Food Challenge Tips

GYG Food Challenge Reminders & Tips

We are not food experts, but we have done a lot of research!  These challenges are only meant to educate yourselves on the many benefits of eating primarily plant based!  We've done all 3 Challenges in the past 3 years and have found the following tips below to be good reminders!  We live very closely to the food challenge rules most of the time, but have found that our bodies need a challenge once or twice a year for us to re-evalutate where we are with food!  We will be committing to the challenge this February and invite you to join us!

•  This is NOT a diet.  You are educating yourself on how to fuel your body!  This is a lifestyle shift to eat more whole foods!
• Eat often, five to six times a day.  Smaller meals keep your metabolism up and prevent you from getting hungry and giving into unwanted cravings.  If you are hungry, fuel your body with good choices!
• No sodas.  Drink lots of water and/or herbal unsweetened tea.  Even though coffee is technically clean, we recommend trying to limit your caffeine intake.
• Do not miss or skip a meal or snack.  Your body needs food!
• Eat an abundant amount of FRESH fruits and vegetables.  Remember to eat a DARK rainbow!  The darker the food color, the richer the nutrients.
• Eating healthy is all about being prepared.  Keep snacks with you in the car (apples, grapes, banana, air-popped popcorn, carrot sticks).
• Plan your menu on the weekend and do your chopping, dicing, and organizing then.  A few hours on the weekend will have you heading towards many days of making great food choices!
• Meals do not have to complicated with lots of recipes.  Think basics - fruit, vegetables, whole grains.
• Before going out to eat, look at the menu and decide what you are having for dinner so you don't give into cravings.  YOU pick the restaurant if you can so you know there are healthy options for you.
• Accountability - Make someone hold you accountable. Do this challenge with a friend or you spouse and you will be more successful!
• You WILL notice changes if you stick to the rules!  We really do crave GREEN foods now!
• Be kind to yourself.  Your body is an amazing creation that God designed.  Treat it is a gift from Him.
• GRACE, GRACE, GRACE.  If you eat something that is not on the list, forgive yourself and start back up.  Don't give up entirely!  You are learning and that's what counts!
• Yes, this takes time and energy - most things that are worthwhile do.  
• Be THANKFUL that you have an abundance of good food and savor the fact that you are capable and able to taste the goodness.
• Enjoy this challenge!  You will learn so much!
• Pray for strength and God will sustain you!  Make Him the thing you crave, not food.  (Made to Crave is a wonderful resource if your food issues run deep.)