Use these 6 Meal Prep Tricks When You Are Just Too Busy

It happens. You had good intentions, and suddenly you're in the middle of the storm with no way out, and definitely no time for preparing some healthy foods, let alone exercise. You find yourself resorting back to take-out, drive-thru's, and frozen meals. But, with a quick trip to the grocery store and a few minutes, you can turn the bus around! 

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When you just don't have time to actually stop and prepare a meal, or plan ahead, try to create some time in your schedule. Even skipping one workout and taking the time to plan and prepare a few meals will set you up for more success than one workout in the long run, even when it doesn't seem like it at the time. 

For the days, or even weeks that are crazy, stop at the grocery store and pick up a rotisserie chicken, a few bags of salad, some chopped vegetables, and some fresh fruit or a fruit tray. Even something as simple as this will keep you from getting completely derailed, and your body will feel much better too! 

For the days that you really have no time, call ahead to one of our partners, The Flat's, or Eddie's to call and pre-order a perfectly portioned meal, ready in 30 minutes or less, and absolutely delicious and healthy. Click below for the menu.  

Success Story: Kristy Skuce

 
 

Kristy had been coming to Encompass and working out consistently for a  year but wasn’t seeing the progress she had hoped to. No weight was lost, in fact she gained a few pounds. “I found myself very frustrated over summer with nothing fitting properly and not feeling as comfortable because of it. I had friends at Encompass who were successful with the program and I thought it was time to give the KickStart a try.”

Kristy was hesitant about the cost of the program and felt that she should be able to get the results she wanted on her own, without any help. But, in the end,  friends encouraged her to sign up.  “I decided to give it a try and in the very first week I was down almost 7 pounds! I could not believe it.” Her remaining 3 weeks on the Program were nothing short of success as she didn’t stop at those 7 pounds.

The biggest discovery Kristy made throughout the program was what adding her creamer to her coffee was doing to her body. Before the KickStart you could find Kristy drinking, and adding creamer to coffee several times per day. During the KickStart she broke that habit by having only one coffee with breakfast and drinking water, tea or black coffee the rest of the day.  She says she’s getting used to black coffee- seeing the results is worth it.

Another benefit was losing inches in areas that were typically harder for her. “I always notice changes in my upper body but often struggled with losing in my lower body.”  But during the Kickstart, Kristy lost 2.5 inches off her stomach, 2 inches off her hips and another 1.5 from each leg.

Everyone has days where “life happens” but this program adapts to those days.  Kristy experienced some of these days during the 28 days of the Kickstart. “Thanksgiving fell in the middle of this program and I still enjoyed my supper and a slice of pie, yes that’s right. I also attended fundraisers where the menu didn’t fit nicely into the program. I took those days as “life days” and tried to make the best choices.”  But knowing portion sizes as well as what she should be eating for meals and snacks ensured she could stay on track around those “life days”.  Managing the correct amount of carbs was a big lesson for her.

The results are still new and exciting to Kristy. But she’s looking forward to enjoying clothes shopping again.  ”I feel more confident and I'm excited to continue focusing on my nutrition as well as to teach my family healthy habits.”

“I would definitely recommend this program to anyone. The elements are very clear. If you follow the meal suggestions and timing of meals, you will find success. There is something for everyone....you can spend time cooking or stick to the easier recipes and grab and go. Each recipe makes more than one portion so I found I could freeze meals.”  I’ll be honest, I’m kicking myself for not joining the first KickStart program I could have.”

The biggest benefit for Kristy from this program was gaining the confidence of knowing she could do it.  “And that motivates me to set new goals.”

What more could you ask for in 28 days?

 
 
 

From Camera Avoider to Confident!

From Camera Avoider to Confident!

We don't have too many before pictures of Jade because, well, like many people, she hated how she looked in photos. Plus, she was exhausted all of the time, and just wasn't happy.
Flash forward 6 months, and Jade has let us take a photo, and has even had family photo's done. After trying everything out there and always failing miserably, Jade says this is the easiest program she has ever done, or had success with. Win, Win! 

"Exercise Saved My Life"

"Exercise Saved My Life"

Sharon has come a long way since starting with us, claiming that exercise has saved her life. Sharon started personal training with us just less than a year ago. Since then, she has gained the strength and confidence to join group classes, and is an inspiration to everyone around her. Her persistence and positivity are infectious, and she shows up early each day to practice her weaknesses and push her limitations. 

Healthy Pumpkin "Pie"

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This single serve Protein Pumpkin Pie is packed full of flavour without the guilt, sugar, and carbs! 

Ingredients:

Crust: 
1 TSP Coconut Oil
1 TBSP Coconut Flour
1 TSP Maple Syrup

"Pie":
2/3 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 scoop Shaklee Pumpkin Pie
1/4 TSP Pumpkin Pie Spice
Optional: 1/2 packet sweetener

Topping: 
1 dollop Cool Whip
Sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice 

Instructions: 
1. Turn oven on to 350 degrees. 
2. Mix coconut flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup in a small oven-safe ramekin. 
3. Place in the oven for 3-4 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. 
4. Take out of the oven and cool. In a separate bowl mix together 2/3 cup protein, 1/2 scoop pumpkin spice protein powder, 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice and optional sweetener to taste. 
5. Pour protein mixture onto the crust. 
6. Top with a dollop of light cool-whip and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. 

Enjoy! 

You can choose to enjoy this meal guilt-free, or count it as your units: 2 units Fat, 2 Units Carbs, and 2 units Protein. 

 

Top 5 Thanksgiving Tips

Our philosophy is a balanced approach; which means so much more than how you look, or what a number on the scale tells you. A balanced approach means a healthy perspective on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Having to opt-out of Thanksgiving to achieve a desired weight should never be promoted (unless you're preparing for a specific event or competition). That certainly isn't enjoyable, and it's not realistic either. 

Our approach focuses on mindfulness, which means not only fully enjoying Thanksgiving meal, but fully being present Thanksgiving weekend; enjoying and taking in the cool, crisp weather, appreciating your family members for who they are, and fully expressing gratitude for all things; even on the days and in the moments you have to look a little harder. 

Practice these 5 tips for an enjoyable long weekend of fall, friends, family, food, and maybe even a little fitness with our anywhere or on-the-go Thanksgiving Workouts. 

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This couple lost 20 pounds each and changed their lives (without exercise!)

This couple lost 20 pounds each and changed their lives (without exercise!)

After hearing about their co-workers success, Brent and Dallas decided to 'give the program a try'. In this time they lost over 20 pounds each with no restrictions or starvation. Learn how they did it here (you read that right, they did all of that without exercising... yet).