I meant to post this last night, when I was doing my food prep for Week 1 of the Fit Girl’s Guide Winterwonderland Challenge, but I had a lot going on and the time escaped me.
One of the main things I really appreciate about the Fit Girls Guide is that they provide a super organized grocery list for each week, organized by area of the store. That’s how I make my own lists, so this really appeals to my OCD side. The other thing I like is that the meal plans are developed to get the most out of each item on the list, for virtually no food waste. As someone who throws away more food than I’d like to admit, I’m happy that I’ll be able to cut down on this.
Even though the list was really organized and clear, I still spent over an hour at Trader Joe’s. Partially because everyone and their brother seemed to be stocking up for the work week and partially because there were a lot of items on the list. Here’s my haul, which I tried to divide into food groups:
I had some items in stock already, so not every single thing I’ll be eating this week is here, but it gives you an idea.
Now that I had the groceries, it was time to meal prep.
Week 1 breakfasts actually call for Cherry Pie fridge oats, but since I’m not a fan of frozen cherries, I decided to go with a mixed berry medley. These are the overnight oats that I love. Oatmeal, chia seeds, almond milk, almond butter, honey, Greek yogurt, and the frozen berries. I really enjoyed these this morning and liked the not-too-sweet taste that the 1 tsp of honey added. I usually put protein powder in my overnight oats, but this version had a really clean, hearty flavor that I preferred. And the stats aren’t too bad, either: 285 calories, 19g protein, 36g carbs, 7g fiber, 8g fat.
Next up were the lunches – chicken & veggie power bowls. Because I’m someone who needs variety in all things (life, exercise, food) I made sure to make a few of the suggested variations on the traditional bowl. I also cut down the quantities to make it more post-wls friendly. Also, instead of steaming the kale, I decided to sautee it with onions, garlic, and a tiny splash of olive oil. I’m not eating as many snacks as they suggest on the plan (because I just can’t fit that much food into my post-vsg tummy), so I figured a bit more healthy fat in my day would be just fine. Plus I know it’s going to taste fantastic. I’ve never made anything like this for lunch, so I’m excited to try them and see how I like them.
From left to right:
Pasta Primavera Bowl: less than a cup of sauteed kale w/ onions, 2.5 oz of lemon chicken, 1/3 cup of whole wheat pasta, 1/2 roasted zucchini, 1/2 cup roasted crimini mushrooms, 2T marinara sauce, 2T mozzarella cheese.
Faux-otle Bowl: less than a cup of sauteed kale w/ onions, 2.5 oz of lemon chicken, 1/4 cup black beans, 2T mozzarella, 1 oz roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup brown rice, 2T hot salsa (on the side).
Traditional Power Bowl: less than a cup of sauteed kale w/ onions, 2.5 oz of lemon chicken, 1/4 cup black beans, 1/4 cup brown rice, 1/2 roasted zucchini, 1/2 cup roasted butternut squash.
Last up, I hard boiled eggs that I’ll have for snacks this week, par-steamed the sweet potatoes for tonight’s “street tacos,” and chopped up a few other veggie for lunches and the pita pizza dinners I’ll alternate throughout the week. I’ve never done meal prep quite like this, but I actually really enjoyed it. I’m glad I decided to add the variety to the power bowls, because I know myself, and I can’t eat the same thing for 7 days straight at lunch.
Since the dinners aren’t make-ahead, I’ll post pictures of those on IG and make sure to write a post with a photos from both meals later this week.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous to start this plan, because it’s less protein and more carbs that I’m “supposed” to eat. But I decided to take a chance and try it out because it’s super healthy, completely clean, very well balanced, and seems really satisfying. Plus, I’m far enough along from my wls that I can eat a bit more normally (albeit much less).
Here’s to the start of a great week, and a fantastic month.
Bella on the Beach 
Lunches sound fantastic! I wish I was so diligent in food prep.