Challenge hub

Swaps and FAQ

Simple swaps to make your plan work for you, and answers to the questions that come up most. Swaps are close in calories, so you stay on track.

Food swaps

Swap any item on the left for an option on the right. Keep the rest of the meal the same.

Protein

Instead ofTry
100g teriyaki chicken100g lean beef strips or 100g prawns, cooked with the same sauce and veg
100g Mexican chicken100g lean beef mince with the same seasoning, or 120g firm tofu, crumbled
3 beef meatballs60g cooked chicken breast, or 80g tinned tuna in springwater
2 mini frittatas2 boiled eggs and 1 slice light cheese

Carbs and grains

Instead ofTry
1/4 cup cooked white rice1/4 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa, or 1/3 cup cooked pasta
80g cooked vermicelli noodles1/3 cup cooked rice or 1/2 cup cooked pasta
1 wrap (40g)2 taco shells, or 1 small pita pocket
4 rice crackers1 rice cake, or 2 small crispbreads

Dairy

Instead ofTry
1/2 cup natural yoghurt1/2 cup lactose-free yoghurt, or 1/3 cup coconut yoghurt
1 slice light cheese15g cheddar, or 1 tbsp crumbled feta
20g grated light cheese1 tbsp grated parmesan and 1 tbsp crumbled feta
1 small tub high protein yoghurt1/2 cup natural yoghurt and 1/4 cup berries

Snacks and sweet things

Instead ofTry
1 medium banana1 large apple, 2 kiwi fruit or 1 cup grapes
1 square dark chocolate2 cups air-popped popcorn
4 dried apricot halves10 almonds, or 1 small apple
1 small scoop sorbet1 cup watermelon or 1 cup frozen berries
1 tbsp hummus1 tbsp tzatziki, or 2 tbsp fresh salsa
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce1 tbsp soy sauce with fresh chilli and lime

Free foods

Add these to any meal or snack, as much as you like. They fill you up, add colour and flavour, and barely touch your calories.

Leafy greens and saladCucumberCeleryTomatoesCapsicumZucchiniMushroomsFresh herbsSpices and dried herbsLemon and limeVinegarMustardWater and sparkling waterBlack coffeeHerbal and black tea

Questions and answers

Tap a question to see the answer.

Using your plan

Can I swap days around?

Yes. All seven days are built to the same calorie target, so you can eat them in any order. If Tuesday suits better as a Thursday, go for it.

Can I swap meals within a day?

Yes, as long as you swap like for like. Breakfast for breakfast, snack for snack. You can also move snacks to a different time of day if that suits your routine.

Do I have to eat everything on the plan?

Aim to. The plan is built to fuel your training and recovery, and under-eating can leave you tired, hungry and more likely to overeat later. If you regularly can't finish it, let me know in your weekly check-in so I can look at it with you.

How are the calories worked out?

Every meal is based on common Australian foods and measured portions. Brands vary a little, so treat the totals as close guides rather than exact numbers. Measuring grams and cups is what keeps you on track.

Can I cook for my family from the plan?

Absolutely. The recipes make family-friendly batches. Serve everyone from the same pot and measure your own portion. Kids and other adults can simply have more.

Hunger, energy and training

What if I'm still hungry?

First, load up on free foods and have a big glass of water. Check in with your sleep too, because short nights make hunger louder. If you're hungry most days, tell me in your check-in or book a personalised call. Your plan may need adjusting.

What if I'm not hungry?

Try not to skip meals, especially around training. Have smaller portions earlier and finish the rest later. If you're rarely hungry, mention it in your check-in.

Do I eat differently on training days?

Your plan works for training and rest days. Watch the fuelling before training and post-training videos in your hub for simple ways to time your meals around sessions.

Do I need protein powder or supplements?

No. The plan is food first and gives you what you need. If you already use supplements, let me know in your weekly check-in so we can make sure they fit.

Real life

What if I eat out or have a social event?

Enjoy it. Choose a protein and plenty of veg, ask for sauces on the side, and drink water between drinks. Then pick up your plan again at your next meal.

What about alcohol?

Alcohol isn't included in the plan. If you do have a drink, choose a lower-calorie option, have water alongside it, and enjoy it mindfully rather than on autopilot.

Coffee and tea?

Black coffee and tea are free. A small splash of milk is fine. Larger milky coffees like lattes add up, so count one as a snack.

I went off track. What now?

One meal or one day doesn't undo your progress. Skip the guilt and go straight back to your next planned meal. Every time you return to the plan, you're strengthening the habit, and that's what lasts beyond six weeks.

Your needs

I'm vegetarian or have allergies. Can I still follow the plan?

Many meals can be adjusted using the swaps above. If you have allergies or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, a custom plan will suit you far better, so you're not swapping every meal.

What if I feel unwell?

Stop and speak with your GP. This plan provides general nutrition guidance and doesn't replace medical advice. Then book a personalised call with me, so we can adjust your plan to suit you.

Still have a question?

Ask in your weekly check-in, or book a personalised call and we'll sort it together.