Meal Mentor

OMG this soup trick will blow your mind

Check this tip out:

MIND-BLOWING RIGHT?

And if you live with leftoverphobes, this method is MAGICAL!

Freeze half of a soup from the current plan and swap it a week or month later. 

A single soup-muffin isn’t quite “portion size” but it’s GREAT for storage.

AND they make for a fast reheat! (Kids think they’re fun, too!) 

You can also store soup in a sandwich bag and freeze it laying flat (stack ‘em like pancakes) OR fill mason jars ¾-full and lay it on it’s side in the freeze. When you stand it upright to reheat, you can use the soup-glacier to know when it’s reheated. Cool ‘eh?

And speaking of magicool, I’ve been secretly working on a big surprise for you…

Stay tuned for all those juicy details next week!

P.S. Join the Meal Mentor newsletter (it's FREE!) Click here to signup!

Avoiding the Festive 15

The average American gains 10-15 pounds this month.

Let’s make sure that’s not you!

Weigh Yourself Twice a Week

While I encourage NSVs (non-scale victories) all year, I find weighing yourself twice a week keeps you honest during the holidaze.

If nothing else, there’s no BIG BIG surprise come January 1st.

Keep in mind, though, that when drinking and being merry, your body will hold onto more water than usual, so don’t get too obsessed with the numbers.

Wear Tight, Fitted Clothes

Sweats and sweaters are cozy and comfy, but loose-fitting and stretchy attire makes it easy to gain weight without realizing it. Choose clothes that are fitted so you stay honest.

Be PICKY

Only plate items you really, really want, rather than taking helpings of everything you don’t hate.

Don’t Chase the Dragon

With desserts and rich treats, the first bite is mind-blowing, but each bite thereafter isn’t as good. Oftentimes we keep eating, trying to get back to that initial bliss.

The point of diminishing returns is typically after the third bite. Pay attention and stop eating when you’re not having the same enjoyment.

Keep a Warm Weather Outfit Out

Look at it as a reminder and try it on periodically, too!

Consider Intermittent Fasting

Many of our members have had great success with IF (for weight-loss and learning their true hunger). I love practicing it when I’m on vacation and during the holidays because rules bypass willpower, which is an extremely exhaustible resource!

Plus, as my husband jokes, it’s less hours in the day your face is in the troph ;)

(Members, see the weight-loss ebook on your dashboard and threads in the forums to learn more.)

Happy Holidays (not Holidaze!)

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Meal Mentor 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!

It's that time of year to start thinking about what to gift the Herbie in your life!

(OR just think of this post as a comprehensive list of MUST HAVE tools!)

Seriously… some of these things make eating healthy (or following the meal plans) SO.MUCH.EASIER.

OH! Before I forget!!

Annual Meal Plan Premium Memberships will be back for the LAST TIME on Cyber Monday (that's this coming Monday, November 30th)! ONE DAY ONLY!

Signup for the FREE newsletter for details!

We will not be offering this deal again.

Annual Membership includes:

• Private VIP Facebook group with Lindsay
• Access to Private Members Forums
• 1-on-1 with Lindsay in the VIP group
• Priority support/email
• Private monthly group challenges (with prizes!)
• Access to new features before anyone else
• Opportunity to make recipe requests
• Provide feedback/suggestions on upcoming features or workshops
• Free books & bonus cookbooks
• Exclusive videos
• Live workshops!!
• Live chats
• An ultra supportive family (1,671+ new besties!)
• Long-time members as your mentor

Gifts for the BATCH COOKER:

Meal prep containers. Also available in round.

GLASSLOCK!!! (please-oh-please Santa bring me some more!)

Pressure Cooker (for batching beans, grains, broth, potatoes & more basics)

(See my comparison blog post Instapot vs. Cuisinart if you’re undecided)

Silicone Freezer Tray (for soups, sauces, leftovers like tomato sauce or pumpkin)

Gifts for the Healthy Professional:

Mini Slow Cooker for workdays.

Or use a Portable Soup container (a thermos works too--it just isn’t as user-friendly)

Here’s a cheaper, no-frills version.

Stays Cold/No Sweat Water bottle

Gifts for the Home Cook (a.k.a. House Chef):

A quality Chef’s Knife like Wusthof Classic ($79.95) or Victorinox ($39) for a cheaper (but still great!) option.

Microplane zester

And if you want to suggest the plant-based lifestyle to someone...

The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living (also available as an audible book!)

Feel like you'll miss out?

The holiday season tends to feel a bit like the gluttony bowl…

And if you’re trying to be healthy?? You’re running the looongest gauntlet ever!

TWO things to keep in mind:

First, willpower is an exhaustible resource.

You have to create a self-supporting environment to succeed!

Whether that’s eating a monster salad before you go, filling your fridge with pre-made healthy meals to reheat, or using any of the tips below… success requires a PLAN.

(And a backup plan too! Really folks, keep healthy food on the ready!)

Second, (and this is a biggie!) YOU’RE NOT THERE FOR THE FOOD.

You’re there for the laughter, the cheer, the socializing.

Make the holidays about fun times and GRATITUDE!

Focus on making memories. Being with family.

Food is not fun OR how we can measure participation in an activity.

When you feel like you’re missing out…

Remember there’s nothing you can’t have, but there’s lots you’re CHOOSING not to.

AND is eating junky foods really the best way you can “treat” yourself?

Give thanks and show gratitude to yourself. Be true to you!

PLUS all the familiar flavors are still available to you -- just repackaged in a new, healthy way!

Other tips:

• Only choose items you really want (rather than taking helpings of everything you don’t hate).
• Always fill half your plate with vegetables.
• If you’re going to splurge, have a drink OR dessert (not both).
• Be the last to start eating.
• Use a smaller plate or napkin, especially at buffets.
• Combat “just live a little” peer pressure by saying, “I’m doing good right now and one bite will really derail me, but please, you go ahead and enjoy!”

P.S. MOST IMPORTANTLY if you do slip up… don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

P.P.S. Annual Meal Plan Premium Memberships will be back for the LAST TIME on Cyber Monday (that's this coming Monday, November 30th)! ONE DAY ONLY! Stay tuned for more deets!

Plant-Based During the Holidays Podcast

The final Meal Mentor podcast of the season is ready for you!​

In this episode, Scott and Carly join me to discuss all things holiday-related and answer YOUR questions!

Tune in to the season finale to get tips and advice for staying plant-based during the holidays (even while traveling!), how to survive holiday parties and not overeat, talking with friends and family about your lifestyle, what to feed omnis and much more!

P.S. Do you love listening to the podcast? Show your support by leaving a review on iTunes.

P.P.S. Join the Meal Mentor newsletter (it's FREE!) Click here to signup!

Mental Health Podcast

A new Meal Mentor podcast is ready for you!

In this episode, Brea (my copilot!) talks with me about mental illness. In addition to sharing coping strategies, we also discuss the importance of being open and honest, and working to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Don't miss this episode to hear about the power in admitting weaknesses, why embarrassment and shame should be eliminated, and how to find the silver lining when living with a mental illness!

P.S. Do you love listening to the podcast? Show your support by leaving a review on iTunes.

P.P.S. Join the Meal Mentor newsletter (it's FREE!) Click here to signup!