Clean Eating Challenge seeks participants ready to pursue a healthy lifestyle change

Why wait for January to recommit to healthy eating and moving more?

The Texas International Produce Association is inviting fresh produce industry members to join its fifth annual Clean Eating Challenge. The 2023-24 cohort will kick off in mid-October and culminate at next year's Viva Fresh Expo in Houston on April 13, 2024. The organization is accepting applications through Sept. 28, 2023, according to a news release.

“Over the past four years we have asked industry members who are looking to regain control of their lives to join us in what has sometimes been a life-changing challenge. It’s not about weight loss, it’s about making changes in pursuit of longevity. And at the core of that search is putting fruits and vegetables at the forefront of our everyday meals,” Jen Velasquez, Clean Eating Challenge committee chair and FullTilt Marketing director, said in the release.

Eleven participants completed the most recent Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge, with their success celebrated at the Viva Fresh Expo in April.

Since 2020, the challenge has captured the attention of the produce industry as participants push themselves to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet. While it is not the purpose of the program, participants have lost more than 1,000 pounds collectively in the four years of the Clean Eating Challenge and experienced other positive changes, the release said.

“As we have said before, this is ultimately what our industry is asking the world to do, so who better to set an example than us?” Velazquez said.

How to join the 2023-24 Clean Eating Challenge

So, what does it take to be a part of the Clean Eating Challenge? It takes perseverance, commitment and a willingness to be open with where you are and where you want to be in your health journey, the release said.

“There is something special about being surrounded by like-minded individuals in your industry who are ready to take the next steps in addressing their overall health and wellness,” Megan Jacobsen, vice president of sales and marketing at Gills Onions — and a former participant and program mentor — said in the release. “I promise you it is not easy; however, it is an absolutely rewarding six months to watch yourself make small changes that will truly make a difference in how you feel. And, as an extra bonus, you’ll have a great team of mentors and fellow participants from the fresh produce industry cheering you on every step of the way!” 

The challenge is not a diet or a weight loss competition; it is the start of a new lifestyle focused on personal wellness that includes eating fruits and vegetables and moving more, serving as a catalyst for people to make meaningful, long-term changes, according to the release.

To be chosen for this year’s challenge, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a member of the produce industry.

• Express what is driving them to compete in the challenge.

• Be willing to share progress online and in-person at the Viva Fresh Expo on April 12, 2024.

• Demonstrate a willingness to commit to the six-month health challenge.

• Commit to engaging with mentors and peer groups on a weekly basis for the duration of the program.

Those interested in joining the challenge can apply through the Clean Eating Challenge site by Sept. 28. All chosen participants will receive mentorship and nutrition coaching. Upon meeting the given criteria throughout the challenge, they will also be eligible to win a Peloton bike, which will be announced at the Viva Fresh Expo, according to the release. 

“The Clean Eating Challenge has become an event that I look forward to every year,” James Bassetti, chief operating officer and Clean Eating Challenge mentor, said in the release. “Being able to work with and learn from the new class of participants is always an uplifting experience for all those involved in the CEC, and I believe it brings a sense of inspiration and motivation to other Viva Fresh attendees.”