Fuelling My Day with Protein: A Delicious & Balanced Approach to Intermittent Fasting (16:8)

When it comes to intermittent fasting, I’ve found a routine that works for me—it's a mix of fueling my body with the right foods, making sure I hit my protein goals, and still enjoying every meal along the way. I follow the 16:8 method, which means I fast for 16 hours and eat all my meals within an 8-hour window, from 10 AM to 6 PM. This style of eating helps me stay focused and energized, and let me tell you—maintaining a solid protein intake is the key to making sure I stay lean, but also strong!

I’ve learned over time that hitting my protein goal is absolutely crucial, especially during a fat loss phase, to preserve muscle. So, I aim for at least 125 grams of protein every day—this helps me keep my metabolism firing and ensures that I’m maintaining muscle mass while shedding fat. Here’s a peek into a day in my life, and how I stay on track with my nutrition while still enjoying delicious, satisfying meals.

10 AM - Starting Strong: Greek Yogurt Protein Bowl & Green Synergy Elixir

The first meal of the day is probably my favorite. I start by making a simple but nutrient-packed Greek yogurt bowl. I use plain Greek yogurt, which is rich in protein (about 15g per serving), and then I add a scoop of vanilla Arbonne protein powder for some extra flavor and muscle-building power. I top it off with fresh blueberries (loaded with antioxidants!) and a spoonful of almond butter for some healthy fats and a little sweetness.

Along with my yogurt bowl, I sip on a Green Synergy Elixir with a fizz stick. This gives me a boost of greens, minerals, and hydration to kickstart my system, plus I love the refreshing taste. It’s a great way to start my eating window feeling both energized and balanced.

Protein Check: Greek yogurt + Arbonne protein powder = 40g+ of protein already!

12 PM - Salad Perfection: Veggies + Lean Protein = Win

By lunchtime, I’m ready for a big, satisfying salad. And when I say big, I mean loaded. I pile it high with a variety of colorful veggies—think spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, radish. Then, I throw in some lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for that muscle-building boost. Chickpeas are a staple too, not only for their plant-based protein, but also for a healthy serving of fiber.

For the dressing, I always keep it simple with a tangy Greek vinaigrette. It keeps the salad light but flavorful and doesn’t weigh me down. Plus, I love that extra bit of healthy fat to help me stay fuller longer. This meal is packed with nutrients and keeps me feeling light, but also satisfied until my afternoon snack.

Protein Check: Chicken/shrimp + chickpeas = 40g+ of protein!

3 PM - Protein Power: Arbonne Shake

By mid-afternoon, I’m usually feeling a little hungry, so I make sure to have a high-protein snack to keep my energy levels up. I reach for an Arbonne protein shake—either Feel Fit or Essential Meal depending on where I’m at with my calorie intake for the day. Both of these shakes pack in tons of protein, but the Essential Meal also has healthy fats and carbs, which are great if I’m looking for a more balanced option.

I love how easy these shakes are to make. Just add water, shake, and I’m good to go! Plus, they taste like a treat, which is always a bonus.

Protein Check: Arbonne protein shake = 20g+ of protein.

6 PM - Dinner Time: Protein + Veggies + Sweet Potato Love

Dinner is where I get a little creative, and I always make sure to have a protein, some hearty veggies, and a baked sweet potato on the side. I’m all about flavors, and tonight I’m going for a taco-stuffed sweet potato. I load up my baked sweet potato with lean ground beef (protein-packed), top it with a handful of lettuce, tomatoes, black beans and banana peppers and finish it off with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and salsa for that extra zing.

The Greek yogurt is my favorite swap for sour cream—it's creamy and protein-rich, and it adds a nice tang. It’s the perfect meal to close out my eating window while making sure I hit my protein goal for the day.

Some nights, I switch things up with a BBQ steak or a grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables and diced sweet potato. It’s filling, flavorful, and always makes me feel nourished and satisfied.

Protein Check: Lean ground beef + veggies + Greek yogurt = 40g+ of protein!

Why Protein is Key in a Fat Loss Phase

Now, let’s talk about why hitting my protein goal is so important, especially when I’m in a fat loss phase. It’s tempting to cut back on protein to reduce calories, but if you want to preserve muscle while losing fat, protein is non-negotiable. The reason? Protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest.

Plus, protein keeps you fuller longer. I don’t get those afternoon cravings or feel the urge to snack on empty calories because my meals are balanced and high in protein. It helps control hunger and keeps me feeling satisfied without overdoing it on carbs or fat.

Maintaining a high-protein diet also helps with recovery if I’m working out (which I always try to fit in). Muscles need protein to repair and grow, and since I’m focusing on fat loss, I want to make sure my muscle mass stays intact. So, by consistently hitting my protein goal, I can shed fat while keeping my lean muscle.

Wrapping It Up: Fueling Your Body the Right Way

Intermittent fasting doesn’t have to be about starving yourself or skimping on nutrients. It’s all about finding a rhythm that works for your body, and for me, that means making sure I hit my protein goals every day. Whether I’m starting my day with a protein-packed yogurt bowl or finishing it off with a hearty taco-stuffed sweet potato, I know that the key to feeling good, staying strong, and supporting fat loss is all in the protein.

So, if you're on a fat loss journey (or just trying to live your best, healthiest life), don't neglect your protein! It's essential for preserving muscle, keeping your metabolism revved up, and making sure you feel strong and energized all day long.

Ready to Fuel Your Day with Protein? 💪

If you’re looking to crush your protein goals while enjoying delicious meals, start building your own balanced day with high-protein meals that keep you full, energized, and on track with your fitness journey. Whether you're doing intermittent fasting or just trying to eat healthier, the right foods make all the difference!

Have a favorite protein-packed recipe? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you hit your protein goals! And if you're interested in trying out some of the products I use, like Arbonne protein powder, click the link to check them out and see how they can work for you.

Let’s make every meal count! 🌱

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