Nutrition/Meal Plans. What are they? I often hear things like “I’ve tried to follow diets before and nothing stuck” or “I don’t want to be on a rigid diet forever.”
I hear you. Me either. Nor is that what I want for you. There are many benefits of following a meal plan; however, it’s not my intention to have my clients follow a meal plan indefinitely. Quite the opposite, actually. My goal is to provide the meal plan as a first step, a learning opportunity, one which you can adopt and adapt on your own in the future in a way that works with your lifestyle. I will give you the knowledge and skills to continue on your own when your plan ends.
Here's how a nutrition plan can benefit you well after the plan ends:
1. Personalized nutrition plans comprise portion sizes and macronutrient amounts that are specific to your goals. Unlike generic plans you may find online, my plans take into account your health profile, level of physical activity, age, dietary restrictions, schedule, food preferences, and more. This takes the guess work out of it for you.
What you learn: You’ll learn what portion sizes are appropriate to meet your goals, ensuring the meals you make in the future are consistent with these portions.
2. My nutrition plans tell you specifically what to eat, without being too restrictive. Many people struggle to figure out what meals to make that will help them meet their goals. How much protein do I need? Is this too many carbs? Should I use a tsp or a tbsp of oil? Others over-complicate things by trying to make elaborate meals or changing their meals daily. It becomes overwhelming and too difficult to sustain. On the flip side, some folks try to eat the same plain chicken and broccoli day after day, eventually giving up because the plan is too rigid and boring. My plans offer consistent ingredients, but include several recipes for each meal, so you can choose the ones you like best and run with those. You can keep them consistent or switch them up. Whatever works for you!
What you learn: You’ll learn new healthy and delicious recipes that are easy to prep. You’ll learn what portions of each ingredient you need to meet your goals. You’ll learn different healthy cooking methods that you can use for your future meals! You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels and how to put together well-balanced meals, with an enhanced understanding of macronutrients.
3. My nutrition plans and coaching include practical tips and strategies to help you avoid various pitfalls. Not sure what meals to choose at a restaurant? Not sure what foods would be appropriate substitutions for others? Not sure what, if any, supplements you should take? These are all things I can help with. Having a nutrition coach also helps with accountability, but more importantly, provides the opportunity to ask questions and get answers that are specific to you and your situation.
What you learn: You’ll learn what strategies and products are effective vs. those that are ineffective or unnecessary. You’ll learn how to make mindful food choices when eating at restaurants or social gatherings.
4. My nutrition plans can save you A LOT of time, both grocery shopping and in the kitchen. This is because with a consistent plan, you know ahead of time what you need to buy so you can buy the correct amount and be set for the week. No more wondering what to cook or not having the appropriate ingredients on hand. Likewise, the meals can be prepped in bulk, so you dedicate one afternoon to meal prep and then not to have worry about what to have for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’ll already be ready!
What you learn: Prepping in advance saves a ton of time and avoids the stresses involved in figuring out what to cook. You’ll learn what meals are the fastest, most filling, and most enjoyable to you and your family.
5. Nutrition plans can save you a lot of money. Many of my clients say that even though they’re paying for a nutrition plan, they’re still coming out on top at the end of the month because they’ve saved so much money they would have spent before on take out, snack foods, fancy coffees and other drinks, etc. Having a structured meal plan to follow means you only buy the foods you need, effectively reducing impulsive decision-making or heading for the drive thru when you don’t have something prepared.
What you learn: It’s way less stressful to have pre-planned meals ready to go and is easier on the wallet.
6. Nutrition plans can help you feel your best. By eliminating most processed foods and including a bunch of healthy ingredients you love, you’ll experience many physical and psychological benefits, such as better digestion and gut health, reduced bloating, improved mood, more energy, better sleep, and much more. When you feel your best, you perform better at everything else you do.
What you learn: You learn which foods make you feel good vs. which make you feel bad. If you’re only ever eating unhealthy foods, you never know the difference. By introducing foods that make you feel good, you’ll notice those positive shifts in mood, energy, focus, etc., and will want to make food choices in the future that ensure you keep feeling your best while avoiding those that make you sluggish, tired, and bloated.
So, there you have it! No need to follow a meal plan forever. I will give you the tools. You will take the knowledge and use it to continue meeting your goals, in a way that works for you, long after you’re done with me. Happy Eating! 😊