Countless people find it challenging to concoct wholesome lunches when at work or on the move.
They often opt for a basic sandwich that can be astonishingly high in calories, particularly the pre-packaged options from supermarkets.
However, one Tesco shopper has divulged how she managed to lose 16lbs in just 15 weeks, despite often buying her lunch at the popular retailer.
Fitness instructor Hawys D, known as @coaching_in_hd on Instagram and followed by over 42,000, regularly provides her audience with advice on fat loss and healthy eating. In her latest Instagram reel, she shared her usual Tesco selections that keep hunger at bay without contributing to weight gain.
The footage begins with Hawys standing outside a Tesco Express, tote bag at the ready, about to begin her quest for a health-focused lunch. The text overlay announces: “What I buy for lunch Little Tesco Edition. 16lbs down in 15 weeks.”
Inside, she browses the sandwich aisle and during her shop and declares: “This might surprise you, but I’m not gonna go for a meal deal.”
Her reasoning becomes apparent as she explains how, saying: “These salads and sandwiches are packing nearly 500 calories, and even the healthy high protein options could still set you back nearly 1,000 calories.”
Hawys cautions: “Whilst you shouldn’t be scared of calories, if you need 1,500 calories to lose weight, then you’re having nearly two thirds of your allowance in one meal.”
Opting for an alternative, she explains: “So instead, I’m moseying to the refrigerated section and buying some pre-cooked chicken. I prefer the seasoned one, but you can get plain.”
The fitness expert highlighted that a half pack of chicken contains “around 30 grams of protein”, and pairs it with a microwaveable portion of Ben’s Original Favourite Chicken Flavour Rice, pointing out: “Half a pack is around 170 calories.”
She argues this choice is superior to sandwiches as it offers “more filling with fewer calories than a sandwich.”
To amplify the bulk and fibre content of her meal, thereby assuring longer satiety, the high-profile social media personality chose a bag of fresh, sweet and crisp side salad. For those wishing to indulge further, she recommended selecting a packet of veggies which simply require a quick microwave warm-up.
Furthermore, she asserted: “Finally, I’m gonna grab a massive bottle of water to keep me hydrated.”
Hawys disclosed that her grocery selection was a tad more expensive than your average meal deal, coming in at a total of £5.80. Nonetheless, she added: “Realistically, I’m only going to be eating half the rice and half the chicken, meaning per portion, it has actually worked out cheaper and a lot more filling than a regular meal deal and effectively assisting me in maintaining my calorie count.”
In her caption, Hawys added: “Fat loss lunch hacks. I have a BIG appetite, so a 800kcal meal deal just isn’t going to keep me full..”
Her advice clearly resonated with many, as evidenced by the thousands of likes it amassed. Comments flooded in with praise, as one fan said: “This is quite literally the content I need,” while another said the tips were “really helpful”.
A further follow concurred enthusiastically, saying: “This is really helpful! I find myself on these situations, so thank you.”