As we come out of winter, we’re excited to welcome spring AND the spring food challenge. This year’s challenge is 4 weeks and will help us address some of our diet shortcomings. We hope everyone will join in on this spring’s challenge as we feel that the combined efforts of many folks working toward a nutritional goal provide fantastic results for all.
What’s The Vice Challenge?
This challenge temporarily restricts two of three common diet vices: caffeine, alcohol, and/or added sugar.
A dietary “vice” should be interpreted as a habitual shortcoming. We find that alcohol, sugar, and caffeine aren’t really consumed for the nutrient value – it’s typically because of other drivers: pleasure, stress, fatigue. Taking a short break from these items can help establish whether their frequency comes at the expense of more nutrient dense options (hello, vegetables!) or better lifestyle behaviors (ahem, sleep). It can also help identify what patterns drive us towards the over-consumption of these items.
Note: all three vices can be part of a healthy diet and enjoyment of one’s diet is necessary for long-term sustainability. We are definitely not suggesting that you need to abstain from these items forever (specific health concerns aside). Instead, it’s about taking the mindset that it is a period to observe, learn, and reset. This challenge is about EDUCATION, NOT VILIFICATION.
The challenge was designed by our own EC Synkowski as part of her company OptimizeMe Nutrition with the goal to provide individuals with a focused period to reset healthy habits. Thanks EC!
Wait – Eliminate All Three?
No. Participants will choose TWO of the THREE vices to eliminate. The remaining vice can continue to be consumed at a limited volume (we don’t want you to replace one vice for another!). What’s the “limited volume”? What about decaf coffee? What about artificial sweeteners? All the rules on what counts or doesn’t and scoring will be provided after you sign-up for the challenge.
Challenge Dates
April 8 – May 5
Sign-up
Sign-up by April 8. You will receive all the challenge info via email after sign-up. Please note, you will sign-up on MBO and the challenge information will be sent to the email linked to your MBO account.
[button link=”https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=6203&stype=-104&sView=day&sLoc=0″ type=”big” color=”orange”] Sign-up Here![/button]
Is There a Chalk Talk to Learn About the Challenge?
We’re going to try something new this time around. Instead of a “Chalk Talk” those who sign up for the challenge will get the equivalent information via email (instructional videos and a rule sheet). In addition, EC has these set the following hours at the gym to accommodate any and all questions from challenge registrants (no appointment needed, just show up!):
- Wednesday, April 3 – 6:00AM – 9:00AM, 11:00AM – 1:00PM
- Thurs April 4 – 4:00 – 6:00PM
- Mon, April 8 – 6:00AM – 9:00AM, 11:00AM – 1:00PM (challenge kicks off today!)
- Tues, April 9 – 4:00 – 6:00PM
Cost
$45
Family members of current Roots members are welcome to join as well. Non-active members cannot join the challenge.
[button link=”https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=6203&stype=-104&sView=day&sLoc=0″ type=”big” color=”orange”] Sign-up Here![/button]
Education & Community Support
We will be using a private SugarWOD track to log scores, leaderboard, and fist bump throughout the challenge.
In addition, OptimizeMe Nutrition has research-backed daily educational posts about the effects of sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. THIS IS A HUGE VALUE: get the real info on their affects on your health and performance.
Prizes
The winner will receive a free month of membership and a couple other fun prizes will be awarded based on participation.
Questions?
Post to comments!