Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, and that goes for your body and your health as well! If you are feeling sluggish, inflamed, swollen, or just plain crappy right now, join me for a 4-week challenge that will lead us right into Memorial Day and set us up for a happier, healthier summer! Who doesn’t want that?!
For optimal results, find a friend to join you for the next 4 weeks. The 4-week challenge will begin May 1st and will run through May 28th – finishing up just in time for Memorial Day on May 29th!
Note: Save this article or print it so that you have the challenge ready for you on May 1st!
Basically, this would mean limiting processed and packaged foods in general.
I understand that there may be some packaged products out there that contain more than 5 ingredients and would still be considered healthy options, but for simplicity, THIS IS THE RULE that I want you to follow!
Yes, this probably rules out 95% of breads… SORRY! If you really want bread – make your own!
You can still eat whole, unprocessed grains like quinoa, brown rice, polenta, and steel-cut oatmeal.
It’s important to know what is in your food, so read the labels. If it contains sugar (coconut sugar, powdered sugar, cane sugar, ANY FORM OF SUGAR) – don’t eat it during this 4-week challenge! (I will allow 1 exception… which is to eat 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day that is at least 70% cacao as a treat).
If you REALLY want to sweeten something, use a small amount of stevia, honey, or pure maple syrup to sweeten it yourself. Honey and maple syrup will raise your blood sugar just as much as sugar, but at least they have some beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.
Consume only the following oils: extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter. No other oils.
Limit yourself to 1 glass (that means 1 serving) of alcohol per week. If you don’t think just one glass is worth it, then skip it altogether.
If you’re going out to eat… SKIP the bread/chips and start with a SALAD!
Track your steps. Get at least 7,000 steps per day! If you currently get less than 5,000 steps per day, build up to 7,000 over the course of 1-2 weeks.
If you’re ready to take it a step FURTHER … you can join in on the advanced plan! This means:
I advise sticking to 3 balanced meals per day, but if you are in need of a snack, here are some ideas:
Is this the PERFECT diet plan? No. Everyone is different, and a perfect diet doesn’t exist!
Is this diet plan going to solve all of your health problems? No! But it will move you in the right direction!
Are each of these rules foundational practices that you should do if you want to get healthier? Yes!!! If you haven’t mastered these foundational practices, then this challenge is most definitely a great place for you to start.
I don’t know about you, but I consider Memorial Day to be the kickoff to summer! Let’s kick off the summer feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and healthy!
Email me at thea@vezawellness.com if you’d like to join me starting on May 1st for an advanced 7-day functional medicine detox.
Are you going to join in for the 4-week challenge? Which of the 7 main rules do you already follow? Which might be a challenge for you? Have you ever done a 4-week challenge before?
Tags Healthy Aging
what kind of salad dressing is suggested
I suggest making your own with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs and spices! However, if you want to purchase a store bought dressing, I suggest “Primal Kitchen” brand!
Two month experiment to omit added sugar foods (not fruit, but pastries, ice cream, foods with sugar in the list of ingrediants). Seems my joints have rejuvenated…Getting out of bed is SO much easier, for example. Plus my energy level is really terrific… Will keep it up. Not so hard considering the big payoff. Still a bit skeptical, as it seems so simple.
Wow Maggie, that is terrific to hear! It’s not always that simple for people, but sometimes just getting rid of the added sugars can make that much of a difference! I’m glad that has helped you.
Oh oh. I can do some but I need equal in my coffee & water flavor. Maybe I’ll gradually cut back :)
Hi Maxie! Do the best that you can! I think gradually cutting back on the equal and water flavoring is a great place to start :)
What the heck is Memorial Day? Jen 🇦🇺
Hi Jen,
It’s a US national holiday. If you don’t live in the US, you may disregard the reference to Memorial day and simply do the health challenge from May 1st to 28th. The two are unrelated.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I’m in! Alcohol is my detriment