Soror Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I did this nearly 4 years ago (and posted about it on our Exercise thread). I just saw it online and thought it was a good time to do it again. (She has an ebook but I've not bought it and don't see any reason it would be needed ymmv) The goal is to get 800 g of fruits and veggies in a day. If you want to weigh go ahead. For me, I've never owned a food scale and don't want to. I use the approximate volume measurements- 800 g is equivalent to roughly 6 cups. Leafy greens are lighter. A cup is around the size of a closed fist if you'd rather just eyeball it. The reason I like this-- - it focuses on adding more of the good food instead of restricting (as we move into a season of gluttony in the US I think this is a great time to focus on eating more of the good stuff to crowd out the not-so-good) -it is quantifiable but not onerous to track or measure If lots of fruits and veggies don't work for you due to allergies, digestive, or other issues this is not the challenge for you. I know I feel best when eating the most fruits and veggies. This is part of my embracing the chaos and stress management. There are always things going on but eating well helps me cope better. Even if I don't hit my goals striving for it will improve my choices and help me see where I'm at. My eating is ok now, not as good as I'd like but not terrible. I'm hoping a focused challenge can get me closer to where I'd like to be. I *think* I'm hitting this or close to it most of the time but without really tracking that could be wishful thinking. I'm going to try and post in the morning a general plan for the day but it might end up being a recap the next day. All are welcome- take what works for you (maybe you need to lower the goal or you're focusing on lower carb etc) 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I eat a lot of veg anyway but I'm happy to join in to get a boost. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I’ll join in because it does do me good to focus on it. But, we did it for work a few months ago and my competitive side got the best of me. I found myself eating at night even when I wasn’t hungry and some days I would eat 800 grams of watermelon just to check the box. I love the concept though, so hopefully this time around I’ll be more balanced in my approach. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebcoola Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I will join in I've been trying to up my veg intake. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I'll join but modify to eating 5 servings daily. I would love to just hit this goal as I'm not right now, and I don't want to stress about getting more than that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 This sounds great - but a lot of my veggies are in soup so I will have to think about how to know how many grams I’m consuming. I do have an easy kitchen scale for measuring grams so I’m sure I can figure something out. I believe the key to success in this is to make changes to the standard American breakfast - which I’ve already done by eating soup for breakfast, but expect that redefining breakfast would be helpful for anyone taking on this challenge. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Yes, I found breakfast Was key for me in this challenge. If I didn’t get some fruits or veggies in then, it was really hard to make up. That said, I’m trying hard right now to meet a daily protein goal and I eat a lot of nuts and seeds which don’t count. It’s a balancing act to get it all in! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 36 minutes ago, Toocrazy!! said: Yes, I found breakfast Was key for me in this challenge. If I didn’t get some fruits or veggies in then, it was really hard to make up. That said, I’m trying hard right now to meet a daily protein goal and I eat a lot of nuts and seeds which don’t count. It’s a balancing act to get it all in! What’s you protein goal? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 100- 120 grams 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 1 hour ago, Grace Hopper said: This sounds great - but a lot of my veggies are in soup so I will have to think about how to know how many grams I’m consuming. I do have an easy kitchen scale for measuring grams so I’m sure I can figure something out. I believe the key to success in this is to make changes to the standard American breakfast - which I’ve already done by eating soup for breakfast, but expect that redefining breakfast would be helpful for anyone taking on this challenge. Many mornings I saute some greens - collard or arugula are my favorites, but whatever I have - in a very small amount of olive oil, then break an egg over it and cook till done. If I have tomatillo salsa, I use that too - I would just weigh it to figure out my quantity (or could use a measuring cup of course). 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Monday - I'll note it now because I'll be busy tomorrow and I've already packed food for the office (only veg/fruit dishes stated) - Lunch - roast butternut squash with paprika and olive oil; red cabbage with yoghurt dressing; large apple. Afternoon snack - carrot sticks with cheddar. Supper - Husband is cooking. I'll get a cup of beans out of his chilli and he'll make a big salad. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I don't have a food scale, but I am going to join in just to try and keep focusing on getting more fruits and veggies in. I don't have trouble with veggies as I love so many and would choose to eat them all the time. But I am not a fruit lover. Mostly just apples is something I will eat. So I am making an effort of eating oatmeal with frozen fruit in it because that is the only way I really will eat fruit. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEm Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I love this idea. When I've got my meal prep game on point I easily eat that much in fruits and veggies. But I haven't had my meal prep game on in a few weeks, so I will join in. Dh and I just got back from the store to buy stuff to meal prep for the week so I'm prepared 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I'm in. I usually start the day with a kale berry smoothie which has about 3-4 cups of fruits and veggies. The rest of my day depends on how my meal prep and energy levels (and whether I get a lunch at work.) I need to substitute veggies for snacks more often when I'm craving something. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Oh, I think I might try this to see how many fruits and vegetables I'm actually eating. I read recently that the people with the healthiest diets eat a variety of at least 30 different plant foods each week. I can usually get to 25 with a little bit of effort. Maybe this will help me to reach the goal of 30. :) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I don’t have a food scale but I work really hard to eat 7-10 servings of fruits and veggies. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted October 30, 2023 Author Share Posted October 30, 2023 (edited) 15 hours ago, Junie said: Oh, I think I might try this to see how many fruits and vegetables I'm actually eating. I read recently that the people with the healthiest diets eat a variety of at least 30 different plant foods each week. I can usually get to 25 with a little bit of effort. Maybe this will help me to reach the goal of 30. 🙂 Yes, I've read that too but got bogged down tracking it. Best wishes on meeting your goal. Lovely to see everyone! I met the goal yesterday with - 1 c blueberries, 1 med banana, 2 cups - broccoli/cabbage, 1.5 cup mandarin oranges, .5 cup kidney beans, 1 cup combo sweet potato and green beans Kidney beans were in chili, sweet potato and green beans in curry (both homemade)- I didn't measure them out but guesstimate based on my servings Today's plan: tropical fruit mix 1 cup; blueberries 1/2 cup; 1 cup mixed greens; 2 cups- broccoli/cabbage; 2 cups + salad (various veggies); probably some oranges too in the afternoon Edited October 30, 2023 by Soror 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 I took the time to make a nice salad for lunch. I'm going for 5 servings fruits and veggies and count that as two--one for the romaine, one for the tomatoes/red pepper/cucumber. And I have an apple too--probably afternoon snack. Breakfast is always good for one serving fruit since I make my baked oatmeal with enough blueberries, apple, and applesauce to count for a fruit serving every day. That leaves just one serving for dinner which I should be able to hit even though I don't know what dinner is yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 I do the 30 plant products and have found it pretty simple if I’m paying attention and get in the groove. I get a lot of variety from nuts and seeds though. Probably at least 8 a week. I also regularly do 4 types of beans. I don’t do enough vegetables though, so this challenge is a good complement. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 Tuesday Lunch - 1 1/2 cups each of green peas and roasted squash. Large apple Afternoon snack - blueberries with yoghurt and mixed seeds Supper - celeriac pearl barley risotto with two cups of mixed grilled veg 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 I’m going to start on Nov 1 and do my best to go the whole month. Will be treating near Thanksgiving but still focusing on those fruits and veggies! How many grams of pumpkin in a pumpkin pie? 😂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 2 minutes ago, Grace Hopper said: How many grams of pumpkin in a pumpkin pie? 😂 425 g 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 Breakfast- 150 grams mixed berries (chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, turkey sausage) lunch- 100 grams cabbage/salad mix, 100 grams black beans (chicken) 100 grams pineapple snack- 150 grams apple (Parmesan cheese) dinner- (orange chicken and rice) 200 grams roasted broccoli, protein bar That took a lot of conscious effort on my part to get to 800. I guess that’s why it’s a challenge 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 3 hours ago, regentrude said: 425 g Whoa thanks! Two slices then! 😂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 I have a tree full of ripe Fuyu persimmons and am eating them in pairs. They are so good. Hard to believe that they are also healthy! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 50 minutes ago, Grace Hopper said: Whoa thanks! Two slices then! 😂 Two slices or two pies? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 1 hour ago, Grace Hopper said: Whoa thanks! Two slices then! 😂 Two PIES. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 1 hour ago, regentrude said: Two PIES. Hahahahahahahaha well I have to draw the line at eating two whole pies, even on Thanksgiving Day. 😂 I did have a reasonably sized bowl of cut fruit with dinner and checked, it weighed (sans bowl) over 200g. So I will need to be mindful BUT I believe 800g a day won’t be too hard! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eos Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 Thanks for starting this. I'll start with yesterday: I had a serving each of acorn squash, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and beets plus an apple turnover and a serving of apple crisp. Enough onions, mushrooms, and spinach at breakfast to make one serving. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 I know I need to do more veggies, but fruit is easier for lunch. My yogurt parfait will be more fruit than yogurt--I'm bringing both peaches and blueberries from the freezer. Apple for snack after school, 1 serving fruit in oatmeal this morning and enough lettuce and tomatoes on my tostada tonight to count for the 5th. And I do see how focusing on getting more of what I need helps me eat less of the comfort food I've been reaching for in high stress times. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 I fell quite a bit short of the goal yesterday, but I did get in 4 cups -- pomegranate arils in my yogurt, broccoli and mixed berries at lunch, vegetable medley and fruit salad at dinner. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted October 31, 2023 Author Share Posted October 31, 2023 b; 1/2 cup blueberries; sm/med potato; 1.5 cup broc/cab/carrot mix; l: salad or bowl of some kind- aiming for 2 cups of veggies at least s: oranges d: black beans w/ peppers and onions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 B- 250 grams mixed fruit (pineapple, apple, mandarins, blueberries) L- 100 g mixed lettuce/cabbage salad, 100 g black beans, 100 g peppers/onions/100 g salsa D- 150 g apple I rely on the fruit for sure. I need to expand my veggie list. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 I got out my kitchen scale today--it was helpful to see how much adding some onion, bell pepper, celery, etc. to what I was cooking contributed to the goal. B- 150 Banana and a zuchinni muffin L- 200: tomato and basil; onions and peas D- 200: Salad with romaine, tomatoes, bell pepper, celery, carrots, and cucumber Snacks: 100 carrot sticks, 100 grapes, 50 bell pepper Made it! I have sliced some carrots, cucumbers, bell pepper, and measured out some cherry tomatoes and grapes to have as snacks the next few days. DH is going through a major medical crisis and cooking has been difficult both timewise and to coordinate with what he is able to eat. This goal has helped me think of ways to get in veggies when I am not sitting down to a family dinner. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 Does blueberry pie count? If so, I made my goal. If not, better luck tomorrow. :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 Nevermind, I'm going to make it after all, even without the pie. I got hungry, so I made a huge salad -- 2 or 3 cups of salad mix, half of a bell pepper, a tomato, a mini cucumber, some red onion, and some olives. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eos Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 2 cups/servings yesterday of the same roasted veggies. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 Wednesday - Lunch - 475g of cauliflower plus celeriac pearl barley risotto and a small apple Supper - radicchio and beetroot salad plus leek and cannelini bean soup. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Wednesday b- 250 g peppers/onions/butter beans 50 g pineapple l- 250 g large baked potato, 100 g broccoli d- 150 g apple 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Large smoothie packed full of spinach with some pineapple and peaches (450 g) Sauce for pasta with at least 100g of tomatoes and onions Grapes 100g Bell pepper sticks 100g Pizza--if there were 50g veggie toppings??? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 breakfast: yogurt with pomegranate arils dinner: random leftovers, including onions & peppers, sweet potatoes, mixed berries late night snack: apple with peanut butter My vegetable portions weren't large enough to meet the goal, so that's something I'll need to work on going forward. This challenge is just that -- a challenge!! I definitely think it's a really good goal, though, so I'm going to keep trying. :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebcoola Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Made it Breakfast 200g red seedless grapes Lunch salad with 125g of mixed greeen, 60g of cucumber and 15g of dried cherries. Dinner 200g of baby carrots Snack smoothie 150 grams of banana and 50g of greens 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 In case anyone is interested in the 30 plants, here are some ideas on what to include (with links to associated podcasts). It sounds as if checking your chocolate supplier for heavy metals might be good though, if you eat a lot: https://zoe.com/learn/surprising-foods-for-30-plants-per-week?utm_source=uk_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_biweekly_4_zsn&utm_content=2-4-2 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eos Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Yesterday was easier because the crucifers are heavy - cabbage, broccoli, cukes, greens, zucchini, an apple, and applesauce. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 I ended up eating my salad at about 9:00 last night (5th and final serving for the day). Today I have parent/teacher conferences and parent association provides our lunch. I'll have fruit in my oatmeal this morning and I'll bring grapes and an apple for snacks during the day. Will have a taco salad for dinner, so I think I'm fine if parents bring some kind of salad or something as one of the choices for lunch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Lunch - beetroot and cucumber salad, pearl barley celeriac risotto, stewed apple Snack - blueberries Supper - lentil soup plus an apple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewelma Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 You guys are so inspiring! I don't have a scale, but I might borrow my friends to see how well I do on most days. I don't eat fruit or starchy vegetables, so reaching 800g would be a lot of vegetables! Do you guys count beans and tofu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Beans count, tofu yes with restrictions. I’ve tried to attach a cheat sheet of sorts of the rules of the challenge. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toocrazy!! Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Didn’t quite make it today I don’t think. But couldn’t measure lunch. b- 150 grams mixed fruit l- chipotle- extra beans, peppers, onions, salsa, corn salsa. I’ve weighed my food before and I think this was around 400 grams. If I would’ve gotten guacamole instead of queso, I would have probably met the goal. But, queso😀 d- 150 mixed berries. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 I didn't weigh all of my food, but I got to about 6 cups of fruits and vegetables -- mostly vegetables today! breakfast -- 2 Tablespoons pomegranate arils in my yogurt lunch -- a huge salad at lunch, probably 4 cups -- mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, avocado, black olives, red onion dinner -- pasta sauce, 1 cup of broccoli, 1 cup of mandarin oranges 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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