BuffMother! Diet Basics:
I have tried and failed on the following diets: low fat/high carb, Atkins, Zone, Body For Life, the apple diet, the cabbage soup diet, slim fast, the diabetic diet, and the food pyramid. The results and side effects of each were just not worth the pain. But, the diet I have successfully followed over the last 2 years is flexible, satisfying and very effective. I believe I have found the diet keys to being buff 365 days a year! It is the BuffMother Diet.
Main key points: Protein, Water and Planning
The focus of my diet is simple. Eat enough protein and drink enough water and you will be successful. Oh yeah one last component- planning. I am talking about hunger planning. Don’t eat if you don’t have true hunger pains. The #1 problem with obesity today is that people are eating for every reason, except that they are truly hungry.
Protein, Water and Hunger Planning. It is that simple!
How much Protein?
Eat your goal bodyweight in grams of protein daily. I want to weight 125; therefore I want to eat 125g of protein a day. Each gram of protein has 4 calories, so I should have at least 600 calories a day from protein. And remember that calories from protein require about 1 calorie per gram to digest, so think more like 3 calories per gram of protein!
Ways to succeed in eating your protein:
- Always have it handy and quick to eat: boiled eggs, cooked chicken breast, canned chicken, tuna and salmon, beef jerky, deli meat, etc.
- When planning your meal think protein first, next green veggies and lastly carbs.
- Find a good protein supplement and use it. My staples are a good vanilla, chocolate and fruit flavored protein. I usually mix it in just water and a couple scoops at a time (40g). It is a quick easy way to keep my protein intake on track.
How much Water?
As much water as you can possibly drink: the more, the better. You will feel better and lose your fat faster if you have a lot of water. Your body is almost all water. The more muscle you have and the more protein you eat, the more water your body needs. In order to flush all the toxins out of your cells there must be a lot of water available. If you need an amount I would say 1 to 2 gallons a day.
Ways to succeed in drinking your water:
- Keep water bottles in you car
- Keep water on your desk, by your refrigerator, and by your sink
- Drink it don’t sip it. Aim for 10 big gulps every time you drink.
- If you get up in the middle of the night, slam a bunch of water.
- Drink it immediately in the morning
- Always drink water during your workouts
How much Hunger Planning?
I only want you to eat when you have true hunger pains. This means you need to tune into your body and let it tell you when it truly needs to eat. There is no magic time limit between meals, however the average is 3 hours. If you feel hunger pains, follow these three steps of hunger planning:
- Drink an 8 oz. glass of water.
- Wait 10 min. to see if those pains persist.
- If so, simply eat. If not, wait until the pains return and then eat.
This way you will learn to tune into your physical needs for food vs. the mental need.
What else do I eat????
A healthy diet is the goal. Don’t ever embark on a diet that you can’t see doing the rest of your life. My philosophy is to constantly strive for improvement in regards to the balance, nutrition and portion size of my diet.
About 30% Carbohydrate
That is between 3-4 servings of carbs a day. Plenty for your energy and nutritional needs. Have a carb at breakfast, pre workout and post workout and then one more throughout the day.
About 30% Fat
I know many of you think that you need to cut almost all the fat out of your diet to lose weight. I think that is a recipe for disaster! You need fat for satiety and sanity. If you have a meal with no fat, you will be hungry again within 2 hours. By adding more fat that same meal will keep you satisfied for 3-4 hours. A little fat goes a long way! At times, I eat cheese, salad dressings, olives, hamburgers, brats, real pepperoni, rib eye steaks, ribs, etc., and I am leaner now than I was when I ate a diet with 15% fat. You just have to be in control and not overdo the fat. Everything in Moderation!
Lots and Lots of Greens:
Green veggies or lower carb veggies have been a lifesaver for me. They are so low in calories that you can eat until you’re full! Not to mention how great these nutrient packed, earth grown treats make you feel. So eat your greens. At least 2 huge servings a day!
Additional Tips:
Water is considered any non-caffeinated, non-sugared drink.
To speed up weight loss, cut out all treats and omit a serving of carbs.
If you are really hungry, try adding more greens or protein to your diet.
Eating for the right purpose is just a part of my BuffMother! Nutritional plan. If you would like further assistance from me in regards to your diet you can purchase a online training program that includes a complete workout and diet plan.


great simple “diet” for a lifetime! truly
thanks for this write up!
I LOVED this post!! So informative… Thank you.
thanks Leah!
Awesome post! great reminders, PROTEIN is crucial to our success!! I need to amp up my water intake!
Training for a triathlon, body tired but loving the burn. Swimming is so tough, and such a good workout!
Pressing on
Good for you on the tri training…I am a “sinker” and I hate getting water up my nose…so swimming is not a sport I’ve ever done. Keep up with your protein, you need it for recovery during all that training!! How’s your foot doing?
Love this post, thank you! I wish I knew how many grams of carbs and fat to eat… going for 120 grams of protein is easy but I don’t know how to figure out percentage wise what the grams of the rest is…. PLEASE HELP!
Great post!
Great dietary advice! I read the tip for today about traveling and I just received the coolest fit kit from the fitness fairy at work that has three different resistance bands, three different level DVDs, and exercise cards all in a nice little camo drawstring bag. I can toss in my jump rope and go!
Great tips to start off a SUCCESSFUL YEAR!!
GREAT information to take into the new year! I excited about the new year, new goals, and new accomplishments.! Wishing everyone the best body you ever had year ahead!! Peace
I’ve started adding protein powder back in to my morning oatmeal and it has definitely helped me feel fuller for longer.
All wonderful tips! Thanks so much
THanks for the amazing reminders on how simple diets can be and not complicated! Off to Nia this morning!!
Good tips…today is the last day of 2011, we are having a big party tonight. My kids are here and my goal today is to enjoy them, and not waste my energy on eating junk, and listening for the hunger ques, not mindlessly eating. I plan on taking the dogs for a long walk, and to get about 30 minutes of situps, squats, and pushups in just to keep my momentum
Trying hard to stay on track with the diet – it can be tough and I know that with the holidays coming I will have to stick by the veggie platters instead of the chips!
Michelle, I cringe when I think of how much money I spent on weight watchers and didnt lose a pound. I’m a runner and the foods I need to fuel my body are too high in “points”. It was always a huge struggle. Then I start this FREE 40 day challenge and immediately lose 5 pounds! And I’m not starving myself. Actually I’m so rarely hungry that I can choose the healthy foods and no have cravings. I feel like I’m finally doing things right!
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Wonderful advise! I must make no excuses with my diet…
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WOW! I have been trying really hard to get 125grams of protein each day and it takes some work! What about lowfat cottage cheese, it has low calories and sugar and 12 grams of protein but I don’t hear that suggested very often as a good source, am I missing something? Also are 2 protein shakes a day fine? And do you also want to aim for this much protein every day even if you don’t lift weights every day?
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Have gradually eased into a food lifestyle like this and the results are showing!
Wow … Lots of great info! Thanks.
Glad today is my day off! Didn’t sleep well last night and was in meeting all day today. Going to bed early tonight, big work out tomorrow! Great advice on food and water. I always say that diets don’t work, life style changes do!
I’ve been doing this already, and it totally works! And have found the more water I drink the more weight I lose!
Water and protein Got it !!!
thanks for the wealth of information. Next time I compete I am strongly considering hiring you to help.
So I am thinking if one is not at their goal weight….eat what the dream goal weight is in protein right??? Thanks for the tips!
I love the diet. It is satisfying and for once I don’t feel deprived.