We used to be so close, and then we drifted apart. Trust me when I say it’s definitely not you, it’s me.
And now I’m hoping to rekindle that flame. Can we get back together?
Seriously, I have missed meal — and exercise — planning. I mean, it’s not like we’ve been eating junk food and sitting on my rear over the last few months. I have been doing some informal meal planning, but there’s something about putting pen to paper (or, in this case, typing words on a screen) that makes it seem real. Or maybe blogging about it holds me more accountable?
So what’s behind the sudden urge to jump back into meal planning? I call it the Five-Pounds-I-Gained-Over-The-Holidays-that-I-Can’t-Seem-to-Lose-Plus-I’ve-Been-Trapped-Inside-My-House-with-Booze-and-Treats-all-Freaking-Winter need to get back into a routine.
You New England ladies know what I mean.
So yesterday morning, as I sat sweltering at the YMCA pool for two consecutive swim classes (really, I know they’re trying not to freeze the kids walking around in their bathing suits, but it felt like freaking Hades in there), I busted out a notebook and pen from my bag and checked out my Yummy board on Pinterest.
I thought about dinners. I thought about lunches. I thought about clean eating (which I did for five consecutive days last week before falling off the wagon). I thought about my workouts.
And lo and behold, I had a plan.
Meal Plan
Monday: Kale salad with all sorts of goodies, like veggies, edamame, almonds and a hardboiled egg. (Let me just say I have been OBSESSED lately with kale salad with homemade vinaigrette. Usually we’ll whip up some sort of olive oil/white wine vinegar/honey/shallots concoction and throw it in a mason jar and use it for the week.)
Tuesday: Roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. (I’ve made this before and LOVE it. So easy.)
Wednesday: Veggie burgers and carrot fries
Thursday: Leftovers or pantry-clean-out
Friday: I have dinner plans, so Dr. G. and the kiddos will be on their own.
Saturday: Wild card — maybe dinner out?
By the way, we also made this awesome lentil, coconut and sweet potato curry on Sunday, courtesy of the Detoxinista. Great for leftovers and lunches, too!
Speaking of lunches, I find planning my lunches even more challenging than planning dinners. Anyone else feel that way? Part of me wonders if I need to take lunches into consideration when planning my meals and grocery list. If I don’t think about my lunches in advance, I’ll often just grab a can of soup from the pantry on my way out the door, which doesn’t really jive with my focus on clean eating and cutting down on processed food.
So for lunches this week, I’m going to whip up a batch of chickpea salad from Oh She Glows for sandwiches/salads, this quick noodle bowl, avocado toast with sliced veggies, and leftovers.
Workout Plan
Monday: I braved the overnight snow and slid my way to the gym for a 4 mile interval treadmill run
Tuesday: Spin class
Wednesday: Body Pump
Thursday: 3-4 mile psuedo-trail run (rolling hills)
Friday: Boot Camp
Saturday: I can’t make it to my favorite barre class, so it will likely be a rest day
Sunday: Long run (7 miles … probably on the dreadmill)
I’m also linking up with Mommy Run Fast, Fitness, Health & Happiness, and OrgJunkie so be sure to check them out for other meal planning inspiration!
Jennifer says
I am glad to see I am not the only person that can not plan for lunch. I hate making lunches for my kids, and I don’t even particularly like making lunch for myself….I look forward to summer when I don’t have to make lunches anymore!
Rachel Tyree says
I’m going to give your roasted cauliflower and lentil curry a go! Although these comfort sounding foods might be a little “warm” for our 90 degree weather that we are expecting this upcoming weekend. You guys had more than a winter, we never had one this year!
Jessica says
Ahhh, rub it in, why don’t you? 🙂 Just kidding. The roasted cauliflower is AMAZING. So quick and easy and flavorful. And it makes great leftovers for lunch.