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T. G. I. F. everybody! Lately on Instagram I’ve been sharing my healthy meals, snacks, and favorite smoothies, and have been getting some questions on what I eat on a typical day. So today I decided to dedicate an entire post to my balanced and and healthy lifestyle and answer your questions while sharing what I typically eat in a day…
First things first: I’m not a dietician or a nutritionist and I don’t follow any particular diet. I do however, eat a healthy, clean, and balanced diet, but I will also eat desserts! Pizza one day and a green juice the next? Sure! A stack of pancakes for breakfast and a salad for dinner? Of course!!!
BREAKFAST:
I have to eat breakfast first thing in the morning! I’m always hungry in the morning and I know that starting your day off with breakfast will speed up your metabolism and give you an energy boost! I also make a cup or two off coffee (tip: add cinnamon into the grounds, it’s delicious) and add a Dairy Free Almond Milk (by Silk) creamer. It’s extremely low in calories and sugar! This gets my brain functioning, as I usually sip on it while I get ready. Some of my go-to breakfasts that take less than 10 minutes to cook and eat (even on school days) are these:
- Quick Pancakes: Blend 2 eggs, 1 banana, cinnamon, chia seeds and top with almond butter (similar recipe here)
- Egg + Turkey Bacon Sandwich: 1 egg + 1 egg white, 3 pieces of turkey bacon on one piece of toasted Ezekiel bread
- Oatmeal: I like the gluten free oats from Trader Joe’s cooked in the microwave and I add a spoonful of PBFit, a banana, and some Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Egg Muffin Cups: I make these at the beginning of the week so I have them to grab an go and love this recipe
- On the weekends I will splurge big time if we go to brunch and order a stack of pancakes, my favorite 😉
SNACK:
I always always always have a snack between breakfast and lunch. Being a teacher, I obviously get a morning recess which falls about 3 hours after I eat my breakfast, so by then, I’m definitely starving. I always have the same snack on hand (and even eat it on the weekends):
- Greek Yogurt + Berries: I always have a greek yogurt cup with strawberries and blueberries. Make sure your yogurt has minimal sugar- just because it’s greek yogurt doesn’t mean it’s sugar free. My favorite brand is Fage or Oikos Triple Zero
- Hard-Boiled Egg: Sometimes this will be my snack if I have them on hand
LUNCH:
My lunch varies a lot, but I always keep it healthy which is easy for me because I pack them Mon-Fri so I can plan ahead and am only able to eat what I bring. Here are some examples of my typical lunch:
- Salads: My favorites are just creating my own using a leafy green, carrots, one other veggie, a fruit like strawberries, a nut, BUT there are good options from Trader Joe’s or the regular grocery store like Vons. I sometimes bring my own chicken to add if there is no protein in a salad, and I will also use the Bolthouse Yogurt dressings (you must try!) because some of the regular dressings are packed with sugar and fats.
- Leftovers: I know this sounds boring, but my leftovers usually consist of chicken or fish and a ton of veggies. It’s easy and healthy so I can’t complain!
- Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: This recipe is absolutely delicious and so easy! I made it this week and it lasted me the entire week Mon-Fri. Plus, it’s all healthy foods!
- Safe Catch Tuna Salad: I like to mix this with celery, jalapeño mustard, and use GG crackers. SO good and filled with protein and fiber!
AFTERNOON SNACK:
Yes…I have another snack in the afternoon! Teaching is an exhausting job 😉 plus, I need to boost my energy at this point in the day (around 3pm) so I can get in a good workout! This snack is always on the go as I’m driving to the gym, so it’s always a protein bar. You have to be careful with protein bars, as a lot of them contain HUGE amounts of sugar. These are my favorite (and trust me, they’re sooo good):
- FitJoy Bars
- OhYeah! One Bars
- rX Bars
- Green Smoothie: On the weekends I will typically treat myself 😉 to a green smoothie packed with spinach, kale, avocado, strawberries, banana, protein powder, etc. Don’t be afraid of protein powder, I promise it won’t make you large, but will tone you out!
- Carrots + Hummus: I also love this snack on the weekends when I’m not on the go. Any veggie is better than pita chips with hummus!
- My protein ball energy bites: SO GOOD!
DINNER:
This depends of course on if I’m eating at home, or I go out to dinner! Most of the time I do eat home cooked meals though! Some of my favorite nutrition packed dinners that are also easy are:
- Protein (Chicken, Tilapia, Shrimp, Chicken Sausage, or Salmon) + Roasted Veggies: I usually make a huge pan or two of roasted veggies at the beginning of the week so I have them on hand. All I do is add a little olive oil, a little salt + pepper, and cook on 400 for 20 minutes!
- Spaghetti Squash or Zoodles + Protein: I love making spaghetti squash and have yet to try Zoodles, but have only heard amazing things about them!
- Mexican Bowl: I use chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn salsa, red salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce. I typically dip a few chips into that mixture and it’s delish!!
DESSERT:
I absolutely LOVE anything that involves the word dessert in it. I’m a huge fan of sugar, but since the New Year have vowed to wane off of it (and it’s absolutely working!). I no longer crave it like I used to which is so good for my body. However, don’t get me wrong, when I get the chance to eat a large bowl of ice cream or homemade cookies from my Mom, I sure as heck indulge! Some healthier dessert ideas that I love in the meantime are:
- Halo Top Ice Cream: This ice cream literally has protein in it. It’s so good and I claim it’s good for you (in moderation of course) 😉
- Protein Balls: I created a recipe here that you must try! They’re also a good snack to have on hand throughout the day or week!
DRINKS:
- Like I said in the “breakfast” section, I typically have two cups of coffee to start my day. By 10am, I’m typically drinking water and then with lunch I always have a La Croix (my sparkling water obsession that you need to try). Then I drink a ton of water in the afternoon/evening! I’d say I drink close to 80-100 ounces of water a day. The more the better!
Like I said before, I’m no expert in a specific diet, but I do know that eating clean, fresh, whole ingredients and avoiding processed foods is a whole lot better for your body and mind! Also remember, it’s all about balance 😉 If you want to splurge for one meal, do it, just be mindful the rest of the day. The best advice I can give is to keep healthy snacks on hand (such as a protein bar)AND listen to your body.
I’d love to hear if you have any favorite healthy recipes! Send them my way!