I am now in the final cut back prior to my Jamaica calendar shoot (you can order the calendar by clicking the link on the home page of my blog if you are interested).  You may be expecting drastic cuts or major foods or food groups being banished but surprise that is not how I roll ;). I have cut my calories a little bit more (about another 100 per day) but I am still eating a lot!  I am also still eating some processed foods, condiments, and sodium however I am cutting back on the amounts of these things.  My proportions are a little bit of a swing.  Some days I will be closer to 20% carbs and some days close to 40% and the same goes for fat.  I do however still keep my protein percentage around 40% consistently.  I am not feeling restricted and I have lots of energy to continue my more cardio intense workouts.

I usually start doing an hour or so of slow steady state cardio or 30-45 minutes high intensity or harder cardio (like hill runs) every day the last week or so out. For strength training I use moderate weights and high reps (15-20 reps per set) the last 2 weeks.  This is basically what I will eat and do up until I board the plane ;). This is what works for me and once again I am going for the look I like.  I am not trying to get super skinny or tight.  I prefer a lean but still a little soft physique so I am not trying to be very taut and have sharp muscle cuts.  I think you should always strive for what you like looks wise, do it in a healthy way, and embrace the natural shape and lines you have versus trying to totally fit a body type that doesn’t match what your momma gave ya 😉

Meal One: Egg whites scrambled with spinach, seasonings (no salt varieties), & topped with goat cheese (I love eggs and spinach!)

Meal Two: Quest Bar in strawberry cheesecake and fresh raspberries.

Meal Three: Raw cucumber, celery, and 1/2 scoop totally pure (no additives at all) unflavored, whey isolate protein powder blended with water to make veggie shake, and 2 small Fuji apples on the side.  Even though the picture isn’t the most appealing veggie shakes are filling, give you lots of energy, are refreshing, and make your skin look extra fab!

Meal Four: Plain, nonfat greek yogurt with 1/2 banana, and shredded reduced fat, unsweetened coconut (I added a little coconut extract & stevia to the yogurt) plus 2 nori pouches (really good crunchy little roasted seaweed snack-only 15 calories each too-weird but good plus packed with vitamins & minerals!)

Meal Five: Wild pink salmon, tomatoes,1/2 avocado, and asparagus (with salt, pepper, & lime juice).

Meal Six: A full packet of turkey jerky and 1/2 a fresh papaya.  This is my favorite jerky!  It tastes awesome, is all natural, free of nitrates, MSG, preservatives, has great nutritional stats, AND your purchase helps you give back to some great charities.

As you can see I have packed in a lot of fresh fruits and veggies and I doubt you can tell I am eating less than my last posts on this subject.  I am specifically eating many of the naturally bloat reducing fruits and vegetables so I can flush any water and reduce any bloating naturally.  Eating lots of fruits and vegetables makes you feel great and look great!  This particular day I was heavier on the carbs but the days before I was heavier on my fat percentage.  I am still drinking my 2 tablespoons raw, organic apple cider vinegar, lots and lots of water, 2 cups of back coffee, and green tea.

Hopefully you will agree when you see my pictures from the calendar shoot that doing things the healthy way can still make you look just as good as the super boring, restrictive eating plans or unhealthy tactics some people use to lean out 🙂