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    Healthy meal prep
    Xercise Zone Nutrition Guide • 3-5 Min Read

    Nutrition Priorities

    The simple principles that create lasting fat loss, better health, and sustainable results.

    The Foundation

    The Fat Loss Formula

    Fat loss comes down to energy balance. It's science, not magic.

    Weight Gain

    Calories In>Calories Out

    Weight Loss

    Calories In<Calories Out

    Consistency Beats Perfection

    Fat loss comes from maintaining a calorie deficit consistently over time. A perfect Monday-Friday deficit can be completely erased by weekend overeating.

    Mon - Fri (Deficit)-2500 cal
    Sat - Sun (Surplus)+3000 cal
    Net Weekly Result+500 cal (Weight Gain)

    Principle 1

    Calories Are King

    • Calories remain the most important factor in weight loss.
    • You must consistently consume fewer calories than you burn.
    • Sustainable results come from long-term consistency.

    "Calories are king, consistency is queen."

    Principle 2

    Prioritise Protein

    Protein is the building block of your body. It's essential for maintaining muscle mass while losing fat.

    Preserves muscle while losing fat
    Keeps you fuller longer
    Reduces cravings
    Supports recovery
    Boosts metabolism

    The Golden Rule

    "Protein should be the first thing you think about when building a meal."

    Metabolic Boost

    Protein has the highest thermic effect of food (TEF), meaning your body burns more calories digesting it compared to carbs or fats.

    Increases daily calorie burn & satiety

    Principle 3

    Eat Your Greens

    More Nutrients. Less Calories.

    Nutrient Dense

    Packed with essential vitamins

    Low Calorie

    High volume, low energy

    High Fibre

    Keeps digestion healthy

    Supports Recovery

    Reduces inflammation

    Immune Function

    Keeps you healthy

    Volume Eating Comparison

    Large plate of fresh vegetables
    Large Plate of Veggies

    ~150 Calories

    Maximum fullness, maximum nutrients

    VS
    Chicken nugget
    Chicken Nugget

    ~400+ Calories

    Low fullness, minimal nutrients

    Hydration Calculator

    Base Requirement

    1 Litre per 25-30kg bodyweight

    +

    Activity Requirement

    0.5 Litres per hour of exercise

    Principle 4

    Hydrate With Water

    Your Body Is Approximately 60% Water
    • Better digestion and nutrient absorption
    • Better energy levels throughout the day
    • Improved workout recovery
    • Reduced false hunger signals (thirst often masquerades as hunger)

    Principle 5

    Fruit Is Your Friend

    Don't fear the natural sugars in fruit. They come packaged with water, fibre, and essential micronutrients.

    Why Eat Fruit?

    Rich in Vitamins

    Essential for optimal body function

    High in Fibre

    Slows digestion and keeps you full

    Supports Gut Health

    Feeds good bacteria in your microbiome

    Helps Control Appetite

    High volume for relatively few calories

    Naturally Sweet

    Satisfies cravings in a nutrient-dense way

    Top Recommendations

    🫐
    Berries
    🍎
    Apples
    🥝
    Kiwi
    🍌
    Bananas

    Section 6

    Understanding Macronutrients

    Beyond calories, the composition of your diet matters for body composition, energy, and health.

    Protein

    Building and repairing muscle and tissue. The most satiating macronutrient.

    Carbohydrates

    Primary energy source for training, brain function, and daily activity.

    Healthy Fats

    Hormone production, brain health, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

    Section 7

    The 80/20 Rule

    Aim for 80% of your meals to come from nutrient-dense whole foods, and allow the remaining 20% for "soul foods" — the treats and social meals that keep your diet sustainable long-term.

    80%

    Nutrient Dense

    The foundation of your daily meals

    • Whole foods
    • Lean protein
    • Vegetables
    • Fruit
    • Healthy fats
    20%

    Soul Foods

    The flexibility that keeps it sustainable

    • ✓ Treats
    • ✓ Social meals
    • ✓ Indulgences
    The Golden Rule

    "Long-term consistency beats short-term perfection. Progress over perfection."

    Section 8

    Portion Control Made Simple

    Don't want to track calories? Use your hand as a portable, personalised portion guide.

    Protein

    Men

    2 Palms

    Women

    1 Palm

    Vegetables

    Men

    2 Fists

    Women

    1 Fist

    Carbs

    Men

    2 Cupped Hands

    Women

    1 Cupped Hand

    Fats

    Men

    2 Thumbs

    Women

    1 Thumb

    1/3 Veggies
    1/3 Protein
    1/3 Carbs

    The Ideal Plate Composition

    Section 9

    Best Food Sources

    Build your grocery list from these high-quality whole foods.

    Lean Protein

    • Chicken Breast
    • Turkey
    • White Fish
    • Tuna
    • Prawns
    • Kangaroo
    • Pork Loin
    • Veal

    Fatty Protein

    • Salmon
    • Trout
    • Steak
    • Lamb
    • Whole Eggs

    Vegetables

    • Broccoli
    • Spinach
    • Cauliflower
    • Cucumber
    • Kale
    • Carrots
    • Mushrooms
    • Peppers

    Healthy Fats

    • Avocado
    • Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts)
    • Olive Oil / Olives
    • Seeds (Chia, Flax)
    • Organic Peanut Butter

    Carbohydrates

    • Brown Rice
    • Sweet Potato
    • White Potato
    • Pumpkin
    • Quinoa
    • Basmati Rice
    • Oats