Leg work.

It's bright and early Sunday morning and in case you forgot this is the last day before our challenge begins. If you're up for this challenge and really mean business I suggest you do some leg work (pun definitely intended). And don't forget to let us know you plan to participate. The more the merrier!

• Plan your meals and snacks for the week and head to the grocery store. Stick to the perimeter of the store as much as possible. That's where the healthiest options are found.
• Consider making double batches of meals when possible. Freeze the extras and save yourself time in upcoming weeks.
• Do whatever prep work you can ahead of time. That will free up some of your time. 
• Cut up fresh veggies so you have healthy options available to you when you want a snack.
• Consider using a smaller plate or bowl than usual. Often it's the amount of food we eat that does us in. Using a smaller plate gives the illusion that we're eating larger amounts.
• Keep a food journal. You're less likely to cheat when you know you have to write it down. And according to The American Journal of Preventive Medicine people who kept a daily food diary lost twice as much as those who did not. Check out MyNetDiary if you haven't already.
• Meet with a nutritionist. If you're a member of the Bangor Y (which I definitely think you should be) schedule an appointment with Katie, the nutritionist. She'll get you off to a fresh start! 
• Exercise! Consider group classes (Hello Bangor Y!). According to The New England Journal of Medicine participating in group sessions resulted in bigger weight loss, and most importantly in keeping the weight off.
• Get more sleep. You'll be surprised what extra zzzzs will do for your motivation.
• Drink lots of water! Drinking a glass or two of water before meal time will help you to feel full faster.
• Visualize your goal. Tape that picture to the fridge as a reminder of your desire for a healthier you.
• Track your progress on Mainely Running. Keep us informed of your progress on this site or via our email at info@mainelyrunning.com. This should add to your accountability and motivation. Who knows? You may even inspire some of your friends to get moving, too.

That said, enjoy the day and happy running. Until weigh in day...