My Fit Foods has been generating buzz, and with a location conveniently situated in the Dallas suburbs, it piqued my interest as I pursue my fitness goals. This review delves into my experience with My Fit Foods, starting with the introductory three-day challenge, a stepping stone to the more comprehensive 21-day program.
Initial Consultation and Program Overview
Before embarking on the challenge, I consulted with a nutrition coach to gain insights into the program's philosophy and establish personalized goals, primarily to shed a few pounds and cultivate healthier eating habits throughout the week. My Fit Foods aims to detoxify the body and restore it to a natural state by encouraging consumers to consume five small, freshly prepared meals daily, composed of natural ingredients without preservatives or additives.
Exploring the My Fit Foods Store
Upon entering a My Fit Foods store, the first thing you'll notice is the refrigerator lining the back wall. Meals are neatly organized by breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with clear labels indicating calories, ingredients, and microwave instructions on each meal box. There's no membership fee to join My Fit Foods, making it accessible to anyone seeking a convenient and healthy meal solution.
The portion sizes cater to different needs. Most women typically opt for the small-portioned meals, which provide around 1,300 calories daily. Larger portions are available for men and athletes with higher caloric requirements, albeit at a higher price point.
Meal Variety and Taste
The majority of the small-portioned meals I sampled were enjoyable, despite my being a picky eater. For instance, while I didn't eat all of the noodles on the Chicken Parmesan plate, the chicken itself was flavorful, complemented by mushrooms and tomato sauce. Similarly, the Buffalo Chicken Salad, though tasty, could have benefited from more chicken.
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My Fit Foods boasts a diverse selection of protein plates, offering a wide range of options for lunches and dinners, including fish, shrimp, turkey, beef, chicken, and pork. I particularly recommend the salmon and the Greek Goddess Salad with chicken. Approximately 98% of the meals are gluten-free, and there are several spicy options available for those who prefer a kick.
The Oat Bake bowl, a flavorful oatmeal breakfast option with chopped strawberries, was a pleasant surprise. Even if you find oatmeal boring, this meal might change your mind. My favorite snack was the Healthy Hummus Bowl, consisting of a mix of veggies, grilled chicken strips, and a small cup of hummus (though I would have appreciated a larger portion). This experience highlighted the concept of portion control.
The Challenges and Adjustments
One of the most difficult aspects of the three-day challenge was abstaining from coffee. As someone who has worked in the PR and marketing industry for years, I had become accustomed to a daily coffee to kick-start my day. My Fit Foods advises against consuming coffee, alcohol, and sodas during the challenges, instead encouraging the consumption of water (in large quantities), green tea, and the My Fit Cocktail.
The My Fit Cocktail, a blend of cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemons, cherry-flavored B12, and a dash of apple cider vinegar, was surprisingly palatable and didn't have the artificial taste often associated with gym drinks. I enjoyed it so much that I made it once a day during the challenge. Additionally, I was tasked with drinking over 80 ounces of water daily, which proved to be a challenge in itself.
The Origins and Philosophy of My Fit Foods
The concept behind My Fit Foods originated with Mario Mendias, a former Marine and personal trainer. He founded My Fit Foods in Houston, driven by the belief that 80% of health and fitness results are achieved in the kitchen, emphasizing the importance of the fuel we provide our bodies. To address this, Mendias began preparing meals in his apartment and selling them to his clients, marking the birth of My Fit Foods.
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My Fit Foods emphasizes natural, non-processed ingredients, lean meats, "good" carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, all without preservatives. Approximately 90% of their meals are gluten-free and designed to be low on the Glycemic Index (GI). The plan typically involves eating three meals and two snacks a day to prevent hunger, with the allowance of one cheat meal per week in moderation.
The 21-Day Challenge: A Deeper Dive
When you visit My Fit Foods, you have the opportunity to consult with a health coach who can provide detailed information about the program and create a personalized meal plan based on your preferences, allergies, and goals. You can purchase individual microwavable meals in the store, eat them there, or opt to sign up for the 21-day challenge.
Is My Fit Foods Worth the Investment?
If you're committed to making significant nutritional changes to your lifestyle, My Fit Foods is worth considering. The 21-day plan, priced around $600 for women, may be a worthwhile investment, as it reduces the need for grocery shopping for three weeks. It's also important to incorporate regular exercise into your routine.
Success Stories and Testimonials
The effectiveness of My Fit Foods is supported by numerous success stories. For example, Eli transformed his body composition in just two months, decreasing his body fat from 19% to 9% while gaining 7 pounds of muscle. His training regimen included weightlifting four days a week and functional/sports-specific training two days a week. Maddie, who started her journey at her heaviest weight of 396 lbs and a body fat percentage of 62.4%, advises others to "start small and focus on making gradual, sustainable changes." Osa reduced his body fat from 22% to a lean 10% while still enjoying his weekends in moderation, thanks to his adherence to the program during the week.
One individual shared that their trainer recommended My Fit Foods after their doctor identified them as overweight with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetic. Despite working out in the gym for a month without significant changes due to improper nutrition, My Fit Foods proved to be a turning point. They reported feeling more energetic and experiencing a boost in confidence. Another individual supercharged their metabolism, burning an extra 100 calories daily.
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Availability
My Fit Foods currently has locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Idaho, and California.