Challenge Yourself: Nutrition and Health

Learn how to make a simple change. When you discover the basics behind living a healthy life, reaching new goals becomes a cinch.

48 Total Challenges

3 participants 2 comments
Posted on: May 10, 2008

Eat whatever you want

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Tomorrow is Eat What You Want Day. Sounds liberating, doesn’t it? However, a person who listens to their hunger cues, balances calories in vs. calories out, eats healthy foods, and exercises...

8 participants 6 comments
Posted on: May 05, 2008

Get your blood pressure checked

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to a host of health problems. In the next 24 hours, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.

41 participants 18 comments
Posted on: April 29, 2008

Create a sleep-friendly space

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

What could be more essential to wellbeing than sleep? In the next 24 hours, make your bedroom more sleep-friendly by identifying - and eliminating - anything that interferes with a good night’s rest...

47 participants 22 comments
Posted on: April 23, 2008

Cut back on salt

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Diets high in sodium are associated with high blood pressure. One way to reduce your salt intake is to substitute fresh foods for processed ones. Today, challenge yourself to eat less salt. Here are...

70 participants 25 comments
Posted on: April 15, 2008

Become aware of stress

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Did you know that stress can cause headaches, irritability, poor concentration, confusion, and food overconsumption? The first step in reducing yours is to become aware of your stress triggers. Today...

8 participants 6 comments
Posted on: April 12, 2008

Infuse your own vinegar

Challenge yourself for: 2 days

Infused vinegars can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. They’re great as marinades and toppings for veggies, or as homemade gifts. In the next 24 hours,

146 participants 31 comments
Posted on: March 20, 2008

Bring balance to your digestive tract

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Most people know that fiber is important for healthy digestion. But did you know that digestive harmony is also supported by beneficial bacteria? Probiotics help break down foods and maintain...

36 participants 11 comments
Posted on: March 07, 2008

Be proactive about your health

Challenge yourself for: 180 days

Regular medical screenings are great tools for keeping on top of your physical health - and are recommended for everyone at various stages in their lives. Sometime in the next six months, find out...

17 participants 7 comments
Posted on: March 05, 2008

Get your eyes checked

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Do you think that having 20/20 vision means you don’t need an eye exam? Well, if you do you’re mistaken. Even people with perfect vision still need yearly eye exams. Illnesses that can eventually rob...

47 participants 15 comments
Posted on: March 01, 2008

Know what to eat

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

March is National Nutrition Month®. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) every year, this campaign’s goal is to focus attention on the importance of developing healthy eating habits...

24 participants 0 comments
Posted on: February 29, 2008

Build up your calcium

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

It’s important to get enough calcium every day, regardless of your age or gender. And the sooner you start meeting your daily requirements, the better. Why? Well, in addition to using calcium to...

57 participants 13 comments
Posted on: February 25, 2008

Write a grocery list

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

What you buy at the grocery store really determines what you eat until your next shopping trip...and what you snack on. That’s why it’s very important to plan your meals for the week and write out a...

22 participants 7 comments
Posted on: February 21, 2008

Eat a little, then wait

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Did you know that it takes 20 minutes for your belly to tell your brain it’s full? That’s why it’s so important to pace yourself during meals, chew slowly, and savor every bite. Today, challenge...

11 participants 3 comments
Posted on: February 19, 2008

Make a snack menu

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

There are so many nutritious and delicious combinations of snack foods. Oftentimes, though, when we’re hungry and on-the-go we grab the first thing available, which is not always the healthiest...

16 participants 5 comments
Posted on: February 17, 2008

Eat 5 today

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Most of us know that it’s a healthy habit to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies every day, but many of us fall short of this goal. Why? Well, for starters, what’s a ‘serving’ anyway? First of...

32 participants 5 comments
Posted on: February 15, 2008

Get hydrated

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

While there is no consensus in the scientific community about exactly how much water the average person needs, it’s still a good idea to drink it regularly. Lots of us, though, don’t drink much and...

6 participants 7 comments
Posted on: February 09, 2008

Learn CPR

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

What better way to celebrate American Heart Month than by learning CPR? It really doesn’t take much a time and the rewards are substantial. What you learn in a short afternoon class could enable you...

10 participants 1 comment
Posted on: February 01, 2008

Be good to your heart

Challenge yourself for: 30 days

February is American Heart Month. And since Kashi is a big proponent of keeping your heart healthy, we thought we’d highlight it by posting a challenge. This month, make an effort to pay...

9 participants 6 comments
Posted on: January 29, 2008

Swap sweets for seasonal fruit

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

When we think of sweet treats, we often imagine decadent and sugary desserts. But there are lots of delicious options that are healthy for you too. Today, when you’re craving something sweet...

5 participants 1 comment
Posted on: January 28, 2008

Visualize yourself healthy

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Practiced by athletes to improve sports performance, mental conditioning can also work for overcoming everyday stress and improving health. What is it, exactly? A practice based on four core...

8 participants 2 comments
Posted on: January 27, 2008

Measure out snacks for the week

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re eating when you snack. Grabbing from a bag of nuts or box of crackers, you usually have no idea how much you’ve eaten. A great technique for avoiding this...

2 participants 2 comments
Posted on: January 24, 2008

Test your bones

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Although it may sound somewhat scary or painful, having your bone mineral density tested is anything-but. This test is simple, pain-free, and non-invasive. And you can even keep your clothes on! Whatâ...

18 participants 1 comment
Posted on: January 21, 2008

Know your portions

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

When we’re hungry, our eyes are often bigger than our bellies and we tend to overeat. That’s why it’s so important to know what healthy-sized portions are for our favorite foods...and to savor those...

39 participants 11 comments
Posted on: January 16, 2008

Get more fiber

Challenge yourself for: 30 days

Most of us don't have a clue about how much fiber we eat every day. Considering that high-fiber diets have been shown to help lower cholesterol, slow digestion (which keeps your stomach feeling full...

22 participants 8 comments
Posted on: January 13, 2008

Prepare fruits and veggies for the week

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Sometimes, people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables because they don’t want to take the time to prepare them. Today, make an effort to avoid this pitfall by cutting up your favorite fruits...

50 participants 15 comments
Posted on: January 02, 2008

Wash your hands

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Hand washing is such a simple way of staying healthy and avoiding illness, especially during cold and flu season. And it doesn’t take much time or any special equipment. Yet many of us forget to...

13 participants 5 comments
Posted on: December 28, 2007

Linger over a glass of wine

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

In addition to being good for your heart (thanks to all those antioxidants), wine can also be good for your soul. Tonight, savor a glass of wine and enjoy its multifaceted benefits alone in...

8 participants 3 comments
Posted on: December 19, 2007

Be the last in line

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

During the holidays, overflowing buffet tables piled high with goodies make it difficult to watch calories. That’s why it’s important to make a plan for visiting them. One way to enjoy buffets is...

7 participants 2 comments
Posted on: December 17, 2007

Follow the 90-10 rule

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

During the holidays it’s fun to celebrate, attend parties, visit loved ones…and sample lots of delicious foods. And even though food is just a small part of what the holidays are all about, you might...

87 participants 19 comments
Posted on: November 26, 2007

Identify your eating traps

Challenge yourself for: 7 days

In addition to hunger, there are lots of reasons we eat. Sometimes we eat for pleasure, for comfort, out of habit, and to alleviate boredom. It’s easy to eat without thinking about it. This week...

160 participants 30 comments
Posted on: November 01, 2007

Challenge your brain

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Research suggests that as you age your brain benefits from intellectual tasks, just like your body benefits from physical exercise. Today, get your mind going by doing something stimulating. Try a...

29 participants 19 comments
Posted on: October 10, 2007

Try a natural headache remedy

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

This challenge is for people who experience headaches. The next time you get a mild headache, try an alternative remedy such as an ice pack, warm bath, or breathing technique. If you find something...

56 participants 10 comments
Posted on: October 08, 2007

Floss

Challenge yourself for: 7 days

Sure, we all tell our dentists we floss everyday. But do we really? Although you might not think it’s important, some studies link oral health to your body’s overall health. You see, flossing keeps...

24 participants 11 comments
Posted on: September 21, 2007

Get a massage

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Blissful massages feel amazing. But did you know they can also help to reduce stress and to promote healing in people with certain health conditions? Some studies have found massage can be helpful...

41 participants 19 comments
Posted on: September 10, 2007

Find a "backup" dinner

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Today, make an effort to find a recipe for a very easy meal. Then, write the ingredients on a little piece of paper and stash the paper in your purse or wallet. This way, the next time you feel rushed...

109 participants 7 comments
Posted on: August 25, 2007

Plan a week's worth of dinners

Challenge yourself for: 2 days

Incorporating natural foods into your daily meals takes some effort and thought. That's why it's a great idea to plan ahead. When you know what you're eating every night, you can have grocery lists...

134 participants 36 comments
Posted on: August 20, 2007

Start the day off right

Challenge yourself for: 7 days

Ever notice that when you eat a healthy breakfast, you tend to make healthier food choices for the rest of the day? You also tend to have a feeling of increased energy levels at work. This week...

16 participants 3 comments
Posted on: August 17, 2007

Turn off the TV at dinnertime

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Research suggests that people who watch TV during meals consume more calories than those who don't. Tonight at dinner, turn your TV off and make an effort to talk to your family. Or, simply savor...

38 participants 12 comments
Posted on: August 13, 2007

Laugh out loud

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

According to a study published in 2001, people with a good sense of humor had less coronary heart disease than those who were more serious. Reducing your stress load and laughing more not only gives...

133 participants 31 comments
Posted on: August 10, 2007

Drink more water

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Juices and sodas are sweet refreshments that add extra calories. Today, make a conscious effort to cut them out of your day by reaching for water instead.

17 participants 2 comments
Posted on: August 07, 2007

Know your body

Challenge yourself for: 60 days

During the next several months, make it a goal to learn some vital statistics about your body. Challenge yourself to get answers to these basic questions: 1) your cholesterol levels, 2) your blood...

27 participants 6 comments
Posted on: August 06, 2007

Skip coffee

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Jump-starting your day with a cup of coffee is a common habit. For the next 24 hours, try substituting green tea, black tea, or even herbal tea each time you crave a cup of joe. You might be surprised...

86 participants 19 comments
Posted on: August 02, 2007

Tune-in to your natural hunger cues

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

It's easy to eat before your body tells you it's hungry. And even when you feel hunger pangs, sometimes it's just your body telling you it's thirsty. (Did you know that when you're thirsty, your tummy...

11 participants 0 comments
Posted on: July 30, 2007

Plan an all-natural meal

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

A quick, convenient meal can be healthy and all-natural. In the next 24 hours, plan a meal using only all-natural ingredients.

63 participants 15 comments
Posted on: July 26, 2007

Eat more fruits and veggies

Challenge yourself for: 7 days

Most people know there are numerous health benefits in a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Naturally providing vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber, fruits and veggies offer a lot. But when...

61 participants 25 comments
Posted on: July 26, 2007

Make a healthy snack choice

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Snacks don’t have to be junky to taste great and be satisfying. In the next 24 hours, upgrade the nutrition of at least one of your snacks by choosing one that contains whole grains, protein, and...

16 participants 4 comments
Posted on: July 26, 2007

Keep yourself informed

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Sometime during the next 24 hours, make an effort to learn about the newest advances in medicine or the latest nutrition research. Search the Internet, join a listserv, read a newspaper, buy a health...

77 participants 14 comments
Posted on: July 23, 2007

Snack on tea

Challenge yourself for: 24 Hours

Rather than reaching for one of those convenient but unhealthy snacks, try drinking a cup of tea while you’re making dinner or when you are craving a snack at work today. It will take your mind away...