Personalized Portion Guide For

Aaron O'Malley

Use this simple guide to build balanced meals anywhere — no tracking, no weighing. Your hand is your portion tool — always with you, perfectly sized for you.

HOW IT WORKS

Each meal, aim for a balance of protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats. Use your hand as your measuring tool — it keeps portions realistic and flexible.

WHY THIS WORKS

✅ No measuring or tracking apps
✅ Easy to adjust up or down
✅ Works at home, restaurants, or on the go
✅ Naturally keeps your meals balanced

Protein: Palm-sized portion

Protein

Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health, making it crucial for your fitness goals. With a target of 5 servings per day, focusing on quality sources will help you build and maintain muscle mass while supporting recovery after workouts.

Good sources of protein for you include eggs, chicken breast, turkey (mince and burgers), steak, and protein shakes. These options align with your preferences and keep you energized throughout the day.

Incorporate protein by enjoying scrambled eggs with oats for breakfast, grilled chicken with rice for lunch, and a fillet steak for dinner. Also, consider a protein shake as a snack to meet your protein needs without feeling overwhelmed.

You should aim for 5 hand-sized servings of protein each day.

Carbohydrates: Cupped hand-sized portion

Carbohydrates

Carbs are a primary energy source, especially important for fueling your workouts and daily activities. With a goal of 8 servings per day, focusing on the right types of carbs will help maintain your energy levels and support recovery.

Good carbohydrate sources for you include oats, rice, bagels, sweet potatoes, and popcorn. These fit well with your preferred meals and provide sustained energy.

In your meals, pair oats with eggs for breakfast, have rice with chicken for lunch, and opt for sweet potatoes alongside your dinner. Snacks like popcorn can also contribute to your carb intake while satisfying your cravings.

Aim for 8 hand-sized servings of carbs each day.

Fats: Thumb-sized portion

Fats

Healthy fats are vital for hormone production, nutrient absorption, and overall cellular health. With a target of 4 servings per day, incorporating fats into your meals will support your fitness and wellness goals effectively.

Good sources of healthy fats for you include olive oil, avocado (if you like it), nuts, and fats from meats like steak. These options are not only nutritious but also complement your current food choices.

Use olive oil for cooking chicken or add a handful of nuts as a snack. You can also enjoy the natural fats from your steak or turkey burgers as part of your meals.

Strive for 4 hand-sized servings of fats each day.

Vegetables: Fist-sized portions

Vegetables

Vegetables are essential for providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support digestion and overall health. Your goal of 6-8 servings per day will help ensure you get a variety of nutrients necessary for optimal performance and recovery.

Good vegetable sources for you include leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, which can be easily incorporated into your meals without overwhelming your taste preferences.

For breakfast, consider adding spinach to your scrambled eggs. At lunch, include a side of steamed broccoli with your chicken and rice. Have a salad with carrots and bell peppers with your dinner to maximize your veggie intake.

Work towards consuming 6-8 hand-sized servings of vegetables each day.

EXAMPLE MEAL

Here's what it could look like

Example Day of Eating

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs (2 protein), 1 cup oats (2 carbs), 1 tbsp olive oil (1 fat).

Lunch: 5 oz grilled chicken (2 protein), 1.5 cups rice (3 carbs), 1 cup steamed broccoli (1 vegetable), 1 tbsp olive oil (1 fat).

Dinner: 6 oz fillet steak (2 protein), 1 medium sweet potato (2 carbs), 1 cup mixed salad (2 vegetables).

Snacks: Protein shake (1 protein), 1 bagel (2 carbs), 1 oz nuts (2 fat), 2 cups popcorn (2 carbs).

QUICK TIP

  • Eat slowly and stop when you feel about 80% full — you can always eat more if you’re still hungry later.
  • If you’re hungrier on training days, add an extra fist of veggies or half a palm of protein.
  • Still unsure? Take a photo of your plate and send it to your coach for feedback.
  • Keep it simple. Build your plate. Eat mindfully. Feel good.