Showing posts with label meal planning mondays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meal planning mondays. Show all posts

Monday, July 21, 2014

Meal Planning Mondays...Staying on Track

 Often people ask me why I take the time to meal plan.
I ask them why they don't take the time to meal plan. 

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I know I know, I have been there before at the beginning of wanting to lose weight & wanting to get healthier. I knew I had to change my eating habits. Little did I know though that by planning out my healthy meals in advance would not only keep me on track but save me time and money. Triple BONUS!

However...I fought meal planning for quite some time because I didn't want to take the time to write it out. I had a plan in my head I told myself and my coach. She kept telling me meal planning is key. I yes'd her and went about my business. 
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Well let me tell you when I didn't have that meal plan written on paper in plain sight then for sure I was NOT going to follow it. and I didn't!! I also didn't pre prep anything for the week because again I felt like it was unnecessary!! 

Time went by and I don't know what clicked inside my stubborn head but something did and I began meal planning and from there on there was no going back!! I saw the benefits of meal planning my first week. 

I stayed on track for the most part with eating healthy foods. Where I got into trouble though is when I didn't have food prepped and ready to go. Those times I caught myself either skipping a meal/snack OR choosing an unhealthy option.

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So what did I do the next week? I meal planned and PREPPED!! 

the rest was History!! 

Need a boost to get yourself moving in the direction of meal planning??
Here are some of my reasons why I do it...

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Speaking from experience, yes in the beginning it did take some time to put together my plan. Now it takes me no time 10 minutes tops!! The only time I do take a bit longer is when I am searching for new recipes (LOVE new recipes!) and if I am incorporating a new fitness program's Nutrition plan (Like the 21 day Fix or PiYo - both of these programs rock by the way FITNESS & NUTRITION!!)

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Speaking of PiYo I am starting Week 2 of my PiYo journey TODAY!! I do have to say I am loving this program and the nutrition guide is super easy to follow. 

I am a girl who loves food and I am happy to say I have not felt hungry once while following the PiYo plan. I also have a PiYo Health and Fitness group going on right now and they too are reporting in how fulfilled they are!! 

Here is my Week 2 PiYo Meal Plan - check it out and see what you think!!
The information in parentheses are a way for me to track my food groups:
Primary Vegetables (PV)
Secondary Vegetables and Grains (2V)
Fresh Fruit (F)
Lean Protein (P)
Healthy Fats (HF)

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Am I perfect each week sticking to what I plan? 
NO but my goal is to follow as close as possible. 

Hey things come up in life!

Like last week my husband and I found ourselves with a night without kids so we went on an impromptu date. Based on all my knowledge now of healthy eating I am able to make better choices even while out to eat!! For the most part I stayed on track (minus the Raspberry Margaritas!)

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When prepping I still use my 21 day Fix color coded portion control containers! These containers make my life easier!! (I told you I was a fan!!)
Meal Planning can be done and I am proof that it helps in so many ways! 

If you are struggling with your nutrition and know you need help - please ASK!! Send me a quick message saying "I need help meal planning!" and I will take it from there.  
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Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe 
and we will do it 
TOGETHER!!!!
~Alyson







Monday, July 7, 2014

Week 10 Chalean Extreme and T25 Hybrid

www.alysonhorcher.com, exercise in the morning, chalean extreme, t25, chalean extreme/T25 hybrid, meal planning mondays, meal planningThe End is Near!! I can't help but get a little sad when I am in my last week of a fitness program. For sure I am excited because I want to see how I have progressed but I am sad too because these programs are my daily MOJO. They get me going first thing in the morning. 
They break up a bad mood I might have woken up with or had lingering from the night before. These workouts become a part of who I am!! Even when I don't want to get out of bed, all I need is 5 minutes and BAM I am in the zone!!

How wouldn't you get in the zone when you have either Chalene Johnson or Shaun T ready to work your body!!

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Well my time with these two fitness gems is coming to an end but I do have one more week and I plan to make it my best yet!! Of course my way of staying on track is to have a plan in place and that all comes down to getting my meal plan together for the week! You got that right, it is...

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We were away this past weekend for the 4th of July but that did not stop me from planning and prepping for my week ahead. Sunday as I normally do I made my meal plan and today I worked on some prep!! I am now on a schedule where I am trying to only go grocery shopping every other week. I buy produce in bulk and use these "fresh" bags and containers and it helps keep my veggies and fruits fresh! I save money this way and if you know me I am a woman who likes to save money!! 

Here is my plan for the week:
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Trying some new recipes and using some good ole favorites too! I continue to follow the 21 day  Fix Nutrition plan because I really like it!! Next week though I will break into the PiYo nutrition plan!! 

When I am planning I always ask what my family would like to eat too!! My goal for when the school year starts is to also incorporate the kids meals on my meal plan too. Going to school they will be brown bagging it so what I am having for lunch and snacks might not be doable in the school setting. Something to think about for sure!! If you are a meal planner I would love to hear how you incorporate school snacks and lunches into your plan. What are you kids favorites? I know that time will be here soon!! 

Well another day, another week - let's make the most of it!!

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Now is the time to learn how to live a 
FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe 
and we will do it 
TOGETHER!!!!
~Alyson