Fitness Tips

The Best Meals and Snacks For A Fat Loss Diet

The best meals and snacks for a fat loss diet include choices that are high volume, high fiber, high protein and lower in calories.

Including meals and snacks that fit this criteria help to ensure better satiety and hunger regulation. This makes it easier to stick to the calorie deficit required to lose fat.

In addition, a high protein diet is crucial for muscle retention while dieting. Otherwise the risk of muscle loss during dieting makes any weight loss results less sustainable. Aiming for 1g of protein per pound of ideal bodyweight everyday is a great target.

It’s also important to include foods that are delicious and flavorful. Any fat loss diet that lacks the opportunity for food enjoyment requires unnecessary levels of will power. When we feel overly restricted and bored, diet adherence disintegrates.

Next is a list of some of my favorite meals and snacks to include in a fat loss phase.

  • Air Popped Popcorn seasoned with grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder
  • Fresh Fruit such as sliced apple dusted with cinnamon
  • Frozen Fruit such as mixed berries sprinkled with cocoa
  • Hearty Soup or Stew packed with a lean protein source and loads of vegetables
  • Huge Salad filled with a variety of vegetables, a lean protein source, and a light dressing
  • High Protein Homemade Baked Treat such as chocolate brownies made with greek yogurt instead of butter and protein powder instead of wheat flour
  • Fruit And Protein Smoothie containing a scoop or two of flavored protein powder and frozen strawberries and bananas

I highly recommend putting the time in to learn how to turn your favorite foods and recipes into healthier versions by swapping in better ingredients. My e cookbooks are filled with ways to do this. They are also filled with over 100 of my tried and true recipes for soups, dressings, brownies, cookies, smoothies, and so much more!

Click for details. https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

They contain all the recipes I have personally created and used consistently to lose fat, build muscle, and keep off over 140 lbs for years!

Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.
www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Great Snacks For Losing Fat

When it comes to a successful fat loss phase, sticking to a calorie deficit is a must.  These 2 low calorie snacks help curb cravings and increase satiety with their bright and refreshing flavors and volume.  

Fat Loss Snack #1: Savory Salsa and Fresh Veggies

Use any low calorie salsa (check label and avoid any with added sugar) as a dip and fresh sliced veggies as “chips”.  I especially love a spicy salsa during fat loss phases to help curb appetite even further. Veggies that work great with salsa include sliced cucumbers, peppers, carrots, and celery.  About 50 calories for 1/4 cup of salsa and 100g sliced veggies.  

Great paired with chicken and cheese quesadillas made using low carb wraps for a complete low calorie and high protein meal. 

Fat Loss Snack #2: Light and Sweet Berries in Jello

Using flavored sugar free jello and any combo of berries prepare the jello according to box directions and stir in 250g of berries.  Set in the refrigerator overnight or for 4-6 hours.  About 130 calories for a huge bowl!  

Great paired with greek yogurt for a complete low calorie and high protein meal. 

Need plenty of meal prep ideas, recipes, and tips to help you reach your goals? My e- cookbooks are available! Click below for details. Find over 100 macro friendly recipes and so much more.

    https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

    Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fitness Tips

    Never Quit: The Only Way To Guarantee No Results Is To Give Up

    Now 8 years into my journey I get a lot of comments such as “Well, it’s easier for you because_____.  It’s harder for me because_____. “

    I wouldn’t call the efforts required over 4 years to lose 145lbs and another 4 years of maintaining and leveling up my body composition.… easy.  But that’s beside the point.  No one wins in the competition of who’s had it the hardest.  

    We all have our own unique set of circumstances and challenges that we navigate while prioritizing our heath and well being.   

    The great thing about living a healthy life with healthy habits and routines is that it works for everyone.  

    Young and old.  

    Underweight and overweight.  

    Weak and injured.  

    Through all stages of life and through all manner of struggles, we all benefit from taking care of ourselves with a healthy lifestyle.

    It is a huge step to let go of the narrative of old self limiting beliefs and to start putting our energy in the right places.

    I promise that each of our own challenges and life histories do not need to be a permanent crutch.  We need to let go of comparison and allow all the things we have uniquely survived remind us of how awesome and capable and resilient we are.   

    When new purpose outweighs old excuses results have no choice but to follow.

    The only way to guarantee no results is to give up. 

    Never Quit!

    If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

    See my client testimonials.

    www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

    Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fitness Tips

    5 Proactive Fitness Habits To Start Now 

    Over the course of losing and keeping off 145lbs I have learned quite a bit about what it takes to make weight loss not only possible, but also sustainable. 

    It can feel hard to build new habits. That’s why it is best to keep things as simple as possible. It’s amazing how all the small things we do each day add up with time and consistency, not perfection.

    Here are 5 proactive habits you can begin doing now to help you get and stay fit long term.

    1. Cook: make most of your meals at home.
    2. Grocery shop: do this weekly to make sure you always have fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins available. 
    3. Walk: Move more often throughout the day. Bonus points if you can do it outside. 
    4. Don’t snack: Mindless snacking makes it so easy to overeat. Aim for 3-5 meals each containing at least 25g lean protein and a fruit and/or veg at consistent meal times. 
    5. Found Moment Exercise: Don’t let the excuse of not having enough time stop you from doing something! A solid session of resistance training is great. But if time is limited a set of push ups or bodyweight squats sprinkled throughout the day really add up! 

    If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

    See my client testimonials.

    www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

    Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fit Recipes!

    The Best Macro Friendly Lasagna Recipe For Meal Prep

    This lasagna is one of my staple dinners. Using simple ingredients and a few key swaps to cut back on the calorie load of a typical lasagna it is an amazing option that the entire family will enjoy. Made in bulk, it is still delicious when reheated during the week. 

    Meal planning and meal prep is a huge part of my weight management success. I plan each week what my meals are going to be and their portions. Then I grocery shop and prep ahead of time for those meals. 

    To keep and maintain my results I continue to set myself up for success on a daily basis. It’s those moments when we feel tired and hungry that we make the easiest and fastest choice. For me, that used to mean carry out or having extra snacks while waiting on my main meal to come together. However, planning and preparing ahead makes the fastest and easiest choice also the best choice for my health and fitness goals. 

    The recipe for my Macro Friendly Lasagna is from the Bulk Meal Prep section of my e cookbook “The Art of Meal Prep for Sustainable Living Volume 1”. 

    The recipe pages are taken straight from the cookbook. Free recipe below. Give it a try and see what you think!

    I wrote my cookbooks so I could have all my go to recipes in a convenient location to make choosing what to meal prep each week easier. But I am excited to be able to share them with you too. This way you have plenty of easy and delicious recipes to help you reach and maintain your own fitness goals. 

    If you want over 120 more of my recipes in two convenient E Cookbooks check out my website for details on how to get your own copies.  Click below for details. 

    https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

    Here is a review for Volume 1. 

    “Melanie has managed to put together an amazing collection of recipes which are not only macro friendly and easy to make, they are incredibly delicious! This recipe collection is a must have for anyone. Every recipe is easy to make, full of flavour and fits into my lifestyle! Thank you Melanie for sharing all your wonderful creations!” -Wendy D.

    Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fit Recipes!, Fitness Tips

    Great On The Go High Protein Meal Ideas

    We should get at least 30g of high quality protein in each of our meals even when we are on the go.  Next are 3 high protein meal ideas that are great options even on the busiest of days to help you reach your protein goals and help you stick to your daily nutritional goals.  

    This post is inspired by my recent family medical emergency and are the exact meals I used to keep my highly stressed and sleep deprived brain and body functional as I cared for my daughter during her hospital stay.  (Update: She is now fully recovered!!!)

    1. Pack 2 scoops of protein powder and an apple or banana.  Simply mix the protein powder in water, a coffee, or other preferred beverage while out and about.  Add in a whole piece of fruit for convenience, fiber, and increased satiety.  Very quick and easy to pack when you are rushing out the door.  
    2. Make a “yummy bowl.”  This yogurt and fruit bowl is my favorite on the go option!  (In my 2nd cookbook I call it the Overnight Dessert Recovery Bowl because I generally make it for my evening dessert) For ease at my house, I refer to it as my “yummy bowl”.  It’s super easy to make and bring in a cooler. See below for a screen shot of the full recipe direct from my e cookbook.   
    3. Buy the best high protein options you can find.  Sometimes we don’t have time to pack or an emergency occurs and there is no other choice.  Read labels and opt for prepared foods that are high in protein and lower in fat such as greek yogurt, a turkey sandwich wrap, and Fair Life Core Power high protein milk.  Add in a piece of whole fruit for more low calorie volume and satiety instead of opting for a side of chips or a cookie.  

    You have choices.  Eating like crap never helps you feel better.  

    Whatever the day brings you can make the choice that aligns you with your long term goals and helps you feel your best.

    Prioritize your health and well being and let the excuse of being “too busy” go.

    Getting and staying fit is always worth the effort.  

    Screenshot from my E Cookbook “The Art Of Meal Prep For Sustainable Living Volume 2”

    Need some more fun and delicious recipes to help you reach your goals? My e- cookbooks are available! Click below for details. 

    https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

    Find the Overnight Dessert Recovery Bowl in Volume 2 as well as many more delicious and macro friendly recipes for bulk prep, quick prep, sweets and snacks prep and so much more.

    Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fitness Tips

    Secrets To Losing Weight and Keeping It Off For Good

    8 years between these pictures.  You want to know the secrets to losing weight and keeping it off for good?  

    Well… there are no secrets.

    No magic diet, or pill you can take to make the body fat melt off.  

    It takes consistent WORK.  It takes changing bad habits for good.  

    It takes realizing habits you thought were good really aren’t if you are not seeing results.  

    It takes prioritizing your long term health over your short term wants every single day.  

    It takes falling in love with the process.  

    It takes a radical mindset shift, determination, and good information to help you along the way.  

    3 helpful tips to get you going on your Sustainable Living fitness journey.

    1. Be Patient. Sustainable results are slow going.  If the process was quick and easy we would all be walking around in our dream bodies.  Losing 2-4 pounds a month is amazing progress!  
    2. Be Realistic. Set daily goals that you can actually achieve.  If you haven’t exercised in months, don’t expect to hit it hard from the start, training 6 days a week and an hour everyday.  This will burn you out.  Daily walks and a couple 30 minute full body workouts per week are a great start. 
    3. Celebrate your daily wins!  Big and small.  If you make a mistake or fall off track, that’s okay.  Learning how to lose weight and keep it off is a skill.  It takes practice.  Don’t beat yourself up.  Be kind and keep going NOW.

    You are only one good habit away from being back on track. 

    Drink a glass of water, take a 10 minute walk, or enjoy 3 deep slow breaths.  Cool.  Now you are back on track!!  Make those small efforts add up so you can lose weight AND keep it off for good!

    If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

    See my client testimonials.

    www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

    Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fitness Tips

    The Best Low Calorie Sauces and Condiments

    Healthy whole foods do not need to be boring and plain. Keep my top 5 everyday sauces and condiments on hand so you can always add flavor, texture and variety to your meals without loads of excess calories.

    • Yellow Mustard
    • Monk Fruit Granulated Sweetener
    • Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
    • Dill Pickles
    • Hot Sauce

    Looking for ways to make all your healthy and homemade meals flavorful? Click here to learn more about my E Cookbooks. “The Art Of Meal Prep For Sustainable Living Volumes 1 and 2” are dedicated to meal prep and to eating well without sacrificing enjoyment or flavor.

    Fitness Tips

    How To Get Back On Track Now

    How to get back on track now if you miss a workout, not meet your step goal, or deviate from your nutritional goals by under or over eating.

    Here are the best next steps to get back on track.

    physiotherapy-weight-training-dumbbell-exercise-balls-39671.jpeg
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Reflect: Why did it happen?

    Learn: What circumstances preceded the events that led to it?

    Plan: Is there a way to make it easier for you to stick to your goals in the future?

    Keep Going: Consistency not perfection. It’s what you do most of the time that matters.

    Don’t be discouraged if you fall off track. Everyone does. The only way to discover your potential is if you keep going.

    Remember, a fitness journey lasts a lifetime.

    Reflect- Learn- Plan- Keep Going

    You’ve got this!

    Use these steps to help you reach your fitness goals and to help you maintain your hard earned results long term.

    If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

    www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

    Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Fitness Tips

    Mindset Tips: How To Stay On Track Even When It Gets Hard

    barbell on the floor
    Photo by Leon Ardho on Pexels.com

    “What can I do today that adds value to me tomorrow.”

    It’s easy to succumb to short term convenience and comforts when we are tired, hungry, stressed or overwhelmed.  Especially at the end of a long day or week.  

    Most of us do not deviate from our action plan when things are easy.  We veer off track when things get hard, inconvenient, or require more effort than we expect.  

    When this inevitably happens.  Shift your mindset and REMEMBER that your long term goals are valuable and hold a greater purpose than how you feel in this fleeting moment.  

    Stay true to what you know you should do.  Keep the promises you made to yourself.  Your tomorrow self will thank you that you persevered today.   

    Every week I have the opportunity to hear how my 1 on 1 clients stay consistent to their long term goals despite their circumstances and about the rewards and benefits they see because of their previous consistency.

    We call these Non Scale Victories and I have all my clients share at least one with me each check in.    

    Next are a few non scale victories that were shared with me recently.

    1. Eating well and nailing their full body resistance workouts while on full time kid duty and a husband out of town.  This includes a very active, nap skipping toddler!
    2. Keeping to their nutritional goals despite the stress of moving halfway around the world, starting a new job, finding a car, and a new home.  
    3. Getting to play in the snow and keep up with their kid for sled riding.
    4. Having someone comment about how buff their arms are now.
    5. Seeing noticeable quad growth while waist measurements stay the same.  Lean Gains!

    We all lead full and busy lives.  

    It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of the moment.

    Hold strong.

    We are all more capable and resilient than we realize.

    On your own fitness journey pay attention to your many non scale victories.

    Victories such as:

    • Increased strength, endurance and mobility
    • Increased self confidence and self efficacy 
    • Less anxiety around food
    • Better Sleep
    • More ability to cope with negative stressors and less overall stress 
    • More energy for daily tasks
    • Less joint and muscle aches or pains  

    Allow these victories to help you remember that making your fitness a priority is always worth it. 

    If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s. 

    www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

    Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving