In a day and age where we work too much and rest too little; convenience has become a necessity and instant satisfaction is a need. Why would we plan meals for days in advance when we can easily order it online and have it delivered minutes later? We lead such busy lives it is important to dedicate time to our health and that … starts in the kitchen.
Preparing food provides for balanced and portion controlled meals. By doing this, you avoid mindless eating or overeating that can occur when ordering from a restaurant. When eating balanced meals that include quality protein, complex carbohydrates like brown rice and sweet potatoes, and healthy fat (i.e. avocados and almonds), your body feels satisfied and you will experience fewer cravings.
By prepping, you avoid the unwanted additives that are added to even the ‘healthy’ meals found in restaurants. Food producers and restaurants use high levels of salt and trans fats to make their foods “taste better”. When prepping, you control the amount of salt and oil, or, you can avoid it completely and rely on the fresh flavor created from food combinations.
Prep For Success by planning out a list of healthy foods before you step foot into the grocery store. The list should include lots of dark greens (i.e. kale and spinach), colorful veggies like peppers and tomatoes, fruits, quality, lean protein, and unrefined whole carbohydrates. This will eliminate buying sugary and processed food. Designate a day for your prepping. I personally like to use Sundays because it helps prepare me for the entire week. (Remember all of this work is to avoid being rushed during your busy work week.) Whatever you plan to create, make enough for a few meals, then separate them into different containers. The containers should represent a balanced, portion controlled meal. This also saves time during the busy week to separate out each meal for each day. Just take it and run! Keep it interesting. Don’t be afraid to explore by trying a new whole food or recipe each week. You may discover something new your taste buds love!
James’ life purpose is coaching others to be the best version of themselves. His love for fitness started as a teenager through martial arts. James has completed 32 Spartan Races, and holds certifications in Strength and Conditioning, Youth Fitness Trainer, Fitness Nutrition, and Fitness Trainer through International Sports and Sciences Association.
Samantha Logoluso started her life of fitness at a very young age excelling in swimming through her college years and now enjoys competitive running with her mother along with challenging workouts. Samantha has her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and has been the owner of The Growing Patch Private Preschool for five years. Samantha has been married to her amazing husband for 11 years and together they have two wonderful boys (ages 9 and 7).
Cassidy lives and breathes the Hybrid Training lifestyle! As is Head Coach and Program Director, her passion is creating exciting and effective workouts and putting them into a well-rounded program for all levels to get (and stay) in the best shape of their lives. Cassidy is a member of the Spartan Race Pro Team and is the Champion of CMT’s Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge. Cassidy practices what she preaches…when she is not coaching, you can find her taking a class and setting a brutal pace!
Alexander Nicholas is the owner and founder of EPIC Hybrid Training. He is a fitness entrepreneur always looking for the next EPIC challenge.