Before starting the 24-Hour Challenge, consider making and eating Weight Loss Vegetable Soup the day before to saturate your body with nutrients.  What I like about this soup is that it is easy to prepare.  The directions guide you as to which vegetables go in when and how long to cook so that you don’t end up with soggy vegetables.  It is also perfectly seasoned.  This soup will be available to you during the 24-Hour Challenge as well.

If you haven't already done so, consider having your cholesterol and blood sugar tested so you can have starting numbers.  I also recommend starting by taking your weight and measuring your hips, thighs, waist and chest.  By doing so, you can track your progress.

24-Hour Challenge

• Wake up.

• Eat a handful of raw nuts – if not allergic to nuts. Otherwise, choose a healthy protein such as plain yogurt (fresh or frozen fruit may be added). (I eat walnuts.)

• Fill up a large container of water. (I use a 28-oz. container with a straw.)

• Drink water throughout the day. Don’t let yourself get thirsty. Have water with you at all times. Drink as much water as your body needs.

• Exercise – shoot for at least 30 minutes of cardio. (I ride an indoor bike.)

• Eat a healthy breakfast. You are not allowed to have any refined sugar or processed food today. (I eat steel cut oatmeal and a bowl of fruit.)

• Snack throughout the day. Don’t let yourself get hungry or you may overeat later. Always have healthy options with you, especially if you're not at home. (I prefer the following snacks: quartered apple, cutie orange, raw carrots, walnuts and fruit/nut bars, e.g., LARABAR, Pressed by KIND. While at home, in addition to the aforementioned snacks, I also snack on bananas, peanut butter, hummus and veggies, and unsalted cashews.)

• Walk outside – shoot for at least 20 minutes. (I try to do this before I eat lunch. I listen to music while doing so. This is not always optimal so sometimes I do this in the evening instead, which is when I prefer that someone join me so that it is also a social opportunity. Sometimes I walk before lunch and in the evenings. It just depends on how much time I have and what other obligations I have.)

• Eat a healthy lunch. (I eat healthy proteins, vegetables and fruit. I like to keep veggie burgers and cans of tuna, salmon, chicken and sardines on hand.)

• Eat a healthy dinner. (I eat healthy proteins, carbs, vegetables and fruit. I try to only eat healthy carbs, but I allow myself to eat white rice and breads if that’s what is available and sounds good. I find that I don’t usually want unhealthy carbs. The point is to not tell yourself that you can’t have something – it only makes you want it more.)

• Get ready for bed by 9:30. This is what time you will start brushing/flossing teeth. Follow this with cleaning and moisturizing your face and moisturizing your lips. Then get into bed. Don’t look at any electronics. It may take some time to actually get to sleep, but maybe not. Your body will be happy with you and may want to get started on the ZZZs.

• Keep a log. Once you establish a routine that works for you, it is much easier to keep track of your progress and hold yourself accountable if you have to write it down. It’s also rewarding to see yourself doing well. (A suggested log and an example of my log follow.) Another option is to use a tracking device such as Fitbit.

Download your copy of the 24-Hour Challenge.