Fitness guru Jillian Michaels knows her stuff when it comes to diet and exercise. A proponent of balance when it comes to eating, there are some foods that Michaels makes sure are a part of her daily meal plan, and some that she eschews (pardon the pun!).
Making healthy choices
While Michaels has vocalized some disagreement with the latest craze of intermittent fasting, she does not believe people should ‘graze’ all day long. “There’s simply no science to support grazing. There’s no benefit to keeping your insulin levels surging and making your body process food without a break,” she wrote in Women’s Health. “Yet we’re constantly doing it! Our culture is set up that way. Between the bagels and cookies left out at the office, the breakfast meetings, the after-work drinks, and the vending machine, our work and social lives are centered around food. It’s constantly in our environment.”
The former Biggest Loser trainer suggests eating during a 12-hour period. “Over a 24-hour period, you want a minimum of a 12-hour fast overnight (that’s why it’s called a breakfast!),” she advised. “So let’s say there are 12 hours a day when you’re fasting, and 12 hours a day when you’re eating. Break that down and you’ll need to eat about every three to four hours. That’s just enough time for breakfast, lunch, ONE snack, and dinner.”
Michaels revealed her own meal plan, which allows room for meals throughout the day but not constant snacking. “I usually eat about 1,800 calories every day, with 3.5 hours between each meal. I have about 400 calories for breakfast, 500 for lunch, 200 for a snack, and 700 for dinner. I’m perfectly fine on that schedule,” she shared. “If you’re eating the right foods in the right balance, you shouldn’t be really hungry between meals, as long as you don’t skip a meal.”
Eats these daily
The fitness icon incorporates four foods into her daily diet for both her health and fitness as well as promoting longevity. According to Cooking Light, Michaels makes a point of consuming some kind of fermented dairy each day such as Greek Yogurt or cultured cottage cheese. She likes to pair the dairy product with probiotic foods that have fiber to promote peak gut health.
She also places priority on daily organic fruits and veggies due to their beneficial fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant power. “One of my favorite breakfasts is cottage cheese with half a banana, a little granola, and a handful of berries,” Michaels said. “The banana and berries help add fiber to fuel the probiotics.”
Fans of Michaels love her authenticity, which includes her refusal to give up bread. When it comes to the comforting carb, she opts for breads that are rich in fiber and have omega-3 benefits.
While she is adamant on healthy eating, Michaels also allows room to indulge. For her, that means chips. “I need chips. I. Need. Them.” Michaels said. Rather than going for potato chips high on grease and fat, she’ll search for lighter options with some type of nutritional component, such as blue corn tortilla chips or popcorn with simple, natural ingredients.
What she considers no-no’s
Though the former reality star permits some ‘cheat’ foods, there are a few she purposefully shuns. Michaels avoids refined sugars, white carbs, and ultra-processed foods, seeing those items as having no nutritional value.
Michaels has previously shared that she struggled with being overweight as a child, where she considers allowing herself refined sugar is like an alcoholic having a drink. She chooses to completely avoid those foods and find healthier ways to enjoy sweet treats, such as fresh fruit or freezer pops.
Wise words from a wellness guru!
Read more: Jillian Michaels Says These Are the 3 Biggest Weight-Loss Mistakes