What do you guys eat?

[ajm0014]

I need ideas for what groceries I should buy. Need ideas for healthy meals and meal plan ideas.

Can we have a discussion about food strategies and what works best? I feel like this is the most delicate, yet important part to achieving fitness goals. Being able to manage hunger/hormones is the key to deficit or surplus, but it's so easy to go out of control with food I think.

[Leslie747]

Hi ajm0014, you're right... eating right and fitness go hand in hand.  Everyone has different habits and ways of eating, also there are many different family sizes here that have to be taken into account as well.  Remember the saying "All for one and one for all"... well, sometimes that has to happen for a group living in the same household. I am very lucky that the other person living in my household has accepted the change in the foods I create, and we eat together. Simple moderation and less of each thing for yourself.  Remember to taste your food and take your time eating.  Water is also very important to keep you hydrated and it also helps you cut down on food.  I always have water with me wherever I go.  Dieting doesn't mean you're hungry all the time either, use the Fitbit app to find foods to keep you on budget and use the in-between snacks as well. It can be easier if you're the only person trying to lose or gain weight, but it's not impossible to make everyone happy. I also do a lot of food prep on one day of the week, measuring and having pre-frozen dinners or homemade soups available for lunches. Good luck and happy eating.  (PS: remember to treat yourself once in a while for a job well done 😁)

[polles]

I eat a variety of foods, focusing on balance and nutrition. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps maintain a healthy weight and digestion. I also found advice here https://betterme.world/articles/stomach-sticks-out/ to reduce my stomach and this site emphasizes mindful eating and staying hydrated, crucial for good digestion and reducing bloating. Being physically active also aids digestion and overall health.

[mohsins]

---

@ajm0014 wrote:

I need ideas for what groceries I should buy. Need ideas for healthy meals and meal plan ideas.

Can we have a discussion about food strategies and what works best? I feel like this is the most delicate, yet important part to achieving fitness goals. Being able to manage hunger/hormones is the key to deficit or surplus, but it's so easy to go out of control with food I think.

---

Absolutely! Finding the right balance of nutritious foods can indeed be a game-changer. Let's brainstorm some wholesome staples like lean proteins, colorful veggies, whole grains, and good fats. Then we can craft a meal plan that keeps cravings at bay while fueling your fitness journey.

[mohsins]

---

@polles wrote:

I eat a variety of foods, focusing on balance and nutrition. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps maintain a healthy weight and digestion. 

---

Which fruits do you take btw? Watermelon is my summer partner lol 😄 

[KatieMidd]

My main rule is never to skip main meals. 

[SabbyEatsFresh]

New to the community. I’ve lost 13kg in 6 weeks, and I’ve found the following things to be effective to nourish and lose weight.

Just a note that I used to be an athlete, had a lot of injuries, was diagnosed as bipolar and the medications and recovery period created weight gain, but one of the symptoms is also OCD, so I leaned in to that pretty hard.

i make sure I meal plan a week ahead. I buy all the snacks and junk food that I want, but I’ll make sure that I portion them so I don’t binge - for example a box of pizza shapes I will stretch out for 6-7 snack meals. I also really enjoy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. I can usually get six portions of meat and then the carcass and stuffing I use to make a chicken stock, that I can use as a soup base. From the soup base, I’ve had coconut-free Tom yum with veggies and the chicken meat. Super lean, tasty, high in protein. Also very economical. 
Finally, my favourite quick meal is the rainbow beetroot slaw from Woolies. A 300g pack is enough for 3 meals. I augment with bean sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes and coriander, then make a spicy nuoc cham sauce with less sugar. I can have that salad hot or cold, with or without additional protein. So tasty and filling. 

[biketourist]

Think about portion size as well as the nutritional quality of foods you purchase. 

1. At least once, twice or more is better, a week you should have vegetarian or vegan meals all day. This really isn't difficult. Just vegetables and rice or pasta. Dessert, fruit &  nuts (yes, nuts are "fatty" but it is usually good fats, portion control).

2. Go to used book stores and look for cookbooks. You don't have to follow the recipes. Simply purchase a few used cookbooks & thumb through them for ideas. The New York Times has excellent recipes and gives the recipe's nutrition information at the end of the ingredient list. Most recipes are for x or y number of servings. If you cut the recipe in ½ the nutrition is the same per serving but you'll be able to have two or more meals, = less work preparing meals. I use glass containers as much as possible for food storage. You don't need fancy food storage containers. "Ball Jars" in various sizes, wide mouth are best. But I've found the 4 oz. size very useful. 

3. A kitchen scale near where you prepare your food will help with portion control as well as helping to make certain you get a variety of foods.

4. Join the National Institute of Health's "All of Us" research study, www.allofus.nih.gov

[Edword]

I like to eat a lot of vegetable with herbs spices and salt with mince or fish. The bulk and vitamins of vegetables salt and meat/fish makes the meal satisfying and filling. I don't know what is best I am just saying what I do.  There is a theory I heard online that if you eat non nutritious food you keep eating as your body is craving vitamins protein or salt, dont know if that is true. 

[PVik]

I have always liked bowls.  You know the ones from Chipotle, Brassica, Piada and North Star?  But I am not willing to pay the prices anymore.  It think it is ridiculous unless I'm going out with friends.  But what I did was I went on the internet and listed all the ingredients from the various bowls I liked and then I make sure I have all the ingredients on hand.  I grow my greens hydroponically so I have a steady supply of greens and lettuces as a base for any bowl and then I just add what ever I like.  I've been doing this for years now.  What I have in my refrigerator is choices:  a different grain a week:  rice - yellow, curry, cilantro-lime, Spanish rice; quinoa or ferro, bulgar or tabouli;  roasted veggies:  broccoli, sweet potato, white potato, cauliflower, carrots; nuts:  walnuts, almonds, Brazil, pecans; seeds:  pumpkin, sunflower, pistachio; fruits - including prunes, figs, grapes, cucumbers, and a myriad of other vegetables or sprouts.  I also like and have in my fridge the Costco artichokes and their beets (although I also make my own pickled beets) and I have hard boiled eggs.  My dressings include: a vinegar (balsamic, ACV, white or red wine) or a citrus juice: ( lemon, lime orange), oil (olive, grapeseed, avocado), fresh or dried herbs and a small amount of local honey and salt and pepper.  I also use a yogurt based dressing: Yogurt, dijon mustard, a little oil (sometimes not), lemon, lime or orange juice, a little honey and fresh or dried herbs. If I want some meat, I can just grill or roast it and add it to the bowl.  I also like soups and make some - during the summer they are more watery and in the winter they are more creamy.  For instance my potato soup in the summer is broth with potatoes, onions, garlic and carrots and dill, but in the winter I make a roux and same ingredients but with some sausage maybe. I don't think I missed anything but I think I eat a very varied menu because I give myself many choices.  I have lots of color in my food.  When I need more warming and dense foods,  I will revert to a plate of meat, potatoes and vegetable kind of meal and I will enjoy it.  Hope that helps.   

[saad12]

---

@ajm0014 wrote:

I need ideas for what groceries I should buy. Need ideas for healthy meals and meal plan ideas.

Can we have a discussion about food strategies and what works best? I feel like this is the most delicate, yet important part to achieving fitness goals. Being able to manage hunger/hormones is the key to deficit or surplus, but it's so easy to go out of control with food I think.

---

For groceries, focus on lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Meal planning is crucial—think grilled chicken, quinoa, and steamed broccoli. Consistency is key in managing hunger and hormones. Balancing macronutrients and portion control help maintain control and achieve your fitness goals. Let's dive deeper!

[rantenny]

Very cool that you have your own hydroponic greens, it  is a really great way to save money

[valerieleeh]

Hi, for groceries, I usually focus on whole foods like lean proteins (chicken or turkey), complex carbs (brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta) and healthy fats (avocados or olive oil). I always include a lot of fruits and vegetables. For dessert or snacks, I usually make these recipes with the ingredients I've in the pantry. And you're right that managing hunger and hormones is key! Planning ahead with nutritious snacks and well-balanced meals can help prevent overeating or cravings. 

[turhost]

I would like to eat fast-food, so how can I suggest you because fast-food is really not good for health😁.