I start, though, with a disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. I am not a doctor. And I am not making recommendations for anyone. This plan is what I believe will work best for me over my thirty day challenge.
For breakfast during the week, I go with the easy meals. My calorie limit is 350, which is actually a lot if I make healthy choices. I can have oatmeal, fresh fruit, and coffee, and I'm still under my max calories.
On the weekends, when I have more time in the morning, I can be more creative and make a real meal. I whipped up a scramble with a couple of whole eggs, lots of eggs whites, bell pepper and red onions. It's a lot of food and totally filling.
After breakfast, I have 100 calories set aside for a morning snack. It's not a lot, but it's a chance for a little fresh fruit or veggies that can tide me over until lunch. I haven't been taking consistent advantage of these morning snacks, and I will need to do that to make sure I don't get too hungry and respond with a fast-food binge.
Speaking of lunch, I am opting for convenience over perfection here. I have allotted myself 400 calories, and I am choosing frozen meals over fresh food. Yes, I know that these tend to have elevated sodium levels, but that's a trade-off I am willing to accept in return for a quick and easy low-calories meal.
After lunch, I have another 100 calorie snack allowed in the afternoon. I haven't been eating anything then, either, usually opting for a Diet Coke, instead. And that means I am super hungry by dinner time, so that is something I need to remember. Eat your calories, John!
Dinner time means 550 calories, and that is plenty if I make healthy meal choices. It takes a bit of measuring and prepping, but I think it's worth it to make the time.
For the challenge, I am crediting myself with one point for each meal and then one more point for the day's total calories. I do that to make sure that I don't let one bad splurge take over a whole day. Just because I eat an extra 100 calories at lunch, I can offset it later and still be within my goal for the overall day.
Breakfast - 1 point
AM snack - 1 point
Lunch - 1 point
PM snack - 1 point
Dinner - 1 point
Daily total - 1 point
And lest I forget, I also earn a point by drinking sixty-four ounces of water each day. I hit that without even trying, since I drink water all day long. But hydrating makes a big difference in everything, so it's worth the point.
I will increase my daily calorie count after my 30 Day Challenge, because my increase training levels will require more fuel. But for this kick-start, I can get by on fewer calories.
Like I said, this eating plan isn't for everyone. It isn't even for me for long-term. But it's what I think is right for me for now.
And here we go!
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