The journey to weight loss can be a challenging one, but it doesn't have to be. With a little bit of planning, commitment, and the right tools, I managed to lose 16 lbs over the last 50 days...and I wasn't hungry the entire time. Summer is just around the corner...and there is still time to make a HUGE amount of progress.
If I can do it, so can you. Let me share with you the steps I took.
Step 1: Using the Free Macronutrient Calculator
The first step in my journey was understanding my nutritional needs. The free macronutrient calculator on the Midwest Meals website was an invaluable tool. It helped me identify how many grams of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats I should consume each day to reach my weight loss goal. This gave me a clear, personalized road map to start my journey.
Step 2: Creating a Meal Plan
With my macronutrients calculated, I set out to create a meal plan that would help me reach those goals. This involved identifying meals that not only tasted great but also met my nutritional requirements. It was important to find a balance that would not only fuel my body but also satisfy my taste buds.
Step 3: Putting My Meals on Autopilot with Midwest Meals
The next step is arguably the game-changer for anyone - I put my meals on autopilot with Midwest Meals. This not only saved me countless hours in the kitchen but also eliminated the guesswork from my diet. Here's what my daily diet looked like:
- Breakfast: Cookies & Cream Overnight Oats
- Mid-morning Snack: Protein Bar (I like Quest Bars because of the amount of fiber)
- Lunch: Double Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Afternoon Snack: Two Scoops Protein Isolate with Skim Milk
- Dinner: 8-ounce salmon build-a-meal with jasmine rice and fajita vegetables
I followed this meal plan strictly each day. However, life can sometimes throw curveballs, and there were days when I needed to be flexible. On those days, I simply removed a meal from my plan and used flexible dieting to account for the missing calories - knowing it's okay if my macros are off for a day here and there.
The Keys to Success
The keys to my success were simple: enough protein, fiber, and water. Protein kept me feeling full and helped maintain my muscle mass while losing weight. Fiber added bulk to my meals, keeping me satisfied for longer, and it also aids in digestion. As long as I was hitting my goals for protein and fiber, I was okay being a bit more flexible on fats and carbohydrates. And of course, drinking plenty of water not only kept me hydrated but also helped in managing hunger.
If you are sedentary, you need to make a POINT to get up and MOVE. You can increase your caloric requirements which will help you feel full throughout the day (plus the added cardiovascular benefits).
In the end, the journey to weight loss isn't about depriving yourself or taking drastic measures. It's about understanding your body's needs and finding a plan that works for you. I encourage you to take the first step, use the tools available to you, and start your own journey towards a healthier you.
Have a question? Send me an email direct to dan@midwestmeals.com and I am happy to help guide you!
In Good Health,
Dan
NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Team Midwest Meals