Let's see what happens if we actually do this.

This is a basic one.  We've heard it a million times. "Eat more fruits and veggies." Blah Blah.

We all know we should, but why is it so hard to do?

Well, because junk tastes better.

But we all know we should. So let's try a little experiment. Let's do it, and see what happens.

What's the best way to make sure you get it done? Accountability. 

Even better, little people accountability.  If this is an option for you, I strongly encourage you to enlist your children to help you stay on track. No children? Borrow someone else's if you can. Children are excellent behavior police!

photo credit

Here's how it worked in this house.

First, I found a great link on Pinterest.

(How many awesome mommy moments start that way these days?)

I printed off a chart for each child, and one for me. I talked to them about serving size and why it's good to eat "colorfully."  Some of the kids were already sulking, while others were jumping-out-of-their-chairs excited. (A CHART! I LOVE filling in charts! Pass the carrots!)

Then, I told them about their incentive.

First, I thought about making it a competition- whoever eats most will win the grand prize. But as soon as that idea came up, two of my children had already quit trying. "I'll never beat Aggie, I never get to win, it's no fair."  So, I decided not to do a competition, but instead reward any child who got their 5 a day.

The reward? 

Anyone who meets the challenge will get have a friend over after school.

Week 1

Each child eagerly ate and checked off their 5 a day. They even tried a few new things, for the sake of adding color to the chart.  Each of the four older children met the challenge.  Playdates were scheduled, and there was much rejoicing all around.

Week 2

Mommy got sidetracked. I printed out charts on Monday, but didn't "help" them remember. One child, the one who loves the charts and checklist, faithfully filled hers out anyways. The others looked upon her with envy at the end of the week when she got her special prize: A little gift bag with a new book and a notepad.

Week 3

This week. New charts, and new motivation all  around. The incentive will be a "prize" instead of an activity, because we haven't quite finished the other play dates yet!

girls and charts!

Tips

• The chart has room for 7 a day. I drew a line at 5 to show them their goal, then said they were free to go above and beyond. Some did.
• It's important to make clear what counts as a serving and stick to it. The circles have lines down the middle so that they can also track their half-servings.
• Non food incentives: Playdates, sleepovers, extra technology time, surprise gifts (trinkets, used books, etc! They don't have to be expensive!)
• Shop smart! Don't you dare run out of healthy food for them when they are motivated! I admit I had to shop twice this week- but it's worth it to see my family filing itself on good stuff!
• When someone was feeling ill, I flexed on the rules. "When we're sick, we need to listen to our bodies. So it's ok if you don't get your 5 today, but if you do eat, you need to eat healthy food, because that's what helps your body fight the illness." Then, I let that child "make up" for the missed food later in the week. No problem.

Your challenge this week: Get your 5 a day, and if you have children, encourage them to do it, too.  KEEP TRACK! Don't just estimate!

And while you do this, pay attention to how you feel. More or less satisfied? Craving less junk? More or less energy?

Suggested links

Get your kids to eat 5 a day easily

no excuses (Web Md)
Weak and Lovely- Read the series here

Join our facebook group for extra support!

Come back tomorrow for more, including, where's my husband in all of this?

I'd love to hear from you! Did you abandon your healthy eating plan this weekend?

Will you be accepting my challenge?