We all have the best of intentions when it comes to our food, intellectually knowing that ‘we are what we eat’ and thus we should not eat crap. So why is it so difficult to follow that path?! I’ll admit, this has been the hardest part of ‘My 8 Weeks to Fit’.

Planning and Prep

Most weekends, we tend to cook big batches of stew, soup, grilled chicken, brown rice and the like. Love the slow cooker! So Monday and Tuesday are pretty much covered with left overs. Then the trouble begins! If I don’t have some good optionsΒ in the fridge, it’s tempting to eat a piece of toast with peanut butter, make pasta, or eat chips. Did I mention I love starchy carbs?!

I’ve found over the past 3-4 weeks that I need a bit of a plan for each day ahead. Make sure the 1st two meals of the day are covered. Cook up some steel cut oatmeal (lasts for a few breakfasts) and have that with almond milk, a little honey, slivered almonds – yum. Prep a simple salad with avocado for satiation. I’m going to the green grocer almost every other day. Yummy things to keep the ‘salad’ varied and interesting – like arugula, kale, zucchini, beets, chick peas, avocado, pepitas, pecans, cherry tomatoes, guacamole, a little hummus on the side.

Snacks and Protein

Having a stash of healthy snacks is also key: those small tins of flavoured tuna, boiled eggs, the ‘Oh She Glows’ Perfect Bars (I make a double batch, they keep well in the freezer), hummus and Mary’s crackers, oranges, nuts, an apple or banana. Smoothies are also great for mid-day (thanks for the recipes, Laura!). I have yet to try Kathy’s Kale Chips, sounds easy, maybe tonight!

 

As I’m lifting weights 3x a week, I need to keep an eye on getting enough protein to help the muscles repair and grow stronger. I make sure to have a protein shake after the gym, and try to consume 70 to 80 grams daily. Chicken and fish are my ‘go to’ meats (altho I don’t like left-over fish). Eggs practically every day. Chick peas and lentils are also good sources (1/2 cup = 6 grams of protein). I made Nicola’s ‘Curried Dahl Soup’ on the weekend, it’s delicious and I feel virtuous eating it!

Any other ideas, strategies or suggestions, I’m all ears!

Sandy

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