Help me spice up my diet and add some variety

[blakjak12]

I am going to post up a sample of my diet, and while it is already fairly healthy, I do not feel I get enough variety. I would like an increase in variety to ensure I'm getting all the nutrients my body needs, while creating more diversity in my meals and snacks. Basically, what are some snacks and meals you guys enjoy? Any ideas are appreciated.

Breakfast: I enjoy this meal and I'm not looking for more variety or new food choices here really.
bowl of oatmeal (usually topped with berries and with a cup or so of milk added)
1 egg
1 big spoonful of natural peanut butter

Postworkout Shake:
Milk and Whey Protein Powder (approximately 12oz total)

Lunch
Grilled chicken salad (spinach, cucumbers, cheddar, sunflower seeds, egg)
Apple and some peanut butter
8-10oz of milk

Dinner
Turkey Sandwich (whole wheat bread, turkey, slice of cheddar cheese, spinach, tomato) with a piece of fruit and milk
OR
Steak or grilled chicken with brown rice or spinach also with a piece of fruit and milk

Evening Snack
plain yogurt topped with berries
AND/OR
walnuts, almonds, piece of fruit, celery and natural peanut butter, whole wheat pita with hummus

[Joe Black]

I find the key is to have several well thought out options for each meal. So for example I know my lunch can be one of 4 things and all contain roughly the same calories/macros.

So, sometimes I have oatmeal/protein shake for breakfast and other times I have low fat yoghurt, granola and a protein shake.

Kebabs are a good lunch option. Just skewer the meat with veg.

Coke Zero helps too, it feels like a treat and has no sugar/calories.

Use herbs, spices and low calorie condiments too. Realize that a small amount of a condiment is not going to make or break your progress...

So instead of having grilled plain chicken. Throw in some rosemary, garlic and perhaps spome balsamic vinegar... Or buy a low calorie dressing for the salad. Etc.

[blakjak12]

All good ideas and additions that would be easy to implement. Thanks for you help!

[ChristopherG.EU]

I can help you with your evening snack.

I vary mine quite easily. Try these out.

1. My Night Cap

2 cups water, 2 scoops of your favorite casein based protein powder, 1 tablespoon of oat flour (it's really great stuff), 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil and a teaspoon of L-glutamine (optional).

mix and shake and drink!

2. My Muscle Malt

1 cup water, , 3 tablespoons of ovaltine malt, 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla casein based protein, 1 tablespoon lecithin granules.

mix and shake and drink!

[blakjak12]

I can help you with your evening snack.

I vary mine quite easily. Try these out.

1. My Night Cap

2 cups water, 2 scoops of your favorite casein based protein powder, 1 tablespoon of oat flour (it's really great stuff), 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil and a teaspoon of L-glutamine (optional).

mix and shake and drink!

2. My Muscle Malt

1 cup water, , 3 tablespoons of ovaltine malt, 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla casein based protein, 1 tablespoon lecithin granules.

mix and shake and drink!

Thanks for your input. Shakes would be good for an extra snack now and then too.

[rabidracin]

A snack that I enjoy is I have one package of instant sugar free pudding mix, two scoops of protein powder, teaspoon of glutamine and creatine, and two cups fat free milk. This is my night time snack on some workout days. Tastes great and seems like a treat.