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Quarantine started a bit rough for me. I was nervous because I didn’t know what was happening with my job or if my husband and I would need to find work. I was taking it day by day but it was taking a toll on me for sure and I stopped holding myself accountable. I was eating whatever I wanted and had no structure or workout routine in place. A few weeks into being “safter-at-home” I started working out and tracking what I put in my body. Since then, I’ve hit my goal weight and almost my second goal weight. I’ve lost a total of 10 pounds! I figured I’d share what I eat in a day and what I do to track and manage my food and workouts.
Tracking What I Eat
I use MyFitnessPal to track what I eat. I feel it’s accurate and had thousands of foods available for easy logging. You’re able to add a food too if it’s not already an option, which I find helpful. I love that I can see my macros and where I need to focus on the most throughout the week. Personally, I do an evaluation each week to better help myself with the next week because there’s always room for improvement. I started with the free version of the app and now have the premium paid version. The main difference that has helped me tremendously is that with the premium paid version of the app I can see what foods were highest in a particular group each day. I have a problem with overeating my sugars because I love me some fruit and it’s been super insightful! I’ve been able to adjust what I eat and when so that I don’t go over my recommended daily intake.
Breakfast
I was eating plant based yogurt and fruit every morning with a bit of granola but I’ve started swapping in oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder. I switch back and forth and think it’s important to switch it up! Also, I eat after I workout if I workout in the mornings. I’ll have coffee before the workout and then breakfast after. Also, I drink water after my breakfast and throughout the day. I’ve noticed a big difference by doing this. I have less cravings and feel more full throughout the day so I do less snacking!
Lunch
I’ve been LOVING salads. I put everything in them. Sweet potato, rice, chicken, fruits, veggies…you name it, it’s in there! I love Remi and Nates recipes. Follow Remi on Instagram for inspo…you won’t regret it! If I don’t make a garbage salad as I call it, I’ll have a whole wheat wrap with some type of meat and veggie. I try to keep it light so I can still have dinner!
Dinner
Dinners are all over the place for me since my husband and I eat together and he’s strictly keto (something I’m not willing to try yet because I love grapes!). I will try to have a balance of veggies and protein, but it all depends on what I have left in MyFitnessPal for the day. I love lighter meals where my husband likes large filling meals, so we have to compromise a bit sometimes. One food I won’t ever tire of is cauliflower rice. We get it from Costco in the frozen section and eat is almost every night. You can make it so many different ways too which is nice!
Snacks
I’m a snacker, so this has been hard for me. I started popping my own popcorn with MTC oil and a dash of salt to have in the afternoons since it’s way better for me than the store bought stuff. I will also snack on grapes, but have to limit myself because of the sugar! I also make smoothies with a plant based or oat milk most days. Fruit is good to snack on but you can easily eat too much sugar by reaching just for fruit. Believe me, that’s been my biggest struggle! I typically snack in between breakfast and lunch and sneak something in between lunch and dinner. It’s important to feel your body, especially if you’re working out. You need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients and calories to sustain you throughout the day. That’s one of the main reasons I log my food. I tend not to eat enough, especially after long workouts. I will tell you, I feel a million times better when I eat more versus when I eat less…go figure!
Shopping Lists
I try my hardest to make a list before we hit the store each week but sometimes I just wing it. Not great advice, I know, but it works for me! I stock up on fresh veggies and fruits as well as my frozen favs like cauliflower rice. I try to switch up my yogurt every other week for cottage cheese to keep things interesting. I also go for lean meats like chicken breast or white fish. I haven’t been eating tons of meat lately but when I do it’s mainly chicken breast. Check the ads and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Figuring It Out
It’s been a bit of trial and error for me these past few months, but I think I have the swing of things. I feel more energized and healthy and I’ve hit my weight goal. I try my best to stick to whole foods and stay clear of anything overly processed. I enjoy treats now and then and will never restrict myself completely unless a doctor tell me to. It’s okay to have a treat every now and then…moderation is key!
I should add, I’m not a nutritionist or dietitian. I know what has been working for me and what makes me feel my best, that’s it!
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