Want a fit body? Simple use these five steps to fit meal planning! Contrary to popular belief you do not have to starve yourself to get a fit curvy body, it just takes following the right steps to fit meal planning. I will admit when I first started working out and eventually competing in fitness, I did not know how to eat right for the body I wanted. I had no idea what amount of protein was appropriate, or if one type of carbohydrate was better than another, let alone how many calories I needed.
Through trial and error and of course competition dieting, I eventually learned what worked and what didn’t for my body. And what I learned is that the basic fundamentals of getting a lean and firm body are really rather simple. You will soon realize that eating to get a fit body is no more complicated, time-consuming or expensive than just plain eating. In fact, the information I’m providing here is the basis for my Sexy, Strong, Fit Diet and will lead you to that fit body in no time!
Here are 5 easy steps to fit meal planning that will have you burning fat and shaping up in no time.
Step #1- Use Fat to Lose Fat
Not all fats are bad. Some fats are actually healthy for us and can even help you burn body fat. That’s right; you could actually lose stubborn weight by incorporating the right fats into your daily nutrition plan. Essential Fatty Acids or EFA’s and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids or PUFAs found in nuts, avocados, seeds, oils and fish can actually slow down the digestive process, making you feel fuller longer! Fats should be incorporated at 30 percent of your diet.
Step #2- Get Your Fill of Veggies
Veggies are considered bulky foods because they are full of fiber! Foods high in fiber take longer to be digested by the body, and can keep hunger at bay by sustaining energy levels. Make sure you eat veggies with every meal. Veggies also provide a natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Step #3 – Make Friends with Protein
Most women have no idea that protein is an important part of any weight loss plan. Protein is absolutely essential for sculpting a beautifully toned and lean body. You see if you want to get trim, you need to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet. If you are exercising on a regular basis protein is essential for rebuilding muscle tissue that gets broken down during workouts. If your muscles aren’t repaired with superior protein, then you’ll have a hard time firming up! Can you guess what the end result is without adequate protein in the body? Less finely sculpted muscle and more fat! So be sure to get 1 g of protein per pound of bodyweight! Try lean cuts of meat, whey, egg whites, poultry or even soy.
Step #4: Drink Water – Lots of It!
Water is vital to life – it is needed to sustain all metabolic processes in our bodies. Without enough water we become dehydrate and put strain on our bodies, resulting in less than optimal functioning. Keep hydrated not only does it help our body function properly it is also essential to a great workout. Cellular hydration in the muscles helps keep nutrients in the muscle, and helps to trigger muscle hypertrophy or growth. Drink water frequently throughout the day to sustain hydration. Get at least 8 glasses per day!
Step #5 – Low Carb Not No Carb
Carbs are not the enemy! You can still eat carbs without feeling guilty. Our bodies need carbs to function properly, not to mention help drive that protein into the muscle, choose carbs that are high in fiber and complex in nature, which means you need less to feel full and less to sustain energy levels for longer hours. Carbs should be about 30 percent of your diet. Carb Cycling is a great way to utilize the most of the carbs you’re putting in. Try sweet potato, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal or quinoa.
That’s it! Pretty simple stuff, so to summarize…
- Protein is 40 percent of your meal plan
- Carbs and Fats are each 30 percent of your meal plan
- Veggies should be eaten with every meal
- Water is essential for digestion and to keep you full
If you are looking for more diet direction on how to look like a fit model and need help to get your meal plans under control, please try my Sexy, Strong, Fit Carb Cycling Diet! Now if you’ve got any easy peasy tips or tricks of your own for meal planning that you would like to share, or want to let me know what tips from this post you plan on using, I want to hear, tell me about it in the comments below and like this post!
Until Next Time,
Be Fierce and Rule the World,
Lauren Jacobsen
