What I Eat in a Typical Day

People ask me all the time what I actually eat every day, so here it is — no secrets, no magic, just what works for me.

My day starts with coffee. In my first cup, I add 5 grams of creatine. In my second (and sometimes third), I add Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I try to get in 3–4 tablespoons of collagen each day, so I’m starting my morning with a solid dose of protein before I even think about breakfast.

I usually have my first workout around 9 a.m. (Yes… sometimes I work out twice a day — strength training in the morning and a group class around noon.)

Around 10:30 a.m., I have my first protein shake. If I’m on the go — which I typically am — convenience matters. I like Premier Protein shakes that I buy at Costco. Some people say they’re unhealthy because they’re processed. Maybe. But they’ve worked for me, and I genuinely enjoy them — especially the chocolate and Café Latte flavors. Each shake has 30 grams of protein and 160 calories, which makes it easy to stay on track.

I usually have a second protein shake around 3 p.m.

Midday, I’ll often have a snack — an apple, a handful of nuts, high-protein yogurt, or edamame. Edamame is one of my favorites because it’s another easy way to sneak in extra protein and fiber without a lot of calories.

Dinner is simple and sensible: a protein plus a vegetable and/or salad. When I’m at a restaurant — and often at home too — I try to choose fish over other types of protein. Fish typically gives you a lot of protein for fewer calories, and that fits my goals.

When I’m dining out, I also have a strategy. I often start with a small salad. Then instead of automatically ordering a large entrée, I look at the appetizer menu and choose a protein-based appetizer as my meal. It keeps portions reasonable, helps me prioritize protein, and honestly, it’s usually more than enough food.

Somewhere along the way — probably about a year and a half into my journey — my mindset around food changed. Now, when I sit down to eat (at home or at a restaurant), I always think:

Protein first.

I look at food as fuel for my body. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy food. I absolutely do.

Do I still love ice cream? You bet I do. Especially mint chocolate chip. And yes, I still have a small bowl once in a while.

I love popcorn too — but today I reach for SkinnyPop instead of microwave popcorn drenched in half a cube of butter.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about better choices, most of the time.

What about alcohol?

That’s going to be a whole other blog post… 😉