Meal Planning For Weightlifting
First off, when I say weightlifting I am not referring to competition level lifting but those interested in a good physique and healthy lifestyle. I fit into the second category and after years of lifting I have continually noticed the hardest part about getting in shape, cutting fat, or adding muscle is the diet. Lifting technique, form, and scheduling is really not that hard and is far less important than dieting. It is so easy to out-eat your workout. Now, that we understand the problem we need to fix it. If you have been told over and over again that you don't need to focus on protein loading if you have a rounded diet it can become incredibly annoying. While true, it can be difficult to always have a rounded diet (carbs, veges, fruits, dairy, meats). The best solution I have found and been using for a while now involves cooking several small meals and sealing them in Tupperware. You end up with tasty, healthy meals on the spot. Here is how you go about it:
The uncertainty in and of itself shows faith and a true expression of love. There are so many things that they can do with your blood to help save and take care of others. If you think of the needs of newborn babies who may need blood or even individuals who may be suffering from some horrible accident, you will have a better idea about why giving blood is so important.
2. Head to the store and pick up 21 Tupperware containers (probably 1-2 lb containers) and choose the size you would be comfortable eating three times a day and feel full (but never stuffed). To be honest you will probably not be able to make the week without cheating so you can plan on 19 Tupperware containers which means you miss two meals to eat one large meal of whatever you want once a week.
3. Sit down and write out some possible meals. Meals that I have made for each Tupperware container have included: *Fried stew steak (small chunks of steak that sell for cheap) marinated for a few hours in lemon and spices. Fried rice with vegetables and potatoes. Mix all the items together to create a cheap stir-fry. Eat an apple or banana with two of the meals. *Chicken stew with large chunks of grilled chicken (home-cooked) on rice. Pour the stew on top of chicken and rice to make a Hawaiian haystack type of meal. Stew should have vegetables in it. Grab a pear. *Tuna mixed with large macaroni noodle pasta with sliced chestnuts and diced celery for texture. If you are home some frozen grapes (they last forever and are a personal favorite) or if away from home bring an orange or blueberries.
Not only is this a great way to screen potential medical problems early on, but it also helps you stay educated about your body and what to look out for. Your doctor is there to help you, but remember that you only see him once in awhile, so start learning things yourself too.
This lowers their iron levels and decreases oxidative damage. While iron plays an essential role in the body, when there is too much, there can be some serious damage. There are also requirements of those wishing to give blood which gives you another reason to maintain good health.
6. When you cook the food make sure to place it in the Tupperware upside down. For example if you wanted the chicken, Hawaiian haystack put the soup on bottom then chunks of chicken and vegetables followed by rice on top. This way you can flip the container onto a plate and throw it in the microwave. The portions sizes are really up to you. I make sure to have a good amount of vegetables and meal in the meals and not too much rice.
Lose Weight For each time that you donate, you can lose up to 650calories. This can add up when you give blood consistently. Another thing to think about is the fact that when you give blood your body needs to replenish your blood supply and this can bring good new blood around the body.
8. When the day starts drink a protein shake before leaving the house and make sure to grab two meals from the fridge before you head off to work. Around 11 am you will eat your first meal (I eat mine while at my desk) and then another at around 2 pm. When you get off work eat your last meal around 5-6 pm. Wait and hour or so and hit the gym while you still have a lot of energy but not when your stomach is full. After returning from your work out wait half hour and then finish off the night with another glass of protein shake. Side note: A lot of protein shakes and supplements are garbage in a container. It is extremely easy to start your own shake company and many mixes are relatively the same with varying price points. Some of them actually have more heavy metals than you should be consuming as well as other questionable ingredients. Do your research before you purchase and don't just buy the cheap sugary mess from Wal-Mart.
9. Enjoy your meals and your make the most of your workout. While this style of meal planning may not be for everyone I really enjoyed it. There are great benefits like only having to cook once a week and always having a good meal on hand if you are hungry (avoids binge eating crap). You can also save money this way by avoiding eating out and most importantly make the most of your workout by giving your body the nutrients and energy it needs to create muscle and eliminate fat. I realize the meal plan is more of an outline but this allows you to make adjustments if you like and find out meals you enjoy. Experiment to find out what you like and make sure to be consistent in your eating habits. A great part of exercise and meal planning is that a lot of health insurance companies will lower your premiums if you report consistent exercise and take health tests each year. So not only are you able to stay in shape but you get affordable health insurance as well.
The uncertainty in and of itself shows faith and a true expression of love. There are so many things that they can do with your blood to help save and take care of others. If you think of the needs of newborn babies who may need blood or even individuals who may be suffering from some horrible accident, you will have a better idea about why giving blood is so important.
2. Head to the store and pick up 21 Tupperware containers (probably 1-2 lb containers) and choose the size you would be comfortable eating three times a day and feel full (but never stuffed). To be honest you will probably not be able to make the week without cheating so you can plan on 19 Tupperware containers which means you miss two meals to eat one large meal of whatever you want once a week.
3. Sit down and write out some possible meals. Meals that I have made for each Tupperware container have included: *Fried stew steak (small chunks of steak that sell for cheap) marinated for a few hours in lemon and spices. Fried rice with vegetables and potatoes. Mix all the items together to create a cheap stir-fry. Eat an apple or banana with two of the meals. *Chicken stew with large chunks of grilled chicken (home-cooked) on rice. Pour the stew on top of chicken and rice to make a Hawaiian haystack type of meal. Stew should have vegetables in it. Grab a pear. *Tuna mixed with large macaroni noodle pasta with sliced chestnuts and diced celery for texture. If you are home some frozen grapes (they last forever and are a personal favorite) or if away from home bring an orange or blueberries.
Not only is this a great way to screen potential medical problems early on, but it also helps you stay educated about your body and what to look out for. Your doctor is there to help you, but remember that you only see him once in awhile, so start learning things yourself too.
This lowers their iron levels and decreases oxidative damage. While iron plays an essential role in the body, when there is too much, there can be some serious damage. There are also requirements of those wishing to give blood which gives you another reason to maintain good health.
6. When you cook the food make sure to place it in the Tupperware upside down. For example if you wanted the chicken, Hawaiian haystack put the soup on bottom then chunks of chicken and vegetables followed by rice on top. This way you can flip the container onto a plate and throw it in the microwave. The portions sizes are really up to you. I make sure to have a good amount of vegetables and meal in the meals and not too much rice.
Lose Weight For each time that you donate, you can lose up to 650calories. This can add up when you give blood consistently. Another thing to think about is the fact that when you give blood your body needs to replenish your blood supply and this can bring good new blood around the body.
8. When the day starts drink a protein shake before leaving the house and make sure to grab two meals from the fridge before you head off to work. Around 11 am you will eat your first meal (I eat mine while at my desk) and then another at around 2 pm. When you get off work eat your last meal around 5-6 pm. Wait and hour or so and hit the gym while you still have a lot of energy but not when your stomach is full. After returning from your work out wait half hour and then finish off the night with another glass of protein shake. Side note: A lot of protein shakes and supplements are garbage in a container. It is extremely easy to start your own shake company and many mixes are relatively the same with varying price points. Some of them actually have more heavy metals than you should be consuming as well as other questionable ingredients. Do your research before you purchase and don't just buy the cheap sugary mess from Wal-Mart.
9. Enjoy your meals and your make the most of your workout. While this style of meal planning may not be for everyone I really enjoyed it. There are great benefits like only having to cook once a week and always having a good meal on hand if you are hungry (avoids binge eating crap). You can also save money this way by avoiding eating out and most importantly make the most of your workout by giving your body the nutrients and energy it needs to create muscle and eliminate fat. I realize the meal plan is more of an outline but this allows you to make adjustments if you like and find out meals you enjoy. Experiment to find out what you like and make sure to be consistent in your eating habits. A great part of exercise and meal planning is that a lot of health insurance companies will lower your premiums if you report consistent exercise and take health tests each year. So not only are you able to stay in shape but you get affordable health insurance as well.
About the Author:
Altius Coventry Health Care is proud to be your partner in affordable health insurance. In addition to health plans for businesses of all sizes, we also consumer driven health plans as well as coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.