Monday, April 13, 2015

Eating Schedule

Where do we even start? The answer: food. What you put into your body contributes most to a healthy lifestyle than anything else. Have you heard of the saying, "abs are made in the kitchen"? Well, it's true!



Six healthy meals a day will keep you full and energized. It is crucial to have a the biggest meal in the morning, and then keep eating every three hours until you go to bed.
Breakfast gives you energy for your day!  Allowing your body to burn those calories for the rest of the day.
Say you wake up at 7:00AM, this is how you should plan your meals:

7:00AM-- Breakfast (Protein, carb)

                 My suggestion: 2-3 eggs, avocado, strawberries, black coffee


        I make my eggs scrambled with spinach and cheese. I don't drink enough milk, so I like to get my calcium from my cheese. But be sure not to overdue it. Spinach is a tasty and easy way to incorporate a superfood in your day. Avocados are a good source of protein, carbs, and have a plethora of vitamins. They also help make your hair and nails stronger! Strawberries are low calories, appropriate carbs, and are a good source of vitamin C. It is best to only eat fruit in the morning because your body burn the natural sugars al day long. Coffee is a healthy source of caffeine, and is full of antioxidants. Try not to drink your favorite latte or mix it with cream and sugar because this will contribute greatly to an unwanted belly pouch.

10:00AM-- Snack (Protein)

                   My suggestion: Protein shake
         Protein packed snacks keeps you full without making you feel too full. If you are in a rush, pack a protein shake with you . When choosing a protein shake, look for a combination of low calorie, low carb, and high protein. I drink Isopure's Dutch Choclate because it has 50 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbs, and 0 sugars per serving. I find it the best value at $45 for 3 lbs, which is at least a month's worth if you are drinking it a few times a day. GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe carry the powder, or you can check out their website: http://www.theisopurecompany.com/.

1:00PM-- Lunch (Protein, carb, veggie)

                 My suggestion: Chicken, brown rice/quinoa/potato, steamed greens
One of the best things about cooking at home is being able to control portion size of your meals.  Check out 7 portion control tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.  #healthy #lifestyle #portioncontrol
       An easy way to measure out your meals is to eat protein the size of your palm, carbs the size of your fist, and an unlimited amount of veggies. Don't overdue the seasonings, otherwise you will be tempted to eat more than necessary.

4:00PM-- Snack (Protein)


             My suggestion: Protein shake or protein snack

Cottage cheese, avocado, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and cracked black pepper. An easy healthy lunch with protein and phytonutrients! Recipe Link: Click here for recipe Click here for more healthy recipes!
       Opt for another shake, or try out a protein packed snack. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein. Mix in some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and black pepper for a quick, tasty, and fulfilling snack!

7:00PM:-- Dinner (Protein, veggie)

                  My suggestion: Red meat/Turkey and greens
Warm Balsamic Steak and Vegetable Medley.  Salad and meat lovers, unite! | blog.hostthetoast.com

       Be sure to stop eating carbs after lunch because your body won't have enough time to burn them off this late in the day.  Mix up your protein and load up on vitamin B and iron with a satisfying steak or roast! Or if you don't prefer red meat, try a quick meal with lean ground turkey. Stick to your favorite greens, and avoid carrots and corn because of their high carbs.

10:00PM-- Snack (Protein)

                   My suggestion: Protein shake
Stop Cravings: Healthy Foods That Satisfy Salt and Sugar Cravings  These reverse-gateway foods taste like cheating, but they'll help you get back on the weight-loss wagon.
         If you're like me, you need a fix of chocolate after dinner. One square of dark chocolate a day is a good source of antioxidants, and more! Check out more of its health benefits here:
http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/. Or, you can fill your belly with another shake. Keep rotating your protein snacks every 3 hours until you fall asleep because your body will need the fuel if you are still awake late into the night.


Most importantly: DO NOT STARVE YOURSELF! This is very unhealthy because your body starts going into survival mode when you do not properly nourish yourself. By implementing a protein packed diet, you will see your body start to tone up without even lifting a weight. Your brain will be more focused and your body will always be happy and full of energy. Stick to this schedule and I swear you will start to see results within the first week!

Stay tuned for my next post where I will share my meal prep recipes and ideas!
Until then, happy eating, folks!

Alina <3











16 comments:

  1. Your food ideas look amazing! As a broke college student, this seems totally feasible to do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Allie,

      Thanks for your comment. Yes, as long as you stick to what you need, you'll find your grocery bill very average!

      Best,
      Alina

      Delete
  2. I really enjoyed your daily play by play on healthy eating! Great tips! I was wondering if you knew of any healthy dessert recipes? I'm writing a dessert blog and I'd love to collaborate with you with a healthy dessert! Let me know! Thanks again for the tips!

    flowerandflour.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica,

      Yes, that's a great idea. We will have to collaborate soon!

      Best,
      Alina

      Delete
  3. I love this!! BUT HOW DO I MAKE A BREAKFAST SO EARLY! IM TIRED AT THAT TIME!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James and Allie,

      Good point. I've turned myself into a morning person, because I always look forward to my favorite meal that awaits me as soon as I wake up. But you've inspired me to write a post of my morning routine, and tips for becoming a morning person-- Stay tuned!

      Best,
      Alina

      Delete
  4. Love the post. I think its harder to maintain that schedule when you get busy. I would love to see something on "on the go" meals. I currently actually use Idealshape meal replacement shakes for something on a budget and on the go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Daniel,

      Actually, if you prep your meals on Sunday afternoon, you'll find your weeks cooking to be so much easier! Stay tuned for my next post where I describe how to meal prep. Also, I haven't heard of Idealshape, but I'd like to look into it.

      Thanks for your comment!
      Alina

      Delete
  5. Thank you for sharing these awesome tips on eating healthy Alina. I can't wait to try out your recipes and get in shape by tasting different flavors and eating regularly! Can't wait to read more!
    Check out my blog connyrotaespresso.blogspot.com travel around Italy with me and discover new ways to make your breakfast coffee in different ways.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Conny,

      Thanks for your comment. I love your blog. We will have to collaborate soon. Keep up the good work.

      Best,
      Alina

      Delete
  6. Love your meal suggestions! They sound delicious.
    - Hannah
    www.fashionorfunctionnyc.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hannah,

      I'll let you know how the butter and coffee turns out!
      Alina

      Delete
  7. I love this Alina! So great! I can't wait to read about your meal prep! It would be fun to collaborate... I could write about my attempt to mimic your meals! I love the idea of planning out my meals more intentionally! Check out more ways to live an intentional life at brennafox.blogspot.com!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenna,

      Yes, can't wait to collaborate!
      Alina

      Delete