lifestyle

What I Eat in a Week

I was thinking about doing a post like this, and I was kind of on the fence about it. I inquired on social if this was something you guys were interested in reading it and the response was an overwhelming “yes!”

A few disclaimers though:

– I’m not a foodie. I’m not creating elaborate meals on my own every night, and I don’t have a ton of cooking skills. So everything on here is pretty simple.

– I’m also not a health nut. Not that I’m against someone’s personal food choices, but I’m just a regular person over here. I try to keep things in moderation, but I have no food allergies (besides oysters) and no food sensitivities. I don’t follow specific diets, and I definitely don’t follow any health “trends.” Again, you do you, but personally, I feel like these things cause people to obsess over their food and it never ends up being as healthy (at the very least mentally).

– I think this looks boring. There is absolutely nothing groundbreaking here. Again, I’m not a nutritionist, and I’m not claiming to be an expert here. Just a regular person sharing what she eats during the week. (Aka, please don’t crucify me over this.)

My personal food philosophies:

– Not sure if there’s a specific term for it or whatever, but I try to follow my gut (… literally) when picking foods. I know what makes me feel good. Not just the sugar rush of cookies, but what actually makes me feel energized and healthy. I think that’s different for everyone so figuring out what foods make you feel the best is important. For example, one thing that I know I have to eat a lot of is salt. While salt may be something other people need to limit, I can almost not get enough of it. My blood pressure is so low that salt helps and I can feel a major difference when I don’t consume enough.

– I do everything in moderation. I eat when I’m hungry. And I stop when I’m full. I think those three things are pretty key to any balanced diet. I do indulge in sweets, but I typically only eat as much as I need and nothing more. Sometimes that’s one bite, and sometimes that’s a whole slice of cake. Just depends on the day.

– Avoiding food obsessions is also pretty important, especially for young women. This runs the whole spectrum– focusing too much on eating healthy, worrying about eating “bad” foods, not having a “stop” button for eating junk food, and maybe a combination of it all. I don’t think any of us are perfect; even I have weird food thoughts that I try to keep in check, and every single one of my girlfriends has at least one weird food thing. I think we all have to do ourselves the favor of making sure we’re keeping a good balance in our lives with food, both mentally and physically.

(Okay I already sound crazy. I just want to be super clear that I understand that food can be a sensitive topic for a lot of people.)

Groceries: I’m a terrible grocery shopper. It stresses me out, but I’ve been working on it. I have a pretty good rhythm now, and it’s sort of easier. (Still, get overwhelmed, but at least I come out with what I need! Just ask my dad about the time I brought two dozen bananas home.) Right now, I just make sure I’m stocking up on good vegetables I can roast and steam throughout the week, eggs, bread, boneless chicken breast, and salmon. You can see from my meals that I keep it pretty simple. Instead of following a recipe (stress!), I just pick a few vegetables I’m in the mood for and a protein. SO EASY.

Snacks: I try to limit snacking, but I probably have one throughout the day and then some kind of “dessert” at night. My favorites right now: popcorn, Girl Scout Cookies (can’t resist), almond croissant if I’m taking a train, pieces of dark chocolate and chips. I didn’t include the daily snacks, but you can assume that I had two of what I just listed a day. (Example, a bowl of popcorn in the afternoon and a few Thin Mints at night.) Oh and if I’m working out, I generally have a handful of trail mix beforehand.

 

Sunday:

B: Avocado toast, poached egg, 1/2 grapefruit

L: Oatmeal and strawberries

D: Salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, salad

Monday:

B: 1/2 Grapefruit

L: Avocado toast, poached egg, tomatoes

D: Sweet Ginger chicken, rice, snap peas

Tuesday:

B: Oatmeal and strawberries

L: (I skipped lunch, Whoops!)

D: Roasted vegetable, rice, and chicken bowl

Wednesday:

B: Whole grapefruit

L: Avocado toast and poached egg

D: Salmon, kale, asparagus, and carrots

Thursday:

B: Oatmeal and strawberries

L: Avocado toast, tomatoes, and poached egg

D: Roasted vegetable and rice bowl

Friday:

B: Oatmeal and strawberries

L: Avocado toast, poached egg, tomatoes

D: Sausage and mozzarella rigatoni

Saturday:

B: Poached eggs, bacon, mushrooms, and sauteed kale

L: (I skipped lunch, whoops!)

D: Bacon cheeseburgers and sweet potatoes

 

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55 Comments

Taylor

I think this really is a helpful post and the fact that these aren’t elaborate meals makes it even better. I think it’s great that you do everything in moderation and listen to your body in terms of what you need! Thanks for sharing!

Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com

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Amanda

Isn’t avocado toast THE BEST? I love it and eat it for lunch all the time on the weekends 🙂 Also, have you tried smoothie bowls? I’m so obsessed – a great way to get veggies/fruit/protein at breakfast. Always love your posts, Carly!

Amanda
http://girlaboutcolumbus.com

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Fenton

I think this makes us all feel better about not cooking elaborate recipes that create beautiful instagrams every night.

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Rox-Anne

I love this because it’s so normal, Carly! Like yourself, I’m just a regular person and I can’t relate to fab diet and eating habits. I also enjoy eating the same foods over and over (oatmeal all the way!) and don’t really feel like I need to jump out of my little rut 🙂 Thanks for sharing and helping us regular people feel like we’re not the only ones out there! xx Rox-Anne, Celebratingthislife.ca

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Shannon

This is such a cute idea for a post! I love watching “what I eat in a day” videos on YouTube – gives me so many great ideas! All your food is so colorful as well – love it! I really like that you eat what you feel like – not trying to be anything you aren’t. Eat that bacon cheeseburger, girl!!! lol (okay, now I’m hungry!)

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Jessica

You eat very healthy compared to me! I wish I loved veggies that much… I usually only have veggies for dinner, and even then I have to fight the urge not to cover them in cheese, ha! Everything you cook looks so yummy.

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Allison

Im glad I’m not the only one who gets stressed grocery shopping! It’s just so overwhelming and I either end up buying stuff that I don’t need or forgetting something.

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Robin

Love this post! I think you have to be realistic and if gourmet cooking doesn’t fit your style- keep it simple and make it look pretty! Slow down, relax and enjoy! For me it’s portion control and not getting too busy and skipping meals! xxoo

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Lauren

I love this post! This is way more typical of what I eat in a week, and its refreshing to read about other people who “don’t cook” or follow recipes and what they eat. This has definitely given me some ideas!

xo, Lauren
http://www.itsallgoodblog.com

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Jessica

I laughed when I read your words “I think this is boring.” Your down-to-earth voice always comes through in your posts, and that’s why I love to read them so much!! Thanks for reminding us all to be balanced and that food can be delicious and reasonable 🙂

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Jess Zimlich

I love reading stuff like this! I’m a terribly picky eater and have been trying to get myself to try at least one new food a week. This week it was cooked spinach (rather than frozen, which I add to my smoothies). Sadly, I wasn’t a fan, but onto the next! I eat the same thing every morning (sprouted grain toast with all natural pb and a banana) and always have at least two eggs throughout the day, whether that be scrambled or hard boiled. I would like to start cooking chicken again at night…opposed to the takeout I’ve been getting – oops!

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linda

carly, I’ve been following you for years, and I love everything you post!! so fun to see the foods that would be a typical day (week) for you. I did notice that it looks like you have a poached egg frequently! My husband loves them and I have tried multiple times, but I just can’t get them to turn out anywhere near as delicious looking as yours … any tips, or could you share your poached egg cooking process? thanks for sharing your life with us!

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carly

I watched a few YouTube videos! I boil the water, reduce to a simmer, and then crack he egg into a 1/2 cup measuring cup first. Then drop the egg into the simmering water and cook for exactly 4 minutes! I use a slotted spoon to take the egg out of the pot!

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Caitlin

This! I can never get my poached eggs to come out right. A lot of tutorials I’ve watched swirl the water before dropping the egg in. Do you do that? I think it just makes the whites go everywhere.

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carly

I don’t do the swirl. But my friend did it on Saturday and it did work! I personally don’t find it necessary- especially if you don’t care if they’re perfect looking!

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Sofia

I’m one of those that has to eat a lot of salt, too! I went to the doctor last year because my ankles kept swelling (like really bad). After a bunch of blood tests, he told me I was drinking *too much* water (because that’s a thing?) and I’m flushing out all the salt and electrolytes in my body, which was not helping my low blood pressure. So random! Anyway, I get you on the salt intake thing. It really does make a difference!

xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co

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Bethany

So interesting! I like seeing what people eat for lunch, especially. Always looking for ideas other than just a sandwich.

But man, you eat SO little throughout the day…though I think I’m a little biased – breastfeeding mama over here, I need to keep my calories up!

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carly

I try to pack in good foods throughout the day- like the good fats in avocado toast (avocado + Olive oil) and the protein from the egg. And for dinner, I stick to the serving size of protein but eat as many vegetables as I can/want.

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Sandy Mahler

I loved this post, and the intro was funny and cute. Yes, people can get weird over food, but you handled it well. You eat so healthy! I loved the photos. I’d love to see this more often? Any ideas on how to avoid snack in between meals?

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carly

I try to figure out why I’m snacking. Am I bored? Actually hungry? Or just craving something. If I’m bored, I try to mix things up (moving to a new spot to work, putting on a new playlist, taking the dogs for a walk). If I’m hungry, I’ll consider moving a meal up (eating lunch at 11). And if I’m craving something, I either try to ignore or give in a little (like dark chocolate for a sweet tooth or a small bowl of popcorn for something salty).

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Devon Hembury

Love these kinds of posts! I always like seeing what other people eat on the day to day. My meals are pretty darn similar– pick a protein and some veggies to roast with some brown rice. Healthy, easy, and you can’t go wrong! xo Devon Seventeen Dresses

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Kim from 3 peanuts

I love seeing what other people eat. It always gives me ideas. I love avocado toast but have never tried poached eggs. I am not a big egg fan. You are choosing really healthy meals.

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Katie

You absolutely have the right idea — nothing is off limits, just everything in moderation. I’ve lost a little over 80 pounds to get down to a healthy weight and I haven’t cut out anything (and I mean anything — I still eat pizza, ice cream, etc., I just track the calories now). I use MyFitnessPal and it’s such a great tool to get a handle on what you’re actually eating. It’s definitely made me much more attentive to what I eat, because yeah, I’ll lose weight on 1,500 calories of junk but I’ll feel like crap. 1,500 calories of veggies, healthy fats, and lean protein though? SO GOOD.
Since you’re working out regularly, you might want to consider getting a little more protein, especially with breakfast. Once I notched up my protein intake I saw a huge improvement in my body composition; less fat, more muscle. Just a thought! 🙂

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Kristin

These are not boring at all. I find repetition really helps me stay on track, per say so I think that you have similar meals daily is fine. Like you said, you do you, and if it works for you so be it.

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Theresa

Thanks for sharing! I love posts like this. Avocado toast with poached eggs is my favorite! I am still working on my diet and relationship with food, it’s always been a struggle. But I am finally making it a lifestyle change. We do simple meals like this during the week too, protein, veggies and a starch like sweet potatoes or rice. Then usually one weekend night we make a more complicated recipe for fun.

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Kristen from Pugs & Pearls

Okay so I love that you eat the same stuff all the time. I’m exactly the same! I eat peanut butter toast with bananas every single morning. It might be boring but it’s delish and I know it will keep me full until lunch. Thanks for sharing!

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Allie

Loving these plates – I am in the market for new dishes. Where are they from?

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carly

2-3 eggs per day is typically fine for a healthy adult. If you have concerns or questions about what diet you should follow, I definitely recommend reaching out to a nutritionist to come up with a personalized plan.

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Katie McC

All of your dinners look delish! I don’t normally try to snack a ton during the day unless I’m hungry or am going to workout because I can feel a difference in my energy. Eating a small piece of chocolate is the best way to curb a craving! -Katie

http://www.katieskronicles.org

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Meg

I don’t mean to offend because I know that food is extremely touchy, but it doesn’t seem like you come close to eating 1,000 calories any of these days. I don’t mean this to be rude or to call you out, but more so call this to your attention because people often forget to take care of themselves. I love your blog, you’re truly fantastic, I hope you keep this in mind 🙂

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carly

Not sure if you skipped the part where I talked about the snacks/desserts. But I do reach between 1800 calories and sometimes exceed 2000 a day when you add it all up, which is a normal range for a woman my size trying to maintain a healthy weight.

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Ari

I loved loved loved this post! I actually returned to it later in the day to read it again and get ideas for my grocery shopping trip! Weird question-how do you buy your salmon, fresh or frozen? Fresh is kind of a pain because it’s more expensive and has to be used right away, but frozen always tastes so “fishy” to me!

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Rachel

I loved reading this post! I get so tired of seeing trendy diets everywhere. I like that you talk about moderation and listening to your body! That is also my food philosophy It is totally ok to eat a big slice a cake sometimes, just not all the time!

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Sally

I love how honest you are in your post! I think that these posts are my favorites to read… Isn’t that funny!! What are your favorite girlscout cookies? Mine are FOR SURE thin mints- can’t get enough!

Sweetly, Sally
http://www.sweetlysally.com

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Caitlin

I am the exact same way with salt. I have such low blood pressure that my body craves the salt, and if I don’t have it I’m super light headed. My go-to meal is definitely avocado toast because I usually dump salt on it (no shame) and salted peanuts! Love all these healthy meal choices!

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Lori

I love this post and I’m curious to what you feel like if you don’t enough sodium. I was told recently after some bloodwork that my sodium level was low and it was because I drink a lot of water. Thank you!

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Lori

Ok, sounds very similar to mine. Thank you for responding. Love your blog by the way!

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sarah

If you hate grocery shopping, try amazon fresh. I hate lugging around groceries without a car, so it’s a great option. Plus you can add it all in your cart and see the total cost before checking out. Sometimes the produce is just OK, but for the most part I love just shopping for all I need online without having to make a trip.

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Ally Stuart

Do you have a trick for poaching eggs? Yours look awesome and I can’t really seem to manage to get mine tidy looking without using WAY too much vinegar in the poaching water…

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Raq

this may be less than what others are used to eating in a day, but looks similar to what I eat in a day! I think your meals look really healthy and balanced 🙂

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Courtney

Can you do a video post on how to poach an egg? I always end up with a weird, goopy mess, but yours look so perfect!

Love your blog! I also moved from a warm climate (San Diego) to go to college in the northeast (Boston), and chose to stay after graduating. Love your posts on being back home vs. in Connecticut!

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Stefanie Hamilton

Are you cooking brown rice in your bowls? Do you add a dressing? Also, can you post the recipe for the ginger chicken??? Thanks so much!

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