Great challenges Auna! I will be reading the food labels all today. I generally do anyway, but this will provide an additional incentive.

The self-esteem challenge is a great one too. For me, one of the things that I like about myself is that I'm a cheerful, upbeat person who tries to spread a little happiness around to those I come in contact with throughout the day.

Also, I am SO EXCITED about the food label changes that were recently approved in the US. They won't take effect for a while, but some terrific changes are coming. Portion sizes will be more reflective of what people actually eat (who seriously eats only a half a cup of ice cream?) and the font size will be larger… A real help to those of us with middle-aged eyes. Also, added sugars will be separated from those that occur naturally in the food. I think this is a terrific change, although the food and beverage industry fought it tooth and nail. Given the limited space for nutrient information, they are eliminating two nutrients Americans aren't typically deficient in, vitamin A and vitamin C, in favor of two nutrients we don't usually get enough of: vitamins D and the mineral potassium. As someone who is super sensitive to sodium and has to watch it closely in order to keep my blood pressure in check, I keep a close eye on my potassium intake. Potassium is really the anti-sodium nutrient… where sodium increases water retention and blood pressure, potassium decreases water retention and helps keep blood pressure in check. It's been frustrating to me to monitor my potassium intake, because it hasn't been a required nutrient on labels, the MFP database is full of foods it has listed as having no potassium when they are actually good to great source of potassium.

Good label changes are coming!

Good challenges today.

I just had a very good look at myself in the mirror. I had to admit I am looking better. As an older (66 yrs) 5' apple-shaped woman, I could really see that I'm getting a bit smaller. My stomach bloat went away when I stopped eating meat 2 weeks ago. That is all good.
I was thankful that I have always had somewhat oily skin - because I now have very few wrinkles. I have a nice smile. It took a long time - and many bad hair days (I proclaimed last year as my bad hair year) to grow out my dyed darker hair (my professional look) - but I like my silvery brown hair now - and it's almost grown out now to my best bob style.

I'm not one to have a lot of friends - but I have close friends. After working on looking and feeling better, and getting more fit, I am ready to meet new people and join new activities. I am friendly to all, but also very shy, so I sometimes have to go out of my comfort zone.

I discovered this week that I am what is called an 'information junkie'. I am constantly reading things and learning new things. (which causes me a problem with collecting too many pieces of printed info, aka paper clutter.)
But because of this I am always reading labels - especially things like protein amounts, calories per serving, and fiber amount.

@themedalist - those label changes sound very good. I'm glad they are adding potassium. While some people need the potassium, there are others, like people with kidney conditions, who really need to watch the potassium they are consuming. I hope Canada is considering some of these changes.

I'll work on this challenge today, and post later in the day! Everyone have a great day!

I like my silver curls, and I have a smiling countenance. I also have pretty good skin for my age, and I'm very happy being my age. I'm good at cheering people, and I get a lot of practice.

I generally read labels, and I sometimes surprise myself by how much I remember of the info. I'm really glad that potassium has been added to the label. It was hard to track before. I should rewrite my recipes so they will track potassium, but it is too much work.

Okay. I have looked in the mirror! Things that I like: My hair color (even though it's dyed), and my skin is not wrinkled. I have a smooth complexion for my age.