Inspired by the popularity of Japan’s Morning Banana Diet, Dole‘s Go Bananas 2-A-Day challenge offers a healthier version for Americans looking to shed holiday pounds. The nutrition system, created by the Dole Nutrition Institute as a healthier sequel to Japan’s Morning Banana Diet that swept the island nation by storm in 2008 and 2009. Originally conceived by an Osaku pharmacist to help her overweight husband lose 38 pounds, the diet led to a nationwide diet frenzy and widespread banana shortages in Japan after the spouse posted his dieting success on a leading social network.

Dole’s expanded version, part of larger multimedia initiative created for the New Year by Dole Fresh Fruit of Westlake Village, California, substitutes well-balanced meals and nutritious recipes for the ‘all-you-can-eat’ approach popular in Japan. Going beyond the customary two-banana morning routine, Dole nutritionists created a comprehensive two-week regiment of lunches, dinners and snacks to help participants boost their energy, increase their intake of fruits and vegetables, and improve their overall health while they lose weight.

Go Bananas 2-A-Day Challenge is actually the second banana-based plan created by the Dole Nutrition Institute to facilitate weight loss and improved overall health. Shortly after the Morning Banana Diet surfaced in Japan, Dole introduced its own, more comprehensive program in 2009 which served as the basis for this latest Challenge.

Go Bananas 2-A-Day Challenge participants begin each day with two bananas and at least eight ounces of water, a combination that specifically aids in weight loss. The plan follows the morning banana routine with 14 new lunch and dinner recipes that combine lean chicken or fish with fresh Dole® fruits and vegetables, low-fat cheeses, wheat pasta, long-grain rice and salads.

For more information on the original Dole Banana Diet, created in 2009 by the Dole Nutrition Institute, go to www.dolebananadiet.com. For more information on Dole Bananas, including recipes, serving suggestions and nutritional information, go to www.facebook.com/dolebananas.