One of the most popular questions I get is, “What do you eat?” I know people are always expecting me to say low carb, vegetarian or some other fad diet plan. When I set out to lose the weight, I wanted to do it in the real world eating real food and not sticking to some plan with rules I couldn’t follow.
I do eat both low calorie and low sugar. I did this on purpose at first to flush my system of high calorie crap and endless sugary drinks and sweets. After the first month or so, this is just what I was more naturally drawn to. I’m sure that some of those fad diets work for some people but they did not work for me. I needed to learn to eat pizza without eating 6 slices because I wanted to be able to eat pizza. I didn’t want to lose the weight and then risk putting it back on when I ‘transitioned’ back to normal food. So I figured out how to eat the foods I love, sometimes with substitutions, without overeating. Below is the schedule I try to stick to and then an example of what I would regularly eat in a day.
Routine
Your body will learn to get hungry at the right times if you are eating the right amounts at the right times. Sounds hard, but it’s pretty easy. Don’t eat again until you’re hungry. You should be feeling hungry every 3 hours or so. If you go 6 hours without being hungry, you ate too much at the last meal.
7:30 Breakfast (try to have high protein here if working out)
10:00 Snack (again, high protein if working out will help sore muscles)
12:30 Lunch
3:00 Snack
7:00 Dinner (low carb if possible)
8:30 Snack
*Tips* 1. Taper off carbs throughout the day. You will burn off a bagel in the morning but a bagel for dinner means those calories aren’t going to get burned while you sleep.
2. I try not to eat after 8:30 pm if possible on my regular schedule. Again, you’re body won’t burn those calories.
3. Wake up hungry! If you aren’t hungry within the first hour of waking, you’re eating too much before bed.
4. WATER! I’ve read lots of studies on this. Turns out they say it does aid in weight loss for flushing out the body. My favorite trainer on TV, Chris Powell, recommends half of your body weight in ounces everyday. (Example: If you weigh 200 pounds, 100 oz. or water per day.) Water can be hard if you are not a natural water drinker. I wasn’t at first but I am now. If you take medication, try to down a whole glass with your meds. It will make it easier to get to your daily goal. I do this and then don’t have to force myself to drink tons during the day unless I want to.
Actual Meal Plan
Here’s an example of what I might actually eat in a day. My target calories are between 1600 and 1700 for a day. I do not eat my exercise calories back yet because I’m still trying to lose those last 5 pounds. Please note: I’m not endorsed by any of these products. I just think they are super yummy!
7:30 Breakfast – half a bagel with cream cheese – 250 calories (Shout out to Moe’s Bagels here in Denver who give out day old bagels for free after noon everyday! Best bagels ever!) Other examples: greek yogurt and fruit
10:00 Snack – Protein Shake – 150 calories – I like Complete Nutrition shakes. They aren’t horribly expensive and I like the way they taste. Go to a bunch of different places and ask for samples if you are looking for one. There are several brands so try a bunch before buying a huge canister of something gross. Also, high protein is necessary for those working out. If you are in a walking stage of fitness, you don’t need to worry too much about protein yet. Other examples: banana, string cheese, granola bar
12:30 Lunch – Leftovers, salad – 400 calories – I usually eat whatever is in the fridge or I can take in my lunch. My favorite places to eat out for lunch are Subway and Modmarket. You almost can’t go wrong here if you pay attention. My Subway order is Italian BMT on wheat. You can count on Subway being pretty healthy and fresh.
3:00 Snack – Bar – 150 calories – I like bars here because they are quick and easy. There are lots of good bars out there packed with protein and vitamins. Some of my favorites are Luna and That’s it but there are tons out there in every grocery store. You can usually buy them in singles for about a dollar so go crazy! Buy a bunch and decide what you like. They vary in consistency and flavor. Other examples: veggies and hummus, string cheese
7:00 Dinner – 450 calories – Grilled Pork and Corn – My hubby loves to use our grill so I can usually pass the cooking off to him for dinner. Pork is low in fat and cheap! Simple thin pork chops with some seasoning and corn on the cob is one of my favorite meals these days. You can even have butter with your corn and stay under 500 calories! 4 oz. of pork chops is only 250 calories. You get A LOT of food for very little consequences.
8:30 Snack – 100 calories – Sugar free popsicle or fudgsicle. These are delicious and very calorie conscious. It makes you feel like your cheating when you’re not!
If you went back and added this up it’s 1400 calories. That leaves space for coffee and any extra nibbles I may want during the day. I carry food with me everywhere and stash it in the car. If you’re out running errands and your only option for a quick snack is McDonalds, it’s going to be hard to wait. If you store quick snacks with you, you’ll be less tempted by unhealthy options.
Check back tomorrow for a Chicken Tacos recipe and some low calorie Pig Out options!