Home Depot Health Challenge | Sugar Mini ChallengeHome Depot Health Challenge

Goal: Maintain or keep reducing your sugar and make better carb choices.

Now that you know a little about the differences in carbohydrates, this week you will work on continuing to cut sugars if needed and picking the right carbohydrates for your body.

Day 36

Action Step:

Maintain or keep reducing your sugar and make better carb choices.

If you are happy where you are with your sugar intake GREAT! Congratulations on getting there. If you still have a little ways to go, keep doing the 1/3 cut as we have done in prior weeks until you get to your target. This week we are also going to work on adding carbohydrates that work best for your body. Here are some examples to help pack your diet with the right stuff (these may look familiar if you read the role of carbs section last week):

Emphasize fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Aim for whole, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables without added sugar.
Choose whole grains. Whole grains are better sources than refined grains of fiber and other important nutrients, such as B vitamins. Refined grains go through a process that strips out parts of the grain — along with some of the nutrients and fiber.
Stick to low-fat dairy products. Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and protein, plus many other vitamins and minerals. Consider the low-fat versions, to help limit calories and saturated fat. And beware of dairy products that have added sugar.
Eat more legumes. Legumes — which include beans, peas and lentils — are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. They are typically low in fat and high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium, and they contain beneficial fats and fiber. Legumes are a good source of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more saturated fat and cholesterol.

Make your plan to make these tweaks to your diet this week and take the steps to prepare for the week. Here is the Sugar Tracker for Week 6 to help make your plan.

Action Step:

Don’t forget to track your food for today.

Days 37-42

Action Step:

Eat with confidence!

The rest of this week you will be putting your plan into action. Each day you will continue to track your food through your Sugar Tracker and measure the amount of sugar you intake.

Put your week 5 Sugar Visual bag to the side to keep as reference and start your week 6 Sugar Visual bag.

Back Mini Challenge Home Challenge Home Next

Please consult with your physician prior to starting any kind of diet, exercise or wellness program. This program is not intended to give medical, nutritional or wellness advice.