Eat, Pack & Healthy Moves(“How to eat and stay healthy while moving House: Tips for a Smooth, Stress-Free Move”)

Chef Rod
Aug 2
4 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Couple carrying boxes, smiling at each other in a bright room with a slanted ceiling. Cardboard box with a red "H" visible. Mood is joyful.

Hey Skinnies! How are you all doing?

Happy August, everyone—the month where the boldest lions of the zodiac (Leos) are born and ready to roar!

Lion overlaying a vintage celestial map labeled "Le Lion," blending its majestic portrait with astrological constellations in monochrome.

If you’re a Leo, welcome to your birthday month—your divine time to upgrade and glow. Since the foodie calendar is fairly quiet right now, let’s turn the spotlight inward. Welcome to a month of thriving, embracing seasonal shifts, and leaning into the life upgrades the universe is serving us.

And for some of us (yes, Shadre included!), it’s not just another month—it’s her BIRTH month. WHOOP WHOOP! A time to recharge, realign, and reflect on how far we’ve all come in 2025.

So welcome to another vibrant edition of the Skinny Chef Diaries.

This week’s episode is all about upgrading your life—(cue Beyoncé: Let me upgrade you! Ha!)—from the food you eat, to the bags you pack, to the intentional, healthy moves you choose to make.

But first—let me share my latest adventure…

🏠 Big Move Energy: The Next Chapter with Shadre

Bare winter trees and green bushes against a twilight sky, with a few dimly lit lamps in a peaceful suburban garden setting.

So… drumroll please... Shadre and I officially moved in together yesterday!And let me be honest—it was exhausting, a little chaotic, and definitely overwhelming at times (as moving always is, right?). We had to combine two full households into one—from the cutlery to the couches—and that, my friends, is no small feat.

This is also why the blog’s a day late—life happened, and boxes took over!But despite the stress, we’re both feeling absolutely chuffed about our new space and this exciting new chapter together.

Two wooden stools on a tiled floor, each with a set of keys on top. The setting is indoors with neutral-colored walls.

Moving in together has reminded me that upgrading your life isn’t always flashy. It’s about the real, raw work behind the scenes—packing, compromising, laughing through the chaos, and learning new rhythms as a team.

This week’s blog is inspired by that. It's about holistic upgrades—not just in resolutions, but in the simple, intentional decisions we make each day. From how we eat, to what we carry (physically and emotionally), to how we move forward.

Let’s dive in, Skinnies!

🥗 1. Eat: Fueling the Upgrade

Woman enjoying food with a fork, sitting at a wooden table in a cozy cafe. Yellow cup and greenery around her. Warm lighting creates a relaxed mood.

Let’s start with what I know best—food.Eating well isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling unstoppable, full of the kind of energy that radiates and commands the room.

This August, I’m recommitting to feeding my body with seasonal, nutrient-rich foods that align with my goals: energy, vitality, and longevity.If you want to thrive, you need to fuel up properly. Period.

🎒 2. Pack: Moving with Purpose

Woman in orange sweater stacking cardboard boxes in a brightly lit room. Mood appears organized and focused.

Let’s talk about packing—and not just the cardboard-box kind!Yes, I've done my fair share of traveling and actual moving lately, but this month has been more about mental and emotional packing.

Here’s what I’ve been choosing to let go of:

Old habits that drain my energy
Negative self-talk and toxic vibes (especially when I’m under pressure)
Saying “yes” when I actually mean hell no!

Packing light isn’t about running away—it's about making space for the life you want to step into.

🏃🏾‍♂️ 3. Healthy Moves: Lifestyle Shifts That Stick

Woman in black sportswear drinks pink beverage from a shaker in a dimly lit setting, exuding a focused, athletic vibe.

Big changes don’t always come from big events—they come from the tiny daily decisions that build momentum over time.

Here are the healthy moves I’m loving right now:

Morning walks with intention—No phone. Just breathing, nature, and Shadre in my ears (haha!)
Intermittent fasting—2–3 times a week is great, but y’all know I’m the champ. I do this daily and my gut thanks me for it
Ten minutes of journaling—either at the start or end of the day
Swapping Netflix binging for reading, stretching, or quiet reflection

These aren’t trends—they’re building blocks for a better lifestyle.

🔁 4. Reflections: Levelling Up

Close-up of a person's eye with a watery pattern overlay. The eye is blue-green, creating a calm and introspective mood.

August always gets me reflecting on the year so far—what’s shifted, what’s worked, and where I’ve had to stretch.

2025 has been a rollercoaster of lessons. I’ve learned to:

Slow down when necessary
Lean on my tribe
Stay rooted in my values

And combining lives with someone you love? It’s taught me that growth isn’t always neat. It can be messy, uncomfortable, and emotional—but it’s always, always worth it.

🍽️ 5. Healthy Meals for Moving Week

Plate of colorful salad with quinoa, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and salmon. Blue bowl and pesto on side, set on a light surface.

Let’s be honest—moving week is chaotic. But you don’t have to lose your healthy eating habits just because life gets busy.

Planning ahead is the game-changer.No matter how crazy things get, make time to eat well.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t skip breakfast during a move. You’ll need fuel to lift, run errands, and unpack!

Here are my top no-stress moving week meals:

Breakfast Ideas

A crispy fried egg with a bright yellow yolk sits on a white plate against a plain white background.

Fried eggs with bacon/macon, avo & toast
Health bread sandwiches or lettuce wraps

Quick Dinner Winner

A black plate with beef stir-fry, colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and white rice, garnished with green onions, alongside red chopsticks.

Stir fry with your choice of protein (chicken breast, beef strips, etc.), veggies, rice or noodles, and a sauce made from fresh garlic, ginger, chilli, and soy sauce. Simple, flavourful, DONE.

Bonus? You get to clear out perishables from the fridge and avoid waste.

✨ Wrapping It Up:

This week’s journey reminded me of one truth:Every meal, every mindful step, every upgraded choice is a step toward your best self.

Whether you’re a fellow August baby or just someone entering a new season—take this month as a fresh start.

Thanks for tuning in, Skinnies.That’s a wrap on this week’s blog. Here’s to living lighter, living sharper, and moving stronger—in body, mind, and heart.

Love you all—same time, same place! Stay safe, stay kind, and most of all, stay SKINNY!