CJ =), Author of this P90x Nutrition Blog!
Hi! I’m CJ =), a work-from-home mom and wife of a P90xer. When my husband decided to give P90x a go two years ago, we made a deal: He’d commit to doing the exercises without fail, and I’d manage the food. He promised to eat anything that I put in front of him! So, I memorized the nutrition guide from cover to cover, researched supplements, protein powders, bars, the works.
When I started this blog, my hubby was on day 32 of the program, and he had already lost 6 lbs, gained tons of muscle, and trimmed 3 inches off of his belly.
I decided to start this blog because, as I managed his nutrition, I developed a p90x nutrition journal document that I wanted to share with other P90xers out there. Also, I found I had a knack for coming up with creative P90x recipes that fit into the portion approach, so I started posting them here for others’ benefit.
I am not a doctor or nutritionist. I don’t have any training in this – I’ve just done a lot of research as I’ve been planning my husband’s portion approach. So here is the inevitable C.M.A. statement - while I share my opinions about P90x nutrition here, my advice should not replace that of your doctor, nutritionist, priest, rabbi, etc.!
I should also mention that I’m not a Beachbody coach – I’m not trying to sell anyone on P90x. My goal is to share the results of my research into P90x nutrition and the new recipes I’m coming up with, in the hopes that it will make starting out easier for other people than it was for us!
I hope this is helpful – keep pressing play and don’t forget to BRING IT! – CJ =)
***12/18/10 Update – As P90xer Sam recommended in the comments below, I’ve added a Paypal Donate button for those of you who are feeling especially grateful for the site! It is now added on the right-hand menu, right above the Google ads. While this is a hobby, if I make some money through the site it does help justify all of the time I’m putting into it when I should be doing other “real” work!! =)***
***7/5/11 Update – Another thing you can do if you appreciate the site and want to help out is go back to the homepage, then use the Google +1 button at the top left of the page to “like” the homepage and any other recipes or pages that you like on the site. This should help get the word out about the site to more people by helping it rank higher in Google! Thanks!!***
***2/15/12 Update - In response to reader requests, I’ve recently published a P90x Menus and Shopping List eBook for Phase 1, Level II. In it, I plan your whole first Phase of P90x meals for you according to the P90x Nutrition Plan and using recipes off of this site. It takes all of the guess work out of your P90x nutrition for Phase 1, since I’ve done all of the planning for you. Check it out if you are interested in making your own life easier and supporting my work here at the same time! =) ***
110 comments
Carley
27/05/2010 at 11:36 am (UTC -7)
CJ,
thank you so much for putting togethter this website. My husband and i just started p90x, and I have been feeling very overwhelmed about the nutrition, so I was relieved to find your site and I’m excited to try some of your recipies!
Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
C
CJ =)
27/05/2010 at 11:50 am (UTC -7)
Hi Carley!! Thanks so much for the feedback. I’m so glad that this info is useful to you. I totally understand feeling overwhelmed by the nutrition part – I think I stared blankly at that nutrition guide for a week before I planned my first meal!
But just keep at it and rest assured that after a few weeks it becomes second nature. Yesterday I was making a pie that called for 4 egg yolks, and I kept automatically keeping the whites and throwing away the yolks! lol.
If I can help you with anything or answer any questions for you, just let me know. I’m here to help. =)
-CJ
Elise
12/06/2010 at 8:37 am (UTC -7)
I also am just starting p90x and was worried about the nutrition. I have a 6 month old and refuse to live with this post baby body any longer! Thank you for the recipes! I can’t wait to try them!
CJ =)
12/06/2010 at 3:26 pm (UTC -7)
I totally know the feeling, Elise. I have three under three, so I’m getting tired of my post-baby tummy too! =) Good on you for deciding to do something about it. If you are breastfeeding, please do make sure that you add the extra calories needed to support your baby (my research indicates that is 200-500 extra calories) in addition to the amount they suggest in the nutrition plan. =) Keep me posted on your progress!! – CJ =)
Kevin
12/06/2010 at 11:12 pm (UTC -7)
Hi there!
I started P90X a week ago. I’m not very good in the kitchen and usually don’t have time to prep my foods. Lately I’ve been eating chicken out of a can, string cheese, protein shake/bars… Yeah, that’s about it. Oh! and applesauce.
Anyways, I was wondering if there were some things I could cook in bulk, freeze up and nuke at work? Could you come up with some massive recipes? I’ve been looking at everything here and at the moment… It’s made me very hungry, and looks SO much better than chicken in a can. But, it’s too late for me to eat now. I’m going shopping for my foods on Monday. I’m already making a list of your recipes.
CJ =)
13/06/2010 at 6:37 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Kevin!
Thanks so much for all of your comments. This is a GREAT idea, to figure out stuff you can cook in bulk and then heat up during the week. I’ll be happy to see what I can come up with!
-CJ =)
Kevin
12/06/2010 at 11:14 pm (UTC -7)
Also… How long can some of these be kept in the fridge or freezer?
CJ =)
13/07/2010 at 11:56 am (UTC -7)
The rule of thumb that I’ve found is that most prepared foods typically safely last 48-72 hours in the fridge. Some people keep and eat things for longer, but you’ll need to use your nose and make sure that you don’t detect any sour smell. In the freezer most items can last almost indefinitely, but some might not reheat well. If you are wondering about a particular type of food, do a quick search on Google – I’ve found that there is lots of advice out there on this particular topic. – CJ =)
Scott
14/06/2010 at 7:53 am (UTC -7)
great site, looking at this and it sounds great. I enjoy eating and wanted to know if your husband ate big portions before he started this and how his transition to this diet was?
CJ =)
14/06/2010 at 12:21 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Scott! Thanks for your response. My husband did eat large portions before he started this, however the toughest part of the transition to this diet was eating the sheer amounts of food. While the calories he is consuming are about the same, they are now made up of “real” food as opposed to crap. lol. For example, a typical fast-food hamburger can run 800 calories. In the P90x diet, that is the equivalent of 9 oz. of chicken (300 calories), 1 cup of rice (200 calories), 12 oz. cottage cheese (200 calories), and a salad consisting of 2 cups of lettuce (50 calories) with dressing (50 calories). That is a lot to pack down!
The interesting thing, though, is that there have been a few days where he hasn’t been able to do the exercises for one reason or another, and the morning AFTER those days he’s gone back to having trouble eating the calories again. If he is sticking with the exercise, then he needs the calories, and actually has had energy problems if he didn’t get to his snacks on time.
- CJ =)
josh
15/06/2010 at 1:00 pm (UTC -7)
thank you for this website. i have been on p90x for 9 or 10 days now and i was eating the same thing over and over and it was getting boring, and this website will give me lots of ideas of new things to eat!
CJ =)
15/06/2010 at 3:11 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Josh! Thanks for the feedback. So glad that the site helps. I know what you mean – you can only eat plain chicken for so long before you are ready for some real flavors! =) Keep pressing play, and let me know how you’re doing! – CJ =)
Melissa
16/06/2010 at 5:44 am (UTC -7)
Hi CJ – I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your recipes! I do at least one of these a day and will certainly make them again and again. Even hubby likes them and he’s usually hard to please
I test out a lot of new stuff on him and not always so successful – so far with yours I’m batting 100! I really appreciate you sharing this with all the other P90Xers…sure does simplify things for us all!
Melissa
CJ =)
16/06/2010 at 3:57 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for your comment. It’s REALLY gratifying to hear that other P90xers are actually using all of this stuff! My hubby is rather particular in what he eats too, so I know what you’re going through trying to find recipes that your hubby likes. Thankfully, once mine finds foods that he likes, he doesn’t get sick of them easily, so I can repeat a lot. I tend to get bored of cooking the same things before he gets bored of eating them! =) Anyway, thanks again for the response. Hopefully we can keep up the good batting average!
If you end up running across a recipe that needs alteration somehow, be sure to comment so that other folks know and can make changes. I’m posting the initial recipes, but this is a group effort for the sake of all P90xers! =)
Kerby
26/06/2010 at 5:26 am (UTC -7)
CJ thanks for sharing this. I found your site and need some good ideas. I have alot of food allergy issues Peanuts, Soy, Peas, Shell fish.and others. I work outside in the heat (TX) and it is hard to eat the amount of food listed on the meal plans for lunch. After looking at the meal plans I wanted to quit before starting. But after looking at your meal ideas I have new hope. I am a the kind of person who plans ahead. Your site will help alot Thanks
CJ =)
27/06/2010 at 3:23 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Kerby! Thanks so much for your comment. I am so happy that this site has been an encouragement for you! If there’s one thing I’ve been impressed with so far, it’s how flexible this nutrition plan is. I didn’t even really realize how much variety was possible until I started trying to get creative. If you’d like, you can email me your full list of allergies, and I’ll see if I can’t help you come up with some ideas. You can do it!
- CJ =)
Michael B.
28/06/2010 at 10:38 pm (UTC -7)
Oh my goodness!!! P90X recipies those of us in the South can tolerate!!!! I was so afraid I wouldnt be able to stick to this thing but I believe this can carry me through. Thanks CJ!!
CJ =)
29/06/2010 at 4:11 pm (UTC -7)
That is so gratifying to hear, Michael!! Are there any good ways to make the recipes more “Southern”? Be sure to reply to a particular recipe if you make any changes or have any good ideas for tweaks to make them better – that way other P90xers can benefit from your experiences too. As you can tell, I’m not a professional chef – just someone who likes to eat! lol. Thanks so much for responding.
- CJ =)
RobinS
08/07/2010 at 4:44 pm (UTC -7)
Thanks for some great recipes. My daughter and husband just started on P90X and I’m the designated cook. I now have hope that it’s not going to be as hard to find some great recipes! Keep them coming!
CJ =)
15/02/2012 at 9:51 pm (UTC -7)
Hey RobinS -
I just now noticed that I failed to respond to your comment here. Did your daugher and husband finish P90x? How did it go for them? Do you have a success story to share? =)
- CJ =)
Peggy
08/07/2010 at 11:00 pm (UTC -7)
I have been on the net for 2 hours searching for help! Glad I found your site! Can’t wait to get started in a few hours!
I was wondering have you ever tried using any of the Waldens products? I went and got a some to try out to help me.
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you have put into your site!
CJ =)
09/07/2010 at 3:08 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Peggy! So glad the site is helpful to you. =)
I haven’t tried Walden’s products before, but just did a search on them – fat free, sugar free, and calorie free. Wow! To be honest, I tend to be a little suspicious of such products, mainly because I always wonder what they’ve had to put in there to replace all of the fat, sugar, and stuff that usually makes things taste good! =) Although I’m not above a little artificial sweetener now and then, I do get the sense that Tony and P90x don’t really approve of it, so I’m trying to stay away from it for the most part.
I’m actually making a move in our diet away from chemicals and artificial ingredients. For example, I have moved from margarine back to real cream butter, and I’ve decided to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup and all of its relatives like the plague, which is why I actually recently chose low-fat salad dressing over its fat-free counterparts. I’ve been dismayed at all of the weird places I’m finding High Fructose Corn Syrup lately, too. So far I’ve found it in fat-free salad dressings, most of the cheaper brands of wheat bread, and all flavored yogurt (all things that I was eating to be “healthier”)!
Anyway, I think it comes down to trade-offs and where our priorities are. I am starting to think that more natural is probably better, because then at least your body can recognize it… and if naturally derived ingredients (e.g. cream in butter) are bad in excess, let’s use them in moderation!
Sorry, you didn’t know you were going to get a rant, now did you? I sense a blog post on this topic in the future…;-)
Thanks again for commenting, and let me know if you come up with any good P90x recipes of your own that I should try on here!
- CJ =)
Cynthia
09/07/2010 at 5:36 pm (UTC -7)
CJ –
I ran across your website from a post you made on the BB forums. I am in week 11 of my first round of p90x. I have not been following the nutrition plan but am intending to with my next round. My hubby is currently NOT doing p90x, this is why I am not following the p90x nutrition – I don’t want to have to make a bunch of “double” meals. Plus, we are on a tight food budget and it is difficult for me to find ways around that. But, your site looks like it has a lot of budget-friendly recipes and things that hubby will enjoy even if he is not on p90x. He is not a picky eater, I just have kind of gotten in a rut of always making the same things, LOL. So thanks for all the great ideas! I can’t wait to try them out!
CJ =)
09/07/2010 at 8:07 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Cynthia! I know what you mean about being on a tight budget and getting in a rut. I do too…I’ve actually found that coming up with ideas for P90x has made me more creative in my cooking than I was previously. I’ll be the first to tell you that I am not really much of a cook, but something about the constraints of the portion approach appeals to me and brings out my creativity. Now it has become a challenge – whenever I eat something yummy, I start to wonder how to P90x it! My favorite so far has got to be Healthy Mac and Cheese – that is the kind of food that makes my hubby’s jaw drop when I serve it to him. I count it as a victory whenever he asks “I really get to eat this? This is a P90x recipe? This is part of my diet?!” lol.
I checked out your blog and wanted to congratulate you on your 60-day results. You are doing awesome!
Good luck with the P90x nutrition plan, and be sure to let me know if you come up with any good P90x recipes yourself that I should try! – CJ =)
Amy
11/07/2010 at 9:38 am (UTC -7)
Thank you soooo much for this blog. I love food way too much to not have variety and you’ve made it so simple
Me and my husband are doing P90X together and we’re on day 14. Thank you so much again!!! You should write a recipe book!!
CJ =)
13/07/2010 at 7:33 am (UTC -7)
Thanks, Amy!!! I know what you mean about wanting variety – I very quickly get tired of cooking the same things every day! I’m so glad that the site is helping keep you out of a rut. I think that has been one of my biggest discoveries with the P90x diet, is that it really is quite flexible – there is the possibility for so much variety if you put your mind to it!
About writing a recipe book, my hubby keeps telling me the same thing. I’m definitely thinking about it… It’s a little odd to consider it, because I have never been a very good cook!! lol. But here I am, so maybe that will have to be my next project! =)
Ashley
13/07/2010 at 10:03 am (UTC -7)
Hey,
Phase 1 is hard to put recipes to that are creative enough to not be chicken,ham and tuna (for a college kid). We are thinking about moving past it and this page you have created seems to have a lot of options I think we could afford to try. THANKS SO MUCH- you have no idea how much this is going to help my boyfriend and I.
You are about to change my life. I am a college student doing P90X with my boyfriend and as the woman in the relationship it usually means I am in charge of cooking. It is for safety mainly, who knows what he would cook apart from being able to cook steak and seasoned chicken. I have been looking for things to make especially as a college student with no time to formulate recipes and attempt to make enough money to afford swordfish or whatever the nutrition guide suggests. My boyfriend and I have eaten chicken, tuna, and ham in rotation for 2 weeks now. We had steak once
CJ =)
13/07/2010 at 11:30 am (UTC -7)
Thanks, Ashley! I know what you mean – I started doing the meal plan approach and quickly realized it wasn’t for me. The moment a recipe has more than 5 or so ingredients, it starts to lose me! lol. Thankfully, you’d be surprised at all of the different types of meals you can make with the same basic foods. I’m glad the site is giving you some options – be sure to let me know if you come up with any good ideas of your own that I should try, and be sure to comment on the particular recipe if you come up with any good tweaks/variations so that other P90xers can benefit from your experience. Good luck, keep pressing play, and keep us posted on your progress! – CJ =)
Priscilla
18/07/2010 at 12:25 pm (UTC -7)
What a great idea. My husband and I are starting P90X together tomarrow and I was searching the internet to find recipies to plan out our meals for the week and stumbled across your blog. I have done the work out portion of p90x before, but was intimidated by the food, so did not even try. This time since he and I are doing it together, we wanted to do it right. Thanks for the help you are giving us who are initmidated by the food portion.
CJ =)
15/02/2012 at 9:53 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Priscilla! Looks like I missed this comment back in the day. How did P90x go for you guys this round? Did you stick with the food? Have any results to share? =)
- CJ =)
Colette
05/08/2010 at 7:18 am (UTC -7)
What about the protein bar snack in the am? Does your husband eat one or is he just doing a snack. I am confused by this. Protein bars are not my thing and wondered what other were doing. Thnks for the recipes. I find the recipes in the book very time consuming as a mom of three, fast and easy is what I need. Thanks a lot.
CJ =)
05/08/2010 at 9:09 am (UTC -7)
Hi Colette -
Yes, my hubby uses a protein bar as his Double snack serving. Then has a Single snack serving (nuts, peanut butter and celery, or half a protein bar, etc) in the afternoon. Check out my P90x example menus to see how they fit in there. Does that help?
- CJ =)
KC
03/09/2010 at 8:16 am (UTC -7)
HI CJ,
I am getting ready to begin P90x next week, but am not particularly fond of vegetables. Do you have any recommendations for substitutions??? Love your website! Thanks
CJ =)
07/09/2010 at 9:39 am (UTC -7)
Hey KC – This is an awesome question, and very close to my heart, since my hubby and I are vegi-haters. Check out my blog post on the topic of how to do P90x when you hate vegetables! – CJ =)
bg
07/09/2010 at 2:16 pm (UTC -7)
cj,
will you come cook for me! no seriously
man o man this is great i ran across your page on google search engine.
this is great all of my favorite food in a healthy manor.
thank you so much keep up the good work.
and congrats to your husband that is great keep up the good work as well
CJ =)
07/09/2010 at 4:06 pm (UTC -7)
LOL! Thanks bg. =) I’m so glad that the site is helping you out. Thanks for taking the time to comment – your feedback really makes it worth the effort.
- CJ =)
marisol
11/09/2010 at 8:30 pm (UTC -7)
Hi there, how do i know how many calories i should intake a day.? I started p90x two weeks ago, i love it.. however, i have been trying to change my eating habits slowly.. I have a five month old and im nursing, so needless to say i am starving all the time..
CJ =)
11/09/2010 at 10:53 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Marisol!
Your caloric intake will depend on your “level” as determined by the P90x nutrition guide. There are three levels, Level 1 (1800 calories per day), Level 2 (2400 calories per day), and Level 3 (3,000 calories per day). To figure out which level you are at, you can refer to the official P90x Nutrition Plan pdf, which will take you through the steps and tells you how to figure out your P90x level. (Also, you can see my own theory on the subject of choosing your P90x level.) After you determine your level, you’ll need to add some calories on to account for breastfeeding – my research indicates anywhere between 200-500 calories per day. Check out my comments conversation with fellow P90xer Amber regarding a bit of additional information about breastfeeding while doing P90x.
And another note, if you are doing the P90x nutrition plan right and getting enough calories, you should not be starving! If anything, you’ll have trouble packing down the amount of protein they are asking you to eat. If you find yourself hungry or lacking energy after the first week or so, then I’d say that you need to trust your body and start slowly adding calories until you aren’t hungry any more – then once you find a good number of calories, you stick with that for the remainder of the program.
I hope this is helpful!
- CJ =)
Kristine
07/10/2010 at 11:39 am (UTC -7)
I just started P90X 2 days ago and I have to say that your website has helped me alot when it comes to recipes. I added your site to my favorites. Thanks!!!
arnej
13/10/2010 at 12:11 am (UTC -7)
I’m a 19 year old guy weighing at 135 lbs, 5foot 7inches. Been weight training for over 7 months, with considerable gains in strenght, but not so much in size. Now i switched over to p90x in the past 3 weeks cause i dont have enough time to go gym and do other things. So far its been working out for me, but just needed a good diet plan/recipes. So yeah just dropping by to say thanks for the recipes, and looking forward to some more recipes. =)
CJ =)
15/02/2012 at 9:54 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Arnej – How did P90x work out for you? Can you share your results? =)
- CJ =)
Kara
20/10/2010 at 2:07 pm (UTC -7)
CJ,
I LOVE YOUR RECIPES!!! I’m starting my second round of P90X and the nutrition has been the hardest thing for me. UGH!
Is there a reason that you’re not doing the program with your husband? You seem to be more than on top of the nutrition part of it – it almost seem like a waste of all that research not to jump right in and be a P90X-ing team!
Sorry if that sound like a smart a$$ question – not my intentions at all. I was just wondering
CJ =)
20/10/2010 at 2:58 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Kara!
Great question! (And no, you’re not being a smart a$$!) I’m actually considering doing my hubby’s next round with him. The main reason I didn’t in the first place was that we have little children that invariably get in the way whenever he is exercising. Typically he’d spend an hour exercising, and I’d spend that same hour keeping them busy and out from underfoot! =)
I’m not overweight at all, which means that I haven’t felt a lot of urgency about it. However I do have that loose skin from pregnancy that everyone says won’t be helped by exercise or crunches…so I always felt like working on my stomach was a lost cause. However, since I’ve essentially been eating P90x anyway, and exercise will make me healthier even if it doesn’t improve how my body looks, I’m definitely considering tagging along on his next round. And maybe that loose skin thing is a myth anyway. How awesome would it be if I could prove that P90x will help tighten up a loose preggo tummy? =D
- CJ =)
Kara
22/10/2010 at 9:07 am (UTC -7)
CJ,
Gotcha! You could end up on an infomercial!
-Kara
Rene
26/10/2010 at 12:53 pm (UTC -7)
Thank God! I have been looking for a week to find a site that would offer suggestions on recipes and meal plans unless you become a member of beachbody. Thank you so much for posting and taking the time to help others. Your site is very helpful.
Steph
12/11/2010 at 10:19 am (UTC -7)
Ok, you’re pretty much my hero right now!!! This is everything I’ve been searching for for the p90x nutrition!! Great recipes, great tracking sheets, great ideas!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
CJ =)
12/11/2010 at 12:40 pm (UTC -7)
Yay, Steph! Thanks! Knowing that it means so much to you makes my day and makes the effort worth it. =)
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
- CJ =)
zerovelocity
15/11/2010 at 8:07 am (UTC -7)
CJ!
Awesome website. I am starting P90X as soon as I get it in the mail, but I am worried about the nutrition part. I’m a very picky eater, and I was raised on Fast Food. I don’t even know where to begin. I suck at shopping for groceries and I find it easier to grab a quick bite on the go. I also stress eat and boredom eat. Do you have any suggestions? or does anyone else on here? I really want to do this. I’ve struggled with weight my whole life. Any feedback would help!
Richard
24/11/2010 at 7:52 pm (UTC -7)
(agree: Awesome site! ‘great place to get/exchange info. w/ awesome/great people).
My take on this is that eating using the ‘portion control’ method is a neat way to learn the very pivotal skill of judging portions and being aware of your total daily intake of them. Regardless of the program you’re using (unless the program delivers all of the food you consume) you’ll need this skill.
When I was able to know how many portions I was consuming I was able to be aware of when I was over-indulging and put an emotion on that (by visualizing me at my goal body-look). I could then slow it down. ‘same of course is true of days when I was aware that I wasn’t eating enough to fuel my exercise, etc. (equally as important).
My best pal is a dietitian and she has this trained ability to look at a meal and estimate it’s calories, portion# of each category, etc. (e.g. “a portion of meat is the size of a deck of cards” I think she once told me. That sorta stuff is handy to know). But the p90X nutrition guide eases you into learning how to do this stuff. Even if you leave the excercise portion behind after 90 days, having trained yourself to keep a general tally of portions consumed during the day (being aware of that, and adjusting your day accordingly) will serve you well.
CJ =)
26/11/2010 at 4:46 pm (UTC -7)
Agreed, Richard!! A major benefit of the P90x nutrition plan, and the portion approach specifically, is that it teaches you how to tackle this life-change of eating healthily. I’ve read before that it takes 30 days to create a habit – well that means that the 90 days of P90x provide the opportunity to create and ingrain new eating habits.
Zero, I totally understand the fact that you are intimidated – I was totally intimidated when I first looked at the nutrition plan, but please be reassured that it becomes second nature. My advice would be to just take it one step at a time, and be forgiving of yourself – this is something you are learning, and rest assured that you WILL learn it.
Here are the steps to get started:
1. Print out 1 copy of my food journal worksheet for Phase 1.
2. Take it, and plug in some foods/recipes you want to eat, and what portions they provide.
3. Fill in the blanks to make sure you get all of the portions for that day.
If you need examples of how to do this, check out my sample menus. You can also read through my P90x nutrition articles, and check out my FAQ page too, for more information. If after reading through all of the resources here, if you still have questions about how to put this all together, post here and I and others will be happy to help you!
- CJ =)
Steph
17/11/2010 at 11:42 am (UTC -7)
This website is going to go crazy now! The link is going around on all the p90X facebook pages and people are LOVING it!!!!
CJ =)
17/11/2010 at 12:05 pm (UTC -7)
That’s awesome, Steph!! Many thanks to you and all others who have taken the time to share the site with friends and spread the word! =D
- CJ =)
Sam
14/12/2010 at 9:23 am (UTC -7)
Hi CJ =),
Let me start by saying is a great thing you are doing Five Stars *****
A lot of great information and from your writing it sounds like you enjoy it and genuinely want to help people…
I just got my P90X yesterday Mon Dec 13 2010.
I’m very exited to get started, how ever I don’t want to start until I have my diet ready to go. That’s where my problem comes in, all your food looks great and it sounds like is delicious, do you have a basic menu. To the simplest form Break fast, Lunch, diner? Or know any were I can find it.
I’m going for the 2,400 I only need to loose about 15Lbs I’m not very picky with food and I always want to try new things.
I was planning to do the work out at 5:00am before work. I have no time in the morning
Always on the go and I have to get my wife and the kids up and take them to school.
That’s why I was thinking something simple. Any tips thank you in advance…
p.s.
You should have a PayPal acc so people can donate if they want to
Your time is very valuable especially with the kids around and you do a great job.
CJ =)
14/12/2010 at 1:22 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Sam!
***12/18 Update – The Paypal Donate button is now added on the right-hand menu!***
Thanks for the idea about a Paypal button…hadn’t thought of that. I’ll look into it! If people want to give me money, I certainly won’t argue! lol.
Regarding a menu, I get this question a lot, and as of yet I haven’t come up with one. However check out my super-long, detailed answer to Oscar in the comments of the P90x Example Menus page – that will tell you how I’d tackle compiling a menu and shopping list.
I hope that helps!
- CJ =)
CJ =)
15/02/2012 at 9:59 pm (UTC -7)
Update: I’ve finally created this – Menu and Shopping List eBook!
Tim
23/12/2010 at 2:16 pm (UTC -7)
Hey this blog is great. Would you mind if I posted a link to this on Facebook? There is a group of about 25 P90Xers that is kicking off a new round ‘by the book’. We are
here…
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/home.php?sk=group_186152691398307&ap=1.
Some of your recipes would be valuable to those of us trying to do it by the book. Hope your husband had good success. I lost over 30 pound in my first round and am looking forward to losing the same to kick off 2011.
CJ =)
24/12/2010 at 12:42 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Tim!
Yes, of course you can link to the site on Facebook. I really appreciate you and all other folks who are helping get the word out!
That is so cool to hear that you had such great success. Keep up the good work!
- CJ =)
Jeanne
02/01/2011 at 10:00 am (UTC -7)
Hi CJ,
Thanks for taking the time to compile and share your research! I haven’t had a chance to read through all of your website (yet), but am looking forward to adding to our options. We are on Day 2 and I am already realizing that following the meal plans (pre-determined meals and recipes in the nutrition guide) will not be practical for our family. I spent a hour and a half of non-stop food prep and cooking in the kitchen last night…just for Dinner! Yikes! I have 3 kiddos and a job, so, clearly, I need to streamline the cooking time a bit. Added to that, my kids can’t have dairy, and I can’t have gluten, corn, peanuts, or blueberries. I have some challenges ahead, but am excited to give it a shot and see the results!
Best wishes!
CJ =)
02/01/2011 at 10:27 am (UTC -7)
Hey Jeanne! I know what you mean about the meal plan approach – I had the same experience. It takes way too many ingredients and way too much effort, and combined with the fact that it doesn’t reuse any ingredients, it’s expensive as well! I definitely recommend that anyone who has specific dietary requirements like you mentioned go for the portion approach – you just end up with so much more freedom to tailor the diet to your budget, tastes, and allergies!
Good luck. Stick with it – you can do it!
- CJ =)
Jeanne
02/01/2011 at 4:34 pm (UTC -7)
Thanks, CJ! I will definitely be switching to the Portion Approach…and using your fabulous forms to make it easy! Still will need some planning ahead, but more realistic for my life than following time consuming recipes. Would it be okay if I share your blog address on my blog? What a great resource you have created! And, yes, you mentioned one of the other reasons I was not too keen on the meal plan…expensive! All the food is great, but adds up quickly. I’ll need to figure out a good balance for following the guidelines, keeping young eaters happy and well fed, and being kind to our budget.
Thanks, again!
CJ =)
02/01/2011 at 5:49 pm (UTC -7)
Thanks, Jeanne! And of course, link away. I HEART links! =) If you have any questions/concerns as you’re trying to get the portion approach going, please comment and let me know, and I’ll do my best to help you out. =)
- CJ =)
wes
12/01/2011 at 12:31 am (UTC -7)
Dear, wonderful, awesome CJ. I bout P90X about 6 months ago, I tore into the workout program with the vigor of a man with nothing to lose, and something to prove, but……… the diet was horrendous. The material that came with the program had well, a “limited” stock of food ideas, and after awhile, I became rather sick of spinach egg scramble, and chicken with only pesto as hint of flavor. After 3 weeks, and having a very bored group of taste buds, i started to cheat. I ate whatever I wanted, when I wanted, and would just add a few extra reps here, and little extra cardio there, and figured all would even out. Well I was wrong. Just after starting phase three, the only thing that had changed was I was freaking sore, had no energy, and had gained weight, but not that much in muscle. So I quit, and shelved the box and all its contents in the garage, and didnt give it another thought. Then my wife left, and I noticed I wasn’t exactly that same studly guy i thought I was 6 years ago1 lol So I reevaluated what went wrong with P90X and it was definitely the diet aspect for me. I found your site about 3 months ago. I’m at day 38, and absolutely kicking a$$, lost 9 lbs, 8 inches, and have more confidence than when I was in high school, all thanks to you. I enjoy eating, and even cooking now, which gets me more in the mood to workout. I can get through my plyometrics and kenpo now WITHOUT felling like I got hit by a ton of bricks!!!, Now its a half ton
, Im seeing real improvements, in my mood, appearance, and even other aspects of my life, all because of you and this website. I love food, alot. So the nutrition aspect was make it or break it for me, and many others I would say. Your site gave me vast numbers ideas and recipes on things I can eat so I can continue on my goal to be the person I want to be! I have you to thank for revamping my P90x experience, and well, pretty much starting over in life. I’m rambling I know, but sincerely, thank you for all the effort and time you’ve put into all this, it is appreciated more than you know! (insert hug)
CJ =)
12/01/2011 at 11:15 am (UTC -7)
WOW! Wow. Wes, this has to be the best comment and testimonial I’ve ever received. I am SO excited for you. It feels so good to know that this site has been so instrumental in helping you make such incredible progress. But you deserve all of the credit – you are the one putting the time and effort in and revamping your body and your life!!! Congratulations, and keep up the good work. If you have lost so much already, you are going to look and feel incredible by day 90!!!! =)
Thanks for taking the time to comment – this is going to keep me warm at night for awhile! lol
- CJ =)
CJ =)
15/02/2012 at 10:03 pm (UTC -7)
I just re-read this comment and I swear I’m tearing up a little bit. Wow. Amazing.
- CJ =)
Kenny
19/01/2011 at 7:19 pm (UTC -7)
Hey CJ=),
Thank you sooooo much for doing this! I just got done with Day 3! I’m probably not eating enough, so I plan on using a *lot* from this blog!
JC
21/01/2011 at 5:24 am (UTC -7)
CJ i want to thank you for this site it is great all of the work you have done for others that are diong the P90x program. I have a couple of questions and am not sure where to ask them so I am putting them here. I just received the program on Monday the 17 I have spent the last week reveiwing the DVD’s and writing down all of the exercises poses and stretches on them, and have put them in a spread sheet work book since I could not find them any where. Since it tells you to write everything down I thought this was the best route to go. sorry for the ramble. Now my question is I have four picking children when it comes to eating. How do I go about making these options for me? To be honest we do not have a lot of money so making two meals is more than likely out of the question. Is it just as simple as cutting out fat and junk food as well as counting calorie intake? I am really confused by the Nutrition part of this and could use any advice you have on this. Also what are some good high protein snacks that are either inexpensive or that I can make at home? Thanks four your time and advice on everything. I have been on here every day since I stumbled upon it on Monday.
CJ =)
15/02/2012 at 10:14 pm (UTC -7)
JC – I just saw that I missed this comment and questions when you wrote them back in the day. Boo! I’m sorry about that. Just for posterity, and anyone else who has the same questions, here are the answers:
1. Track your portions, and just plug in the meals you want. You can use my journal pages for that.
2. I have some tips for doing P90x nutrition on a budget in my P90x menus ebook. (The irony is not lost on me that I’m asking you to buy something in order to save money – but the first part of the book where I talk about saving money is available to sample for free, so go check it out.)
3. The P90x nutrition plan cuts out junk food, fat, processed sugar, and starts out very low carb and very high protein (much higher than your typical “healthy” diet). Then during the second month, switches to a more balanced, long term diet.
4. A great, low-cost option for protein is cooking a whole chicken. Also, you can check out the protein bar recipe on this site.
Once again, sorry that I missed this comment.
How did P90x work out for you? Do you have any results to share?
- CJ =)
Candis
15/02/2011 at 1:14 pm (UTC -7)
Hi CJ,
My, what a fantastic site! I just received P90X and I’m so excited to get started. I have a bit of a problem though. I’m still nursing my son, who is allergic to dairy, eggs and nuts. Talk about a limited diet! I’m avoiding all of those things to keep him healthy. I wondered if there’s a way to search your site for specific recipes without those items. I also wanted to get your thoughts on the different meals each day that require servings of food groups I can’t have (i.e. 2 dairy) and the recovery drinks/bars (which I’m not going to have because of nursing) and nuts/cheese/etc. for snacks. I need to work in the 200-500 extra calories too, and I’m wondering what your ideas are regarding from which food groups those calories should come. Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated. I really am impressed by your site. Congrats!
CJ =)
18/02/2011 at 10:31 am (UTC -7)
Hey Candis!
You’re right, limiting those items will be tough. But I’m sure you can do it! I’m afraid that I don’t know of a way to exclude ingredients in the search…Hmmm… One thing you could do is use the Categories pull-down and just use the VEGAN category, which will avoid the dairy, and then you can add meat servings into those recipes.
Regarding the 2 dairy servings, you could substitute soy milk and soy cheese for them – both of them are included in the “dairy” section in the P90x nutrition guide.
Regarding which food groups to use for the increased calories, since the first phase is low carb, if it were me I’d add them from meat, vegetable, and snack categories first.
I hope this helps!
- CJ =)
Greg
18/02/2011 at 4:43 am (UTC -7)
CJ,
I’m about to start the P90X program in two weeks and your site is exactly what I was looking for. I am a part time dad (50%) so it’s important to also make sure my son will eat the food Im making and it appears that you and your readers are on the mark. Appreciate the work you have put into this. Thank you.
Ben
24/02/2011 at 4:50 pm (UTC -7)
I’m planning on starting the P90X system in the future, and this is pretty much PERFECT for that. I’m definitely bookmarking this blog, and will be checking back frequently. Keep up the amazing work!
Sarah Fearn
05/03/2011 at 6:08 pm (UTC -7)
Thank you! It’s nice to know that others have already survived where I am today. About to start P90X and totally overwhelmed by the menu planning portion!
CJ =)
05/03/2011 at 7:44 pm (UTC -7)
You can do it, Sarah!!! =D
- CJ =)
Kerri
11/03/2011 at 5:19 pm (UTC -7)
Following this new way of eating is the hardest part! I mean I can eat a chicken breast and some veggies at every meal but I will quit within a week. I hope I can learn this program as well as you did! Thanks for all this help…oh and tell the hubby thanks for starting P90X. Without him there would be no site!
CJ =)
11/03/2011 at 7:58 pm (UTC -7)
You’re very welcome, Kerri. =) It is really gratifying that other people are benefiting from this site – it makes the effort worth it!
- CJ =)
Creek_indian
20/03/2011 at 9:42 am (UTC -7)
just found your blog…..will you marry me?? or do you have a sister?? ….great info and blog….!!
CJ =)
20/03/2011 at 9:50 am (UTC -7)
LOL!!
Chris
04/04/2011 at 11:03 pm (UTC -7)
Hey my wife and I just started p90x but having a hard time with the food. My wife has ciliacs which requires all gluten free foods. Do you have any hints or suggestions for us?
Thanks and love the site
Chris
nadia
07/04/2011 at 4:10 pm (UTC -7)
i want to thank you for taking time to do this. i was so confused of how i should go about this nutrition plan, i just had my second child and i had been struggling to loose the weight from my 1st. so now i decided to take controll of my weight, but since i am breastfeeding i didnt know if the same calories that you take in counted or if i should take in a little more. but i read in one of your feedbacks that you should take in more now i dont feel so confuse and unsure thank you once agian
shannon
16/05/2011 at 2:13 pm (UTC -7)
Thank you so much for doing this website!!!
I am about to start p90x again (tried once about 6 months ago, but fell off the wagon), and I think your site will really help me with the diet part! THANK YOU!!!!! PS – Your husband is a lucky man! Mine isn’t doing p90x with me… but I can assure you he WON’T be cooking all of my meals for the next 90 days!! 
CJ =)
17/05/2011 at 8:10 pm (UTC -7)
LOL, Shannon!! You can do it! =)
- CJ =)
Christopher
04/06/2011 at 7:26 pm (UTC -7)
Hi CJ,
I am about to start the P90x program again. I stopped previously, because I found the recipes especially for the sauces to be too much. I am a college student and I don’t need to to make a sauce that serves 4-8, especially when I am the only one eating it. I want to try the meal plan approach again, but I was wondering if I should cut the recipes by 25% to make thes servings just for me? I know that I won’t be eating that again until the next week. So I don’t want to make too much of one item and have it go bad. Being a college student, I don’t want to have to waste money because I made an excess of food. Any tips on regarding that? Or do you suggest the Portion Approach is the better way to go?
CJ =)
16/06/2011 at 8:42 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Christopher!
I get this question a lot. I ALWAYS recommend the portion approach! It is so much easier, and you can tailor it to your unique circumstances. The meal plan approach recipes are sometimes more complicated than you want to get, call for weird ingredients, and don’t recycle ingredients at all. I would recommend that you do the portion approach and just track your portions, and use the recipes off this site for ideas. I always indicate in the “P90x Portion Approach Servings” section on each recipe how many people the recipe serves – you can reduce the size accordingly.
Does this help?
- CJ =)
Christopher
24/06/2011 at 10:08 am (UTC -7)
Hi CJ!
Thank you so much for your response. It really does answer my question, and I have decided to use the portion approach. I remember buying halibut which was one of the dinner meal plan and it was $23/lb. I will definitely use this site….it has been added to my favorites!
Thanks so much!
Christopher
Petra
28/06/2011 at 7:48 am (UTC -7)
CJ, love your site..I just started P90X a few days ago..checking all the different workouts and such..today is my solid p90X day #2..my biggest concern/wonder is if you have any ideas of how to maintain enough calories while doing this on a Lowfat Raw Vegan Diet.(LRVD)…I consume lots and lots of fruit (to up my carbs and calories) and lots of greens but is trying to stay away from overdoing it on nuts. I know it can be done..just was looking for ideas…
Thanks for an informative site..Keep up the awesome work..
Tommy
21/07/2011 at 9:36 am (UTC -7)
thankyou very much for this site. i am starting P90x and this is very helpful. thanks again!
Lori
28/07/2011 at 3:23 pm (UTC -7)
You are a godsend!! The nutritional plan is WAY OVERWHELMING and very time consuming. I feel like I spend all day preparing and logging food. Oh, and EATING! I love to eat, but this has been quite a task eating so much food, not to mention all of the protein which has been rough. Your recipes are fantastic and so inventive. Cannot wait to try them! We are only on day 5 and I wasn’t sure I could handle one more grilled chicken breast/tilapia filet/piece flank steak. Your recipes will make us feel like we are eating real food and we wont have to “look away” from the TV when our fave food commercials come on. Thank you, thank you, thank you for spending your personal time to help us folks out. This program is quite a challenge, mainly bc of the nutritional portion, and we are hoping for great results. Your recipes are going to help us do that!
Thanks again, you are AWESOME!
Lisa
10/08/2011 at 8:48 pm (UTC -7)
Hi CJ! I just discovered your blog and am so excited! I’m a SAHM and my husband and I are on day 3. It is so nice to hear from other women who are supporting their husbands (and themselves) in the P90X program. I’m stoked to check out your recipes and ideas. As the previous poster noted, the nutrition plan is totally overwhelming and frankly we feel like we are “on a diet” and I hate that so any way that we can feel like we are eating “real” food and recipes is a good thing.
Anyway, I don’t know if you post continual updates but I’ll keep an eye out for them.
Thanks!
CJ =)
11/08/2011 at 8:51 am (UTC -7)
Hey Lisa!!
Yes, I do post updates, but my posting schedule is very cushy (basically, whenever I feel like it)! =) I’m so glad the site is helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions as you are implementing the program. I’ll do my best to help!
- CJ =)
Julie
17/10/2011 at 11:40 am (UTC -7)
Hi CJ,
I just wanted to drop a note to say that I’m really looking forward to reading more of your website. I came upon it today when I was looking up recipes and nutional information for the P90X program. I bought it for my husband about 10 days ago when he told me he really wanted to get it. He’s a type 2 diabetic and has some weight to lose as well.
When I did the calculations his level came to level 3 (3400 cal) so 3000 according to the program….gulp! (no pun in…ok actually pun intended.lol..). Well, trying to come up with a meal plan every single day while taking care of a toddler (thank god she’s in daycare..lol) and being home with a 10 week old can have it’s challenges. I’m just starting to get my head around all the calorie and portion counting. Seems like I’m either wondering what to cook, cooking, shopping for food or cleaning up after cooking. So I’m really excited about checking out your site. Thank you for helping me take alot of the guess work out and providing some recipes with nutritional values. It’s given me an extra boost and I really want to help my husband. He’s on day 6 of the workout, doing well and completely committed so this is the least I can do.
I will talk to him about recalculating what he should be eating. Trying to get him to eat 3000 calories seems like a lot especially since he works all day, gets home around 6 or 7 and has to then get something in him for energy, play with the kids, do a workout, have dinner and try not to go to sleep right away. I think the key will be sending him off with some tasty snacks and a good lunch and have dinner prepared in advance. But if I can get this done with less time and effort …YEAH!!
Thanks again..keep up the good work!
CJ =)
17/10/2011 at 11:56 am (UTC -7)
Hey Julie! You’re so welcome. It sounds like you are in the same boat I was in just starting out – I’m really happy to hear that the site is helping you balance all of this! Definitely double check your husband’s calorie intake. You might have read it already, but my philosophy is a bit different than the one laid out in the nutrition plan – I outline it in my P90x Nutrition Basics section.
You’re right, it feels like tons of shopping, cooking, and food prep, especially when you’re just starting out! I’d definitely recommend that you track his portions using something like my nutrition journal, because then once you have done the work of planning out a whole day, you can reuse it as many times as you need to later on. Also, take heart that it gets much easier and second nature after a few weeks. Hang in there, and if you have any questions, let me know and I’ll do my best to help!
- CJ =)
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