Diane’s Macros Experience: Planning & Preparation

This week marks the beginning of a 12-week Meal Prep & Planning experience for me.

I'm following a customized plan created for me by Christine of Gauge Girl Training.

My plan is based on my current situation, goals, tastes, allergies, preferences, lifestyle, etcetera. So, while I'll be sharing all about my experience with you along the way, I won't be sharing details of exactly what the breakdown of my food looks like by the numbers.

It would be misleading for anyone to follow the plan I am on, since my situation and goals will inevitably vary from yours.

I've already been getting tons of questions via Instagram, Periscope, and Facebook about everything from what I'm eating, to the containers I'm using for the prepped meals, to the reason why I'm doing this in the first place.

I'm kicking things off with this post so you can find what I'm using with some handy links below. I'll talk more about the reasons why I'm doing it, how it's going, and more in my daily updates.

Catch my daily updates on Periscope!

I'm vlogging (video blogging!) about the experience with daily or twice-daily Periscope videos that are live, so you can jump in to watch the broadcast (don't worry, only my face appears on-camera, not yours!) and ask questions there.

If you still need to download the Periscope app, it's free and available in the App store on iPhone and Andriod OS. Simply search for it in the App store, then find me there @dianesanfilippo.

You can also watch my previous Scopes in my Katch replay archives here.

Make sure you're following me on Twitter to get notification links to the live broadcasts, especially if you're on a desktop or laptop computer during the day as you'll be able to watch (though you can only interact if you watch from the app on a mobile device) from anywhere.

Food storage containers

Here are some containers that would work great (we do have some single-compartment containers left from other things, so we use them as well – you definitely don't need compartments and may find them more annoying in the long run):

Single Compartment Meal Prep Containers
2-Compartment BPA-free Containers – These are what I'm using right now. I store food in these but reheat in a regular dish, in a pan, or in foil in the toaster oven.
3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers

If you prefer to use glass, I love these containers from Glass Lock. While I typically use glass in my home, for this purpose, I find them too heavy, and space-sucking. They don't stack as easily, and I would be nervous about piling them 2-4 high in my fridge. That said, if plastic isn't your thing, you can go that route, but it can get very costly to invest in multiple sets of these, and for a short-term meal plan, I wouldn't do it.

Kitchen Scales

Here are some other food scales that look good, though I can't attest to how they work, etc. Your best bet is to read reviews, but you should be able to get a good scale for $20 or under:

Salter Eco-Friendly Bamboo Kitchen Scale – This is the scale I've had for a while. I don't love it as it doesn't have an off button, so it just times itself out to turn off eventually, but it works well.
Greater Goods Food Scale
DecoBros Food Scale
Ozeri Touch Kitchen Scale
Eat Smart scale – the one I most currently use

Other Gadgets

While I don't know what your specific plan will entail, it may require that your fat intake be reducde from where it is currently. In that case, you may find this spray bottle quite handy to use your favorite, high quality oil (like Kasandrinos EVOO), without the weird additives you typically find in sprayer cans of oils.

Misto spray bottle

Protein Powder

The protein I'm using post-workout (included in my total daily intake, not as “extra” calories above that) is Collagen Peptides from Vital Proteins. While collagen isn't a complete protein (contains 8 of 9 essential amino acids), I'm eating so much whole-food protein the rest of the day that this doesn't concern me. It's not as great as beef, egg white, or whey protein would be, but it's no worse than any plant source would be either, and I like it and digest it well.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

I use organic green stevia leaf powder in my shakes as well.

Organic Green Stevia Leaf Powder

Stainless steel straws

Healthy Fats

I'm using two types of oils in my Mistos (I bought two), SkinnyFat (for things like pancakes or plantains), and extra virgin olive oil for savory items. I'm also using Tin Star Ghee for some things as well.

SkinnyFat is an MCT and coconut oil blend that's sold by Calton Nutrition, who is also the manufacturer of the multivitamin I take, Nutreince.

SkinnyFat
Nutreince Multivitamin (I like the natural/unflavored best)

Speaking of quality oils, if you'd like to try Kasandrinos EVOO, use code BALANCEDBITES at checkout to receive a whopping 15% off of your order. Along with the oil, the spices are a must-try, as well as the balsamic vinegars!

Diane Sanfilippo / Balanced Bites, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com