After I wrote the post about how I lost and maintain my weight I get asked a lot about my meal planning, what I typically eat during the week and well, I get asked what’s in my fridge. Watch the video below for a little tour of my fridge and then scroll down for a breakdown of it all.
So I’ll start by saying that my “diet” is a lot of protein, diary, fruits and veggies… which basically means, I try and steer clear of breads, rice, pasta, etc. I tend to eat about 4-6 small meals a day, with dinner being my biggest. I know most people will tell you dinner should be your smallest, but that’s when I sit down and eat with my family so that’s the way I do it. I also keep everything that’s on my daily diet at EYE LEVEL in my fridge so when I run into the kitchen starving (this happens at least 8 times a day) I open it to a ton of great options… because believe me, if I open it and there is cold pizza in my face, I’d down three slices before I could help myself.
Also, it’s important to note that I tend to eat the same stuff over and over… there’s safety in repetition, at least for me, because when I start eating out or go off my typical foods that’s when I can tell a difference in how my clothes fit.
1. Breakfast – My breakfast every day is one of two things… oatmeal or eggs. I always have eggs on hand because they’re so easy to whip up for breakfast or dinner and they’re high protein which keeps me full for a while. On Sundays I make a batch of Oatmeal in Almond Milk and then store it in tupperware so it’s ready to go. I usually have it with blueberries or strawberries.
2. Yogurt – I love Greek yogurt and I always have some in our fridge at home and at Chic HQ. This way when I want something sweet I’ll reach for yogurt instead of a cupcake.
3. Hard Boiled Eggs – Sundays are when I prep my meals for the week and I always boil 5 or 6 eggs. They’re a great snack in a hurry or an easy way to add more protein to tuna, a salad, or even guacamole!
4. String Cheese – We ALWAYS have string cheese in various flavors (same goes for Chic HQ) it’s such an easy snack!
5. Refillable Water Bottles – I bought these glass bottles years ago and we refill them over and over and keep them in the fridge. Bottled water costs money and creates unnecessary plastic waste, these guys are a win/win.
6. Sliced Lemons – I’m 900 times more likely to drink water if I have a slice of lemon in it, so I’ve always got that on hand as well.
7. Tuna or Chicken Salad – On Sundays I also make tuna salad or and I take it as much lunch all week long. I also keep cut up celery sticks, cucumbers or carrot sticks on hand at all times. I can’t tell you how often I’ve been able to fend off a snack attack by eating something crunchy!
8. Milk – I use the almond milk for my oatmeal, Dave uses the Lactaid for his cereal and the boys get the whole milk… we usually have buttermilk in there as well because if I’m going to live off of salads and greens I at least want them with the “good” ranch dressing!
9. Snacks – They might not be seen here but I also love my snacks! Some of my favorites are raw almonds, 100 calorie popcorn packs, brown rice cake with peanut butter, brown rice cake with hummus, brown rice cake alone (I really like rice cakes!) and turkey jerky.
11. Lunchtime Box – Curious about the lunchtime boys? That’s how I keep the boys school lunches organized and you can read about it here.
12. Drinks – I gave up soda last year and it made such a difference in how good I felt. Now I only drink straight tea, black coffee, water and well, alcohol. I always have some sparkling water on hand which feels like you’re drinking soda… at least, that’s what I tell myself.
13. Calorie Free Flavor – I am the condiment queen! Seriously, there are so many things you can keep on hand: salsa, hot sauce, mustard, pickles, marinated veggies, capers, spicy garlic (the list goes on) that you can add to a dish to give it great flavor without giving it extra calories. Consider it the next time you’re in the condiment aisle at the grocery store.
Last but not least, when we’re talking about what’s in my fridge it’s important to note that I let myself ease up a bit on the weekend. Every single Friday is pizza night at the Hollis House and I eat as much as my husband does. The thing is though, unlike years ago when one “bad” meal would send me into a binge, now I’m able to enjoy myself (and my calorie-fest) and then hop right back on the bandwagon at the next meal!
