Sarah Michelle Gellar on Energy Coaching, Meal Planning, and Hitting Her Protein Objectives
Between parenting, engaged on TV exhibits Dexter: Unique Sin and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival (!), and juggling the same old every day chaos (like determining what’s for dinner), Sarah Michelle Gellar has discovered methods that make wholesome consuming doable—even on the busiest days.
That’s what makes her such a terrific model associate for the launch of MyFitnessPal’s new Meal Planner. It’s a software she personally makes use of to simplify buying, scale back meals waste, and ensure her meals assist her objectives. Lately, she’s far more centered on constructing power than chasing weight reduction—and she or he’s all about discovering simple methods to eat extra protein.
Like most of us, Sarah’s objectives have advanced—she’s centered extra on constructing power and consuming sufficient protein than the rest. So when she discovered one thing that made meal planning much less aggravating and helped her get balanced meals on the desk quicker, she was all in. That’s why she partnered with MyFitnessPal for the launch of Meal Planner.
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We checked in together with her for a quick-fire Q&A about how she eats to remain energized, what’s in her lunchbox on set, and the small-but-mighty habits that assist her nourish herself and her household with out the stress.
How have you ever modified the best way you eat to get extra protein?
I really like this query—as a result of truthfully, small modifications actually could make a giant distinction. For me, it’s all about making protein simple and easy. I don’t do something excessive—I’m a busy mother, I would like issues that work in actual life. So I began by simply being extra conscious of protein. Now I at all times ask myself: “The place’s the protein?” after I’m making a meal or snack.
A number of go-tos:
- I add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to smoothies—it makes them creamy and provides a critical protein enhance.
- I’ll snack on roasted chickpeas or turkey roll-ups as a substitute of chips.
- I swapped my cereal for high-protein oats or eggs within the morning.
- And I really like including hemp seeds to no matter I can—yogurt, pancakes, you title it.
It’s not about being excellent—it’s about constructing little habits that add up. You don’t must overhaul your complete weight loss program, simply sneak in a bit protein the place you’ll be able to. It retains me feeling sturdy and stuffed with vitality all day.
Growing my protein consumption has turn into extra necessary to me as I’ve integrated extra power coaching into my health routine.

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Why did you begin focusing extra on power coaching?
I needed to really feel sturdy. I’ve completed all types of exercises over time, however power coaching has been a complete game-changer. It’s not about look—it’s about feeling succesful. I wish to elevate my youngsters, carry groceries, and simply sustain with my life.
Sooner or later, I spotted cardio wasn’t sufficient. Energy coaching helps defend muscle, assist bone well being, and it’s nice for long-term wellness. Plus, it’s empowering—it jogs my memory that health isn’t about shrinking. It’s about residing totally.
What do you normally eat earlier than and after a power exercise?
Earlier than a exercise, I’ll eat one thing gentle with carbs and a little bit of protein—like a banana with almond butter or toast with honey and a few Greek yogurt. It’s sufficient to provide me vitality with out weighing me down.
After a exercise, I deal with protein. A smoothie with protein powder, almond milk, berries, and perhaps some spinach is my common. If I’m actually hungry, I’ll make eggs with avocado toast or grilled rooster and veggies. Restoration is simply as necessary because the exercise itself—and consuming properly after is my means of thanking my physique for displaying up.
What does a typical day of consuming appear to be for you while you’re filming?
Breakfast is normally in a single day oats with almond milk, chia seeds, blueberries, and almonds—one thing I prep the night time earlier than and seize on the go.
For lunch, I really like bringing one thing from residence—like a salad, wrap, or my go-to Buddha bowl with brown rice, edamame, snap peas, rooster breast, and a soy-vinegar dressing. It holds up properly if I don’t get to eat it immediately.
Dinner? Freddie’s the actual prepare dinner in our home, so I’m at all times joyful to steal his leftovers to reheat on set!

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Why is residence cooking and meal planning so necessary to you as a mother?
I didn’t develop up with meal planning—it’s one thing I’ve realized later in life. Rising up, meal planning wasn’t one thing I used to be conversant in. I used to be raised by a single father or mother in an residence in NYC the place there wasn’t a lot room for in depth meal prep!
After having youngsters, well being turned an even bigger precedence. I wish to be round for a very long time and set a great instance for them. I additionally wish to have extra management over what we eat and the way we nourish our our bodies.
However let’s be trustworthy—I don’t have infinite hours to prepare dinner. Between work and parenting, I would like meals which are lifelike. Meal planning helps me benefit from my time and ensures we at all times have one thing nutritious prepared—even throughout hectic weeks.
I’m not aiming for perfection or Instagram-worthy meals. Simply wholesome, doable choices that match actual life.
What made you wish to strive MyFitnessPal’s Meal Planner?
I really like my Sunday routine—farmer’s market, then grocery retailer—however I used to return residence and not using a clear plan. Generally I’d purchase issues I didn’t find yourself utilizing, or I’d be scrambling midweek to determine dinner.
The thought of a software that would assist me plan meals, construct environment friendly buying lists, and assist my well being objectives actually appealed to me. Particularly with lengthy days on set, it’s so useful to have balanced meals able to go—together with wholesome lunches I can deliver with me and keep away from the temptation of craft companies.
Did it truly assist?
Undoubtedly. It helps me waste much less meals, since I’m utilizing substances throughout a number of recipes—issues like herbs or scallions that I used to neglect about. I like construction within the kitchen (in contrast to my husband, Freddie, who’s extra of a inventive chef), and Meal Planner provides me the steering I would like.
I set my preferences for 30-minute recipes, and that made it so doable. It helps my objectives—like getting extra protein now that I’m doing power coaching—and it simply makes weeknight cooking much less aggravating. I really feel good realizing we’re consuming nutritious meals that work for our life-style.
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