We are beginning Week 3 of our October Nutrition Challenge, so it’s time for a check-in.

If you have consistently been following the challenge, here’s what you may be experiencing:

• You (and your gut) have adjusted to the produce.
• You’re more easily able to meal plan.
• Your knife skills are on point.
• You have better “bathroom habits” and are on a regular schedule. (OK, you’re pooping 2, maybe three times daily).
• You’re enjoying a variety of produce.

If the challenge is going really well, try experimenting with different varieties this week. Test out bok choy or make kale chips! Passion fruit smoothie anyone? If you don’t know how to cook or prepare something, get thee to google.

If you find yourself struggling, please don’t give up! It’s tough to make changes, so here are some tips that might help make it a bit easier:

• Keep it simple. What do you already like to eat? What do you know how to prepare? Stick with the familiar and just add a bit more of it to your meals.
• Chop things into smaller pieces. Chopped salads are popular, not only because of the yummy things in them, but because they are easier to eat and digest, PLUS you get more of the yummy things in every bite. So chop your greens smaller and shred carrots instead of slicing them. Feel free to use the extras such as avocado, nuts, or croutons, and don’t skimp on the dressing. There’s time to pare down your salads at a later date, but for now, let’s focus on one thing at a time.
• Limit yourself to one serving of cruciferous veggies daily. Don’t overload on the air-fryer Brussels sprouts and roasted cauliflower in your bean and rice bowl. Urp. Go slow.
• A large baked potato or sweet potato counts as 2 servings, so eat your spuds. Before you scream, “potatoes have carbs and make you fat,” at me, let me be clear. They’re not. Get over it.
• A banana, an apple, and a handful of berries. That’s three servings right there. Eat them alone as a snack or a pre or post-workout nibble. Slice the banana and add that and the berries to yogurt or cereal. Dip apple slices into peanut butter or eat them with a dusting of cinnamon.
• When eating out, always have a side salad and always eat it first. Note, I didn’t say, get the salad instead of the (fill in the blank). Have a burger, have the fries, and have the salad on the side.

Ok, here we go into week 3. Please comment on social media with your successes and struggles. We’re in this leafy challenge together!

Now go run!

Keli 🙂