Fruits and Veggies!!
I don’t really believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I think you should be making resolutions year round in order to constantly make positive changes when YOU feel they are necessary (not when the calendar dictates). It is kind of sad to see the gym packed all through the month of January only to find the numbers dwindling in February. I think people get the idea that they have to make some kind of resolution (which usually seems to involve some type of exercise or diet regiment) so they tell themselves that they will vow to go to the gym more often. Then it doesn’t last long because they weren’t really motivated to do it in the first place. Maybe it was the wrong time or they made a choice that didn’t fit their lifestyle. Or they chose a goal that was not realistic or they tried to take a giant leap instead of focusing on small steps. It takes a bit more planning than a one night stand with an idea on New Year’s Eve.
Anyway, I like to challenge myself year round and I usually find a way to involve my family. For the month of January, it will be a challenge focused on all-you-can-eat vegetables and fruits (my secret way of getting my kids to eat more of the good stuff)! The goal is to earn points each day by eating a certain number of vegetables and fruits. The bonus comes when you try something NEW! My daughter keeps talking about brussel sprouts and I just turn my nose up. I think I might have to suck it up and cook some brussel sprouts. I have seen pictures in recipes where they actually look like they might be good…
Please feel free to follow our challenge. The winner usually gets a day of sitting back while the loser does chores or the winner may get taken out to lunch (obviously it depends on who the winner is… I will be happy with sitting back and barking orders at my oldest daughter :). We are a pretty competitive family so I think that I will need to do a lot more grocery shopping in order to get through this month.
JANUARY CHALLENGE
RULES:
- Consume 6 different types of vegetables per day. They must be different so one pound of green beans will only count as 1. You need to consume at least a small handful to count as one. Don’t worry about exact measurements, but use good judgment.
- Consume 4 different types of fruits per day. One fruit or a handful of fruit pieces (dried fruit counts).
- Max points earned per day is 10, BUT you may earn one BONUS point per day if you consume a vegetable or fruit that you have never tried.
- You may not make up points on another day. You may not substitute fruits for vegetables or vice versa.
- Must be “real” vegetables/fruit: not Eggo blueberry waffles, fruit snacks, desserts or other processed treats. Healthier options will count: such as granola bars made with real dried fruit (homemade is always best).
- Tally up your points throughout the day and record them on the calendar at the end of the day.
SUGGESTIONS:
Vegetables:
Broccoli, Squash, Spinach, Tomatoes, Carrots, Celery, Tomato sauce, Soups, Chili, Peppers, Kale Chips, Zucchini, Salads, Onion
Fruits:
Pineapples, Mangos, Dried berries, Apples, Canned Fruit in water, Bananas, Oranges, Berries, Natural Applesauce, Kiwi, Banana Chips
If you made a New Year’s resolution, then good luck to you! It is kind of nice to start with a clean slate and for some reason that slight change in a number seems to do that for all of us. I am looking forward to whatever 2014 brings my way!
Run Like My Mother 
Seriously compelling challenge!!! I’ll be doing something similar, but in the meantime, check out my recipe page (http://fitnessontoast.com/recipes/) to spice up the veggie/fruit blues 🙂
Thank you! I will check out those recipes. I am always looking for something new to try. The pictures you have posted make everything look delicious :). Happy New Year!
Thank you, and happy new year to you too! Always happy to share recipes if you have ideas 🙂
You too!
Hi there! I prefer the idea of challenges to resolutions as well… I think it’s my competitive nature.
Have you tried Brussels sprout stirfry? Chop enough sprouts for 4 and lightly fry them with:
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger root
2 cloves garlic, minced
Just before serving, stir in:
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Delicious!
Thank you for the recipe! That doesn’t sound so bad… 🙂 Happy New Year!