For as long as I can remember, I struggle with the food portion of getting low body fat. I feel like I have the workout part down but my problem is I always seem hungry. This isn’t a huge problem because if I’m constant with my workout I can usually overcome my calorie intake. Unfortunately, lately I seem to have less and less time and money. Any suggestions of things I could get that aren’t that expensive and or good recipes to meal prep for the week?
– Caleb Z.
Hi Caleb, my advice is to think like a grandma – be resourceful and use a slow cooker! You can combine just about any land animal protein and vegetables with a starch in a Crock-Pot® to cook for the day, anywhere from 6-10 hours depending on the recipe. This is not only economical time-wise, but in reducing dishes to clean afterward as well. You can easily achieve high quality meals for less than $5 each by cooking in batches. Invest 30 bucks in a slow-cooker and it will pay for itself in under 5 uses.
My personal healthy favorites are herb-rubbed pork tenderloin with root vegetables, chicken thighs in chile verde sauce (makes great pulled chicken), Thai tofu curry, and sweet potato black bean chili.
Consider cook time and liquid in your choice of protein source. Half-pound chicken breasts will take longer to cook than broken up ground beef. Leaner meats like flank steak need a little extra liquid, but only use enough to just cover the meat. If leaving everything all day, I’d suggest wild rice, corn or beans as your complex carbohydrate over pasta or white rice that will dissolve and turn your dish mushy.
Use whatever vegetables you have or like – just prepare/add them based on the type of vegetable. Starchy vegetables like carrots, baby potatoes, and cubed turnips can be added first at the bottom of the pot. Crisp watery vegetables like onion, celery and bell pepper have flavors that disperse, so chop or dice based on your texture preference. Watery and leafy vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini and kale and should be added in the last hour or so. Everything in between like green beans, asparagus and mushrooms can go in whole at the start or diced toward the end of cooking.
Don’t be intimidated, Caleb! Anything new takes practice, just like with working out.
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
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Tyler I., December 2013
It was a day like any other. Tyler I., of Brookhaven, PA, was getting ready for work, sitting on the couch and tying his boots just like every other morning. However, on this particular day when Tyler stood up to finish getting ready, he found himself out of breath from simply tying his shoes. This was his breaking point. At only 22-years-old, Tyler was 6’1” and weighed 365 lbs., suffered from joint pain and high blood pressure, and was borderline diabetic. When Tyler realized how out of breath he was from tying his shoes, he knew things needed to change. Tyler shared that the change didn’t start a couple days later, or a week later, it started that day. He committed himself to a complete lifestyle change.
Tyler began educating himself on how the body works. He read about macronutrients and how the body processes calories in versus calories out. (Read more about macronutrients here.) He wisely estimated his maximum caloric intake based on his body and began to carefully create a meal plan for himself. While this took care of the nutrition part of things, Tyler now needed to focus on the exercise portion. He joined LA Fitness in March of 2017, and began doing 25 minutes of cardio per day, 7 days a week, with very minimal weight lifting. His initial goal was to get rid of his fat first and then begin building muscle.
“The change didn’t start a couple days later, a week later, it started that day.”
Slowly over time, Tyler increased the time he spent on cardio. His two favorite cardio machines were the elliptical and Stairmaster, which he said really helped him “feel the burn”! Towards the end of an 8-month period, Tyler was spending up to 3 hours per day in the gym and was down 150 lbs.! He now weighed 215 lbs., and he was proud of the change he had made. While he was satisfied with the weight he had lost, Tyler now decided it was time to start building some lean muscle. This was the hardest part for him. Up until now, Tyler had enjoyed watching the numbers on the scale continually drop. However, as Tyler had learned, in order to gain muscle, he needed to increase his calorie consumption! It seemed completely counterintuitive to what Tyler had been doing prior, but he knew it was something he had to overcome in order to obtain the results he desired.
“The human mind is a very, very powerful thing. Once you fully understand the power your brain holds, you will truly realize your potential. When you are truly dedicated to something, you can and will make it happen. You cannot be half in and half out. With full dedication towards your goals, anything is possible. Set a goal, don’t lose focus and keep going until you achieve that goal. You may hit roadblocks along the way, keep pushing through them and come out stronger!”
Tyler began getting serious about his weight training, and to this day, continues working out 7 days a week in order to achieve his future goal of competing in a fitness competition – and we believe in him! Tyler never dreamed that at 365 lbs., with a long list of health issues, he’d be where he is today. His relentless drive helped push him to accomplish his goals and build a healthy future for himself. Not only has Tyler turned his life around, but he acts as an inspiration to many who hope to do the same. As Tyler shared, “…with the right mindset, anything is possible!”
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
The Holiday Season can get stressful, so we may stick to a routine for the sake of easy planning. Try any of these 10 simple ideas to bring new life to your Thanksgiving celebrations.
I am a 75-year old female in excellent physical condition – take no drugs, now about 5′ 2 1/2″ 132 pounds. I would like some advice on what would be an ideal diet for me. I work out with weights for 1 hour and/or walk 3 miles about 5 days per week, otherwise am mostly sedentary.
Current diet is: Breakfast with supplements – one slice bread or equivalent, a handful of strawberries and blueberries and 4 ounces of sugar-free yogurt and a cup of tea with milk. Lunch: one poached egg, equivalent of a slice of cheese such as one stick and meat such as two slices of roast beef or 2-inch piece of sausage – shoot for 20 grams of protein. Snack: about 1/3 bag of microwave popcorn with a handful of nuts and about 6 small chips. Dinner a large bowl of mixed multi-color raw vegetables and 4 -6 ounces of chicken or fish or white lean pork. End of day a good-sized bowl of low calorie ice cream – about 300-400 calories.
My concern is I am not consuming protein – I cannot digest most protein drinks. Any suggestions? (Please do not tell me to cut out the ice cream!)
– Dana M.
Wow – your diet is great! Thanks for sharing. I can tell you are very regimented in your diet. I’d estimate your protein intake to be about 95 grams total, giving you nearly 1.6 gm/kg body weight, which is above the recommended range of 1-1.2 gm/kg for your age*. Quite adequate!
But you asked about an “ideal” diet. Your described intake may fall short in vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, iron, thiamin and fiber. Perhaps your supplements cover the micro-nutrients. Fiber is one you may want to increase from foods. Be sure your bread provides at least 2 grams per slice; 5 grams is considered “high fiber”. Perhaps sprinkle some flax seed on your morning yogurt and swap the chips for rye crisps at snack. These changes should keep calories consistent.
Keep up the good work and incorporate lots of variety to round-out your micro-nutrient intake.
* Protein for Fitness: Age Demands Greater Protein Needs. Densie Webb, PhD, RD. Today’s Dietitian April 2015, Vol. 17, No. 4, P. 16.
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
The Holiday Season can get stressful, so we may stick to a routine for the sake of easy planning. Try any of these 10 simple ideas to bring new life to your Thanksgiving celebrations.
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
It feels good to feel comfortable, right? It’s safe, it’s familiar, and in that state of comfort nothing changes – but is that a good thing?
There is a saying that states, “Great things never came from comfort zones” (Author Unknown), so why limit yourself to a life of mediocrity? That may be tough to swallow, but it’s the words that many who want to make a change need to hear. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary; however, challenging yourself helps push you further than you ever could imagine.
Now take a moment to reflect upon something you’ve wanted to change, improve upon, or take a risk on in your life – let’s make it a reality. The fact is, many of us want to make changes for the better, but it’s hard taking that first step. As part of the LA Fitness family, you are surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals all working towards personal improvements of their own. You are not alone in the journey.
Everyone Has a Story
The you today will not be the same you 5 years from now, and that’s a good thing! Push yourself daily to become a better you than the day before, and you’ll be proud looking back at how far you’ve come. However, it’s easier said than done. The fear of the unknown can hold you back from experiencing some of the greatest moments you can imagine, and accomplishing more than you ever thought possible, but we’re here to say: it can be done.
If you feel like you could use a little extra motivation, consider signing up for a training session with one of our Pro Results® personal trainers.* They can help answer your PT-related questions, assist in designing a customized workout plan for you, and provide ongoing motivation and support.
However, if you’re not quite ready to set up a PT appointment, or you just feel more comfortable working out on your own, you can still benefit from the support of your fellow LA Fitness community. Share your Commit to Fit goals with us for a chance to be featured on Living Healthy! Regardless of where you are at on your journey to becoming a healthier and more fit you, we believe in you.
Already an LA Fitness member? Do you feel like encouraging a friend or family member to join you on your path to success? Send them a 14-day guest pass here.
*Personal training services require an additional agreement and are subject to additional fees.
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
The Holiday Season can get stressful, so we may stick to a routine for the sake of easy planning. Try any of these 10 simple ideas to bring new life to your Thanksgiving celebrations.
I am about 5’5 and weigh 160. I’m trying to start my very first diet as I have been noticing that I have been having trouble getting around as easily as before (not too bad). Also I really want to start eating healthy and want to get fit. My stomach is bulgy and I have been having digestive problems which I believe are a result of my poor eating habits. Please help. I really want to start living healthier and fitter. Any advice will help. Thank you.
– Sabrina
Not knowing your current eating habits, Sabrina, I’ll point you towards our key recommendations for gut health and weight loss. Read our article on Yoga for Digestion for exercise tips to deal with digestive problems. Here we’ll address nutrition:
First, get rid of added sugars and extra fat. This means to forgo sweetened coffee drinks, sherbet in smoothies, fried foods and limit cheese and sweet/creamy/oily condiments and sauces. Next, curb alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day. Then choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains balanced with lean proteins as the basis for meals and snacks. Vegetables should comprise more of your plate than starches (e.g. potatoes, rice, corn). Portions matter so only eat as much as you need to not feel hungry. Add fresh fruit and low-fat dairy as dessert alternatives. Finally, drink ample water and tea to facilitate digestion, support metabolism and promote satiety.
By acknowledging your current situation and being open to change, you are off to a great start toward new eating habits that should become permanent, not a “first diet.”
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
The Holiday Season can get stressful, so we may stick to a routine for the sake of easy planning. Try any of these 10 simple ideas to bring new life to your Thanksgiving celebrations.