Once upon a time, I used to plan my family’s meals. I would even – gasp! – blog about it.
Those were the good old days. I miss them.
As you may (or may not) have noticed, I haven’t posted a meal plan in about a month. I have no excuses, other than, well, life. Spring is traditionally a busy time for us because Buddy plays baseball, which means Monday night practices and Wednesday night games. Throw in some work travel, two weekends in a row where we were out of town, baseball team photo night, and celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, and my weekly meal plan has looked something like this:
Take out, TBD, dinner out, wingin’ it, cereal.
But I am determined to regain some control. I hate eating junk and fast food for dinner. Every once in awhile, sure, but not every night. I miss vegetables. And salads. And food that actually requires utensils.
We still have baseball and work travel to deal with, but, dammit, I am going to make at least two real meals this week, especially since I have this new cookbook for inspiration.
So here is this week’s meal plan (and apparently I am on a chickpea kick). Sorry I can’t post links to the recipes, since the cookbook is new and the recipes aren’t online yet:
Sunday: Curried cauliflower and chickpea soup (from the cookbook above)
Monday: Buddy and Dr. G. are at baseball, so it’s just me and Mimi. I’ll probably make a lemony couscous and chickpea salad for me (from, yep, the new Moosewood), and serve Mimi some of the couscous with some veggies and Trader Joe’s chicken nuggets
Tuesday: Dr. G is traveling, so I’m going to try Moosewood’s pasta with broccoli, edamame and walnuts. I think the chances the kiddos will eat this are 50/50.
Wednesday: Baseball again! This time I’m going to the game as well and may try to attend a blogging event after, so this is dinner out. Although I will probably pack a peanut butter sandwich for Mimi to eat at the field for dinner.
Thursday: At first I thought, We’re all actually home! But I have dinner plans with a good friend I haven’t seen in awhile.
Friday: Now we are all actually home! If the weather cooperates, I may try and grill some veggies and veggie burgers.
Saturday: TBD
Workout Plan
So my gym has been closed last week, and will be closed this coming week, for a renovation, which really puts a wrench in my training plans. I do have access to a full-fledged gym at work, but honestly, I much prefer my 5am workouts. Sure, I can run early in the morning – I don’t need my gym for that – but I miss Body Pump class and the rest of my gym friends.
Speaking of running, my half marathon is in two weeks. If you had asked me after the Newport 10-Miler how I was feeling about my sub-2:00 chances, I would have said excellent. But after yesterday’s long run, the doubt is creeping back in.
After a cold and gross winter, yesterday was warm and muggy and humid, and I wasn’t used to running in that weather at all. Add in the fact that I didn’t eat much the day before due to work issues/stress, and I was probably really dehydrated, and you have all the ingredients for a subpar run.
Which is exactly what happened. After the first mile, I decided that instead of focusing on my time, it was all about finishing those 10 miles.
Ugh. But I’m not going to dwell on it and instead just chalk it up to one of those runs.
So here’s this week’s agenda:
Sunday: Mother’s Day hike with my family
Monday: Weights at gym during lunch
Tuesday: 4 mile run in AM
Wednesday: Weights at gym during lunch
Thursday: 4 mile run in AM
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 9 mile run (starting to taper!)
And, most importantly, I want to wish all the mamas and grandmas out there — including mommies to the furry, four-legged variety — a very happy and relaxing Mother’s Day!
Don’t forget to check out the yummy meal plans at Mommy Run Fast, Fitness, Health & Happiness, and OrgJunkie!
jill conyers says
Welcome back to meal planning! This is a crazy busy time of year for us too. I seem to be saying that a lot no matter what time of year it is.
I bet you’ll surprise yourself with the half! The doubt always creeps in a week or 2 before the race. A sub-2:00 is my goal too!
Jessica says
I hope so! Thanks for the vote of confidence -and good luck with your race, too 😉
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
It’s so easy to fall out of the groove when you stop meal planning…great that you’re getting back on the wagon! Looks like a pretty nice cook book with lots of inspiration!
Jessica says
Thanks! I am totally loving this cookbook! Just what I needed to get back into the groove.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Glad to have you back! And I love Moosewood- great restaurant, and they have so many awesome cookbooks!
Jessica says
It’s good to be back – LOL 🙂
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
Wow! You are busy busy busy!! I’m impressed that you have the energy to meal plan, let alone cook.
Good luck w/ your training!