4 Week Nutrition Challenge: 4 Ways to Challenge Your Eating Habits

Eating healthy feels great for your body. Normally high energy levels, brighter skin and an overall feeling of better health and wellness come over the body and mind. Many times we get in the habit of eating the same foods each day. We tend to eat the foods we like. While this is easy and makes grocery shopping and preparation simpler, it doesn’t necessarily ensure you’re getting great diversity in your food. In order to take advantage of all of the vital nutrients including vitamins and minerals means mixing it up a bit. Try our four week nutrition challenge to open your eyes to options you may not have thought of before!
1. Week 1 - Try at least 3 new fruits and 3 new vegetables during the week. Get creative in the fruit and vegetable department. If you’ve tried everything, go for 3 fruits and 3 vegetables that you wouldn’t normally buy. Try kale, beets and Swiss chard for new vegetables. Introduce mango, papaya and fresh cherries in the fruit department. Use your 3 choices for fruits and vegetables all week long. You may want to plan ahead of time and look for recipes that you can use your new produce in.

2. Week 2 - Utilize 2-3 different fresh herbs each night when making dinner. Herbs are such a fantastic way to freshen up any meal. Changing your herbs can completely change the taste of any dish. Try using rosemary, tarragon, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, cilantro and/or parsley for chicken dishes. Fish can be easily spiced up with dill, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley and marjoram. Beef is great when tarragon, oregano, basil, thyme and/or parsley are incorporated. Herbs are also great for fruit salads and vegetables salads as well. Mix it up to your liking!

3. Week 3 - For 3 days during the week, make your own freshly squeezed fruit and/or vegetable juice, using at least 2 different fruits and/or vegetables. Choose one day to marinate dinner in one of the freshly squeezed juices. This is a big one but one that teaches you how to multitask. You’re killing two birds with one stone with this challenge. Try a combination of fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice and a little bit of cilantro for a tangy and refreshing healthy drink. Marinate your chicken in this juice and grill to make a tasty dinner for you and your family or friends.

4. Week 4 – Replace all carbonated beverages with fruit and vegetable infused water. Freshen up your water with this challenge. You can take your infusions in so many different ways. Use fresh grapefruit slices and sliced ginger with a small amount of stevia to spice up your H2O. Citrus water full of fresh cut orange, lemon and lime is also a great way to experience plain old water in a new way. Go the vegetable route and try sliced cucumber and some mint or cilantro for a whole different taste explosion. Remove the carbonated sources and especially those loaded calories and replace them with fresh infused water. You’ll be better hydrated, refreshed and re-energized.

Changing up the foods you eat may also help you discover a new fruit, vegetable or spice. It’s also a way to provide a little bit of excitement into healthy nutrition. So many people don’t know how to incorporate new ideas into food. These 4 ways to challenge your nutrition habits will help broaden your horizons when it comes to healthy eating and your nutrition regimen.