I promised I’d go into further detail about my new nutrition plan. So, I figured I’d show you a day in the life of the plan my friend Jim created for me.
I also told him if I get crazy ripped off this plan that I fully expect to be one of those back-bending, foot-popping ladies in black spandex smiling giddily on his website/wall.
Jim had me keep a food journal for a few days before I met with him to discuss my plan. After looking at the journal for five seconds, he exclaims, “WOW, you’re a picker.”
Yes, I’m a picker. I like to snack.
My biggest adjustments to my eating in THE PLAN include:
- small meals at specific times throughout the day (7 a.m., 10, 12 p.m., 3, 4:30, and 7:30)
- eating right when I wake up (I know, I know…duh)
- eating right after I work out (this is the hardest for me)
- LOTS. OF. FRUIT.
- LOTS. OF. WATER. (or Crystal Light in my case, because I’m missing the genes that enable one to enjoy the taste of water)
- no fruit juices
- almond butter instead of PB (yes, I had to put the peanut butter out of reach in the pantry or I can’t control myself)
I have several options for each mealtime. What I have pictured here is just the options I selected for this specific day. I most definitely don’t eat the same exact thing every day.
Breakfast comes around 7:00 a.m. and includes a 100% whole wheat english muffin, 1 tbsp almond butter, and a piece of fruit. I always go for my favorite, the banananana.
And as I slice this bananana, I sing the batman song. Bananana-style.
Chloe likes the morning entertainment.
Onto my 10:00 a.m. snack:
Oh snap, another ‘nana. Looks like I didn’t switch it up much this day…
Around 12:00-12:30, I usually go stake out the school cafeteria for some ensalada, a turkey sandwich, or some soup.
This day, salad won out. And no more honey mustard dressing for this girl (sob).
At 3:00, I hit up a snacky snack.
These EAS shakes are all kinds of delicious. I whole-heartedly recommend getting your hands on ‘em.
Fast-forward to 4:30, when I have my pre-workout snack.
Jim nixed Clif bars from my snack options (too big; not as great nutrition benefits as Luna bars), but I am allowed Clif bar minis.
And then right after I get home from the gym, I make some dinna. This is supposed to incorporate 3-4 oz. protein, 1/2 cup brown rice or other whole grains, and several cups of veggies, cooked and raw.
Quinoa stir-fry bowls will never look pretty on camera. This one has broccoli, squash and zucchini, chopped onion, spinach, turkey, and marinara sauce over quinoa.
I have one last high-protein snack around 10 p.m. This is generally fruit and cottage cheese, fruit and greek yogurt, or my lover, the Vitatop.
This is a recycled photo – my Vitatops are now topped with 0% cottage cheese… no more peanut butter and chocolate syrup.
I’ll be updating you guys on how it’s going, but so far, I’m giving it two thumbs up. I’m learning to portion better, snacking less, and feeling much more full throughout the day.
And for those of you girls who can’t get enough of Jim, I’ve provided a video.
You’re welcome.
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Wow, that stuff doesn’t look all that bad! I’m a PB addict, so I feel your pain there. But I’ve also found the “mini meals” throughout the day help me to feel full and eat less. Good luck, keep up the great work!
Janine @ThePurpleGiraffe recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday!
I am so interested to see how this plan works out for you. Have you listed your personal goals/hopes with this nutrition plan? Care to touch more on that?
Heather recently posted..December of Awesome
you want it? you got it.
I’ll hit that soon!
What is the difference between almond butter and peanut butter?
Kelly recently posted..Push It… Ahhh Push It…
yes id like to know this too because I have compared natural pb with natural almond butter and they seem identical
although peanut butter is a good source of protein, it can be filled with hydrogenated oils and sugar. almond butter contains no added ingredients or preservatives and is literally crushed up almonds. almond butter is a good source of protein, is packed with omega 3s and monounsaturated fats (good for the heart), and helps to control blood sugar. fun fact, also… almond butter is the only nut known to be alkaline, which is good for metabolism. all other nuts fall into the acidic category.
You’ve convinced me! I’m out of PB and will now pick up some AB instead!
Kelly recently posted..A Runnerd Christmas List
Let me know how you like it! It took me a few tries before I was a fan.
what about the peanut butters that just include organic peanuts and that’s it?
Jim said if I can’t tolerate the almond butter to stick with just that. I think it’s a close second to AB.
Looks good…well aside from the messy quinoa bowl, I’ll agree with you on that one!
But I’m sure it tastes incredible (it’s the law of messy food). Wish we had Vitatops here (in Ireland), such a perfect handy snack. As I type I’ve decided I love this font! What is it? (A tad random I know!)
Michelle@PeachyPalate recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday #9
Candara
I feel your pain on the peanut butter….it is seriously addicting. I have opened jars of crunchy and regular peanut butter that I can’t seem to stay away from!
Michelle @ Blogitness recently posted..The 100 Workout Re-Visited
I have never tried almond butter either.. I am tempted. but I love PB too much
I am working on self control today.. There is a HUGE holiday party going on in my building at lunch… I have GOT to stay away from it!
Dorsa @ Running Thoughts recently posted..Salad Success!
Looks pretty reasonable! We’re having a baby shower at work today which definitely does NOT fit in to a healthy plan. I at least brought cottage cheese to have some lean protein beforehand.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat recently posted..What I Ate in Florence (day 2)
Like the other posters – what is the idea behind almond butter over PB? I like both, but its easier to find PB in stores in my rural area. What are your goals with this nutrition plan? I am also looking to had more protein into my life since I don’t eat a lot of meat. That is tricky sometimes, so I like your protein shake snack.
I’m going to be lazy and copy/paste what I replied to Catherine and Kelly.
although peanut butter is a good source of protein, it can be filled with hydrogenated oils and sugar. almond butter contains no added ingredients or preservatives and is literally crushed up almonds. almond butter is a good source of protein, is packed with omega 3s and monounsaturated fats (good for the heart), and helps to control blood sugar. fun fact, also… almond butter is the only nut known to be alkaline, which is good for metabolism. all other nuts fall into the acidic category.
bahahahahahahahahahaha i can’t BELIEVE jim has his own video. i mean he’s a hottie and also a ken doll but this is HILARIOUS and awesome. can someone make me a commercial of myself..
julie recently posted..crowd control chili
Oh girl. That Jim video. Thank you.
theAlmostRunner recently posted..Life is So Much Better When You Don’t Have to Run After Work.
Why no peanut butter? Just because you’ll go crazy with it or is there an advantage to eating almond butter?
Lindsay @ Lindsay’s List recently posted..not my e.d. story…not any story, really
see my reply to that question above
almond butter has added nutrition and is good for the metabolism.
I found almond oil at the grocery and am going to try baking with it. I’ll let ya know how it turns out!
Rachel recently posted..If You’re a Sissy and You Know it, Clap Your Hands
oooh, I want to hear how it tastes!
i hate water too!!! must be an alyssa thang
ALYSSA – FASHION FITNESS FOODIE recently posted..WIAW
Peanut butter may be the most addictive thing in the world!!! I seriously think I need a dietician or someone to help me with my eating habits. I think I would be more likely to stick to a healthy eating regimen if I had someone overseeing what I eat. My problem is the late night binges!!
Nikki recently posted..Random Ranting
me too. I get snacky at night, so I try to steer clear from the kitchen.
While I like Almond Butter, I prefer Peanut Butter because in the long run they are almost alike in my opinion except in a few categories. My favorite kind of Peanut Butter is this organic one from the Food Lion near my house (never would’ve thought it), but all it has in it is peanuts and salt. I really want to try and make my own but I’m way to impatient to wait for it to get to the creamy stage and just give up half-way through. That could be because I have a very old food processor that is about ready to die.
How good are Vitatops? I see them all the time at the grocery store and debate on whether I should try them, but always end up walking away and buying other things like fancy soy milks (going to be a sad day when Pumpkin soy milk goes away).
Bethany @Bethany’s Befuddled Brain recently posted..Blondies have more fun!
oh, gosh.. I never tried the pumpkin soy! I’m on almond milk now because the soy isn’t great hormonally for girls our age, and I have enough issues with that as it is. and I honestly love Vitatops. throw them in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds topped with almond (or peanut) butter! or throw some greek yogurt or cottage cheese on it. so. good.
I can’t eat almonds, so there’s just no way I’m giving up peanut butter. But I’m still interested to see how this all works out for you! And I cracked up at the bananana song. I wouldn’t be surprised if I did that the next time I was eating one. Hopefully I’ll remember why by the time that happens! lol
Amber K recently posted..Sampling Classes and Candy
I am a serious pb addict as well-I could probably take a spoon to the jar and have it finished off in one sitting…same goes for Nutella, but that’s another story entirely
I can’t seem to find almond butter at the store (Kroger), may have to go to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s…but I’m wililng to give it a try! Wonder what it would taste like on pb&j…or rather, ab&j haha
I’ve heard AB is elusive at Kroger! I’ve found it at Walmart, Farm Fresh, and Trader Joe’s before.
I’m really (really!) not trying to be Food Police, but has your nutritionist made sure that you’re getting adequate calories, not just macronutrients (they should be inclusive, sometimes aren’t). Just off of your photos + some reasonable portion guessing, your caloric intake doesn’t quiiiite look like enough to support training (~1800). I totally understand that pictures aren’t everything, but if you’re not doing snacking (outside of “snack time”) anymore, it doesn’t quite seem sufficient. Maybe something to ask next time you see him? (Or if you have an answer, feel free to shut this comment down haha.)
I really hope this hasn’t been too intrusive and I apologize if it has!
haha.. no worries, girlfriend! don’t worry. I amsnacking a little more than this suggests. and not all my food was pictured here (for example… I had a big bananananana with the english muffin; only half of it is pictured). I have a few handfuls of whole grain cereal, some cottage cheese, almond butter, slices of turkey breast, etc. in between these baby meals.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing! The dinner looks yum to me! I’d be bummed about the pb, but at least I like EAS shakes. They’re pretty good for on-the-go moments.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..WIA{Because My Hormones Forced Me To}W
No Clif Bars?! That’s torture! The seasonal flavors — Spiced Pumpkin Pie and Iced Gingerbread — have me literally drooling.
But I guess Luna Bars are an OK substitute.
Good luck with the new plan!
Kellie @ Compelled To Do So recently posted..Emergent Monday
ugh, I looove the spiced pumpkin pie!
this just reminded me, I have an apple in the fridge I should eat….
It sounds like a great plan though and wow is he intense!
I started eating almond butter a while back and now I’m obsessed with it even more than peanut butter. Mara Natha is the best! Your eats look goood !
Wow that still looks really good. Any say on why almond butter over peanut butter?
Hollie@lolzthatswim recently posted..Tuesday Facts (vlog)
read above
that’s a popular question – but in short, almond butter has more omega 3′s and is better for your metabolism.
that plan looks awesome……may i join you? can you send me the plan? id really appreciate….im not sure if im going to follow it to a tee seeing as we are different and have different needs-obviously- but i think it would be a good start for me
Love hearing about this new plan! I recently got back on the Weight Watchers train and it has been just ok so far. I do feel like it is working, however, I find myself to be incredibly hungry during the time between lunch (around 1) and dinner (around 7:30). I have a piece of fruit as snack but it’s really not enough! I must look for some other snack options…
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite recently posted..My Holiday Movie Musts
stock up on some 0% cottage cheese, greek yogurt, fruit, eas shakes, and luna bars!
I’m not sure how many points they are, but they’re great snacks for me!
I agree 1000% with the eating plan. Jim know’s what’s up.
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn recently posted..Magazine Journalists UNITE.
No peanut butter?! That is very sad.
But you do what you gotta do.
Heather @ Run Eat Play recently posted..Out of Cookies – Send More
That really doesn’t look all bad. But I have a question…. isn’t it expensive? For me to really eat enough fruits and veggies, I have to buy what the fruit I like and fresh veggies (read: expensive). Have you noticed your grocery bill increase??
I sure have. especially with the almond butter and almond milk. :-\ but, I’m willing to shell out some extra cash to be fit and healthy.
I think of it as a bonus gym membership.
Good luck! Looks like a challenging, yet completely doable eating regiment. I’m interested to see how the rest of the plan works for you.
You have also inspired me to try almond butter!
i am giving away lots of Starbucks nut bags & KIND bars in my Christmas giveaway! i wonder if Jim approves of them?
:):)
here is the link: http://nicoleandgwendolyn.com/2011/12/07/gwendolyns-christmas-giveaway/.
nicole marie recently posted..gwendolyn’s christmas giveaway!!!!!!!!!
When you move to Arlington can you bring Jim with you. House for 3? You guys can work together to get me in shape, it’ll be fun, I swear.
ahaha I’ll pitch the idea to Jim. I’m sure he’d loove that idea.
Hey that plan sounds great….can u email it to me…I think its a good basic start…but ofcourse ill need tom change it a lil to fit my own personal needs
I’d love to share my plan with the world, but Jim wouldn’t have a business if I did!
that being said, I’d encourage you to eat throughout the day and stock up on lots of lean protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits and veggies. 
luna bars, 0% cottage cheese, 0% greek yogurt, and whole grain cereal are also great additions.
Hey Alyssa! I’m an avid reader of your blog and just wanted to leave a comment and let you know that I love your blog! I have been reading about your change in nutrition plan and wonder why Jim is having you cut out a lot of nut butter? Like the almond butter for peanut butter and not having peanut butter with your night snack? Just curious because I love nut butters too and wonder if there’s a snack I could switch to at night as well?
oh, I’m not cutting down on the nut butters… just subbing almond butter for peanut butter. among other things, it’s better for your metabolism and has more omega 3s.
If your Kroger has an organic section, you can find AB there! Along with many other nut butters!
I followed a nutrition plan similar to this two years ago and as a result I got back down to my highschool weight which is about 30 less than my heaviest! ( I ran my ass off during this as well…) BUT! I couldn’t keep it up because it was just too expensive! Now I’m back to my normal weight which isn’t awful, but I’m not happy with it. Oh! I also found that putting flax seed meal in everything I could, taking a spoonful of psyllium husk once a day, and eating spinach enough to make my skin turn green not only made me feel great but I think it helped with the weight loss. Wow…talking about this really makes me want to bite the bullet, empty my wallet, and start this again…perhaps…
I have one question though…why no fruit juice? Is it because of the lack of fiber? If so, do you think if you supplement with fiber it would be ok? I just LOVE my fruit juices…orange, grapefruit, tomato…love ‘em all!!
me too! I love OJ in the morning. but Jim says if I’m drinking fruit juice, I may as well be having an alcoholic drink. even the ones with “reduced sugar” have a ton of sugar in them.
You forgot to mention the most important detail… Is alcohol allowed?!?
hahaha DUH. I mentioned that when I introduced the meal plan. I told Jim I was only game if he didn’t take away my booze.
Good! I was worried. =)
Jackie @ Briging Home the Bacon recently posted..The Day I Was a Celebrity- St. Jude Half Marathon Recap 2011
Looks like you’re off to an awesome start! We’re happy to hear you use Myoplex Lite! What’s your favorite flavor? ~Jon @EAS
Looks like you’re off to an awesome start! We’re happy to hear you use Myoplex Lite! What’s your favorite flavor? ~Jon @EAS
I’m looving the chocolate fudge. I can’t find vanilla anywhere! what’s up with that?
Alyssa, try using our Store Locator (http://eas.com/products/store-locator), or you can always order it online at EASstore.com. Use the promo code ’15NEW’ and get 15% off your first purchase. ~Jon @EAS
Thank you, Jon!
I finally tried almond butter! Well, technically it is a mix between cashew, almond, and peanut but there are no added oils. I thought it might be nice to ease into a new nut butter before going all out. I actually like it a lot! It doesn’t taste as sugary as regular peanut butter and much heartier. I love your nutrition posts. You’ve inspired me to try extra hard to make better choices at the grocery store in winter!
Kelly recently posted..Row… Row… Row
Kelly, I’m so glad! You have to keep me updated. I now love almond butter.
I love your blog and am very intrigued by this plan. I’m curious to whether your friend will do this for any of your readers
let me know!
i just found you via courtney at sweet tooth and i LOVE your blog!!! i’ve been checking it out for the past 30 min and found this post where you first started your plan. love the tips and congrats on your first weigh in (i saw that post too!). i can tell you are going to inspire me to lose some of my bad habits (and some of my bad pounds) too!!!
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