Like I wrote in “Naturally Thin,” no two days are the same. However, there are some recurring themes in how I plan my meals for the day:
Breakfast
Breakfast is a decaf sugar-free vanilla soy misto. What I eat varies. Some days, I’ll have a scooped-out toasted wheat bagel with a small amount of butter. If I need protein, I’ll have a slice of soy cheese or Laughing Cow cheese. Other days I’ll have some irish oatmeal with cinnamon and a drizzle of agave and some frozen blueberries. Some days I have Kashi good friends cereal or shredded wheat (this I drizzle with agave nectar) with almond milk. I don’t measure anything. You know what a small bowl of breakfast food looks like. Use a japanese rice bowl size as a guide. Once in a while I’ll eat a lowfat whole grain muffin knowing full well that it’s a bit like a piece of cake. If it isn’t enormous then don’t sweat it. Just don’t eat a large white-flour muffin.
Snacks
I don’t believe in obsessing about eating every few hours. Try to get to know your food personality. If you go too far without eating and become ravenous then you need to force yourself to snack. Otherwise, like me, just know when you’re getting to that hunger place. I might eat a Kind Bar or Larabar because the nuts stay with you. Mid-morning, I’ll peel an orange or eat a grapefruit or an apple, but fruit spikes your blood sugar so don’t go too long without some protein soon after.
Lunch
Lunch often involves soups. They fill you up and are hearty. Some days I’ll do a veggie burger on a slice of whole grain bread with soy cheese and a bit of mustard mixed with ketchup. Other days will be a salad with lots of veggies, some type of protein (i.e. chicken or chickpeas), a small amount of cheese and a non-creamy dressing.
Some days I’ll have leftovers, but I try to balance it out. One day it was shrimp tacos but I only had 1 small tortilla. Another day, it was a turkey burger with no bun. Or perhaps, an egg white veggie feta omelette. Some days I’ll have something vegetarian like baked falafel or tofu stir fry. Just cancel your membership to the clean plate club. Everything is about portions. My diet is a bank account and I invest differently every day. I don’t binge but I also don’t deprive.
Dinner
Every night, I make a “use what you have” salad. I use whatever greens I have, usually arugula or romaine, and combine it with whatever else I have — grape tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, corn, sprinkle of sharp tasting cheese (i.e. feta, blue cheese or Parmesan), etc. Then I salt and pepper the greens and make a simple dressing out of olive oil, lemon, white balsamic, a dash of agave nectar and a dash of mustard.
The main course varies. White meat turkey burgers or whole wheat pasta with vegetables such as spinach or broccoli rabe. Sometimes, if I’m not starving, I’ll have a hearty soup like split pea.
Other times, I’ll make one of my lowfat recipes, such as healthy tacos or lowfat enchiladas. No matter what, I do not overeat. Always know what a normal portion should be. To fill yourself up, eat more salad and veggies, which are high in fiber and low in calories.
One example of a meal I had recently is BBQ chicken with sauce on the side with half a sweet potato and sauteed green beans. I eat the skin on the chicken, but have a smaller account. I’d rather have flavor than quantity. On another night, I went out and had a escarole salad with pecorino, mint and lava beans with a 1/3 lb. rib-eye steak. That’s a fatty, flavorful steak, so I took a lot of it home from the restaurant and made Jason a sandwich the next day. For dessert, I had a few bites of gelato. Another dinner I had recently was a large salad, a few bites of pasta bolognese (I ate more sauce than pasta), a few bites of eggplant Parmesan, 1 lamb chop, and a few bites of dessert.
Usually, I have about 1 glass of wine a day and I always have a few bites of dessert – ice cream, cupcakes, whatever. Use a small ramekin dish to control portion size.
It’s not necessarily about what I eat, but about the psychology of how I eat that is the key. That’s what my two books and fitness DVD are all about.
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aside from your gorgeous figure.i am 60 yrs old and want tot tell you i am so happy for you and jason……………….Your in-laws seem to adore you.please let your guard down and accept this \new for you\ family.
Blessings
I was wondering if you had any good brands of soy cheese. I’ve bought a couple and they just taste rank, but I would love to cut back on my dairy. Any suggestions would be great!
I am so glad I came across your site and your personal eating habits. I only have an extra 5lbs or so and I see you don’t have snickers or chips on your diet
. I am going to try to modify my eating to mimic yours for a bit and I am sure the lbs will drop off.
Thanks for the tips, but like a couple of other readers, I am very picky on what i eat. got any good tips for picky eaters like my self.
jealousy is a weird those people who did not call you to give there best wishes are just that i see it all the time w here some women are concerned it is like a compettion even at my job it is just crazy. well wish you and yours the best and your new show is great..all the best you deserve it and more…god bless
It makes me have some faith in myself to see that you went through a lot and things are finally looking up. Have a happy life with your baby and new husband and dont stop. But you make the housewives DONT go.. I watch it so I can laugh at your crazy antics.
B congrats on all and happy daddy’s day to Jason, Now that menopause has set in and my body is declaring mutiny
I have finally decided that I need to take better care of myself. So after watching you on the housewives with you humour that reminds me of of my best friends and myself I am taking my b-day gift card to the book store for your books to get my 43 year old behind into shape. Thanks Sharon
Hi Bethenny I was just wondering what cooking school you attended. I know in your book you said it was one based on healthy cooking and I am interested in going to one. Thanks
Almond Butter – do you use it? I haven’t had it (or almond milk) before so I am wondering what kind to get. Is it as healthy as I hear it is?
Bethenny,
Thanks so much for your insight on your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When I read exactly what it is you do eat, no wonder you are naturally thin. I would be starving. I’m a a petite person who is thin; however, there is always room for improvement.
I’m not one for organic foods; however, what would you suggest for a full time worker (and full time mom) who is on the go? I can never seem to get a good healthy breakfast that is easy to just pick up and go.
Congratulations on your new life, marriage, books, baby, show ect, ect. I loved you on the housewives now I am addicted to your show!! Keep it going strong and best wishes.
I do fruit for b’fast then half hour or so have a ‘breakfast cookie’ or oatmeal, or other whole grain cereal. now I see I’m doing it right thanks Bethenny!
sometimes a couple eggs mostly 1 hard boiled egg.
good examples Bethenny! I’m doing it right then,,,, thank you so much!
Congrats Bethenny!! Bryn is beautiful!! Best wishes for you and your family. I know you will find love and support with Jason’s family. I worked with Carol some time back. She is a wonderful. She helped me during some of my hard times by being there, if nothing else to listen. We even shared a few recipes. If you haven’t already had it, get her to make you her zucchini quiche – I love it.
Thanks for the tips!
I’ve read lots of really frightening stuff about agave lately! I’ve switched to honey…
Hi Bethenny, thanks for the tip. This will definitely help me in losing the 20 pounds I need in order to get to my goal weight.
I’m so happy for you, and Jason, he’s one in a Million! Bethenny, Your Daughter is gorgeous.
God Bless you and your wonderful family. I’ve been where you were family wise. and my
now Husband of almost forthy years, said the same thing to as Jason said to you, as I sat
crying. He said one day I’ll have my own family and now three wonderful Sons ,and four
grandchildren later, he was right. I’m very very happy now. So take care and bought
your books love them lost weight, and I feel and look great, thanks to you!
Love your site and I am looking forward to trying your new cookbook.
Someone asked about cheese recommendations. I love cheese and have managed to work it in to my diet while losing 57 pounds.
Try point reys gorgonzola, It has a bit of a tangy blue cheese taste.
A good quality shaved parmesan is really good on a salad especially a ceaser salad.
I order my cheese from a shop in N.Y. called Ideal Cheese. They have cheeses from all over the world I order online, they will ship cheese anywhere in the U.S. If you have questions they are very acommodating.
Bethenny,
I have been reading your book, Naturally Thin and it is amazing! I used to be on weight watchers and I definitely lost weight but the constant tallying, writing and Obsessing I was over it!
Your book teaches key everyday tips on how to eat and it’s easy. Your diet is your Bank Account is my ‘salvation’ line! I’ve been exercising regularly and eating lots of fruit and veggies and experimenting in the kitchen. I feel great! And I haven’t even read the whole book! Imagine how fantastic I will feel when I do!
Thank you! I think you’re awesome!
Bonjour, Bethanny,
I loved watching your show last night-your wedding trip. I always love watching your show. You and Jason make me smile and your love is so obvious and touching. Thank you for sharing you with us tv fans.Congratulations on your little girl-I’m so glad you got a girl! She is beautiful as are you and Jason…great genes.
Well, Bethenny, reading about your eating style made me feel a lot better: Recently, a man I had been dating actually broke up with me because I am a healthy vegetarian who does not clean her plate! I kid you not. He said it made him uncomfortable to eat meat around me; this, after an early, get-to-know-you conversation about vegetarianism, and the fact that I became a veggie at 15, because I simply dislike meat. I am not a finicky eater by any means, and in no way am I offended by those who eat meat. As a matter of fact, if a soup is a chicken-broth base, I will eat it; I have been known to eat scallops (of all things!), and one summer, many years ago, a large part of my cafe job was picking chickens (getting the meat off the bones for chicken salad).
Lord almighty! As many of you “older” daters know, it ain’t easy out here. At 47, I have had a handful of long-term, significant relationships, but this last man made me wonder if I should just let it all rest. Thanks for sharing, Bethenny; I realize now that he was the narrow one, not me.
I missed your booze signing at Franklin Mills. It’s a 2+ hour drive for me one way, I’m self-employed so work is top priority. Would you consider coming to Wilmington,DE? It’s not that far from NYC. You have a huge fan base in that area.
What other drinks do you suggest. I am not a big water drinker. I
drink crystal light and just found a fruit punch with 10 calories but taste like water. I do like a pepsi once a day. Help I am 38 and weigh 114 so I really eat fine. but I am interested in your workout routine. I have Fibromyalgia and do not have a lot of energy at times and have pain at times. But I will not let this beat me you inspire me.
Bethenny! I am so happy for you, Jason and baby Bryn. She is adorable from what I saw of her for next weeks episode. She looks like Jason! You have to have another baby! One that looks just like YOU. I love your Naturally skinny girl figure and coming in at a size zero how do you do it? How tall are you? I will order all of your DVD’s and books. And Booze, can’t forget that. Please give us all of your tips on keeping your skinny girl figure and you should market your own goods like the agave nectar, yes? The things that you mention that we do not recognize in other parts of the USA? I live in Texas and have not heard of the Agave nectar. So please, do tell more secrets of becoming the Naturally Skinny Girl like we have become to know and love in you.
This is exactly what I needed to read. I’m petite and at a weight that’s okay for me, but am definitely what I’d call “skinny fat” right now. I gave birth to my daughter via c-section 5 months ago & am still eating like I am pregnant, plus rarely getting exercise. I’d love to eat cleaner & start a yoga routine, but keep putting it off until “tomorrow”. Reading your daily intake, Bethenny has helped me see where I need to improve. I like your article about motivation as well. I appreciate how open & honest you are in giving tips & personal examples; you really know how to help your fellow busy mommies out!
Dear Bethenny,
I am so happy for you! I loved you on the housewives, but hated this season the way you were treated. You are such a talented woman, and deserve everything that is coming your way. God Bless you and that wonderful little girl, and Jason. Bethenny you have a new family now, and great inlaws. Wishing you only good things.
I just love your books and all the tips you give. I was experimenting with your faux cheesecake and I tweeked it a bit and it is sooo delicious. I mix 1/4 C. of whipped cottage cheese + 2 T. lowfat vanilla yogurt + 1 T. cool whip + drizzle of honey + sprinkle of cinnimon and 5-8 Ghirdelli dark chocolate chips.
It is divine and I have it for a snack sometimes.
Don’t you ever want to just go nuts and eat like, an entire pizza? I try and try to be healthy, throw away the garbage food, eat salads and chicken and egg whites, and eventually I just feel like I’m going to die if I don’t eat a whole large veggie pizza. I can’t help it.
Hi Bethenny, You are the only reason I continued watching Housewives of NYC. I was thrilled when you got your own show and watched it faithfully. I am 60 years old and have been unemployed for over 2 years now. I have found myself gaining more and more weight every month. It is time for me to get a grip so I ordered your yoga tape and your cookbook. Hopefully these 2 items will get me back on track. I never had a weight problem in my life but I guess and age and feeling sorry for myself as caught up with me. You are a real inspiration for me so……Holy S— Balls, I’m going for it. Love you…..
Congratulations on your marriage and the new baby! I watch Housewives & BGM religiously-love them both.
I thought you would like to know that you inspired me to make some long overdue lifestyle changes with regards to my eating habits. So far I’v lost 14 pounds in 3 weeks & even though I have a long way to go your eating tips are a big help.
Thanks!
I have watched all of your shows and love them. I must say that the final show last night was a little hard to watch. Bethenny, you really need to clean up your bad language. It’s not necessary to use vulgar language and now that you have a baby, you’ll see as Bryn gets older and starts talking, she will repeat what you say. You are a smart woman and you don’t need to lower yourself like that. Also, the boobs and pumps was too much information! I know you are proud of your store-bought boobs but I don’t need to see them all the time and I don’t need to see you pumping.
Remember, setting a good example is everything!
Hi Bethenny,
I am a huge fan of yours and take your adviceon nutrition very seriously. I am finding it very difficultto control my portions. I am 6’1 and I am trying to get back in shape to start a family. Are the portions you mentioned in the above article for all body types? I know that one small taco is plenty for you at lunch, but I get much hungrier than that. For being as tall as I am, what would be your idea of a “small portion”?
Thanks
I’ve been reading your books and using your recipes for about two weeks now and I’ve lost 5 lbs! Not only have I lost weight but my husband has lost a few pounds as well. You do not know how grateful I am to have finally found something that is easy to stick to and recipes that are simple. I also love that since I live in a very rural area that your ingredients in your dishes are easy to find in my grocery store. Thank you so much! You always give me a good laugh and put me in a good mood when I watch your show too!
In early June, I was shocked to see on my doctor’s scale that I weighed 170lbs. I’m 5’4″, and I knew I was “slightly” overweight but had no idea it had gotten to that point. Then I bought Naturally Thin and your recipe book. It was a blessing to read that I never needed to diet again or deprive myself of the foods I really love. I simply took all your advice, never felt deprived or plagued by cravings, and today, three months later, I weight 135 lbs and my husband (who willingly came onboard) has lost a total of 30 lbs. I feel great, my clothes don’t hurt me anymore, and I am so grateful that you wrote those books. They’ve changed my life as well as my eating habits. Thank you so much, and I’m really looking forward to your new book.