No, I’m not quite cool enough to be featured on an episode of MTV’s Cribs, but yes, that is the inside of my fridge.
After an incredible week back home, it’s time for me to detox and get back on a tight diet — I can’t lie, I’ve put on some pounds this summer, and I’m feeling jiggly in all the wrong places.
So, here we are.
To combat this added weight, of course I’ll be hitting the gym my usual five times per week, but I’m following the Tone it Up Plan, as far as my meals go.
You may recognize Tone it Up trainers Karena and Katrina, from Bravo’s reality show, Tone it Up. Together, they’ve created a lifestyle that revolves around staying active, and of course, eating healthy.
However, the difference with this meal plan is the timing — you eat five times a day, and you eat certain things at particular times of the day (fruity in the morning, clean & green in the evening).
So, I spent Sunday grocery shopping, and then cooking up a storm in order to prepare all of my meals for the week (or maybe two weeks). Here’s some of the things I purchased:
- Salmon & scallops
- Chicken breasts
- Asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts
- Celery, snap peas, bell peppers
- Kale, arugula, baby spinach
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Quinoa
- Low-fat string cheese
- Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, lemons
- Chocolite Protein
- Hummus, guacamole
- Flaxseed, granola cereal
I chopped, cooked, and prepared nearly everything! I prepped tupperware containers with meals consisting of salmon (5oz), asparagus or broccoli, & quinoa (1/4 cup); scallops (4oz), quinoa, & brussel sprouts; salad (kale, spinach, arugula, onion, tomato, bell pepper, snap peas, 4oz baked chicken breast & a side of tomato basil vinaigrette — 4tb).
I also prepped tupperware containers with measured protein for shakes, measured almond milk, and measured cereal for breakfast — preparation is key.
And yes, it took a few hours, but now everything is ready for the week. And while today is only my second full day on the plan, I can say I’m liking it so far. Tone it Up gives me the opportunity to eat the things I enjoy (like fruit and carbs), while learning when and how to eat them so my body can use it as fuel, instead of storing it as fat.
Weight loss, and staying in shape is a constant journey, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of — especially as we get older, I am finding it isn’t getting easier. If you have any questions about Tone It Up, or are on a plan that’s working for you, feel free to share it!
The Bitter Lemon 