Let's Play the 800 Gram Game!

Do you want to optimize your health through better nutrition? Here's an easy way! Join me for the 800-gram challenge.

What is the 800-gram challenge? You will consume 800 grams of unprocessed fruits and vegetables per day for at least 30 days. I say "at least" 30 days because I'm assuming you and I will want to continue to aim for 800 grams daily as a way of life, and not just as a short-term game.

If you're thinking, "This sounds GREAT!" then continue reading and I'll share more information on how to proceed.

The 800-gram challenge was created by nutritionist EC Synkowski. For a detailed description of the rules, check this out.

This challenge does not require that you change anything else you normally eat. If you want to eat chicken nuggets, chocolate chip cookies, burritos, or pizza, all of this is fine. The goal is only to get more fruits and veggies into your diet, in their natural and unprocessed state. Fresh, frozen, canned, raw and/or cooked fruits and veggies are all acceptable as counting toward the 800-gram daily goal. Dried fruits and veggies and juices do not count toward your total, but this doesn't mean you can't eat (or drink) them.

However, what you might find when you approach the 800-gram goal is that you are no longer craving those chocolate chip cookies. When you consume more foods that are rich in nutrients, fiber, and water, you will end up more satiated. Of course, you should still take in enough protein and fat in whatever form you like. But the addition of more fruits and veggies will mean increased levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. In other words, you will be better nourished.

In order to get your 800-grams per day, you can certainly eat a pound and a half of bananas. A grapefruit will give you about 300 grams by itself. But accepting the challenge is a great way to get new fruits and veggies into your rotation. Stroll through the produce section or the farmers' market and try to find interesting choices you've never tried or haven't eaten in a while. The bigger the variety, the better.

Are you up for the challenge? Join me, starting tomorrow, and let's see if we can conquer the 800-gram game!