So, this week’s menu plan post is a little bit different than usual because I’m doing P90X again… which means I’ve somewhat altered my diet to go along with the program. 🙂
If you’re interested in seeing the menu plan I came up with, you can download it here. My husband and kids are eating a similar diet, but I’m throwing in extra fruits and veggies and carbs for them. And since the exercise plan is only six days per week, I planned the menu accordingly. I’m taking Sundays off and will eat similar to the plan, but give myself a little breathing room and not adhere to it so strictly.
The menu plan is very quick and easy — and I’m sure some of you might find it way too simple and boring. However, I knew that if I planned meals that required hours of work, thought and effort, I’d be setting myself up for failure. My goal is to do all food prep for the entire day in less than one hour.
I also incorporated our weekly dinner out into the plan as well as a once-a-week treat of a smoothie from Starbucks. If you wanted to follow a similar menu but reduce the costs, you could substitute these items for homemade foods.
Last week, I followed this menu plan and it went really well. In fact, I felt a lot more energetic — though that may have just been because of exercising more and getting back to getting up early again. But regardless, I’m hoping for another successful week!
And don’t forget to join us for the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge check-ins every Friday. I’m so inspired by all of you and your commitment to getting more exercise this month!
What’s on your menu this week? Tell us in the comments or leave a link to your menu plan post.
Laura @ Unpunctuated Life says
Are you couponing to try and get these different types of things (like the protein bars and recovery drinks)? My husband and I tried the Whole 30 plan awhile back, and while I know it’s possible to find good coupons for natural, organic, etc foods, I found it exhausting to try and do that AS WELL AS cook and prepare all the items, so I just wondered how you were approaching it!
Crystal says
We’ve used Swagbucks for them. I want to try to make some of these things from scratch, but I’m still gathering recipes and ideas for that.
Amy T says
What kind of “super mom” vitamins do you take? How long have you taken them and what do they seem to be doing for you? Thanks for answering all of those questions!!
Crystal says
I take the SuperMom Vitamins from Beeyoutiful or the Optimum Nutrition for Women vitamins. I like the SuperMom vitamins better and find that I have more energy when I take them.
Jennifer Ullrich says
Seriously looking for some ideas here friends: My husband is trying to work the P90X program but is a VERY picky eater. He doesn’t like salads (in any way shape or form) but has stated that he will eat fish a time or two a week – as well as cut out the pasta and potato. He leaves for work very early in the morning and doesn’t have time to heat anything for lunch. I am looking for good alternatives for him for quick breakfasts and lunchbox items (again – NO salads or this would be easy LOL).
Jess says
Ended the year much trimmer thanks to http://www.trimhealthymama.com (Book). Healthier too! Heading into 2014 will continue to eat on the THM plan and use T-tapp (15 minute toning workout) to be healthy! I don’t have time for P90X (tried it) and appreciate the community of Christian women helping out each other on the THM forums. Little $ investment for lots of results!
jlyn says
Crystal, I’m curious if you worked out as regularly as you do now with young children? How did you manage your time when your kids were in a more time-demanding stage? I am pregnant & have a 2 year old at home–the former keeps me up all night with dance parties in my stomach & the lovely toddler still doesn’t sleep through the night. I’m working 2 days a week now (down from 5-7 in residency…hooray!), but still can’t manage to pull myself out of bed before my kid wakes up (usually 5:30-7:30 time range) after being up 2-3 times a night. I’m just wondering if you have any tips on how to fit it “all in” when exhaustion & time aren’t on my side right now?
Crystal says
This is such a great question! And I started to answer it here, but then realized that it would take me a whole post to answer… so I’m going to answer it in a separate Q&A post sometime in the next week or two.
Thanks so much for asking — I think you’re not alone in struggling with this!
Leslie says
Are you doing shakeology?
Crystal says
Not daily, but once a week or so I’ll have one of their shakes. My husband LOVES them and drinks them regularly.
Kathy H. says
I just need to sit down and plan…I want to do this but haven’t had a chance to plan it out and can’t get to the store until we are allowed to drive again…I hope to get on this soon!! I am trying to keep up with your post and looking at your menu plan for help!!! Thanks!
Amy says
Just wondering why you use the emergen c packets? Part if the program?
Michelle Murphy says
I have been eating the Trim Healthy Mama way for over 8 months. I have lost over 50 pounds. So my menu plan is THM friendly. We don’t consume sugar, but rather Stevia. I am fairly close to my goal weight and I plan to continue to eat this way for the rest of my life. 🙂
Crystal says
Way to go on losing 50 pounds!!! That’s incredible!
Jess says
🙂
heather says
where can i find out about trim healthy mama way of eating
Sarah says
Crystal,
I have heard that P90x workouts are about an hour a day, how do you fit that in your schedule with your young kiddos and homeschooling?
Crystal says
I adjusted my schedule to go to bed a little earlier and get up a little earlier to make time for it in the morning before we start homeschooling. So far, it’s been working well!
Taraneh Guidry says
Did you know there is a P90X3 out now that is only 30 min a day? I love the P90X recovery drink, it really works and is very cheap, and the Energy & Endurance drink is great for pre workout, and of course Shakeology.
If anyone is interested in more info about P90X3 I am a Beachbody coach and can also help w/ the menu plans for it etc. We have a support group for it as well.
Stephanie says
I’m currently doing P90x3 and absolutely LOVE IT!
heather says
how much is the p90x3?
Deanna says
I’m all about easy these days and your menu looks fabulous for even someone not doing P90x. I was running in the fall but then it got cold and I quit. I need to get more motivated and do some dvds instead.
Jillian Kay says
Your menu sounds yummy and is making me hungry for salad.
My menu is mostly freezer meals:
http://www.momscupofambition.com/2014/01/this-weeks-menu.html
stephanie @ Housewife Mama says
Looks like a great plan! I did P90X once. That was when I had 1 child that napped 2 times per day. Now I have 2 children that nap 0 times per day. Woe is me.
Are you working out before they get up? I have an early riser (often at 6am) so it’s hard for me to get up and do anything before her. Woe is me, again.
Thanks for always inspiring!!
Katie @ Powered by Hummus says
I’m adjusting my diet to go along with this month’s fitness challenge, too. I’m aiming for a green smoothie everyday and for half of my plate to be greens at every meal.
http://poweredbyhummus.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/meal-plan-for-cleanse-week-1-or-juicing-on-a-budget/
Kimberly @ A time to freeze says
Oh how I wish I was doing P90X–or should I say, how much I NEED to do it. 🙂 Instead I’m days away from delivering baby #3 and feeling it! Here’s our meal plan for the week: http://www.atimetofreeze.com/weekly-menu-jan-6-12/
Crystal says
You can join me in a few months! Congrats on baby #3!
melissa martinez says
Im thinking about weight watchers but debating off paying that monthly fee. Is the P90x a diet you need to purchase.
Judy Brandt says
my husband now ex bought p90 x and it came with book of stuff to cook and eat.
Elise says
I don’t think it’s too simple. 🙂 but then, we eat pretty simply around here.
I have a question about your salad and tuna: do you eat the tuna *in* your salad? And if so, what kind of dressing do you use?
Kim in AZ says
I’m curious – do you use P90X recovery drink? Or another alternative?
Our 15 year old son used the P90X recovery drink over the summer when he was doing basketball and football boot camps at school (2-3 hours at each, one morning and one evening – every day for 6 weeks). He said it really made a difference in his muscle soreness and recovery.
A salesperson at GNC told us that you could actually replicate the same effect with other supplements (creatine and glutamine, I think). I’m just curious what you use, how you find it works with P90X (which kicked my tush the time I tried it about 2 years ago), and if you have a more thrifty alternative with similar results? 🙂
Crystal says
I’m not using the P90X recovery drink. I’m using the 2:1:1 Recovery Drink from Optimum Nutrition right now.
I used chocolate milk last time around, but I found that I was feeling pretty wasted in the afternoons, so I’m trying a real recovery drink this time around to see if that helps me feel more energetic. So far, so good. But I’m only a week in, so we’ll have to see how I feel after another 2-3 weeks. 🙂
Angie says
I use the P90X Recovery formula religiously! It truly helps reduce soreness and it tastes super yummy. I’m a coach so I’m a Beachbody fanatic, but I didn’t drink R&R for my first 6 months. You’re supposed to be able to use anything with a 4:1 carb to protein ratio, but the R&R is so easy. One less thing to deal with as far as I’m concerned 🙂
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
You are so disciplined! 🙂 We’re doing a 14 Day No Spending Challenge so we’re eating out of the pantry and freezer. Here’s my menu for the week: http://womenwithintention.com/meal-plan-monday-9/
Crystal says
14 days of no spending sounds pretty disciplined to me. 🙂
Melissa says
What a great way to start the year! Do you find you’re hungrier than normal on the plan? If so, how do you deal with that?
Here’s our menu plan for the week:
http://www.momsplans.com/2014/01/menu-planning-january-5-2014/
I did a lot of freezer cooking on January 1st, so I’ll be enjoying those meals!
Crystal says
A little bit hungrier… but not too terribly much. If I’m really hungry, I’ll eat some extra protein (like a hard boiled egg) or drink some water or make some herbal tea with a splash of honey and milk. Usually, that does the trick. I’ll be moving onto Phase II in a few weeks, and then I get to add more carbs back in. I’m looking forward to that. 🙂
Linsey says
You’re much more dedicated than I am! Here’s our menu plan for the week:
http://www.lillepunkin.com/2014/01/meal-plan-monday-cheap-tapioca-dessert.html