Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Mondays . . . A million years ago I used to participate in a group of blogs that posted meal plans and/or menu plans on Mondays. Ever since, I've planned my menus and shopped on Sundays and prepped some of my meals then too. Since returning to "outside" work a decade or so ago, this habit has saved me. When we return to school each fall, you can see the shift in the menu.

 

My lunches and breakfasts are either the same each day or built on the same day (because I kind of like that and it saves SO much time and effort). As well, our evening meals are quick or pre-prepped most nights. Tonight is Mac and Cheese. A while back, I switched to my version of a WW recipe because it's faster, simpler and much better for us and no one knows the difference. I encourage you to try is and see if you like it. SO much healthier and easier than the version I made for years, without heating up the oven!

 

Anyway, without further ado, here's my plan for this week, week 4 of our monthly rotation(ish). I've already shopped it and remembered how much my kids love mac and cheese.

Menu Plan Monday

 

Menu Plan Monday 

Summer Week 1

Well, hello there! It seems like years since I sat in this space. Okay, it has been years. No excuses, just life. 

So here we are again, and I'm starting with "Menu Plan Monday." I have learned a few things over the last couple years and the main one is this: For me, planning is the key to success in healthy eating. Here is the short list of reasons:

• Having a plan means I have appropriate groceries in the house
• Menu planning avoids decision fatigue. "Decision fatigue" leads to impulsivity. Impulsivity leads to fast food!
• It saves money.
• It saves time because I am not duplicating my efforts.
• It helps me keep track of what's in the freezer and allows me to use those items.
• It simplifies food logging and/or calorie tracking
• Most important to me: It saves so much time! 

This week, I'm here alone with my 14 year old daughter and it's summer break for teachers, so I've made changes to my plan that incorporate her tastes and avoid overheating the kitchen in mid-day. 

In my next post, I'll talk a bit more about how I plan and my basic planning guidelines. For now, here is this week's menu; I hope it is helpful to you in your healthy eating efforts.