Well, I think we’ve pretty much established that eating less and exercising more definitely isn’t the way to go. You’re all such smart cookies, and deserve a cookie of your very own…
… which, I would have given you, except I already eated it…
Sowwy 😳
How about a cookie dough ball instead?
… which I may have already taken a bite of…
Sowwy 😳
Gotta be quick if you wanna eat while I’m around. I’m an only child which means that I’ve never had to fight a sibling over the best/last piece of food, so I have no idea where my food snatching tendencies come from… other than to say that I do not enjoy the Hangry Monster’s company, so I go out of my way to ensure that he doesn’t decide to drop by for a chat – which has been easier said than done lately…
I [heart] food…
Ever since I started taking strength training a little more seriously, my appetite has been off. the. charts; and since we know we have to eat more, the next question becomes: eat more what, exactly?
And the answer to that, my dear friends, is… one that I’m still working on.
I’m not a sport nutritionist or a dietician, so I’m not gonna throw some rules at you claiming that following them will give you the energy you need for a kick butt workout while supplying you with the proper nutritional profile to make you a lean, mean exercising machine…
… especially because everyone is so different…
… and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another…
But I will tell you that it helps to experiment and try different things to see which ones work for you. I’ve been fiddling with my diet for quite some time now, and I guess I can share some of what I do to give you a general idea if you need some basic ground rules…
. – . – . – .
I eat [at least] 6 times a day…
Breakfast (always), morning snack (usually my pre-workout snack), lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, bedtime snack. I can’t go more than a few hours without food, or I start getting the shakes, and I often nibble between meals/snacks as well. I do my best to honor my hunger, and if I finish a meal and feel like I need a little bit more, I take it. I’m not too fussy with the nutritional content of my meals, but I do try and pay more attention to what I eat before and after my workouts.
One of my favorite pre-workout snacks is a banana with almond butter, some dark chocolate, and a bowl of cottage cheese with cinnamon.
I listen to my cravings…
I do my best to include a carb, protein, and fat with every meal/snack, but if I’m not feeling it, I won’t force it. If one of my meals is mostly carbs, that’s fine… high in fat, that’s fine… it’ll all balance itself out in the end. I try to get a good amount of protein in, especially now that I’m lifting, but I don’t protein load or cut down on carbs and fats. The body needs an adequate amount of everything to function properly, and that’s my main goal.
Mish-mash dinner bowl: Kasha, broccoli, grilled mushrooms, pumpkin, hummus, hemp seeds.
I always drink a protein shake after my workout…
This is actually one of those more common workout rules that I try to adhere to. I finish my workouts right around lunch time, so I sip on a shake as the first half of my lunch while I go about making the second half. The recipe I’ve been using lately is the one for my vanilla tofu protein pudding.
I drink a lot of water…
8 cups a day, at least. Annoying, but necessary – dehydration sucks… even mild forms of it.
Balance, balance, balance…
I enjoy eating healthy foods because they make my body feel good, but I also enjoy eating not-so-healthy foods because they make my mind feel good. I do my best to make sure that I have a lot of fresh, whole foods in my diet, but I also make sure to treat myself every. single. day. This way, I can be healthy without ever feeling deprived. And I refuse to feel guilty for enjoying any type of food.
. – . – . – .
I should probably end by saying that none of this is forced – my body just kind of does it naturally. I don’t try and adhere to a specific style of eating, I just go with the flow and this is what I end up with.
. – . – . – .
What kinds of things work for you?
Favorite pre and post workout snacks?
Love this post! It’s full of so amazing tips. My favourite post workout snack would have to be a gigantic green smoothie…yum!
Heheeee love the cute reindeer plate – I’m excited for Christmas already too…in two days we’re half way to Christmas YAAAY!!
Ahh girly, every single post you do, you just take the words right out of my mouth that I want to tell the world. But you do it much better with your beautiful wording so I’ll let you do the talking 😛
I agree so much with what works for you. Especially having a balance because after spending so long depriving myself of things because I thought they were ‘bad’ I’m now really enjoying loving my treats every single day along with the tonne of fruit and veg I also eat.
For me I actually probably eat more than 6 times a day! I get really conscious about it but it works for me because my meals are just an average size so I depend on snacks to make up probably more of my intake than my meals to keep me healthy – but I like it like that! I also get really panicky when I get hungry and I’m out with no food around me which is still something I need to deal with because sometimes you just have to wait a bit..I always have breakfast after my workout which will involve protein powder too but pre-workout I’ll just have a piece of fruit because eating too much makes me feel ill.
I used to get REALLY panicky when I was hungry and couldn’t eat, but it’s something that fades as you get healthier… when eating isn’t as much of a life and death thing anymore.
I can’t believe that I used to only eat 3 times a day O_o Depending on how late I get up I eat at least 5 times a day but I tend to have large meals that aren’t only considered large because they have a lot of vegetables. I like to fill up on food that will energise me so I’m done with filling the void with vegetables and fruit especially when I feel like something else. Having said that, I do crave fruit and veg so that’s a plus 😛 I don’t adhere to rules as much as I used to. I still feel uncomfortable when I go against some old food rules but it is very liberating when I do it 😛
xxx
I really need to get back into working out (mostly strength training) when I get home- but thanks for the tips- I’m always confused about whether the protein shake should come before or after the workout (I guess it makes sense afterwards to replenish).
I eat at least five times per day, and every few hours because otherwise my blood sugar gets too low…and that puts me in a baaaaaad mood
LOVE THE REINDEER PLATE!! I’m sooo excited about Christmas already, seriously!! 😀
I dunno how many times I eat a day to be honest! I just ‘nibble’ like you and randomly head into the kitchen to grab a snack bar or a bowl of oats at least a thousand times a day, so no idea really! 😛
Pre-workout I love AB+banana+honey sandwich 🙂 Post workout definitely chocolate milk (straight away) and then oats or a smooooothie! Made with TOFU yaaaay!!
Your post the other day totally ended up with me buying the new rules of lifting! I can’t wait to read it. Really love this post and love that you love to eat too! I’ve spent a while finding what works well for me, I usually workout first thing and can’t stomach much so as long as I’m well fuelled from the day before I just go for it then make a mega large refuelling breakfast afterwards. My fave pre workout snacks for when I work out in the evening has to be a lara or nakd bar or some dried fruit. Dates are my rocket fuel! Post workout its all about the smoothies (big green ones for breakfast) or protein ice cream after my dinner after my evening workouts, yum!
I have a similar eating “philosophy” – 6 meals a day and there´s no way I can go on without a refuel for more than two or three hours!
I used to be OK (or more so-so) with two meals a day, but since I started working out more, I need to eat a lot more and I love it and enjoy it!
I need to have a proper meal before working out, other way I feel like I woul faint in a first minute of exercising. A bowl of oats or a whole wheat toast with PB usually works for me.
Thank you for this post, dear Amanda! I’m nearly burst into tears, cause I crave for so much things, which I can’t let myself to eat.
Maybe this will inspire me.
You are brilliant!
Aww hun 🙁 Don’t deny yourself such a simple pleasure – food is meant to be enjoyed, and it can add so much more to life! I know it’s hard, but if you just give yourself a small taste, you’ll fall in love with how good it feels and it’ll get easier from there.
YEY 😀 I love you!!
Great post Amanda! This is a so healthy way to live, and really what Im going for in the long run!
Your food is looking so good, especially that sweet potato. I kind of hope it is almond butter in it, but it looks like something else!? Looks yummy anyway 🙂
I usually run in the morning, and I feel the best when I have eaten oatmeal a hour or 2 before that.
It’s actually melted coconut butter with cinnamon 🙂
That doesnt sound too bad either 😉 Ill try that!!
I love your attitude towards honoring cravings especially as it is something I am still working towards! Carb & fat combo before a workout seems to work well for me like a Larabar or a banana and nuts, probably because it’s a combo of slow and fast release energy. However on weekdays I work out at 6.30 am so I don’t snack on anything because it’s too early for me. Fortunately my bedtime snack from the night before does the trick! My workouts tend to happen right before a meal so post-workout, I normally eat a combo of carbs, protein, healthy fats and fruit/veg like oatmeal made with egg whites, soy milk, chias, banana and topped with peanut butter.
i love that you say that your ultimate goal is for your body to be “functioning properly.” i think for my own “optimal functioning,” so much of it is comes down to not being stressed out or worrying about food – which means not rigidly adhering to any sort of food plan (meaning specific macronutrients) or structure but eating when im hungry – though i think for me a routine of 3 meals plus snacks whenever im hungry in between is best for me. i try not to think at all of the macronutrients of what i’m eating though – i just try to eat what i’m craving in (mostly) whole food form
I definitely agree that not stressing about food is a big part of being healthy. I felt a lot worse, and suffered more digestive complaints, when I was trying to control my diet by eating what I thought I “should”. When I eased up, everything just kind of fell into place 😀
Some days, I find that snacking works best for me; other days, I prefer 3 square meals and maybe 1 snack if my tummy starts growling. As for what I eat, I’ve really come to realize that I’m a carb and healthy fat girl–as in, if I don’t eat enough whole grains and nuts, seeds, nut butter, avocado, etc., my hunger is insatiable. Being vegan and dealing with the infamous “Do you get enough protein?” question, I am conscious of my protein intakes, too, but without my brown rice and peanut butter, oh, my body isn’t a happy camper. 🙂
your food always looks so yummy I can’t take it! 🙂
Eating and snacking often definetly wor for me. I sometimes graze or5 nibble between meals and I never plan out my meals, I just go with what I feel like at the moment!
Pre workout I usually have breakfast so oats+ an apple or nanner with AB or PB and post workout I like smoothies or nutbutter stuffed dates 🙂
I reallly loved this post, I totally identified with it. I am constantly eating, constantly. I kinda love it. I really cannot go more than a few hours without a snack..I never leave without a fully stocked purse. (think almonds, protein bars, bananas) My favorite pre-workout snack is definitely pb, toast and banana!
I don’t eat a pre workout snack- I just roll outta bed and out the door for a run!! Afterwards I have some b-fast. I wish I could have more snacks but honestly I just don’t have time!! I always have dessert and sometimes have an afternoon snack.
I try to have a protein shake on days where I do strength training. I really don’t know if it helps but I’m happy with the part (I think) it plays in my muscle development. I also eat a LOT too.. mini meals. If i go more than 3 hours without eating, well, you don’t want to be around me..
What works for me is eating a HUGE breakfast, snacking throughout the day, then having dinner. I do have lunch on occasion, but I don’t normally get hungry for lunch until 2 or 3 (OATMEAL BEASTS!), and I don’t want to spoil my dinner with a big meal! I think this will change once I get back to school and I’m on my own again, though. I wont need to worry about “spoiling” a meal, since everything will be on my schedule! Plus my schedule is going to get all funked-up with my classes being all over the place. Every day seems to have an interference with a meal time! I guess we’ll see what happens. It’ll all balance itself out 🙂
Thanks for the wisdom, girl!
I too, used to be a stickler for combing protein fats and carbs at every meal …it got tiresome. Because sometimes? I just want a piece of fruit. Unadulterated. Blood sugar spike be darned.
Maybe that’s what my body needs!
I love your heart sweet potato…And just about everything else you posted today! I usually workout early in the morning right when I wake up so I’ll eat a date or stuffed date before my workout and than I come home and eat my breakfast where I try to incorporate a good amount of protein.
I really struggle the most with water consumption. I suck at it and always forget, but I think I’ve gotten a little better at it ever since I got my 24oz camelbak 🙂
We do things very similarly! I can agree with each one of those points. My current favorite pre workout snack is actually your cookie dough balls!!! And post workout I love my protein shakes but I also add a carb to have with it or in it.
Love this 🙂 I feel like you’re always stealing words right out of my mouth. Oh, wait…I’m nowhere near as eloquent 😛 Now that I’m working out more I’m paying more attention to what I “should” have, but don’t force anything, either.
I think all those are true but especially, listen to your cravings! I think that is key to being healthy and preventing yourself from going over board.
What works for me is similar to what works for you, in the sense that I try to just listen to my body. I believe that there are meanings behind our cravings, and that we should embrace them! I always feel my healthiest and happiest when I’ve been giving my body what it wants.
By the way, my boyfriend is a personal trainer. (I’m a certified personal trainer too, but I don’t work as one. He’s worked as one for a long time.) He always stresses the importance of drinking a protein shake after a weight session. I get kind of lazy in that department sometimes, but I’m glad to see that you’re on top of your game! My man would give you a thumbs up. And I see you use a magic bullet. Best invention ever, right?!
Lol it definitely is. I have a fancier Vitamix, but the Bullet is just so much more convenient that I can’t be bothered to bring out the big boys.
LOVE this post! I have to eat 5-6 times a day too. During the school year, i’s definitely 6 times because I always eat a morning snack. Now that I eat breakfast a little later, I don’t always. I think the hard thing for me to get through was sometimes eating when I’m not really hungry. However, I know my body needs it and my body naturally gets “hungry” at the times I usually eat at. I’m okay with having a sort of schedule for eating! It works for me!
I eat when I am hungry! ( which is usually 24/7) but I always try to eat before and after a workout, breakfast, lunch, dinner ( with snacks always in between!!) I liked this pics today, givin me the munchy inspriations for my nighttime snack.
i love your list of things that work. i don”t quite know what does or doesn’t work for me quite yet because i am still experimenting but i just ordered that womens’ book about lifting that you swear by and i think it will help me reach my happy place. i know the first step is to gain a bit of weight, and thank you for inspiring me to do so. you are awesome!!
xxx alexandra
Allo 🙂
Just wana say that i <3 your blog so much, and i <3'd your old one too. Your post's always succeed in giving me a good kick up the ass in terms of whats rational and whats just plain ridiculous and disordered. I really admire you for coming so far in your recovery, its such an achievement and i hope you give yourself a pat on the back everyday 🙂
Nice to meet you, Sona xx
Thank you for your sweet words, Sona! I don’t always give myself a pat on the back, but I DO always give myself a cookie for good behavior 😉
Even better!! 🙂
YES YES YES! i always eat when im hungry and eat what i crave.. which is pb 99% of the time 😉
fav post run meal is OATS.. full of carbs and protein!
I always love big honking smoothies after I workout. I mean monsters. I’m always all hot and schweaty after I train so the freezing cold smoothies hit the spot every time! One of my favorite post workout concoctions: oat bran, raspberries and blackberries, vanilla whey protein, a splash of soymilk, and a handful of ice. I’m drooling just thinking about it!! 😛 For some reason, garbanzo beans always become amazing pre-workout fuel for me, I always get so amped after having them!
I’m intrigued about eating chickpeas as a preworkout snack! But also a little afraid lol…
I love seeing that other people eat as much as me!!! I always eat (like you said, atleast) six times a day….and my snacks look like other peoples meals! They are huge….always gotta listen to my tum though. I am NOT a fan of rumbling tummies!
I definitely think that giving into your cravings is the way to go. I tend to gravitate towards healthy food since it physically makes me feel good, but a bowl of ice cream never hurt anyone.
You are totally inspiring lovely lady. 🙂 And I am entirely salivating looking at alllllll of your food!!!!
Hearts
N
I definitely agree with your intuitive eating plan and that too works great for me! I’ve learned to “trust my gut” it knows when I need fuel and usually whatever I’m craving – be it carbs, protein r fat I do my best to honor it!
Eating small frequent meals and at least one smoothie a day works for me. My favorite snacks- hummus with pita or veggies, nut butter, greek yogurt and berries or banana, protein smoothies.
P.s. What a cute reindeer plate!
I may or may not be eagerly waiting for Christmas 😉
Story of my life with the needing food or else the shakes occur–soul sister!!!!! I am trying to do the shake after a workout thing. But I make a huge delicious chocolate protein power shake w/ cereal and choc. chips for dessert so I try to limit them…although why does it even matter?!!? BTW, thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog, you’re the best girl…totally made me feel better about my choice! 🙂
Seriously love you! I eat 5-6 meals a day..just depending on when my hunger strikes. If I don’t eat that much, then I can literally feel my blood sugar sinking and then my mood goes down the drain :(. We definitely don’t want that! I also try to eat things that are healthy, but I listen to my cravings as well. I do need to work on drinking more water- I just hate always having to pee. 🙂 Great post!
Lol yeah the side effects are definitely annoying, especially if you’re at work/school and constantly having to run to the bathroom 😆
I love the reindeer plate hehe! My pre-workout meal depends on when I work out. But my favorite post workout meal is always a smoothie! I’ve been adding tofu to mine lately, and I love it!
I’m definitely a meal girl but I do love my in between snacks. Water is something that I mentally have to keep telling myself to drink but luckily I’m not fussy and I do like it. Eating is all about balance and variation! 😀
Great list of things that work! Drinking lots of water and eating frequently throughout the day help me stay energized for dance.
aw my little intuitive eating pro <3 i love the SP heart!!!! =) though it would look even better on MY plate so I could eat it! haha