Recently, I was asked by photographer Jeff Farsai to help build his fitness portfolio.  I am very excited and just a little nervous because I want the pictures to turn out great for both of us.  Around 99 percent of the time, I watch my diet closely by eating clean – “if man made it, don’t eat it” – and avoiding most dairy.  However, every once in a while I do allow myself to indulge in some sweets.  Because I want to be very lean for the shoot with Jeff, I’m going to be very strict for the next 7 days and only eat clean.

**No artificial sweeteners, no fruit past 3pm and carbohydrates past 5pm and drinking a minimum of 12 full (8oz) glasses of water a day

My goals are to:

• Lower sodium intake
• Limit carbohydrates
• Limit sugar intake
• Workout an 1-2 hours a day.

Sample day:

Pre-gym fuel: Plain instant oatmeal with a handful of blueberries or half a banana; a regular sized black coffee with a little stevia or a plain green tea and a glass of water.

Gym: one hour of cardio followed by a strength training, spinning class or weights to work on upper body one day and lower body the next.

Lunch: Egg whites made with extra virgin coconut oil, spinach, salsa, avocado with green tea and one slice of low sodium Ezekiel bread.

Snack 1: Apple, celery with some PB2, edamame or a few raw almonds

Snack 2: Protein smoothie  (Vanilla or Chocolate Spiru-tein, 3 Tbls. acai, one Tbls. apple cider vinegar, one oz aloe vera juice,  half-banana, 6oz of water, 6 ice cubes)

7pm: Salmon with broccoli or grilled chicken and artichokes

10pm: SLEEP

Sometimes I replace the snacks and smoothie with another meal such as seared tuna with lemon juice or some quinoa, grilled chicken and avocado. For nights that I need something sweet I chew a piece of Extra Dessert Delight Gum.

I will post my pictures as soon as I can!