Inspire Me Thin

So let me explain as I’ve kind of tweaked it a little bit since I started this method last month. I do not eat insane amounts of protein. The recommend totals our bodies need are 10%-35% of protein, 45%-65% carbs, and 10%-35% fat. I track these totals on Caloriecount.com You hover over the analysis thing and it tells you the percentages as well as grams. It’s great :)

Anyway, I took Atkin’s idea of “high protein” “low carb” and applied the same principles to my diet. I did this because I noticed I would get really sleepy and hungry within an hour of eating a high-carb meal. Even if it was oatmeal or lots of whole grains. Still had the same effect. Protein WITH complex-carbs keeps me satiated longer. So I started basing almost everything I eat off of protein (lean meats, plants, fish, etc). Rarely will I eat JUST a piece of chicken, or JUST a piece of fruit. I always always always try to balance out my meals with protein, grains, and a little bit of fat if I can.

I did not go so extreme as Atkins does though because I know the importance of carbs. My idea of “high protein” is aiming for the higher end 35% of protein for the day (or anywhere between 100-130g of protein), and my idea for “low-carb” is aiming for the lower 30%-40% of carbs. Of course there are always days that I go over in my carb range and I don’t meet my protein range. I do not try to eat more than 130g of protein though because too much protein is bad! These numbers are based on a 1600-calorie diet. 

Here are some of my favourite meals that keep me satiated the longest and provide a really awesome balance of all 3 macro nutrients:

• 2 eggs, chopped up veggies, black beans, spinach, cucumbers, 1 slice whole grain toast. 
• Old fashioned oats, berries (blueberries, strawberries, or banana, or an apple whatever), 1 slice whole grain toast, peanut butter.
• Tuna, 1 slice whole grain toast, light mayo, avocado, lettuce, tomato.
• Chicken breast, whole grain rice, veggies.
• Greek yogurt with berries as a light snack.
• Buckwheat, gravy made with whole wheat flour, lean beef chunks, veggies.
• Any fish fillet, tons of veggies, whole grain toast, avocado spread.
• Barley vegetable soup (with beans), grated cheese, whole grain toast, avocado spread.

The possibilities are endless. As you can notice, I love whole grain toast. But I limit myself to two slices per day otherwise I’d be in carb-overload. And avocado is a great way to add a little dose of healthy fat to your diet. Healthy fats will also help you feel satiated longer. :) 

So yeah, I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.