Rife Nutrition is taking on the"Lazy Macro" #800gChallenge® by OptimizeMe Nutrition.
Here it is: eat 800 grams, by weight, of fruits and vegetables per day and measure your protein intake to appropriate amount suggested...and then anything else you want.. YOU pick which fruits and veggies you eat.
You will also have a personalized protein goal to hit daily, that will be calculated for you when you register for the challenge. Your Protein portion will be something you can eyeball - no weighing or measuring required!
Preparation style doesn’t matter. Weigh them cooked, canned, frozen, or fresh! What’s important is that you get a healthy dose of fruits and veggies in your diet, without overly strict and unrealistic rules. It’s healthy eating without the obsession!
Do you follow a Paleo, Keto, Vegan, or other diet? Already counting macros?Doesn't matter. You can still participate!
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO THIS CHALLENGE?
A food scale. Thats it! You can get one from Amazon, Target, Walmart or Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
DO I HAVE TO EAT CERTAIN FRUITS OR VEGETABLES?
No. Choosing a variety of fruit and vegetable types throughout the challenge will yield the best results .Total calories (and macronutrient grams) are up to the individual based on their fruit and vegetable choices, as well as the other foods in their diet (as both will impact the amount of calories you eat). No need to track calories if you focus on variety.
DOES IT HAVE TO BE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGGIES?
No. The key is that you weigh the item as a standalone or unprocessed item. It does not matter if the item is cooked, canned, frozen, or fresh. Dried fruits/vegetables and juices do not count towards the total.
WHAT IF I EAT A PACKAGED FOOD THAT HAS FRUIT OR VEGGIES IN THE INGREDIENTS?
You cannot count fruits or vegetables in processed or packaged foods. Potatoes as potato chips, peas in a chicken pot pie, apples in apple pie, Do. Not. Count.
HOW DO I ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF FRUIT AND VEGGIES IN A SERVING OF A RECIPE I MAKE?
You can count fruit and vegetables you weigh before making a recipe applied to the serving you consume (i.e., veggies in a chili, ingredients for blending in a smoothie)
DO I HAVE TO DRAIN CANNED ITEMS BEFORE I WEIGH?
Canned items are ok if canned in water and/or spices only, like canned black beans, and you weigh the drained solids. If it's in oil it does not count.
DO I WEIGH FRUIT WITH THE SKIN ON?
Refuse (peels, cores, or skins) that are not consumed should not be included
WHAT ABOUT EATING OUT?
The expectation is that you weigh and measure at home, work, etc. You can eyeball fruits and vegetables from restaurants (no need to break out the scale for ordering broccoli). We expect you to use a restaurant’s website nutrition information where available (e.g., Chipotle). Be sure you estimate appropriately: leafy greens do not weigh much (~25g a cup) and most restaurant vegetable portions are often ~75-85 grams
As for the cooking oil, assuming it is a standard light coating, do not worry about the oil contribution and weigh the item cooked
SO HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO I HAVE TO EAT AND WHY?
Protein keeps us satiated longer and helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your personalized needs based on age, weight, activity level, and goals will be calculated for you when you register. You will be given a certain # of "palm sized" Protein servings to hit daily. That's it!
WHAT COUNTS AS PROTEIN?
Meats, Fish, Eggs. There is no food restricted here, however, unprocessed is best!
Yes, you can still have protein powder!
WHAT IF I AM VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN, HOW WILL I DEAL WITH PROTEIN?
You will be asked to share this information when you register and Jess will email you with your specific guidelines and resources to keep it simple! No Problem.
WHAT IF I AM SOMEWHERE THAT I DONT HAVE MY FOOD SCALE OR CAN'T WEIGH MY FRUITS AND VEGGIES?
No problem. 800 grams in weight is equivalent to about 6 of fist size portions. Use your judgement and error on the side of eating more :)