how a vegetarian does a low carb day {+ a giveaway!}
**Disclosure: I was contact by a representative for GoMacro to review their Thrive bars in exchange for a blog post. All opinions are my own.**I've been following a modified version of the "All Day Fat Burning Diet" by Yuri Elkaim for about 6 months now. This program has changed the way I look at food. It has helped make me leaner and has given me more energy on a daily basis. While I don't follow the program to a "T", I do follow the general 5-day carb cycling/intermittent fasting program, which means I have at least 1 low carb day every week. As a vegetarian, this is the biggest struggle with following this nutrition plan. But, while it is difficult, it definitely isn't impossible. And I will be the first to admit that technically being a pescatarian helps, and that some low carb days are better looking than others.So, what DOES a pescatarian eat on a low carb day?
Almost every morning (except my fasting days) starts with a nutrition shake. While I absolutely LOVE Shakeology and use it DAILY, it does not boast as much protein as your typical protein powders. So, on low carb days, I do half a scoop of Shakeology (because you simply cannot get the nutrition punch from any other protein powder) and half a scoop of Beachbody Performance Line Recover. My absolute favorite smoothie is half a scoop of cafe latte Shakeology, half a scoop of chocolate Recover, a banana, almond milk, and ice all blended together. 47g C/7g F/20g PLunch is almost the same every single day. A salad with tuna, Greek yogurt, and some sort of mix in. On regular calorie days, I typically mix in granola, but on low carb days, I usually mix in some cashews or peanuts. Honey roasted might not be the greatest choice with the amount of sugar, but I get some healthy fats and a little extra protein than when I mix in granola (and high protein granola is just nasty). 46g C/42g F/45g PSome days I eat a snack, other days I don't - it just depends on how hungry I am in the afternoon. Typically, my lunch fills me up pretty well, so I don't necessarily need an afternoon snack. Mornings, however, are a completely different case. I am almost always starving by 9AM. Thankfully, these Thrive GoMacro bars are the perfect solution for my hangry tummy, especially on my low carb days. These bars boast plant-based protein, are gluten free, non-GMO, and contain a prebiotic to help promote the growth of important microorganisms to ward off leaky gut and other intestinal issues. And even better news, they are going to be available to purchase at Whole Foods stores starting this month! My favorite is BY FAR the chocolate, nuts, and sea salt flavor! 17g C/11g F/7g P
Dinner is probably the most difficult meal of the day. Thankfully, I'm the one who plans the menu, so I have a few go-to dinner choices to up my protein intake. The 2 that re great for my low carb days are either fish tacos or quiche. Yes, both do contain carbs, but they also have a good amount of protein to help keep me closer to the high protein and low carb macro goal that I am striving for. Plus, our quiche is FULL of veggies and definitely one of my favorite meals of the week! 68g C/46g F/19g PFor the day, my macro breakdown looked like this:
Obviously, this is NOT ideal for most people who are counting macros on a regular basis. I am striving for 20% carbohydrates, 40% protein, and 40% fat. While I'm definitely NOT perfect, it's a work in progress. I am slowly figuring out what my body can tolerate and, more importantly, what workouts my body can handle the day of and the day after a low carb day.The biggest change for me is the difference I feel in my body. While these are the HARDEST days for me (maybe even more than my 18+ hour fasting days), I love the way I look and feel after a low carb day. I'm seeing more muscle definition and less of a "mom pooch"! And my tummy thanks me for the break from some of the carbs too - much less bloating and gas, which is always a good thing!Want to try Thrive GoMacro for FREE? Enter the giveaway below! Or, if you just can't wait to try them, use the code Thrive30 for 30% off your online purchase!
**This giveaway runs through midnight on October 19th. Winner will be contacted via email and will receive 1 box of assorted Thrive bars by GoMacro.**