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30 Day Single Ingredient Diet & 10,000 Steps Challenge - October 2023

Written and published by Betty Health

September 25, 2023

30-Day Single Ingredient & 10,000 Steps Challenge

 

The Challenge:

For 30 days, commit to consuming only single ingredient foods and walking 10,000 steps each day. Don't worry about calories, just focus on single ingredient foods.

 

Week-by-Week Guide:

 

Week 1: Introduction

 

1. Food:

Start by clearing out processed foods from your kitchen. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds.

2. Steps:

Find a reliable pedometer or use a smartphone app to count your steps. Aim for short walks throughout the day, gradually increasing your daily count.

 

Week 2: Routine Setting

 

1. Food:

Plan your meals for the week, ensuring variety to cover all nutrients. Experiment with new single-ingredient recipes.

2. Steps:

Identify the time(s) of day that work best for longer walks. It could be morning, during lunch breaks, or evening.

 

Week 3: Steady Progress

 

1. Food:

Get comfortable with your favorite dishes and start to experiment with new flavors and combinations.

2. Steps:

Challenge yourself to discover new walking paths, trails, or neighborhoods. Consider inviting a friend to join.

 

Week 4: Consolidation & Reflection

 

1. Food:

Reflect on what meals you loved and which ones you'd adjust. Create a go-to list of your favorite single-ingredient recipes.

2. Steps:

Aim to maintain or exceed the 10,000 steps daily. Reflect on your walking routine's impact on your mood and energy levels.

 

Simplicity:

 

- Food:

You know exactly what you're consuming. No more reading complex ingredient lists or calculating processed additives.

- Steps:

Walking is one of the simplest exercises. No special equipment, training, or routine is necessary.

 

Benefits:

 

- Improved

Diet: Increase in nutrient density, reduced intake of additives and preservatives, and better digestive health.

- Physical

& Mental Health: Enhanced cardiovascular health, weight management, muscle tone, mood elevation, and improved sleep.

 

How You'll Feel:

 

1. First Week: Adjusting to the challenge might be tough. You may miss certain foods or struggle to reach your step count. But stick with it!

2. Second Week: You'll start noticing increased energy levels. The walking routine will start to feel more natural.

3. Third Week: Cravings for processed foods might reduce. You'll likely feel more active, with walking becoming a crucial part of your day.

4. Last Week: Feelings of accomplishment will emerge. Many find their mood improved, better sleep, and an overall sense of well-being by this stage.

 

What To Do If You Mess Up One Day:

 

1. Don't Beat Yourself Up: Everyone has off days. What's important is not to dwell on a mistake but to refocus on your goals.

2. Understand Why: Did you skip walking because of a busy day? Did you consume processed food

because you didn't prepare in advance? Identifying the reason will help you prevent future missteps.

3. Get Back on Track: Missed a day? Make up for it the next day. The consistency over the 30 days matters more than a single day's perfection.

 

Remember, this challenge is not about being perfect but about making positive changes in your lifestyle. Enjoy the journey, and embrace the changes you're making for your health and well-being.


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