Ten years ago, while training for bodybuilding competitions, I learned how much impact a repetitive meal plan can have on physical goals. During that time, I maintained roughly 12% body fat, which is at the lowest end of the healthy range for women. To achieve that, I ate the exact same meals every day for months.

Ingredients (Serves 2) For the bowl 1 cup cooked sushi rice or brown rice 1 cup cubed extra-firm tofu (pan-seared or air-fried until golden) ½ cup diced cucumber ½ cup shredded carrot ½ cup pickled or fermented daikon or kimchi ¼ cup thinly sliced red cabbage ¼ avocado, sliced or cubed 1 tablespoon sesame seeds ¼ cup sprouts or microgreens Optional: nori strips, edamame, or mango for brightness

I break my fast around 1:30/2PM and finish eating by 7PM. That gives me time for one solid meal, a snack, and sometimes a little sweet moment to close it out. Here’s what my days look like.