January 30, 2024
In my 10 years in the industry, I’ve been asked several times, ‘Can I have a meal plan? Diet plan, food prep, whatever you want to call it.’ My answer is no, and here’s my reasoning why.
Lifestyle and habit changes can be challenging, especially when fostering healthier habits with food. Villainizing food is the worst thing the media and food industry can do. Remember when fats were the enemy, then carbs, sugar? There’s no such thing as bad food, and here’s why.
Anything in moderation isn’t bad. Where we go wrong as a species is our greed. We want more than we should and regularly too. If you keep eating like you’re on an all-inclusive holiday or having three-course meals every dinner time, you’ll eventually put on weight.
Imagine if I told you to eat chicken, rice, and broccoli every day; it would be pretty boring, not enjoyable, and you’d lose weight. But at no point has that taught anyone anything. It’s not maintainable or a way of living.
Life is for living, true! But before you stop reading and think, ‘Laura said YOLO, I’ll eat what I want,’ that’s not what I’m saying. Here’s what you do…
Plan your meals for the week or two days in advance. That becomes YOUR meal plan. You’re then learning to live and plan your own food, changing some not-so-good habits you currently have. It’s about change and maintaining that change.
Food prep companies make this even easier. Ingredients all come in a box. Cook it. Eat it. Job done.
Tips for your meals…
- Include plenty of protein.
- Incorporate a variety of vegetables throughout your week.
- Ensure you have carbs on your plate for energy.
- Go easy on cooking oils and butters.
- Watch your portion sizes.
- Drink water before and after your meals.”
