So, how's the weather where you are?? Here, it's FREEZING. Actually, it's colder than that. The temperature outside is -5* F right now, but with the wind chill, feels like -30*. That's just too doggone cold. I feel like cuddling up with a big mug of hot soup and a blanket... which leads me to Habit #4, menu planning. I can't tell you how invaluable menu planning is, especially when you're busy and you care about your family's health. Sure, it's easy to get in the car and zip to one of those fast food restaurants to pick up something they refer to as food (which is a lie, by the way), but does that really SAVE time? No. Is it healthy for your family to eat? No.
So, let's get planning! First, print off the planner at the bottom of this page. It's free, my gift to you!
Let's start with breakfast. Make a list of breakfast dishes that you enjoy in the morning. We are creatures of habit, so cater this list to whatever it is you like to eat. Use this time to re-evaluate your diet and try a new recipe or two! Maybe try my Fauxtmeal, Almond Flour Muffins, Pancakes or Breakfast Cookie?? Once you have your 3-4 breakfast meal ideas, write them down on the planner. Breakfast is one of those meals that are incredibly easy to repeat without getting too bored, and you can even make items ahead of time and freeze them. I like making a big batch of muffins and keeping them in the freezer for those mornings that get really busy. Other quick options are smoothies, eggs, fruit, or toast with nut butter. You pick what you like to eat, and write it down on the planner.
Let's skip over lunch for a moment and go to dinner. Woah woah woah, why am I skipping lunch?! Because if you cook an extra portion or two of dinner, you can have those leftovers FOR lunch, ergo, no real lunch plan needed. Sweeeet. For dinner, I like to plan meals that use seasonal ingredients. In the winter I'm drawn to hearty stews, red meat, root vegetables, whereas in the summer I'm more drawn to salads, seafood, and raw food recipes. That's just a personal preference, though. You do what you feel most comfortable with and what your family will eat. Here are some ideas that are easy to make: Pasta Salad (add chicken if desired), Sweet Potato Pancakes, Meatloaf, or Chicken Fingers.
If you're wanting a different lunch plan (aka your hubby MUST HAVE HIS SANDWICH AND POTATO CHIPS OR ELSE!!), then make a lunch plan, too. Make sure that this plan is varied enough to not get mundane, but easy enough for you to stick to. Sandwiches, salads, or soup all work well for lunch, and they can often times be made ahead.
Ok so you've got your list of meals. Now, put them on your calendar. There will always be room for flexibility/moving things around as necessary. As long as you have a framework, this will at least keep you organized. At the bottom, make your grocery list. This will keep you on track at the store, and prevent you from getting things that aren't necessary.
There we have it. Pick your meals, plop them on the calendar, and get thyself to the grocery.
So, let's get planning! First, print off the planner at the bottom of this page. It's free, my gift to you!
Let's start with breakfast. Make a list of breakfast dishes that you enjoy in the morning. We are creatures of habit, so cater this list to whatever it is you like to eat. Use this time to re-evaluate your diet and try a new recipe or two! Maybe try my Fauxtmeal, Almond Flour Muffins, Pancakes or Breakfast Cookie?? Once you have your 3-4 breakfast meal ideas, write them down on the planner. Breakfast is one of those meals that are incredibly easy to repeat without getting too bored, and you can even make items ahead of time and freeze them. I like making a big batch of muffins and keeping them in the freezer for those mornings that get really busy. Other quick options are smoothies, eggs, fruit, or toast with nut butter. You pick what you like to eat, and write it down on the planner.
Let's skip over lunch for a moment and go to dinner. Woah woah woah, why am I skipping lunch?! Because if you cook an extra portion or two of dinner, you can have those leftovers FOR lunch, ergo, no real lunch plan needed. Sweeeet. For dinner, I like to plan meals that use seasonal ingredients. In the winter I'm drawn to hearty stews, red meat, root vegetables, whereas in the summer I'm more drawn to salads, seafood, and raw food recipes. That's just a personal preference, though. You do what you feel most comfortable with and what your family will eat. Here are some ideas that are easy to make: Pasta Salad (add chicken if desired), Sweet Potato Pancakes, Meatloaf, or Chicken Fingers.
If you're wanting a different lunch plan (aka your hubby MUST HAVE HIS SANDWICH AND POTATO CHIPS OR ELSE!!), then make a lunch plan, too. Make sure that this plan is varied enough to not get mundane, but easy enough for you to stick to. Sandwiches, salads, or soup all work well for lunch, and they can often times be made ahead.
Ok so you've got your list of meals. Now, put them on your calendar. There will always be room for flexibility/moving things around as necessary. As long as you have a framework, this will at least keep you organized. At the bottom, make your grocery list. This will keep you on track at the store, and prevent you from getting things that aren't necessary.
There we have it. Pick your meals, plop them on the calendar, and get thyself to the grocery.
| menu_planner_-_asl.pdf |
RSS Feed