The 30-Something Diet Plan: Part 2

Losing weight is hard.  There, I said it.  It’s not ever going to be easy.  However, after learning a lot about nutrition and fitness, I know that a diet where you give up whole food groups (carbs, fruit, dairy) won’t work in the long term.  Plus, it makes for a very cranky girl!  In the 30-Something Diet Plan:  Part 1, I outlined my “staple” foods.  Now, I’ll show you how I put it all together.

I didn’t make this up on my own.  I’ve read a plethora of diet books and had a couple different fitness trainers.  Out of all the books I’ve read, these three make the most sense to me.  These books are based on a lifestyle plan, not a “quick-fix”.  When I am wanting to slim down, these are the books I turn to for help, advice, and recipes!

Body for Life by Bill Phillips

Body for Life

Body for Life has the 5-6 “mini-meal” eating plan which keeps your metabolism going.  Also, there are tons of great, easy recipes… with pictures of what it should look like (remember, I don’t cook much!)

The South Beach Diet by Dr. Arthur Agatston

South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet focuses on eating whole grain foods and eliminating refined sugar.  It focuses on creating a healthy heart (which is very important to me, because my dad had a triple-bypass my senior year of college).

This book also has great, healthy recipes, although they are a little more complicated than Body for Life.

If you decide to follow this diet, I would recommend NOT doing Phase 1 (the no-carb portion).  By the time you go without carbs for two weeks, you’ll be cranky and eat an entire cake by yourself.  Seriously.

This is Why You’re Fat by Jackie Warner

Jackie Warner

My new favorite!  My sister gave me this (thanks…. I think?)   It sums up everything in the other two.  Jackie lays out a great way to create your meals each day so you are getting the proper calories, protein & carb balance.  She also has great, super easy recipes!

Plus, Jackie has a whole chapter in her book on Metaphysics (basically, the power of the mind to help you reach your goals).  I highly recommend this book!  (I also have one of her workout videos… it might be the toughest workout I’ve ever done!).

Just the Rules

So, I’ll sum it up.  Here are my basic rules:

• Eliminate White Flours and Refined Sugar
• Eat 5-6 Mini Meals a Day
• Include Protein with each mini meal
• Eat Clean 6 days a week with 1 “cheat” day

Here is how I plan my food for the day.  I put some examples in parentheses… I only eat one!

7:00 a.m. – Breakfast (Oatmeal Pancake, Breakfast Burrito, or Protein Shake) with 1 piece fruit

10:00 a.m. – Snack 1 (Yogurt & Cottage Cheese, Nuts, Larabar, String Cheese & Apple)

1:00 p.m. – Lunch (Grilled Chicken Salad with vinaigrette dressing, Protein Shake, Turkey Sandwich on whole wheat)

3:30 p.m. – Snack 2 (One of the options from Snack 1 above)

6:00 p.m. – Dinner (Grilled Chicken or Steak with brown rice & broccoli, Chicken Fajita on Whole Wheat tortilla with onions & peppers)

8:00 p.m. – Evening Snack (Diet Hot Chocolate, Skinny Fudgesicle)

Whew.., that’s a lot to explain in just a blog post, so feel free to ask questions for clarification.  Also, check out the books I mentioned.  Great resources to build your healthy (and hot) 30-Something body!

EKS