to be kidding me. I looked at her with my mouth wide open. I grew up with this band and they've been the vital soundtrack of my life for years. Many of their songs bring back specific memories of my life. Isn't it amazing when a song can do that?

Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, for example. A beautifully written song, both lyrically and instrumentally. This is one we can all relate to; It was a favorite of all of ours. I'm sure that we all get flashbacks from the elementary school dances in which it was blared over the speakers, as we stood awkwardly waiting for our crushes to ask us to waltz.

75% of my life consists of getting lost in music. Sometimes I'm fairly certain I love it more than art. Music is an art form by itself. I never go anywhere without my iPod in my pocket. One time, I went to the dentist and realized I forget it and a nauseating feeling overtook me. I really felt lost and didn't think I could get through the hour of drilling holes in my mouth without having my music to get soaked up into.

There's a song for every mood you're in. Sometimes I find myself muddling through lyrics of songs on the internet for hours. I've been writing down lines from lyrics of songs in a little black book for years; Each is sorted by different mood categories. There's something comforting about getting lost in lyrics that you can relate to. It's therapeutic. Maybe it's because I find a hard time expressing exactly how I feel into words, and when it's already done for me it's so rewarding.

Music is my way of escaping into another world when I don't want to deal with this one for a little while.