FAQ's

Why is it ok for us to now eat carbs when in the last plan carbs were a no- no?
-- The last plan might have been what we call a "carbohydrate cleanse." Many of us are raised
eating mostly carbohydrates, and most of us do not know what the appropriate portion sizes are.
This often leads to overeating on portions, which in turn will lead to fat storage accumulation.
This new plan incorporates appropriately sized portions of healthy carbohydrates in order to get
you back to eating the foods you love without the bulge you hate!

Why are we now allowed to eat cheese and is it only soft cheese or is Cheddar
allowed? what about other dairy? Milk/yoghurt etc?
- As you may know, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium is one of the
main nutrients that people often lack in their diet, yet it is essential for maintaining so many life
processes, not to mention adequate bone and muscle strength. In small portions, these foods
can be an effective transporters of calcium into the body-- and they belong to a food group that
we all love, so why cut them out completely? The products included in this meal plan are ones
with the exact distribution of micronutrients needed in order to fit into your daily calorie, protein,
fats, and carbohydrate goals, however it is safe to say that even a little cheddar can fit well into a
balanced diet.

Why are we now allowed to rice and pasta? (Paleo suggests we shouldn't).
- Rice and pasta are foods that we love as well, yet they are often looked down upon. And for
good reason! These foods are easy to overeat and can contribute to excess energy intake. The
key to eating these carbohydrate rich foods is to choose whole grain options which will help you
feel more full for longer, and measuring out the right amount before you eat so that you do not go
overboard. In the correct portion sizes, your body will burn these foods for the fuel you need to
make it through your next workout!

Ezekiel bread can be difficult to get hold of - is there another product we could use
instead?
--Any sprouted, whole grain bread will work!

In my last plan potatoes were replaced by sweet potatoes, but in this plan,
potatoes are back...why is this?
-- We all love potatoes! White potatoes are often called upon as a nutrition enemy however the
truth is that they are not better or worse than sweet potatoes - - they're just different! The key to
eating them is to always remember to watch your portion sizes and eat the skin, because that is
where most of the nutrients are packed.

Why is Maple syrup used?
-- A small amount of Maple Syrup goes a long way. We are practically programmed to love the
taste of sweet foods, so why get rid of them?! Maple syrup is a more natural, less processed
form of sugar, and many versions actually contain other nutrients in them depending on where
they are sourced from. Stick to organic, local products for the biggest nutrient bang. Still
sceptical? The BEST part about this plan is that it is flexible-- if you don't want to add a little
maple syrup, you don't have to :)

Why are we allowed chocolate?
-- Every once in a while, it is important to treat yourself. Chocolate happens to be one of the
better-for-you treats as it contains powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants have been linked to
lower rates of depression, stress, and longer life spans, among other benefits. A balanced diet is
one that restricts nothing and includes everything we love in appropriate portions.

I hate brussels, can we use any other leafy greens?
-- Absolutely! Most of the leafy green veggies in this meal plan can be substituted for any other
green leaf veggie that your heart desires. The important thing to remember is to keep your diet
varied and exciting by including many different types. This is because all of these veggies
contain different levels of the different nutrients that we need for optimal health.

Is fruit still best in small quantities?
-- It's recommended to eat fruit in moderation. There are many benefits of fruit! Aside
from the many vitamins and minerals they contain, they also help to promote bowel
regularity and provide a more rapidly digested form of carbohydrate that can be used
efficiently during periods of high intensity training. Most of your fruit intake during this
meal plan will fall before dinnertime, whereas more complex carbohydrate forms will fall
at night. This is to ensure that your blood sugar stays under control at night when you are
more likely to be sedentary and not burn off as many calories.
-- Carbohydrate intake should be individualized to each person. It is very important to listen to
your body and see how it respond to different food groups at different times of the day. It is very
important to watch your intake of added sugars because excessive added sugar in the diet
contributes highly to the onset of chronic disease such as cardiac disease and diabetes. It is best
to consume carbohydrates with a good amount of fibre, and to pair up your carbohydrate with a
protein rich food and a healthy source of fat. There IS what we call a "magic window" of time that
occurs within 30 to 60 minutes following a workout in which your body rapidly absorbs and
utilizes simple carbohydrates, like table sugar, and turns it into muscle rather than fat stores. If
you're craving something slightly unhealthy, this magic window would be the best time to
consume it!