I've had people ask me what exactly I eat and how I can remain on a limited diet. I have altered my diet year after year since 2007. At first, it was a restrictive paleo diet to help fix hypothyroidism and maintain a healthy, fixed thyroid. There was a big learning curve there. That is when I really started to notice that certain foods, while my brain tells me "hey, I remember this being good", my body no longer likes the taste and the foods cause issues. It's okay to avoid foods that give you issues.
Jumping ahead to present day, here is a list of things I will eat:
Lean meats (90/10 or less fat) - Turkey, pork, bison, a little beef
Bacon (until I start cutting fat for bodybuilding shows)
Fish and Seafood -Tuna, salmon, shrimp, scallops, clams, etc
Lentils and beans
Few veggies (because the list is long of what I have to avoid): Broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, kale, onion, garlic, brussel sprouts, spinach, peppers, mushrooms
Few fruits (because I limit my sugars): Apple, pear, apricot, berries, coconut
Nuts and Seeds (I'm supposed to avoid pecans, but I sneak them sometimes)
Other: Raw honey (limited), yogurt, cheddar cheese (limited), butter, pea protein powder, eggs, good hot sauce, dark chocolate (limited)
Oil: Coconut oil, olive oil, MCT oil
I usually try to stay away from processed foods, but sometimes you just need a snack. Here's what I reach for:
Pork rinds - Surprisingly, the Pork Good King brand makes dessert pork rinds that are awesome. I just recently tried them. Usually I opt for plain, cheese, dill, spicy honey, or pineapple ancho flavored pork rinds.
IQ Bars - Plant-based protein bars (soy free, dairy free)
WonderSlim Protein & Fiber Bars - These do have soy and dairy, but I don't eat them all the time. They fill that "rice krispy bar" type of craving that I sometimes get.
Simple Mills items - Simple Mills makes cake mixes, pancake/waffle mixes, baking mixes, and some pre-made items. I tend to avoid anything with soy and opt for more almond-based stuff. I highly recommend the brownie mix, but add in 3/4 cup dark chocolate to the mix.
Siete Almond Flour Tortillas - I will use these to make breakfast tacos.
Water Additives - Sometimes I can't stand these, sometimes I can't get away from them. I like Alani (pricey) and Crystal Light. I also have a few Mio in my cabinet.
As you can see, I pretty much just make all of my own food. I typically have one protein bar in the morning, but only after taking my morning supplements/vitamins.
In the morning, currently, I usually eat 3 eggs (scrambled) with hot sauce and 3 strips bacon. I also drink a protein shake, which I make with 4oz water, 4oz coconut milk or plant cream, 1 scoop pea protein (tiramisu flavor), MCT oil, and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I take my vitamins/supplements and then immediately eat a protein bar - to help my stomach deal with the vitamins/supplements. Before work, I drink 50 oz green tea (tropical green or Moroccan mint). I take a 28oz blender bottle of water with me for the morning. I wait until work starts at 7am to grab a cup of coffee (black).
Lunch and dinner is usually some sort of lean meat and lentils. This might be crockpot tenderloin and a half can of lentils or it might be a bowl of crockpot chili. Usually what I'm eating for lunch is also what I'm eating for dinner. It's just me, so I don't have to worry about others complaining. The portions I go for are a 1/2 can lentils or beans per meal and 4-6oz lean meat. During lunch, I refill my water bottle. In the evening, I have another 50oz pot of tea.
I don't often have more than this. If I do, it might be some fresh blackberries, some greek yogurt, some pork rinds, an apple, or something like that. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little honey over some plain greek yogurt and top it off with sliced almonds.
Once I get closer to reaching a 20 hour week at the gym, I start adding in another meal. It's usually something small, but consistent - something I do every day. It might be an apple, a big spoonful of almond butter, and some pork rinds. Just enough to help me feel full without a negative impact.
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