Meal Routine, Diet, and Prepping

@ImpudentIncognito

Hey there~ 

1.) While I don’t have any specific meal routine, I do tend to vary things from time to time to see what works with the goals I’m setting for myself at the time. 

So sometimes that could mean (3 main meals & a small snack in between before a workout),…. OR…. It could also mean eating small/light meals every 2-3 hours. Which both plans serve different needs/purposes. 

2.) I don’t follow any specific diet such as the ones that were mentioned…. However, I do focus on lower Carbs & higher Protein, Based on my personal goals. 

3.) While I don’t currently meal-prep, I have done so in the past when I worked full-time…. As I found it saved me much time throughout the week, and it was easy to have quick , grab & go items. When I did meal-prep, it was typically getting my proteins or veggies cooked ahead for a few days. So I could add them to whatever my meal Would be. Or when my son was still home, I would make either casseroles, or one-pot dishes that would or could last for a few days! 

4.) I don’t really have a favorite meal... I like what I like when I’m in the mood for whatever it might be. However, a few staples that I find that are quick & in a pinch are “Hard-boiled” eggs, fruits & nuts. 

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I think it’s great that you are trying to turn your life around and live a healthier one for yourself & your son. I know typically most people are looking for ways to lose weight rather than gain it, so it’s the one not most often talked about! 

Meal-prepping is a great way to stay ahead for the week. And often it’s about deciding what you like and what you want to make & eat in the week ahead?.. Soups? Salads? Veggies? Etc..etc.. There are lots of ways you can do this & prep ahead and many great ideas are on Pinterest, Google, YouTube etc… (based on your specific needs and/or preferences) as since we are All different with what we like! …also as far as sugar, it’s great that you don’t have much of a sweet tooth as sugar can definitely be a “negative” culprit in so many things…. However good sugars can be found in fruits! (Different Berries, pineapples, apples, oranges etc…)…so many fruits so little time to choose from!  

Spicy foods actually also play a healthy role in diets, however, that’s also an individual preference as to who can tolerate such things. (Personally I can’t get anywhere near spicy foods, while on the other-hand my son can’t get enough and the spicier/hotter the better for him)! 

I also think it’s awesome that you are delving into cooking & it’s something you enjoy! I think it’s also a great way that you can turn the “fun” you have for it & feel for it into planning & prepping your meals going forwards! 

As far as your son, I think as long as you provide healthy/healthier options for him, that he will inevitably make healthier choices. And of course we as parents should never express our own negative thoughts or feelings about foods to our kids. Or “force” things on them, but allow & give them their own opportunity to explore…. And I think it’s amazing that you make him fun meals he enjoys and get him to at Least “try” things, to give him that opportunity & chance! Great job to you there!! 

Subbing dairy products for yourself can also be a great start to incorporating that into recipes that your son can enjoy too! There’s plenty of substitutes that you can incorporate into pizza, icecream, cheese bread etc… etc… and it sounds like you are already enjoying some things together! So again great job in your efforts. 

I think one awesome & amazing advantage that you have is that you say you like to cook. And by doing so I have no doubt that you can take some of that creativity and prepare (and Prep ahead) some amazing options! (For all of you) going forwards! 

….With all that being said, 

Talking with your healthcare provider,

Or a dietician/nutritionist, (which most dieticians or nutritionist might offer a free consult), can also help you to create & devise a plan that best fits & is based on your individual needs & goals to help you possibly “gain” weight in a healthy way. 

Such as (Through Eating more frequently, Choosing Foods with Lots of nutrients, Adding extra healthy toppers to your meals, possibly incorporating smoothies or Shakes w/ proteins for possible muscle building, avoiding empty calories, and also incorporating any possible strength training efforts)? Although I do know you have issues with chronic pain so this part may pose more of a challenge without a proper trainer or even a physical therapist that can help devise a plan. 

And as always we are here to support your efforts and continue to send our best to you going forwards! Please keep us updated on how your meal-prep efforts go for you! 

1) What does your meal routine look like?

I lost a lot of weight last year because I was too depressed to eat properly. I would just forget to eat until I got dizzy.

2) What's your diet like? (ex. Keto, Paleo, Vegetarian, Omnivore, Lactose-Free, etc)
Relatively healthy

3) Do you meal prep?
When I cooked, I would cook a lot and freeze portions for future meals. 

4) What is your favourite meal?
Pasta. with home made Bolognese sauce or Clam sauce.

5) Anything else you would like to add?

I signed up for an online meal plan from Factor.
I get 6 meals a week for $90. A bit pricey... but the food is very healthy and a lot of it is gourmet delicious.
For example: Last night I had Moroccan-style Almond Crusted Salmon with Spiced Tomato sauce, Rice & Lentils, Garlic Carrots, Zucchini & Peppers. OMG it was so Good!
The meals are not frozen. I only have to grab one from the fridge and microwave it for 3 minutes. I still prepare most of my meals, but having a healthy pre-prepared choice is working out well for me. The service also provides coaching and chat meetings with a dietician to fine tune your selection to meet your goals.

@ImpudentIncognito

1) What does your meal routine look like?

Chaos. Organized chaos. Sometimes hopeless. Other times impossible. Up and down. Paper plates. Takeout. Smoothies. I used to eat basically just smoothies, egg sammiches and pasta. Things haven't changed much.

2) What's your diet like? (ex. Keto, Paleo, Vegetarian, Omnivore, Lactose-Free, etc)

See above. All of the above. I have no idea. I was vegetarian growing up. 

3) Do you meal prep? If you do, what does it look like?

Today I cooked a package of bacon while reaching out and talking to someone on a helpline.

4) What is your favourite meal?

Every meal is my favourite meal.

5) Anything else you would like to add?

Apparently sugar is more addictive than cocaine. But I know nothing. If I do, I've gone insane.