I’ve been practicing for 5 years and did my first 30 day challenge last November. I agree with LoveTheHeat, definitely let go of your expectations and enjoy the yoga. I hit my “peak” around day 20 and found I couldn’t go as deep into some of the poses after that point. My body just needed some rest in order to improve. So my last 10 days really called me to listen keenly to what was happening — and not happening — in my muscles and joints and simply do what felt right and not one speck more.
Regarding weight loss: I can only tell you what I’ve found to work for me: in my experience, it is 100% nutrition!! I can work my tail off in yoga, in the pool, at the gym, but if I’m eating tons of the wrong kind of calories, my body isn’t going to change the way I want it to. What works for me is small, well-balanced meals — five or six a day. I have to focus on lean proteins, vegetables and whole grains. I can tell you, when my nutrition is “on” it seems I shed flab almost instantly. But if I’m sneaking even little bits of refined sugar, white flour, tasty treats, etc … well, let’s just say there are distinct advantages to living in a climate that’s cold 9 months out of the year. 🙂
