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Skinny Plate Challenge

Skinny-Plate-Challenge

You are invited to take the Skinny Plate Challenge for the next 30 days. If you are ready to slim down, get healthier and change your eating habits for good, this challenge is for you. This is one of the first steps toward living a healthier lifestyle and shedding some of those unwanted pounds. Keep in mind this challenge is not a ‘diet’ but a step in the right direction toward making healthier food choices and eating smaller portions…about the size of your palm, fist or a deck of cards. We encourage eating healthy and doing so as a lifestyle choice.

IMPORTANT:  To fully understand how this challenge works, it’s important that you read the entire post.

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Here are the guidelines:

Skinny Plates = Salad Plate Size (about 7″)- Whether you are at home, work, picnic or in a restaurant… all meals must be served on a plate the size of a salad plate.

Portion Sizes – The portions of your foods must be no larger than the palm of your hand. That means ‘normal’ restaurant portions have to be cut down in size to fit on your skinny plate.

Number of Portions – All Skinny Plate meals are limited to no more than three portions. For example, if you are having chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and rolls…BEEP!!! Only three of these foods are allowed and must fit comfortably on your Skinny Plate.

Foods to Eat – It’s about taking baby steps and this is one of those steps that will help get you into the habit of eating smaller portions and less food with every meal. This challenge encourages eating whole foods, unrefined sweeteners, lean proteins and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. However, the guidelines for this challenge do not require eating particular types of food. The choice of what foods to place on your Skinny Plate is yours.

Number of Skinny Plates per day – Eat the same number of meals as you normally would. This challenge is about portion control.

Here are some Q & A’s about this challenge:

Q: What about desserts?
A: Desserts count as one of the three foods and must also be no larger than the palm of your hand.

Q: Does my drink count as one of the three foods?
A: No, your drink isn’t included in the three foods. If you’re having anything other than water or unsweetened tea, limit the amount to a 12 ounce serving or small size. We do encourage you to drink more water and a lot fewer sodas, fruit drinks containing sugar, shakes and water with artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Q: What about soup?
A: Soup does count as one of your three foods…so choose wisely.

Q: Can I have a salad that fills the plate and count that as all three foods?
A: Yes, as long as it isn’t weighed down with a cream dressing. We recommend EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil) & vinegar (red, white, apple cider, balsamic, white balsamic, etc..) or freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Q: Can I have three of the same food items for my Skinny Plate?
A: Yes, but it’s not recommended. Skinny Ms. recommends a balanced plate with a lean protein, complex carbohydrate and a healthy fat. Examples of complex carbs are: fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains, dry beans/legumes, low-fat dairy and raw nuts and seeds. Some examples of healthy fats: olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, avocado, salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines and raw nuts and seeds also fit into this category. Lean proteins are of course meats, fish, eggs and low fat dairy. As you may have noticed some foods fit into more than one category. This list consists of examples and is not complete.

Q: I love good old-fashioned hamburgers…is that considered one item or are the bun and condiments separate items?
A: A hamburger will be considered one item with the normal bun and condiments. However, think slider, White Castle or a burger that will be no larger than the palm of your hand. Easy?

Q: Can I have snacks and if so what about the portion size?
A: Two snacks a day are permitted. Snacks consist of items like raw nuts, raisins, one piece of fruit, etc.. Here’s some great suggestions.

Check out Ten Tips on How to Avoid Overeating.

By taking this BIG baby step for one month, we think you’ll see a definite difference in how you look and feel.

Now that you’re eating smaller portions, what about starting a fitness program? This is the next logical step in your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. We have a program designed for all fitness levels with a step-by-step guide that was created for those who need an effective home workout program. Check out TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION today.

Comment below if you’re in on the challenge. Let us know how the challenge is going by checking in once a week and letting us hear from you. We feel confident that you’ll succeed and your willpower will only get stronger.

Recommended to watch:

None of the information contained in this challenge is intended to replace qualified, medical advice. Please seek qualified advice from your doctor before beginning this or any challenge.





36 Fat Blasters
  • AmyD

    AWESOME!! I have a weight loss group I'm in charge of and we're all doing this!! Thank you! I love the idea!

    • skinnyms

      Amy, I love that idea. Keek us posted on your group and what they think about the challenge! :)

  • Suziegreear

    I started using a small plate recently but I haven't been sticking to the rule and certainly not choosing just 3 portions. So, I am all for this starting right now. Off to form a good habit…

    • skinnyms

      Suzie, YEAH!!! Welcome…so happy to have you in on the challenge.

  • Jessica Shuler

    I think this is a great idea!  I started using a salad plate for all of my food this week.  I am in for the challenge!  

    • skinnyms

      Jessica, Great…so happy you're joining in!

  • Kristie

    I'm in. I'll link to this from my blog! Http://needcoffeeplease.blogspot.com

    • skinnyms

      Kristie, Good idea! Welcome
      aboard! :)

  • Haley Ann18

    Can't wait to add this to my 12 week transformation I started yesterday!

    • skinnyms

      Haley, YOU ROCK!!! Perfect
      idea of combining the two.
      We would love if you keep
      us posted on your progress!

  • Heather

    Excited to try this. I will say that my family has switched to sliders instead of regular burgers and we love them. I find them to be completely satisfying!

    • skinnyms

      Heather, I agree…those BIG
      restaurant burgers are way
      too big and overly filling!

  • Multibear2001

    Is a 9" plate to big or is it ok. Or do I need a smaller plate? Let me know.

    • skinnyms

      Multibear,
      I would recommend a 7" plate!

  • Marisa

    I really need to smarten up. I tried the "eat two cups of veggies before every meal challenge" and failed after two days, but this challenge might be more doable…so I'm signing up.

    • skinnyms

      Marisa, This challenge is
      definitely doable…You'll do
      great! Keep us posted.

  • Kabrumm

    I am so in – I can't wait to start!!  Just read it so tomorrow is the day!!:)  Love this challenge – it will be a challenge but will really help with the portion control!

  • Foursperos

    I'm in too!! Good Luck Everyone!! I'm excited. Trying the Tuscan Turkey Meatloaf recipe tonight too, smaller portions is what Weight Watchers preaches too.

    • skinnyms

      Foursperos, Excellent choice
      to kick start the challenge!

  • Jennysturm

    I'm in!

    • skinnyms

      Jenny, YEAH!!! Welcome
      aboard…we're all in this
      together. :)

  • Chawnw

    I'm going to try this. I just started with a registered dietician and she loves the idea too. My trainer supports it as well. Wish me luck! This is definitely gonna be a challenge!

    • skinnyms

      Yes, but you can do it!!! I'm
      so happy your dietician likes
      the idea! :)

  • Robbielgearhart

    Starting today!!!

    • skinnyms

      Robbie, So happy you're in!
      Can't wait to hear about your
      progress! Love your enthusiasm!

    • skinnyms

      YEAH!!!!

  • Debfrank07

    Here I go! I'm gonna rock this challenge!

    • skinnyms

      Deb, No doubt that you will!!
      Welcome to the Skinny Plate
      Challenge!

  • Dawn

    I'm new to this group, so this is my first challenge.  I'm in… going to implament this at my house when my daughter gets home from seeing her dad as well.

    • skinnyms

      Dawn, One challenge leads
      to another. We're so happy
      to have you onboard!

  • love811

    Count me in!!  I was just thinking the other day about my portion sizes and that they are not in check….

    • skinnyms

      Love811, You're officially in!

  • Wiggler71

    Whoohoo…count me in

    • skinnyms

      You're in!

  • Jla1120

    Definitely going to try this challenge. I think it's a small change that is completely doable to help me lose weight!

    • skinnyms

      Jla1120, Small steps work
      best and long term. Welcome
      to the Skinny Plate Challenge!

  • Alisonjones04

    Count me in :)

  • Christalamantez7

    I am doing this challenge.

    • skinnyms

      Christa, Love your attitude…yep,
      you will definitely succeed!

  • AmyNic

    Can't wait to try this!
    Gonna start today as well as do my Body by Vi shakes, so when I do eat it is only on a salad plate :)
    That will help so much! Wish me luck for the month of June. Bc I am so easily discouraged.

    • skinnyms

      Amy, Good luck to you. The truth is
      you don't need luck…you have inside
      you what it takes to successfully complete
      this challenge. Just know in
      your thinking that you are
      in charge and you will succeed!!! :)

    • skinnyms

      Amy, Good luck to you. The truth is
      you don’t need luck…you have inside
      you what it takes to successfully complete
      this challenge. Just know in
      your thinking that you are
      in charge and you will succeed!!! :)

  • Kbarker58

    Starting this today! My son and I joined a gym and had our first work out this morning…. He is getting fit to leave in August for Navy Boot Camp and I need to lose weight and get fit!! Thank you for this Challenge !!

  • Sasalukester

    I'm in! I CAN do this!!!

  • Bucheli

    I will do the challenge!

    • skinnyms

      Bucheli, Yippie!!!!!! Welcome.

  • Beth

    I'm doing this. Staring today!

    • skinnyms

      Beth, So happy you're onboard with
      the rest of us!

  • D_adams45304

    I am definitely trying this one out. I can do this challenge :)

    • skinnyms

      D_Adams, GREAT!! Yes you can!!!

    • skinnyms

      D_Adams, GREAT!! Yes you can!!!

  • Wiesnerschaub

    Let control be regained!

    • skinnyms

      YES!!!

  • Bucheli

    I will do the challenge!

  • Beth

    I’m doing this. Staring today!

  • Tjdolan

    Gonna give it a try. Ready for positive change.

    • skinnyms

      Great!! Welcome in.

  • shellreich

    I like the smaller plate idea. Portion sizes are sometimes hard to judge.

    • skinnyms

      Shell, Just judge based on your
      palm size.

  • Septiva4u@aol.com

    I'm taking the challenge should be fun and beneficial.

    • skinnyms

      Great!

  • Sblanchard2

    Not sure that I can do this; don't think I've ever finished anything I've started but I'm going to give it a try. I've only got 5 lbs to lose so I tend to use that as an excuse to cheat. But, that's why I've still got 5 lbs to lose! So, I'll start with lunch today and take it one meal at a time!

  • Kattbratt

    This sounds like a great challenge amd one I need to learn to do! I am in!!!

    • skinnyms

      Katt, We think so…welcome aboard!

  • azakhot

    I'm in! Down 16lbs since March 1st with 15 more to go. I think this will really help me.

    • skinnyms

      Great! Keep us posted.

  • Jmcmichael72

    I'm in!

    • skinnyms

      YEAH!!!

  • Queenatina

    I love this idea! I started yesterday. I even ate at a restaurant and used the skinny plate guidelines. I was full without feeling like I ate way too much and I don't feel deprived.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jshupe08 Jessica Shupe

    I think I am going to try this and have a friend join in to make a challenge between the both of us :) Thank you for this information, I HATE dieting but portion control is completely different than a diet and I can't wait to try.

    • skinnyms

      Jessica, Love the idea of a friendly
      challenge. Portion control is the
      best first step toward meeting weight
      loss goals. Next month will be the 2nd
      step in a series of Skinny Ms. Challenges!

  • Viceve115

    I get on the "saucer" diet a lot of days, a friend had suggested it years ago.  She would say, what falls off, you cannot have and you would be surprised how many pancakes you can stack on a saucer….LOL…..I have a question, I don't eat a lot of what comes out of a garden, mainly what I eat from there are a variety of beans and peas, corn and potatoes.  I guess you can say, what comes in a can…..what can I substitute for the healthier foods I do not eat…..

    • skinnyms

      Viceve115, Definitely begin eating fewer
      canned foods and more whole foods like
      fresh fruits & vegetables. It takes more time
      than opening a can but well worth it. Try for one week to only buy food from the grocery store that have no more than 1 ingredient. Here's the example: bananas, sweet potatoes, apple, egg, dry beans, carrots, cauliflower, kale, orange, etc.. If you can find a canned food with only one ingredient I'd be shocked.
      At the least canned foods contain one food + sodium (salt). When you make your own, you control how
      much salt or sweetener goes in a dish. Keep us posted! :)

  • Marisa

    Four days in…so far so good!

    • Marisa

       You can see some of my Skinny Plates here: http://marisa-walkingmyassoff.blogspot.ca/

      • http://skinnyms.com Skinny Ms.

        Marisa, LOVE IT!!! Emailing you with question. :)

    • http://skinnyms.com Skinny Ms.

      Marisa, So happy it's working for you! Drop by every week and let us know how it's going. Keep up the good work!

  • Sam

    Cool, I'm in.  I am somewhat there already, just need to par down to  the 3 foods.  My family already knows when they set the table I want a smaller plate. I was surprised the first time they got it right!  If they are eating on the smaller dinner plates that I normally use, I get a saucer and use that.  Love it! 

  • Lindsayadams

    I'm going to try this out – why not?

  • Karenscookiesnmore

    Started to do this a few weeks ago (the smaller plate but I added smaller eating fork and spoon working good so far) . Will try this challenge. this. is my first challenge so let's be strong and healthy together.

  • Jeska3208

    we are doing this.  Myself and a friend and my kiddos. we haven't started yet. But We can't wait!…

  • Sunnyrains

    I'm in! I gave birth to twins seven months ago via csection and still need to lose the extra pooch in my belly…

  • j516

    Sounds like a great challenge! I think this will really help staying on track when I'm not at home, especially with lots of BBQs coming up.

  • momoffour

    I am going to give this a go….I actually started yesterday, before I read this!!  I am in a definite need of change…after 4 kiddo's,  no exercising and not watching what I eat…my future is not looking so great, if I continue this path!!  Also, I will be setting an example for my children! 

  • Jaynie000

    Great idea! I'm in!

  • Drennerm

    I know its in the middle of the month, but this challenge starts for me today :)

    • http://skinnyms.com Skinny Ms.

      Drennerm,

      Good for you!!! Keep us posted on your progress. :)

  • http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000695829732 Jensie Churchill

    Already started doing something similar… I’m In!

  • Gwen

    I am curious about gravies. I never go over the serving size. Do I have to count this as 1 food or is it part of the food it is on? Same thing with mini hot dogs.

  • Steph

    I started the challenge 1 week ago today and lost 10 pounds. (I have a lot to lose.) I bought some Corelle bread and butter plates that are almost 7 inches and some IKEA rectangle shaped 7" plates to have the right sized plates. I'm planning on doing this for the long haul.

    I've been amazed at the amount of extra space I have freed up in my cabinets simply from downsizing my dishes. I have removed all of the huge mugs, glasses, water bottles, plates, bowls, and utensils. Seeing the extra space is a good motivator too. It is a visual reminder explaining how I got this big.

    I also read a couple books on portion sizes. The Portion Teller's Diet is an excellent book that goes into detail about how the food industry went on an upsizing spree in the 80's. Because it was incrementally done people just didn't realize how much they were really eating.

  • http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=1048028210 Susan Saldivar

    I’m in…need to shed these last 10 lbs. Great tips!

  • http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=523517504 Jodi Waidelich Rupp

    This sounds like a great idea and way to shed some of these unwanted pounds!

  • http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=167279863369717 Skinny Ms.

    You’ll be amazed! Let us know how it goes for you.

  • https://www.facebook.com/sandy.herbert.18 Sandy Herbert

    I'm in too. I 've been having too much fun in Az this winter!

  • Kathy

    im in… im working out with zumba and walking on tread mill now eating out of small plate… here i come skinny me…


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