Meal Plans

[nene5]

Do you find meal plans practical when trying to lose weight or maintain? I am not such a stickler for them. I think it is important to try to make healthier eating choices. This makes a more permanent change instead of just something for a diet and the short term.

[lrlady66]

I find that it is difficult to follow an exact meal plan although it helps in making the grocery list before shopping! I simply try to remember what is important to my diet...staying away from packaged and over processed foods, keeping to 30 grams of protein and 15 carboydrates per meal, and fixing healthy meals that even my children will enjoy. I don't have the energy to fix a separate dinner for myself...I have a large family. As I believe you mentioned, flexibility is important to you so make a list of all your healthy choices and then pick from them according to your cravings at meal time.

[kat74]

Am not good in following plans so I just make sure that what I eat is healthy. Sometimes I may not like what its in the menu that day, so I just change but still stay in the healthy line.

[emeraude70]

Meal plans are flexible. It doesn't necessarily mean that if it says "cereal with skimmed milk and fruits for breakfast" means you need to stick to that all the time. The secret to making a dietary meal plan work is to count calories. If its 200 calories for breakfast, try to find the alternative that has the similar amount of calories in it. Make sure to consume only real, natural or whole foods though. Stay away from artificially-flavored, sugar-packed food and drink and stay under your daily recommended caloric intake and you'll shed all those extra pounds I swear!

[zacpario]

My biggest problem is I don't have a meal plan, I just eat whatever is available as long as it's healthy and organic. When I get to choose what to eat, I usually select high-fiber and protein rich foods. I don't eat that much carbs especially during dinner.

[fitnessk]

I do not think you need to have a specific plan as long as you are making healthy eating choices and having the ideal combination of fats, carbs and protein for your body. I think too many people try to stick to a plan where they have little variety. They will eat the same thing most days or even most meals.

[shaun]

I follow a paleo eating plan. High protein, high fat, and relatively low carb. Natural food, no grains or sugar, abundant vegetables, high quality fats in the form of coconut and avocado etc. The emphasis is on nutrient dense foods, it is easy to follow if you can afford it.

[shaun]

My biggest problem is I don't have a meal plan, I just eat whatever is available as long as it's healthy and organic. When I get to choose what to eat, I usually select high-fiber and protein rich foods. I don't eat that much carbs especially during dinner.

You are eating healthy and organic food, that is good, much better than the average person. Eating low carbs is good too, it sounds like you have a good meal plan without knowing it.

[Popatar]

No you don't need a meal plan. You do need to record your macros (how much fats, protein, carbs you consume daily).

When you are trying to gain strength and size go for a high protein high carb diet. When trying to lose weight got for a high fats high protein diet.

If it fits your macros go ahead and eat it, even unhealthy food. Ya they are unhealthy for general well being, but that wasn't the question.

[spiderman]

I don't have a meal plan, I eat a lot but not in bulk. I also avoid greasy and fatty foods. I maintain drinking a fresh juice every after meal if I can for cleansing.