My day, a Tuesday in September, started like most others with a 7 am wake-up call. A quick trip to the gym at 7:15 am for stretching and a 30-minute weight training session set the tone for a productive day. Back in my apartment, the workday began at 8 am. My main task: finishing the script for an olive oil video project. This involved writing, filming, and hopefully editing before leaving for the rest of the week.
At 9:15 am, a quick coffee break in the apartment lobby provided a much-needed caffeine boost. Returning to my desk, I worked for another two hours, fueled by coffee and a quick carrot snack. Finally, around 12:45 pm, the script and shot list were complete. A small serving of cantaloupe and another carrot provided a light snack while I contemplated lunch.
Inspired, I started cooking 200 grams of basmati rice in 350 grams of water. While the rice simmered, I took a quick shower, changed into my work clothes, and started a load of laundry. Lunch preparation continued with searing half a pound of 90% lean ground beef with Thai red chili flakes, MSG, and salt in a cast iron pan on an induction burner. A potato masher helped break the beef into smaller pieces. A tablespoon of hoisin sauce added a rich, savory flavor.
A refreshing cucumber salad complemented the beef and rice. Thinly sliced cucumbers were tossed with salt, Lao Gan Ma chili oil, and a splash of vinegar.
The final dish: a bed of fluffy rice topped with spicy cucumbers, flavorful beef, sesame seeds, a dollop of Kewpie mayonnaise, and a drizzle of sriracha. I made a plate for my brother and myself. Simple, yet satisfying, the meal contained approximately 620 calories and 32 grams of protein.
The afternoon, from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, was dedicated to filming various olive oil shots at the grocery store and in my bedroom, taking advantage of the natural light. A small snack of bread and olive oil provided a quick energy boost. I also prepped some broccoli and onions for dinner. By 6:30 pm, the footage was uploading, and my brother began the editing process. The initial plan was to complete the olive oil video that evening.
However, after recording the voiceover, it became clear the video was too long. A bowl of Greek yogurt with Madagascar cinnamon provided a late-afternoon snack while I pivoted to editing this video instead. Packing for my upcoming trip also occupied some time.
Dinner, around 7:30 pm, was a quick smash burger. A blend of ground turkey and beef formed the patty, seasoned with pepperoncini and freshly ground black pepper. The burger was cooked to perfection and topped with cheese on both sides. A steamed bun completed the meal, alongside the previously prepared broccoli and onions. Not the most visually appealing meal, but delicious and quick, clocking in at 641 calories and 48 grams of protein.
After dinner and cleaning up, two games of Rocket League provided a much-needed break. I then finished writing this script, which included a planned bowl of cereal after the voiceover at 9:20 pm. Finally, around 10 pm, the edit was finished and uploaded to YouTube. The day’s total intake, including snacks, reached 1986 calories and 106 grams of protein. The olive oil video will be released later this week.
