MY Challenge for 2020.

This is going to be a long one, but words that I think will encourage a good many of us.

Those who have known be longest (my parents, siblings, and friends from high school and college) all know that there have been "stages" in my life from a health and fitness perspective.

As a boy growing up in Caroline County, I spent a wholelotta time playing outside.  In high school I played sports year-round and graduated in tiptop shape.  Waaay back when I graduated high school, I was 6'6 and 175lbs.  I remember bragging about my 6-pack...before learning that a 6-pack on a skinny kid wasn't something to brag about.

Then college hit.  For a lot of reasons, mainly related to a lack of self control, I put on about 80lbs during my freshman year.  To be fair, I had gone from a three sport athlete in high school to a no-sport athlete in college; but as I've looked back and examined my diet over the last two decades, there's one culprity...one enemy, that I need to try and eliminate.

Folks who've known me longest might think of my stages as: Bob, Fat Bob, and Sensei Bob.  Those who know me best (like Amy and Keith) just know Bob...of Bobby.

As I've traveled this journey toward my personal best, I've spent a lot of time considering what to add and what to remove from my routine.  I've done the weight loss before.  Don't believe me?  Check out this article from a while back: Men's Health Article.

So, as I've looked back and read...dear God I've read so much...I've identified my number one "bad guy" for the coming year.

When I look back to what nutritionally, what helped to build "Fat Bob", I'm left with only one culprit: refined sugar.

From what I've learned through reading, research, and university study, refined sugars have white the similar impact on our brains as other addictive drugs; like cocaine.  Want to defend cocaine use?  Go ahead and be burned like any other wacko.  Defend refined and artificial sugars...you'll be a hero.

In 2019, I gave up donuts.  I won't lie, in the first few weeks, it was honestly a challenge.  I'm a school teacher...donuts are everywhere PLUS...I LOVE donuts.  But, thankfully, I've just about made my year-long goal of going donut free.  My next step...no refined or artificial sugar.

So, for 2020, I'll be going sugar free. 

Am I nervous?
Am I afraid?
Am I excited?

Honestly, I've been thinking of doing a weekly video update to keep you all in the loop.  Honestly, I'm so excited about this upcoming challenge and think that there is a ton that can help others on their nutritional and fitness journey.

Stay in the loop.  Excited to share this next year with everyone.

​~Sensei Bob

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