It’s been a funny old start to the year for me, especially in my head. I had planned on doing a January Whole30 along with the rest of the world but once I got ill all plans went out the window. The most vital part of a Whole30 is the planning and preparation; I just did not have the energy to clear out the kitchen, meal plan or do my shopping.
Then I caved in and bought the new book from Joe Wicks, The Body Coach; Lean in 15: 15 minute meals and workouts to keep you lean and healthy.
I’ve followed Joe on Twitter and Instagram for a while where he’s become renowned for his 15 second recipe videos. On times where I’ve been low on inspiration and short on time, I’ve used a couple of his recipes after a good scroll through his account:
Lean in 15: 15 minute meals and workouts
Here are my thoughts on the book so far:
- this book is not suitable for vegetarians. Joe says in the book that he loves eating meat so I’d guess that 90 of the main meals include meat. There are a few vegetarian options but not enough to make it a worthwhile buy if you are! I like that he has stuck to what he likes as there are many other books out there to suit any other people and their way of eating
- I personally don’t consume as much dairy as is included in the recipes. Joe uses greek yoghurt and mozzarella a fair bit. I have however also done so as I’m trying to include a little yoghurt in my diet to aid my gut health and luckily for me, cheese doesn’t cause me many problems in relation to me being lactose intolerant
- the meals really do take 15 minutes. If your don’t need to wash pots and pots before you start. I tested this out on a day where I had 35 minutes to leave the house but still needed to put on my make up, pack my work bag, cook and eat. Usually something would have to be left out but I managed to cook in 15 minutes and then eat whilst packing my bag and doing my make up! I even had time to take the picture at the start of this post!
- the recipes use minimal ingredients but have plenty of flavour. I’m a fan of few ingredients! Many of the recipes also share ingredients meaning you don’t have to buy a million different things for one week of meals. Some stuff you will even already have (or at least I did?!) like oatmeal, chillies, olives and herbs & spices. If you’re eating on a budget, I suggest you opt for store brands and look out for good offers.
- the portions are pretty big. If you’re a guy, thats prob fine! If you’re like me and trying to maintain your weight, then I suggest you eat what feels comfortable and don’t force yourself to eat everything. I’m yet to use any of the post workout snacks as I haven’t been training in the last couple of weeks.
- as with most other plans, planning and preparation are key. Joe included a little weekly planning template in the book but I can’t find it online for the life of me and didn’t get a response when I reached out on Twitter so I created my own little basic version which you can { download here }
- last but not least, the book also comes with some basic HIIT style workouts if you need them. Once I get back into the swing of things I’ll be sticking to spin classes, some running, functional training and LISS.
For less than you can spend on a lunch out, pick it up from Amazon; you can’t really go wrong! And, you can read my review of Lean in 15 – The Shape Plan here.
Lean in 15 on Amazon:
Have you purchased this book too?! Any other books you would recommend?!
Elle
Hi Elle,
I’m Rachel. I just stumbled upon your review and jumped on LeanIn15 bandwagon a little late. I am now on Shift Plan (The first book) I found myself gaining the fat I have lost especially in the belly. I barely go off track since I started. I stick to the plan as much as I can. No booze either. So my question is
Are coconut oil, butter and cheese making me gain weight? I’m in doubt because there is a stigma around coconut oil and butter having high calorie, unhealthy etc.
I’m at a crossroad now. I cannot decide if I should go back to LeanIn15 or continue with the usual meal I’m used to having? Your review and answers would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Elle! xxx
Hey Rachel, it’s been a few years since I cracked out these books, but one thing I remember is the time I calculated how many calories were in one of his recipes (it was some cheesy chicken thing) and I alarmed at the result I got. I think the meal was waaaaay over 1000kcal for the portion, which unless you’re exercising hours and hours each, it’s probably excessive. Anything in excess will cause you to gain weight so I wouldn’t demonise any foods (who can live without cheese?! lol). I know that tracking calories can be problematic for some people, but it might be worth just checking out the nutrition information on the products you’re adding for each recipe to get an idea, and compare that to your ideal daily intake so see if that is where the balance is going wrong! Hope that helps!
You've convinced me to pick this up, thanks for a great, concise review Elle x
Thanks for reading and for sharing 🙂 can't wait to hear what you think when you get it! I just had dinner from it, ending up switching what I fancied at the last minute but still had all the right ingredients 🙂 x
I also caved and picked this up from Amazon – bargain price! I'm impressed with the quality of the book, great photos, and the simple sounding recipes. No fancy ingredients and small portions (or so he says Serves 1-2) which are perfect for someone like me who lives alone. I'm looking forward to giving it a go!
YES! I live alone too 🙂 so I love that the recipes all serve 1! haha! Yesterday I made the peri peri rice with garlic prawns and doubled it up so I have enough for today! The portions are definitely on the large size though 🙂 I had half the fish recipe for lunch one day and half the next as I had his low carb oatmeal for brekky that day and was stuffed!