By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
Benjamin Franklin
One of the main reasons people struggle to maintain success with a nutrition plan is a lack of preparation. Although there are healthy options to be had on the go, it is very tough to tell exactly which options provide what we truly need. Many foods at restaurants, pharmacies, etc., tend to have additives to increase flavors, such as sugar, salt, and other preservatives. The best way to know for sure you are getting what you need is to take matters into your own hands.
Preparation is the key aspect of any solid plan, nutrition-based or not. Going into an endeavor without planning is the first step to feeling overwhelmed and falling off track. In order to make sure this does not happen, the effort needs to be put in before our hectic schedules get the best of us. Meal prepping sounds challenging. Not many people want to waste their hard-earned free time cooking loads of protein. However, there are many benefits to meal prepping that people do not typically acknowledge including:
These are just a few of the many benefits of getting ready for the week. Here are some suggestions on how to meal prep effectively to fit a busy lifestyle! I will also provide examples of meal prepping that goes by specific nutrition requirements (vegan, low carb, etc.)
Here are a few suggestions to help you meal prep effectively, even with a busy lifestyle:
For those consuming energy-dense, moderate to low glycemic diets, the following recommendations can be followed in addition to the general guidelines listed above:
If following a keto plan, limit your lean protein to 3-4 pounds, compared to the recommended 5-7 pounds for low and moderate glycemic plans. Try to limit to no less than 50 grams of carbs from vegetable sources a day to maintain ketosis.
Additionally, you can choose 3-4 healthy fats, instead of limiting it to 2-3 as the low and moderate glycemic plans do. Organic coconut oil and unsalted ghee/butter can be used as additional sources of healthy fats within the keto-style meal prep.
Low-glycemic plans are ideal for individuals trying to lose weight, manage prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, as well as prevent chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease [1].
Whole foods (moderate glycemic) plans follow most of the same guidelines as a low-glycemic plan but allow for a little more flexibility of additional carbs such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, and organic brown or wild rice. It eliminates the risk of processed foods and helps you feel full longer.
Keto meal plans are often used for individuals trying to bulk up. It has been found to be effective in weight loss since it forces the body to use fat instead of carbs are a source of energy. There is evidence that a low-carb keto diet can reduce body mass without the negative impact on strength and power [2].
The above guidelines are based on general recommendations of popular meal plans. For custom, individualized meal plans contact your nearest Cenegenics location to discover how Cenegenics can help you live well, longer.
Choosing the right nutritional plan is truly dependent upon your individual goals, medical history, and current lifestyle. Cenegenics is focused on treating the individual and helping to optimize overall health and wellness.
Our physician and clinical team will perform a comprehensive health evaluation, including analyzing key biomarkers to determine if any deficiencies exist. Customized nutrition plans are then formed to help ensure your body receives the nutrients it needs to function optimally, both now and in the long term.
If you are interested in learning about nutrition and meal prepping beyond the basics, contact your nearest location today.
Our world-class physicians create a personalized plan to help you feel 10+ years younger. You’ll be more energetic, lose weight, sleep better, have more libido, and think more clearly. Click below to schedule a free consultation with one of our physicians. It’s quick + easy.
Key Resources
This guide was produced with contributions from the following key resources:
The Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation
The Textbook of Age Management Medicine Volume 1: Mastering Healthy Aging Nutrition, Exercise and Hormone Replacement Therapy
The Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation
The Textbook of Age Management Medicine Volume 2: Mastering Healthy Aging Nutrition, Exercise and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Textbook Authors:
Jeffrey Park Leake, M.D., CPT
Dr. Jeffrey Park Leake is a Partner and Director of Education at Cenegenics Elite Health specializing in age management and wellness. Having trained hundreds of physicians worldwide, Dr. Leake is also the Director of Education for the Clinical Strategies for Healthy Aging course at AMM Educational Foundation.
Todd David Greenberg, M.D., CSCS
Dr. Todd Greenberg is a practicing physician with a broad range of expertise, including wellness, exercise, sports injuries, and MRI of sports injuries. He is a Radiology Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.
Additional Resources
What are the Best Sources of Micronutrients for Weight Loss & Optimal Health?
The Role of Vitamins and Minerals as Micronutrients
Understanding Your Diet: What are Micronutrients?
Achieving Healthy Weight Loss: The Problem with Fad Diets
Building a Nutritional Plan: Food for Weight Loss
Psychology of Weight Loss: How to Lose Weight & Make Your Results Last
Why Am I Gaining Weight: Psychology of Weight Loss
What Are Processed Foods & Why Are They Dangerous?
Defy Your Age™ with Cenegenics
References
[1] Augustin, L. S., Kendall, C. W., Jenkins, D. J., Willett, W. C., Astrup, A., Barclay, A. W., . . . Poli, A. (2015, September). Glycemic index, glycemic load and glycemic response: An International Scientific Consensus Summit from the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium (ICQC). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26160327
[2] Greene, D. A., Varley, B. J., Hartwig, T. B., Chapman, P., & Rigney, M. (2018, December). A Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Reduces Body Mass Without Compromising Performance in Powerlifting and Olympic Weightlifting Athletes. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30335720
* Disclaimer: These are general recommendations based on popular nutrition plans. If you are interested in plans specific to your goals, please contact Cenegenics to learn more about our individualized programs.
My name is Joshua D'Alessandro and I am an Exercise and Nutrition Counselor for Cenegenics in NY. My passion for fitness began at a very young age and has manifested into a career filled with possibilities. The countries largest epidemic, and quite possibly the root cause of most issues, is diminishing health. In my career, I hope to do everything and anything I can to improve the well being and lives of the people around me!