What if I were to tell you that over the weekend I had ravioli, popcorn, cookies, smoothies, crackers, dip, chocolate chip cookie dough bars, muffins, chocolate pudding, ice cream, chicken parmesan, and more and enjoyed it without feeling guilty AND actually felt as though I still stayed on track in terms of my nutrition?
Am I crazy?
No - it's all possible to fit those foods into your life if you pick the right products and keep things in moderation. Those foods would all be typically classified as "dirty" or "unhealthy" but I'm posting this as an example that foods aren't inherently "good" or "bad" and that trying to "eat clean" 24/7 is not necessary or ideal.
Now yes, it is true that the above foods are typically very high in calories and it would be hard to fit them into your daily macronutrient goals, but I'm here to show you that if you shop right, you can buy much healthier varieties of the same foods and stay on track.
Below I will compare the nutrition of my food choices vs. an alternative popular version:
Am I crazy?
No - it's all possible to fit those foods into your life if you pick the right products and keep things in moderation. Those foods would all be typically classified as "dirty" or "unhealthy" but I'm posting this as an example that foods aren't inherently "good" or "bad" and that trying to "eat clean" 24/7 is not necessary or ideal.
Now yes, it is true that the above foods are typically very high in calories and it would be hard to fit them into your daily macronutrient goals, but I'm here to show you that if you shop right, you can buy much healthier varieties of the same foods and stay on track.
Below I will compare the nutrition of my food choices vs. an alternative popular version:
| 1. My Protein Smoothie Calories: 360 Carbs: 31g (Sugar: 15g) Fat: 13g Protein: 32g 2. VitaTop Deep Chocolate Muffin Calories: 100 Carbs: 26g (Sugar: 11g) Fat: 2g Protein: 4g 3. Lenny & Larry Protein Cookie Calories: 190 Carbs: 30g (Sugar: 15g) Fat: 4g Protein: 8g 4. Quest Bar - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Calories: 190 Net Carbs: 4g (Sugar: 5g) Fat: 9g Protein: 21g 5. Lentil Crackers & Cottage Cheese Dip Calories: 90 + 82 Carbs: 15g (Sugar: 1g) + 3g (Sugar: 3g) Fat: 2g + 1g Protein: 4g + 14g 6. Good Health Half Naked with Olive Oil Popcorn Calories: 60 Carbs: 11g (Sugar: 0g) Fat: 2g Protein: 2g 7. Oikos Triple Zero Chocolate Greek Yogurt Calories: 120 Carbs: 15g (Sugar: 7g) Fat: 0g Protein: 15g 8. Mama Rosie's Low Fat Whole Grain Ravioli Calories: 210 Carbs: 35g (Sugar: 2g) Fat: 3g Protein: 10g 9. Arctic Zero Chocolate Ice Cream Calories: 36 Carbs: 7g (Sugar: 5g) Fat: 0g Protein: 3g | Johnny Rockets Milkshake Smoothie Calories: 1030 Carbs: 110g (Sugar: 78g) Fat: 61g Protein: 18g Costco Chocolate Chip Muffin Calories: 690 Carbs: 79g (Sugar: 48g) Fat: 38g Protein: 10g Festival Chocolate Chip Cookie Calories: 690 Carbs: 84g (Sugar: 32g) Fat: 31g Protein: 7g Snickers bar Calories: 250 Carbs: 33g (Sugar: 27g) Fat: 12g Protein: 4g Nachos + Cheese Dip Calories: 485 Carbs: 57g (Sugar: 2g) Fat: 25g Protein: 8g AMC Large Popcorn Calories: 1030 Carbs: 98g (Sugar: 0g) Fat: 41g Protein: 12g Chocolate Pudding Calories: 300 Carbs: 37g (Sugar: 29g) Fat: 15g Protein: 6g Olive Garden Ravioli Calories: 670 Carbs: 74g (Sugar: 15g) Fat: 30g Protein: 24g Chocolate Ice Cream Calories: 280 Carbs: 35g (Sugar: 29g) Fat: 14g Protein: 6g |
Combined Totals of All Above Items |
Combined Totals of All Above Items |
Calories: 1,438 |
Calories: 5,425 |
Carbs: 177g (Sugar: 64g) |
Carbs: 607g (Sugar: 260g) |
Fat: 36g |
Fat: 267g |
Protein: 113g |
Protein: 95g |
It's pretty clear to see the vast amount of differences between the food choices in terms of their nutrition values. I hope this helps to highlight the point that if you put some effort into food planning and choices, you can still eat foods that are enjoyable and stay on track with your nutrition plan. And while this post is meant to serve as an example of how to incorporate delicious foods and snacks into a lifestyle, I also want to point out that my weekend also included "healthy" food options such as chicken, veggies, fruits, protein shakes, etc. I also went out for dinner and ordered Chicken Parmesan with angel hair pasta, but only had half my portion and a side salad so I could take home the rest. This saves 50% of the calories. And I also fit in a quick workout as well over the weekend.
With the right preparation, you too can find the perfect balance and be able to enjoy your food choices and continue progressing toward your health and fitness goals.
With the right preparation, you too can find the perfect balance and be able to enjoy your food choices and continue progressing toward your health and fitness goals.
