The temperature is getting warmer, which means we’re moving closer to Spring and we’ll say goodbye to the layering trend and step into the season of bikinis.
While this time of the year can be very exciting for many, some tend to be anxious because they feel their ‘summer bodies’ are not ready to be displayed. Well if that’s you, then breath a sigh of relief and pat yourself on the back for taking the step in the right direction by opening this article.
Many of our celebrities have embarked on the meal prep hype while on their health and fitness journey, and although this might seem like another health trend, you are bound to get results if you do it the right way.
What is it?
'Meal preps' is planning your menu ahead of time by diving healthy portions. It is a smart and effective strategy that can help you save your time and money while maintaining and achieving your body goals by paying attention to your calory intake - killing two birds with one stone.
Actress, Letoya Makhene, is one celebrity who is a living testimony of this practice. The mother of four has been posting her post-pregnancy weight loss journey on social media and revealed that after two weeks of changing her diet and started planning her meals, she was able to fit into her old jeans again.
"2 weeks on the...meal plan has me fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans! It's not about starving yourself - in fact, I eat 5 meals a day! But it's what you eat. As you can see the tummy still needs a lot of work, but I can't say that I'm not happy with my progress!" she wrote on Instagram.
Don’t get me wrong, you might be excited to start your journey to a healthier you, however, it takes more than just monitoring your menu that will bring results, being active is also very important and can help you fast-track your progress.
Fitness Bunnie, Sbahle Mpisane and actress/ fitness extraordinaire Yonda Thomas are also some celebrities who have promoted this strategy, and also highlight that putting in the work at the gym can help bring results faster.
You are what you eat, but don’t get ahead of yourself:
Having a healthy sandwich with a diet soda defeats the purpose, find healthier alternatives. If you have a sweet tooth, replace the wine gums healthier option, like fruits. Remember to balance your food groups with lean protein, whole grain, fruit, dairy and vegetables.
Keep in mind that you can have more nutritional and filling options by paying attention to your calory intake. Your portion size control prevents you from eating all the prepped meals at once. According to Longevity Magazine, you approximately need 350 to 400 calories for breakfast and 550 to 600 calories for lunch and dinner. Your light snacks should be 150 to 175 calories each.
It's never too late to start, remember that if you keep your end goal in mind, there is no stopping you.
- What to read next: #ZAlebsHealth: Best celebrity health tips
Main image credit: instagram.com/@lornamaseko