This spring, my family and I decided to work together to improve each of our eating habits. Feeling Great in eight was the name of our game. For eight weeks, we kept track of everything we consumed—and I do mean everything. For healthy foods, we gained points and for those not-so-nutritious, but oh-so-delicious diversions, we lost them. We each forked up fifteen bucks, and the person with the most points got the dough.

The details of the game can be individualized depending on your individual needs. For example, if everyone is focused on losing weight, you’ll want the negative points for indulging in sugary sweets to be rather hefty, while giving a healthy dose of points for selecting low-fat, low-calorie options. A good way to base the point system is to look at a round diet. This means allotting points for each food group. For each day, you’ll get ten points each for eating three servings of veggies, three servings of fruit, two servings of milk products, and three servings of complete proteins. Allot ten points for drinking sixty ounces of water in a day, as hydration is an important part of a healthy diet. Then deduct ten points for each serving of additional, unnecessary calories. The game can be as simple as that. Or you can get as creative as you want. It’s a good idea to add points for exercise, as physical activity is as important as good nutrients. Add ten points for each continuous fifteen minutes of physical exertion a day. You may want to add bonus points for participating in a mind-beneficial activity like reading, meditating, or cross-word puzzling. Switch it up and have weekly winners of small prizes, so no one feels like they have no chance if someone’s pulling out ahead.

This is a great way to learn about nutrition together and help your family or friends get in shape. Just make sure to be open-minded and focus on your individual gains rather than worrying are doing. Remember, it’s all in good fun. Neither the money nor the win is the true benefit. Getting healthier is.