meal planning

Auto Added by WPeMatico

The POPFLEX 2026 Fit Planner is here!

The POPFLEX 2026 Fit Planner is here! Can’t believe I’ve been making planners for 13 years!? Look at all my babies! Ready to see what 2026 looks like? Let’s walk through the 2026 Fit Planner   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates) SHOP 2026 FIT PLANNER First, choose your cover You can choose from two covers: colorful or black with holographic shine. I know both are stunning and it may feel hard to choose but trust me you cannot go wrong because they’re both the exact same inside! SHOP 2026 FIT PLANNER What’s inside Over the years, we’ve added and perfected the details of this planner to make it so you can track everything in one place. When you open your planner (after you write your name ofc), you’ll find some self-improvement pages that get you thinking deeper about yourself. Gotta spend a little quality time with yourself to get ready for the next part, which is… Goal planning. List your goals for 2026 here. Really think about your vision. Once that’s done, you’ll be into the main area of the planner AKA Jan-Dec. SHOP 2026 FIT PLANNER Here you’ll find a monthly spread and a place for you to write out your smaller goals and how you’re going to accomplish them. There’s also a habit tracker, cycle tracker, and measurement tracker for if you’re on a fitness journey! Next up, a weekly spread which is just a full on workout planner with a grocery list. Then we get into the daily pages that look like your typical planner with some bonus features! You have space for your daily to-do list, plus a place to track your mood, sleep, hydration and meals. At the end of each month, you’ll reflect on everything you set out to do at the beginning and what you accomplished! Give yourself ALL the credit before sliding into a new month. It’s not like a regular planner It’s a cool planner with fun features like workout challenges and healthy recipes sprinkled throughout! There are also plenty of blank pages in the back for jotting down thoughts and ideas and a pocket with stickers!   Small side note, you’ll find the OG 100 Ab Challenge inside, which is the one that Taylor Swift did! I’ll never get over it. End the year the best way And finally, the last section of your 2026 Fit Planner is your year-end reflection. Imagine its NYE and you’re cozy by the fire writing out your ten biggest accomplishments of the year. Feels GOOD, right? The very first Fit Planner! ^^ SHOP 2026 FIT PLANNER If you didn’t know… If you didn’t know me in my fitness days or just had no idea I made a planner, I started making these 13 years ago when I needed something that could track my fitness, food, and work all in one place. Not only did it work for me, but I learned that a lot of other people needed this too! So I’m still making it! OH. Fit Planners sells out every year and once it’s gone, it’s gone! Hope you love! Can’t believe I’ve been making planners for 13 years!? Look at all my babies! Ready to see what 2026 looks like? Let’s walk through the 2026 Fit Planner   View… Cassey{authorlink}https://www.blogilates.com/blog/popflex-2026-fit-planner/Blogilates The official blog of Cassey Ho https://i0.wp.com/www.blogilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/fav-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1

The POPFLEX 2026 Fit Planner is here! Read More »

Meal Prep Just Got A Lot Easier, Thanks to These Tools

Meal Prep Just Got A Lot Easier, Thanks to These Tools It’s almost a new year, which means you might be thinking about ways you can up your meal prep game. That doesn’t mean you need to hop into 2024 ready to spend hours every Sunday prepping meals for 5 days a week. It’s also not only for people on weight loss or bodybuilding journeys, or for people who live by their macros or a strict meal plan. In fact, I didn’t truly discover the “magic” of meal prep until I became a mom. It’s the time saved for me. Sometimes yes, I do prep a week’s worth of lunch. Most of the time though, my meal prep is stocking my freezer with bite-sized pancakes for my kids, or prepping bowls of cut fruit that they can easily grab. Even if you’re not a parent, meal prep and meal planning can save you a lot of time and energy. If you’ve tried it before and felt overwhelmed, take smaller steps. It really is the little things, even when it comes to planning meals. My favorite meal prep tools Having the right tools helps too. Here are some of my favorite kitchen tools to make life easier in the kitchen. Of course, these aren’t “must-haves” and you don’t need every single one. I’ve collected these over time (read: YEARS) as I build my meal prep game. Hopefully this list gives you an idea of where to start! 1. Glass containers Image: W&P W&P Porter Storage Bowls Let’s start with the basics – Food storage. Having an assortment of different-sized containers will save a lot of frustration later. I recommend going with glass if possible, for safe reheating straight from the fridge. Glass also seems to last a lot longer than plastic storage containers. If you can, it’s worth spending a little more for quality containers instead of replacing them every year or two. Here are some of my favs: Pyrex – Trusty, budget-friendly, oven-safe Glass containers with clip-on lids, to prevent spills W&P Porter Bowls – Pricey, but aesthetic and I love the shape and size Jars for sauces, dressings, storing nuts and seeds   2. The viral chopper THE VIRAL CHOPPER I’ve been burned many times by products that go viral on TikTok, but not this one. This chopper tool really is life-changing. I use it to make entire chopped salads (that I then eat straight out of the container). I also use it to dice apples for oatmeal and potatoes for potato soup.   3. A salad spinner   SALAD SPINNER I’ve owned this Tiktok-viral tool for close to a year, and can confidently say it’s worth the hype. I can also confidently say that if I don’t have lettuce washed and prepped for myself, I am NOT making a salad. With this little tool, I can wash and dry my lettuce as soon as I bring it home from the store so it’s ready to go.   4. A planner SHOP MEAL PREP PAD AND FIT PLANNER Sometimes planning is what scares people away from meal prep. It feels overwhelming but can start as small as writing down what you plan to eat for dinner each week. I’m a list person and a Millennial, which means I like to physically write things down. This Meal Prep Pad helps me write down the meals I’m planning for the week, and I love that I can build my grocery list right on the same page. You can find this tool in the 2024 Fit Planner too. And a workout planner, a goal planner, recipes, and more. If you prefer to keep your life in one book, get this option.   5. Measuring tools     MEASURING CUP SET Nothing is more frustrating than digging through a drawer searching for a specific measuring cup or spoon, or realizing the one you need is missing in the sink. These little hurdles seriously add up, taking your time and adding stress. It’s time to build a complete set of measuring tools, starting with the basics: A measuring cup and spoon set, and liquid measuring cups. Yes, they’re different! Do you need a kitchen scale? It feels intense, but they’re not only for people who meticulously weigh their portions to hit their macros. A scale might be really helpful when you’re dividing up equal portions of protein, or when you’re baking and ingredients need to be precise.   6. This 3-in-1 blender   Image: Target Ninja Kitchen System   I have owned an older version of this Ninja system for nearly a decade, and I still use it consistently. I use the cup for the obvious thing, smoothies, but also to make salad dressings and small servings of other sauces. I’ve even used it to make nut butter. I use the food processor to quickly chop broccoli into fine pieces, pulse together a crust or crumble for desserts, and (my favorite) make energy bites. I use the larger blender attachment to prep large servings of smoothie that I then freeze into cubes to speed up the process later (my kids love smoothies so I make them often). I also use it to blend chunky pasta sauces for my slightly picky husband, or secretly blend veggies INTO the pasta sauce. You can use the blender for soups too. The blades on this thing make everything super smooth. So smooth that no one will detect spinach in a smoothie or carrots in their pasta sauce.   7. Immersion blenders come in handy too     Image: Amazon CUISINART IMMERSION BLENDER This is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you have it. You could puree soups in a big blender, or you could use this immersion blender right in the pot. No mess, no risk of spilling hot soup on yourself. I love that this blender comes with a mini food processor and whisk attachment, too.   8. A vacuum sealer Image: Amazon FOODSAVER VACUUM

Meal Prep Just Got A Lot Easier, Thanks to These Tools Read More »

Healthy Holidays: A Nutritionist’s Tips for a Healthier Holiday Feast 

Healthy Holidays: A Nutritionist’s Tips for a Healthier Holiday Feast  How to Not Just Survive, but Thrive During the Holiday Season  The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let’s face it, lots of delicious food. While the festivities bring ample opportunities for indulgence, they also present a unique set of challenges for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But fear not! This comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate the holiday season with a balanced approach to eating and living. From planning your meals to making nutrient-packed versions of your favorite holiday dishes, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even delve into the importance of sleep, exercise, and mindful eating during this bustling time of year. So, let’s embark on a journey to make this holiday season your healthiest and happiest yet!  Planning for Success: Cultivating a Mindful Approach to Healthy Habits During the Holidays  The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. While it’s tempting to indulge in all the festive treats, it’s also important to maintain a balanced diet for long-term health and well-being. As a nutrition expert, I’m here to guide you through making healthier choices this holiday season without sacrificing flavor or fun.  The Importance of Planning  The saying “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” holds true, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet during the holidays. Research shows that planning your meals significantly increases the likelihood of making healthier food choices. When you have a plan in place, have a plan in place, you’re less likely to reach for unhealthy options in a moment of weakness.  Setting Realistic Goals  It’s crucial to set achievable goals for yourself. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. For example, if you usually have three servings of pie, aim for just one this year. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and may cause you to abandon your healthy eating plans altogether.  Mindfulness and Portion Control  Being mindful of what and how much you eat can make a significant difference. Studies have found that practicing mindfulness can help you enjoy your food more and reduce overeating. Pay attention to portion sizes and try to savor each bite. This will not only enhance your dining experience but also help you recognize when you’re full.  Flexibility Is Key  While it’s important to have a plan, it’s equally important to be flexible. The holidays are a time for celebration, and sometimes that means deviating from your plan. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t stick to your original plan, don’t be too hard on yourself. Make the best choice available and move on. Remember, one indulgent meal won’t derail your health goals.  Accountability and Support  Having a support system can be incredibly beneficial. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or health coach, having someone to hold you accountable can keep you on track. In fact, research indicates that social support is a significant factor in achieving and maintaining weight loss.  Courses to Consider  If you’re interested in diving deeper into nutrition and wellness, consider enrolling in AFPA’s Certified Holistic Nutritionist course or the Certified Health and Wellness Coach course. These courses offer comprehensive training that can help you make informed decisions about your health, especially during the holiday season.  Learn How to Become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist in Less Than 6 Months Workouts and Accountability: The Dynamic Duo for a Healthy Holiday Season  The Role of Exercise  Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during the holiday season when you’re more likely to indulge. Physical activity helps to burn off extra calories, improve mood, and even boost your immune system. A study has shown that even moderate exercise can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of chronic diseases.   The Accountability Factor   Accountability in exercise is often overlooked but is a key component in sticking to a fitness routine. Research indicates that having an accountability partner can increase the likelihood of sticking to an exercise program. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a certified health coach, having someone to hold you accountable can make a world of difference.   Integrating Workouts into Your Holiday Plans   The holidays can be a busy time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit in a workout. Here are some tips:  Plan Ahead: Just like with your meals, planning your workouts in advance can help you stick to them.  Be Realistic: If you usually work out for an hour but only have 30 minutes, that’s okay. A shorter workout is better than no workout.  Involve Family and Friends: Make exercise a group activity. Go for a walk after a holiday meal or have a dance-off to your favorite holiday tunes.  Managing Cravings While Meeting Nutrient Needs: A Balanced Approach  Understanding Cravings  Cravings are a natural part of human behavior, especially during the holidays when we’re surrounded by an array of tempting foods. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, it’s essential to manage cravings in a way that also meets your nutrient needs. Research suggests that cravings often arise due to emotional triggers rather than actual hunger.  Nutrient-Dense Alternatives  One effective strategy for managing cravings is to opt for nutrient-dense alternatives. For example, if you’re craving something sweet, consider having a piece of fruit instead of a sugary dessert. Fruit not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides essential nutrients and fiber. A study on global food production emphasized the importance of nutrient adequacy in our diets, highlighting the need to make informed food choices.  The Role of Protein and Fiber  Protein and fiber are your best friends when it comes to feeling full and satisfied. Including these in your meals can help you manage cravings by keeping you full for longer periods. Research has shown that diets rich in protein and fiber can meet dietary and nutritional needs effectively.  Mindful Eating  Mindful eating is another effective strategy for managing cravings.

Healthy Holidays: A Nutritionist’s Tips for a Healthier Holiday Feast  Read More »