Hey there, it’s Quan.

To start this article, I want to say I was a tedious macro tracker for years, even through my time at Bodybuilding.com as a brand ambassador.

It’s not that I hate tracking macros. It works.

It’s that doing so isn’t for everyone.

If you’re a high performer, your work ethic probably isn’t in question.

You’ve hit the gym early in the morning, you wake up at 5AM consistently, it may even feel like you’ve been working even harder than when you were younger.

At Shortcut Lifestyle, there is a philosophy that methods should be congruent with our goals.

And also (you’ve probably heard of this one before):
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

With that in mind, I want to introduce you to what is at the core of my 1-1 coaching program, the “Thirds Method.”

This method is able to save you time and energy from having to restart fitness programs,

Plus, it’s simple to follow, has built-in portion control and naturally encourages protein at every meal, which studies strongly support having both helps weight loss.

Let’s get into it.

This plate has three even sections, and it’s a visual representation of what to keep in mind when you’re plating your food.

It probably doesn’t work for every meal, but it’s personally helped me lose almost 30 pounds without struggle (without cardio too), and I find it versatile for a lot of food I eat.

Quan’s personal note: I technically use bowls more often so I “plate” my food differently, but the concept is the same. In another article, I can share how to do this variation of the “Thirds Method” so you can add this tool to your fat loss kit. Now back to the show.

The first section (it doesn’t matter which) is for protein.

The second is for complex carbs.

And the third is for fruits and/or veggies.

I stuck to this (and I still do) and found it less intrusive than calorie counting despite years of doing it.

I got faster at tracking calories sure, but to have the freedom the “Thirds Method” gives me, I’m not sure I want to go back to MyFitnessPal.

This gives me the extra mental capacity I want to reserve for more important things in life like my family and business.

Also, here is a table (not comprehensive) that can help you choose healthy, nutrient-dense options for your “Thirds” if you want some options.

Hope this helps you lose fat, be lean, and boost energy.

What do you want me to write next?

You can directly contact me through my email, quan@shortcutlifestyle.com, or through my Facebook profile at facebook.com/thelaidbacknutritionist.

When you’re ready, I’m able to help you through my 1-1 coaching program, Shortcut Lifestyle, where fitness and nutrition meet permanent sustainability no matter what happens.

You can apply through here, if you’re a high performer who wants to get to the next level.

There might be a goldmine of productivity and performance waiting for you.

Have a good day,

Quan

I lost 27 pounds using the “Thirds Method,” no calorie counting, no long workouts (most of them were ~30 min)