Journey of Health

Menu Planning Monday

2012-02-05T21:36:00.003-07:00

We made it through the birthday week, but I have not been feeling well. Now I have come down with the congestion and cough that my girls had. It sure makes for not wanting to spend time in the kitchen. That means I didn't make very many of my scheduled meals. So, luckily I had made a big crock pot of chicken that took us through a couple of days. Someone was nice enough to leave my some chicken tortilla soup on Saturday. I'm hoping to feel better really soon.

Monday: chicken tacos
Tuesday: spaghetti squash and meatballs
Wednesday: grilled mahi mahi
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: turkey burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday:pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2012-01-30T06:55:00.003-07:00

This week has felt really long. We are having a big birthday in our home this week. Rachael is turning sweet 16. It is hard to believe we will have our third driver. I have to say with 6:45 a.m. school, I am looking forward to it. We started celebrating last night and it will continue through tomorrow. We like to stretch things out around here. We are having quite the warm winter, so we haven't had the chance to enjoy many soups. We are supposed to hit 80 this week. So, we've already been hitting the grill.

Monday:Outback Steakhouse (Rachael's birthday dinner)
Tuesday:chicken fajitas
Wednesday:basil pesto tilapia (Costco)
Thursday: chicken teriaki rice bowls
Friday: leftovers
Saturday:date night
Sunday:pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2012-01-22T20:54:00.003-07:00

We had the most delicious pork roast tonight. After putting the roast in the crock pot I added Worcestershire and chicken broth. I put a simple seasoning of Celtic sea salt and Mrs. Dash as well as some minced garlic. Then, I sprinkled a little brown sugar over the top of the roast. I cooked it for 8 hours. Can I just say that the gravy was the most delicious I have ever had? Oh yeah! I make a simple rue with butter and flour, then add the drippings. I could almost drink it. Not really. However, I am looking forward to having some leftovers.

Monday: Grilled chicken (leftover from Saturday)

Tuesday: pork roast (leftover from Sunday)

Wednesday: mahi mahi

Thursday: pesto shrimp

Friday: take out before regional auditions for Rachael

Saturday: date night

Sunday: homemade pizzas before Rachael's family birthday party

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2012-01-15T23:15:00.003-07:00

I love three day weekends. However, this just reminds us that tax season is beginning. That means several months of not having Orson home for dinner. This lifestyle is what led me to not cook very often when my kids were little. Now that they are older, and I treasure dinner time, it is crucial for me to continue to cook, even though Orson eats at work.

Monday: zucchini bake

Tuesday: spaghetti squash with italian chicken

Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: fajitas

Friday: grilled mahi mahi

Saturday: date night

Sunday: BBQ steak and chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2012-01-08T21:56:00.003-07:00

It was so great to be back in the menu mode. It sure made the week run more smooth. I was able to exercise 5 days this week. I started running again. I am hoping I can run a full mile by the end of the month. As we get away from the holidays, the junk is dwindling. I also made breakfast all week for the family. I know that sounds crazy, but I have just never been one to do that. I feel great being able to do that. It was different to be home all week. Of course, I was still super busy.

This week we will be cleaning out the freezer. This will help with the budget.

Monday: pollo asado

Tuesday: basil pesto tilapia

Wednesday: chicken florentine

Thursday: fish tacos

Friday: ground turkey with bell peppers

Saturday: date night
Sunday: pork chops

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Renewal

2012-01-01T21:11:00.003-07:00

Well, it has been a hectic few months for me. I have not been taking care of myself the way I would like. My meal planning has gone by the wayside and I have missed it so much. My journey of health has been completely neglected. I am ready for a new start. My job came to an end last week and I am planning on taking the month off to get things organized and get back on track. The first thing I need to do is get some healthy meals planned and then get back to exercising. I have a big goal for this year, but for now I just need to start running again.

Here is the plan for this week:

Monday: grilled mahi mahi

Tuesday: fish tacos (with leftover mahi)

Wednesday: spaghetti squash with chicken meatballs

Thursday: grilled chicken

Friday: turkey burgers

Saturday: date night

Sunday: pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-10-16T22:45:00.003-07:00

October break is over and it's time to start the second quarter of school and head into the holiday season. We spent some time in Utah enjoying real fall weather. We came home to 100 degrees. I know winter will be great, but a smattering of fall would make me so happy. As the days get more and more crowded with activities, it will be necessary to utilize the crock pot more and make food that will make more than one meal.

Monday: shrimp tacos
Tuesday: spaghetti and meatballs
Wednesday: roasted chicken
Thursday: turkey chili
Friday: salmon burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: turkey breast with mashed potatoes

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-10-01T22:33:00.002-07:00

It's not often that I miss posting my menu, but the last month or so I have not been too consistent. So, when I got a call from my sister last Monday it was a wake up call. She was worried because I had not posted my menu. So, I didn't want to disappoint. Of course I am headed to her house this weekend for October break and I cannot wait.

Monday: ground turkey tacos
Tuesday: leftover pork roast and potatoes
Wednesday: Crock pot salsa chicken
Thursday: pecan crusted tilapia (frozen from Costco)
Friday: on the road to Utah
Saturday: Utah
Sunday: dinner with the Millers

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-09-18T23:13:00.003-07:00

So, for the last two weeks I have not done my menu plan. Therefore, we have eaten out a lot and eaten a lot of the same things over and over. It's time to get back to it.

Monday:mahi mahi
Tuesday: chicken tacos
Wednesday: spinach ravioli
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: date night
Saturday:salad buffet at Relief Society broadcast
Sunday: breakfast for dinner

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-08-28T22:30:00.003-07:00

My back was starting to feel a lot better until Friday. By the end of the day I was in a lot of pain again. So, still not back to exercising. Having the simple menu really helped last week. I am going to hopefully try a few new recipes this week.
The heat has been so unbearable. We are going to check into a local resort on Friday and spend the weekend since it has a water park.

Monday: fetuccini alfredo with chicken (lower fat version)
Tuesday: Boston blue chicken and apple salad
Wednesday: chicken pesto pasta
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: dinner at the resort
Saturday: date night
Sunday: BBQ

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-08-21T22:04:00.003-07:00

Well, the week went fairly well. I started exercising on Monday, and by Wednesday, my back was hurting something fierce, so I was down for the next 3 days. I'm not sure when I will get back to running, but I hope it's soon. I got an app on my ipod that takes you from the couch to a 5k in 8 weeks, running just 3 times a week. Now, I have run several 5k's before, but it's been a while and I've put some weight back on, and I am pretty slow.

I was so excited that my family liked the white quinoa meat loaf. It was a gamble, but it paid off. It's actually the only recipe I stuck to. But, that's okay, we sometimes have weeks like that. However, we always manage to find food somehow.

I've really been looking around for healthier meals. I got a few cooking light magazines and a new book by Rocco Dispirito where he takes really fattening meals and makes them much more healthy. I am going to try a few this week.

Monday: cheese ravioli with pesto and pine nuts
Tuesday: chicken fajitas
Wednesday: lemon pepper shrimp
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: turkey burgers
Saturday:date night
Sunday:BBQ

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-08-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

It was great to get back to my menu plan. I really enjoyed cooking and eating all the dinners I had planned. The kids even liked all of them. Amazing. School started on Wednesday and now we are back in full swing. The routines are a little rusty, but they should come back soon. I have really gone away from my healthy eating and I am not feeling so good. I much prefer to put good food in my body (not too much of it!). It makes me feel better inside and out. I am wanting to get back in shape to prepare for my annual Thanksgiving 5k. Then, I have set a goal for myself to run a half marathon next year. So, I am going to start posting my exercise routines again on this blog along with how my eating went during the day. This will help me be accountable to myself. If you are out there reading, I'd love some encouragement.

Monday: baked shrimp scampi
Tuesday: white quinoa meat loaf
Wednesday: basil chicken and vegetables
Thursday: bbq chicken pizza
Friday: leftovers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: grilled cilantro lime chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-08-07T22:06:00.003-07:00

These past few weeks have been so hectic. We finally got my son off to the MTC. He will spend 8 weeks there before heading to Mexico City for the next 2 years. Also, school starts on Wednesday, so we are preparing to get back to our routines.

Monday:leftover pork roast and mashed potatoes
Tuesday: skillet vegetable lasagna (back to school dinner)
Wednesday:One pot southwest chicken and rice
Thursday: homamade pizza
Friday: turkey burgers with romaine slaw
Saturday: date night
Sunday: bbq chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-07-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

This week my family is coming to town. My sister and her 5 kids as well as my parents and Grandma. Prior to their arrival, we are eating out of the freezer. Once they get here, I will plan, but plans may change.

Monday: spinach lasagna (from freezer)
Tuesday: ham and broccoli
Wednesday: turkey and potatoes
Thursday: chicken tacos
Friday: pizza
Saturday: dinner out
Sunday: bbq

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-07-11T01:15:00.001-07:00

The summer is just flying by. The kids go back to school in one month. It's too fast. It's been good to have really simple meals, even though we are often repeating. The heat is such a sapper of energy that it is hard to spend too much time in the kitchen. There are only 3 weeks left until my son leaves for the next 2 years. So, the days are getting busy as we have so much left to do.

Monday:steak fajitas
Tuesday: grilled shrimp (moved from last week)
Wednesday: BBQ chicken salad w/cilantro ranch dressing
Thursday:leftovers
Friday: salmon cakes w/lemon aioli
Saturday: date night
Sunday: Dinner at Chef Brad's

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-07-04T01:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day! We are still on our trip. We don't miss being around 120 degree heat, but we will have to go back. We had great fun at the beach and plan on going back today. It seems weird to plan for the week while I am on vacation, but I know it needs to be done so life can run smoothly when we get home.

Monday:dinner at the beach
Tuesday:takeout on our way home
Wednesday: chicken tacos
Thursday: spinach ravioli
Friday: burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday: grilled shrimp

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-06-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

The girls are home from EFY. It sure was different having them gone. This week we get to leave the scorching 113 degree heat and head to the beach in Southern California. It will be the longest 4 days of my life. But, it should make for an easy menu.

Monday: chicken fajitas
Tuesday:spaghetti and meatballs
Wednesday:ground turkey and bell peppers
Thursday:leftovers
Friday:California
Saturday:beach
Sunday:California

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-06-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

After spending a weekend in San Francisco, this week felt even hotter to me here. Oh well, in a couple of weeks we will try to head to Southern California to the beach. I changed my menu yesterday because I had not asked my hubby what he wanted for dinner. We had roast and roasted potatoes. This week we will be celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. I can't believe I am old enough to be married that long. It's been an amazing adventure. I am truly blessed.

Monday: Leftover roast from Father's Day
Tuesday: grilled mahi mahi
Wednesday: spinach ravioli (from Costco)
Thursday: Anniversary dinner out
Friday: chicken burgers
Saturday: take kids out
Sunday: crockpot chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-06-13T01:02:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I returned late last night from an early anniversary trip to San Francisco. It was perfect because we went to San Francisco on our honeymoon, and then ended up living there for six years after graduating from college. We had not be back for 12 years, so it was high time. In 10 days we will celebrate 22 years of marriage, but we could only get away last week. Grandma came into town yesterday and rescued the kids by making them a fantastic dinner of pork chops. We had some fine dining ourselves in the city.

As I am planning this menu, I haven't been to the store and I don't really know what we have, but I will wing it and figure it out as we go.

Monday:leftover pork chops from Grandmas great meal
Tuesday:crockpot chicken
Wednesday: chicken tacos
Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs
Friday: turkey burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday:Grilled mahi mahi

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-06-06T01:25:00.001-07:00

What a crazy week we had. We ate way to much on Memorial Day with some of our family visiting. My dad, husband, son and I got to go golfing Monday morning. I probably haven't golfed in 10 years, but it was so fun. I even birdied the final hole. Very exciting. We also took the family to see Kung Foo Panda II. Pretty funny!

Tuesday, our son went through the temple in preparation for his mission. That was definitely my happiest day so far as a parent. After we tried out a new restaurant called "La Parilla Suiza". It touts the food of Mexico City, which is where my son will be serving our church for 2 years. Super yummy!

Wednesday was my birthday. 21 again (x 2). I had lunch and dinner out with my honey. Lucky girl.

Thursday our 3 older kids left on a pioneer trek.

My point to all this is that I did not cook a meal until Sunday when we celebrated my sons 19th birthday. He wanted anything that we could have mashed potatoes and gravy with, so we had pork roast. It is my go to crock pot meal because I cannot eat beef. My kids barely know what beef looks like except for the occasional steak that gets grilled.

This week will be slightly better except for the fact that my husband and I are taking a little trip. I will write about it next week. I am planning meals for the kids, but what happens when mom and dad are away is sometimes kept secret.

Monday: pulled pork sandwiches (from leftover pork roast)
Tuesday: ground turkey quesadillas
Wednesday:skillet chicken parmesan
Thursday:take out before we head to the airport
Friday: spinach ravioli (from costco)
Saturday: pizza night
Sunday: kiddos looking for family to feed them. (We will be home late)

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-05-30T01:37:00.002-07:00

School is finally out and the short summer has begun. The kids will be going back on August 10. Today we have the holiday and on Thursday my 3 older kids are going on a pioneer trek with our church youth group. Plus we have 2 birthdays this week, so I'm thinking the menu will be unusual.

Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: tacos
Wednesday: my birthday dinner
Thursday: spaghetti and meatballs
Friday: turkey burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday: Nathan's birthday dinner

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-05-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

This week went horribly wrong. On Tuesday I rolled my ankle. The damage was pretty bad and I have been on crutches ever since. I am hoping to be cleared to walk tomorrow. Thank goodness for the meal plan. However, we didn't really stick to it, but were still able to have meals thanks to my kids and it's nice to have 2 teenage drivers who can go to the store for me. So, some of the items are going to be moved to this week. This is our last week of school and I am so ready for the summer break.

Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: crockpot chicken tacos
Wednesday: grilled shrimp brushetta salad
Thursday: chicken pesto pizza
Friday: 1st day of summer surprise
Saturday: out for Ally's birthday (my sister)
Sunday: BBQ (our easy Sunday go to meal)

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-05-16T01:09:00.001-07:00

Today my 10 year old noticed something about our menu. She said that every Monday we had some kind of taco or Mexican dish. She is so observant. On Sunday, I try to cook enough to use for Monday's meal. This is just one way to make life a little simpler. Over the last few weeks I have been scheduling leftovers for Thursday nights. So on Tuesday and Wednesday I make more than we need so we have extra. Right now this is what works for my family. What tricks do you use to get through your week?

Monday: chicken and steak fajitas
Tuesday: chicken caesar wraps
Wednesday: Grilled shrimp brushetta salad
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: chicken pesto pizza
Saturday: date night
Sunday: crockpot chicken tacos

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-05-09T03:39:00.001-07:00

I hope you had a wonderful mother's day. We had a delicious BBQ of chicken and steak and I was treated to one of my favorites, crab legs. My son got a temp job at edible arrangements and brought me a beautiful fruit boquet.

Things are starting to speed up as we hit the last couple weeks of school. The temperature has also heated up so that means the oven goes on hiatus for a while. The grill and crock pot are my best friends during the summer months.

Monday: chicken and steak fajitas
Tuesday: bbq chicken salad
Wednesday: herbed shrimp
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: turkey burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday: crock pot portk roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-05-02T01:26:00.001-07:00

Wow, last week seemed really, really long. It's a shame considering that it was still April and May is the busiest month of our year with all of the year end school events. Oh well! What would I do without my menu plan. We wouldn't eat as well. With all the goals that have been set and forgotten over the years, I am so happy that this one has stuck. I am going on a year and a half of doing a weekly menu. It has become the staple of my Sunday night. I look forward to Monday morning and seeing how close to the top I can get on Organizing Junkie's Menu Planning Monday link up. It has been a blast to see where people visit my site from. I've seen as far away as Australia and Japan.

This week, I'd love to have you comment and tell me where you are visiting from and I will comment on your blog in return.

Monday: mahi mahi

Tuesday: crockpot chicken

Wednesday: spaghetti and meatballs (sorry for the repeat from last week)

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: out with my sweetie

Saturday: tacos

Sunday: mother's day feast, to be determined and cooked by family

Sorry there are no links this week. Keepin it really simple.

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-04-25T01:27:00.001-07:00

We are home from our very quick trip to Utah. It is great to have our son home and all of us together under one roof. It will be short lived, however, because in 3 months he will be leaving to serve a mission for our church in Mexico City. He will be gone for 2 years. In the meantime, we will enjoy having our biggest eater home. It's fun to make meals that someone will try.

Monday: turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy
Tuesday: turkey fajitas
Wednesday: spaghetti squash and meatballs
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: turkey burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday: BBQ

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-04-18T01:34:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a quick week for meal planning. We are headed to Utah to pick up our son from college. I cannot believe he has already finished the year. We will see what being home will feel like now that his old room is lavendar and occupied by his 16 year old sister.

Last week I enjoyed the asian lettuce wraps. I had never ground up my chicken before. However, I had purchased the Ninja from Sam's Club and it worked like a dream. The recipe was simple enough and I will probably make them again. Since I will be very limited on time, my meals are going to be super simple. No new recipes this week and with the heat, we need to get back to the crock pot and the grill.

Monday: grilled chicken

Tuesday: crock pot pork roast

Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: Utah

Friday: Utah

Saturday: Utah

Sunday: Easter Feast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-04-11T01:47:00.002-07:00

My favorite meal this week was the grilled pesto shrimp and veggie salad. I sauteed the shrimp instead of grilling it. I absolutely love pesto and Costco sells a fantastic one. We didn't end of making the asian lettuce wraps, and I am interested to see how grinding up the chicken works.

Monday: asian lettuce wraps

Tuesday: mahi wraps

Wednesday: orange chicken

Thursday: chicken and broccoli pasta

Friday: turkey burgers

Saturday: date night

Sunday: enchilladas

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-04-04T01:31:00.001-07:00

The week flew by, just as I expected it would. This week should give me a little more time to maybe try something new. My son was home from school for the weekend and we did a lot of cooking on Sunday. So, I am a little worn out from that. I did make these unbelievable brownies. There is not one left. The entire pan is gone. I saw people licking their plates.

Monday: leftover pork roast

Tuesday: bbq chicken salad

Wednesday: spinach ravioli

Thursday:asian lettuce wraps

Friday: grilled pesto shrimp and veggie salad

Saturday: date night

Sunday: TBA

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-03-28T01:38:00.000-07:00

It is such a feeling of success to follow your meal plan each day. At least dinner time runs smoothly. This coming week is very busy with my daughter's play along with everyone else's activities. I am going to go for very simple meals using what I can from the freezer.

Monday: ground turkey and bell peppers
Tuesday: chicken and spinach ravioli (from Costco)
Wednesday: mahi mahi
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: date night
Saturday: dinner out with the girls
Sunday: pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-03-21T01:41:00.001-07:00

We had a fun weekend in California to finish our Spring Break. Now we hit the really busy time of year. One more month of tax season and then hubby can be home. Then our son will be finished with his first year of college just before Easter. We are in the last quarter of the school year. So, that means plays, talent shows, carnivals, track meets and concerts to go along with the school year.

We will have to be diligent about our meal planning. I am hoping to turn some meals over to my teenage daughters over the summer. In the mean time, we will try to fit in a few new recipes every week.

Monday: leftover pork chops with mashed potatoes
Tuesday: spaghetti squash and meatballs
Wednesday: chicken and dumplings
Thursday: turkey lettuce wraps
Friday: school carnival
Saturday: date night
Sunday: breakfast for dinner

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-03-14T01:49:00.002-07:00

It's Spring Break! Too bad we are having summer weather. I am going to let my teenagers cook a couple of nights this week. We are going to Palm Springs for the weekend to do some shopping with Grandma.

Monday: chicken and steak fajitas (with leftover meat from Sunday's BBQ)
Tuesday: pasta and meatballs by Katie
Wednesday: basil parmesan tilapia (from Costco)
Thursday: homemade pizza and salad by Rachael
Friday: Palm Springs
Saturday: Palm Springs
Sunday: Pork chops

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-03-07T01:03:00.001-07:00

What a week we had. On Monday my father in law passed away. He was almost 96 years old. So, on Friday we traveled to California to attend the funeral. Amazingly, with all the craziness of the week, we were able to stick to our menu plan. I made every single one of the dishes. My favorite was the sweet pork tacos with cilantro lime slaw. Yum! Yum! Yum!

I am so exhausted by last week that it was hard for me to decide what to cook this week. Making an effort to cook doesn't even sound appealing. However, I know that my family really needs and deserves healthy meals. So do I. So, I will press on and do my best.

I am doing a Costco run, so I may end up buying some premade fresh meals. But, we shall see.

Monday: leftover cranberry chicken
Tuesday: tortellini shrimp caesar salad
Wednesday: spaghetti squash with meatballs
Thursday: temple night (dinner in cafeteria) hot dogs for kids
Friday: Anna's birthday party (probably a pizza night)
Saturday: date night
Sunday: bbq chicken and steak

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-02-28T01:50:00.001-07:00

I took a quick trip to Utah this weekend. My son is attending college there. He was getting his wisdom teeth out in preparation to serve a mission for our church. I flew in late Thursday night and surprised him Friday morning when I picked him up at his dorm. I am so glad I was able to be there to help him recover. I wish I could have stayed longer. We were able to stay with my sister and although he could only eat soup and pudding, we had some wonderful meals.

There was lots of snow while I was there and I spent lots of time culred up in a blanket. I don't get to do that too often in Arizona, nor do I have the time. My brother-in-law made some smokin chilli with sausage and yesterday we dined on one of my favorites, cranberry chicken. I just might be putting that on my menu this week.

Monday: ground turkey with bell peppers
Tuesday: broiled tilapia parmesan
Wednesday: cheesy chicken and spinach stuffed shells
Thursday: sweet pork tacos with cilantro lime slaw
Friday: leftovers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: cranberry chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-02-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I successfully made the shrimp tortellini caesar salad. The only difference is that because not everyone likes shrimp, I left it off and put steak and chicken and shrimp out so everyone could choose their own protein. We had leftovers of all those and I used frozen shrimp. That worked well for our family. This week I am going on a little trip. So, my family will be on their own for the weekend. I am not going to plan anything because I know they will do their own thing.

Monday: pesto pizza
Tuesday: spaghetti squash with meatballs
Wednesday: crockpot chicken (cooked in chicken broth with mrs. dash seasoning)
Thursday: chicken burgers and hot dogs
Friday: on their own
Saturday: on their own
Sunday: dinner with Aunt Vyla?

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-02-14T01:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Monday: pesto pizza
Tuesday: tortellini shrimp caesar salad
Wednesday: tilapia
Thursday: ravioli and cheese bake
Friday: turkey burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday: dinner at sister's house

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-02-07T01:02:00.001-07:00

So, I was so busy on Sunday that I forgot to put the pork roast in. We had to raid the fridge and freezer for dinner. That means that today we get to have a wonderful meal and then have leftovers tomorrow. I just pulled some valentine stuff out of the garage. I can't believe it is coming up so fast. Not sure how we will celebrate it yet. With each week, tax season gets busier and we see Orson less. That means no dad for dinner. They usually feed him at the office. So, it's just me and the kiddos. He is big on eating cereal when he gets home.

Monday: pork roast
Tuesday: leftovers
Wednesday: tilapia
Thursday: fish tacos
Friday: breakfast for dinner
Saturday: date night
Sunday: chicken enchilladas

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-31T01:56:00.002-07:00

It was fun to get back to trying new meals. Both the tomato basil parmesan soup and the apricot chicken were a success. I didn't get to the chicken noodle soup because I was at Costco that day and decided to just buy their fresh version.
I cannot believe that January is already over. It has flown by. My 3rd child is 15 today. Where is the time going? It is so fun to see my kids grow. They are all amazing. I hope they love to cook when they grow up and we can share more and more recipes with our families.

Monday: Macaroni grill for Rachael's birthday
Tuesday: chicken and steak fajitas using leftovers from Sunday bbq
Wednesday: crock pot chicken
Thursday: ground turkey and bell peppers
Friday: turkey burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-24T01:02:00.002-07:00

Last week we managed to eat good meals every night, but with some adaptations. That's what life is all about. We really enjoyed the tilapia with avocado salsa. I had never broiled my fish before and it turned out well. The salsa would have been even better if my avocados hadn't been hard as a rock. It was still good without them. So, a couple of items we will try to get in this week.

Monday: Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
Tuesday: apricot chicken with spaghetti squash
Wednesday: chicken noodle soup
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: pizza for Rachael's birthday party
Saturday: date night
Sunday: bbq chicken and steak

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-17T01:24:00.003-07:00

Has anyone else fallen off the good health wagon? Or is it just me? I am so ready to feel good again. Do I want my children to grow up and deal with weight issues and poor health? Absolutely not! So, it's high time we put some focus back into what is going into our mouths. I will be going back to posting my daily exercise routines. It's always good to be accountable to someone, even if it's just my blog. When I post my menus, I am always adapting my menu for myself. If there is pasta or tortillas, just know that I am eating the food with fresh veggies instead. Here's to having a fantastic week.

Monday: tilapia with avocado salsa
Tuesday: steak and chicken fajitas
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: apricot chicken with spaghetti squash
Friday: chicken burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: Tomato basil parmesan soup

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-10T01:45:00.002-07:00

It was great to get back into the rountine of things. I have Christmas 90% put away. Just the tree and the house lights left. It will be great to get everything packed into the attic.

We didn't end up having pork roast since I never bought one. I am looking forward to it this week. I am trying a couple of new and easy looking recipes.

Monday: pasta with broccoli
Tuesday: sour cream salsa chicken
Wednesday: tilapia w/avocado salsa
Thursday: chicken chilli with leftover salsa chicken
Friday: leftovers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: cranberry pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-03T01:15:00.002-07:00

Christmas has finally ended. We had our last family party on Saturday. The trees and decorations are still up, but the fridge has been cleaned out. I am anxious to go through the pantry and clean it out. My life has been so busy, that I have got to plan more simple meals that I can easily stick to. I'm not really in a place where I can be trying lots of new recipes all the time. I'm debating as to whether or not I should stick with a theme for each day that is the same every week. Like crock pot day, chicken, mexican, etc. I don't know if I'm ready to be that organized. I do know that I want my family to eat healthier and so I may have to put one new healthy recipe in. We will see how it goes.

Monday: pasta with chicken meatballs
Tuesday: ground turkey with bellpeppers
Wednesday: fish tacos
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: chicken burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: cranberry pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-12-27T01:35:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to be getting back to my menu planning this week. Last week was insane and I didn't get a menu up, knowing with family in town and being gone every day, there wouldn't be much time to cook. I am ready to stop eating junk. My body and mind feel terrible. Food truly does affect you in so many ways.
We have one more week with the decorations up because we always celebrate with my husband's family around new years. We will eat better leading up to the party.

Monday: pizza for family, chicken caesar salad for me
Tuesday: chicken pot pie
Wednesday: chicken burgers
Thursday: pasta with chicken meatballs (Costco)
Friday: date night
Saturday: Ham and sunshine potatoes (Holt family Christmas party)
Sunday: grilled steak and chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-12-13T01:50:00.001-07:00

So, this week we will be eating from the freezer. I want to start my baking soon and I might need the room. Most of the items are from Costco. Pretty boring week, but hey, we are eating. I still haven't made the potato soup that has been on the menu the last 2 weeks, but my sister did and said it was delicious. I won't bother to attempt it this week.

Monday: cheese tortellini with shrimp
Tuesday: chicken tacos
Wednesday: tilapia
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: chicken burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: pork roast

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-12-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

Last week we really enjoyed the cranberry chicken . Maybe that's because it's the only thing I ended up making from my menu. However, I was completely unprepared with two of the four ingredients. So I had to improvise. In place of the catalina dressing and onion soup mix, I just used vidalia onion dressing. It was easy and still tasted good.

So, that means I get to move a couple of the recipes to this week. That makes planning easier. We got through two concerts last week and I think we only have one this week, but we have 2 different church dinners. Hooray.

Monday: Ground turkey with bell peppers
Tuesday: Relief Society Christmas Dinner
Wednesday: crockpot southwestern chicken
Thursday: baked potato soup
Friday: Church Christmas Dinner
Saturday: Husbands work party
Sunday: tilapia

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-11-29T01:27:00.001-07:00

What a great Thanksgiving we had. I love turkey so much. I'm not tired of it yet. I am freezing the rest, however and giving my family a break from it. We have lots going on this week and every week through December. Who doesn't? I really want to make good, healthy meals with all the junk that will be entering the house.

Monday:Baked potato soup
Tuesday:Christmas open house at my home (family on their own)
Wednesday:crockpot southwestern chicken
Thursday: ground turkey with bell peppers
Friday: leftovers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: cranberry chicken

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-11-22T05:54:00.005-07:00

Thanksgiving week is upon us. I love Thanksgiving. Turkey is one of my favorite foods to make and eat. I am so thankful for all the bounteous blessings we have. I am thankful to have readers of my blog. Hope you have a wonderful week.

Monday: Beef roast with roasted potatoes
Tuesday: pasta with meatballs (Costco)
Wednesday: tacos
Thursday: Turkey with gravy and potatoes
Friday: Turkey enchilladas
Saturday: Date night
Sunday: Turkey pot pie

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-11-15T01:38:00.001-07:00

This week went so much better. I made three of the four planned meals. As we get closer to the holidays, I will probably be keeping it very simple and staying with tried and true recipes as opposed to trying out new things right now. I have been doing some baking. I am freezing for later use. Yesterday I made some fantastic banana bread muffins. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving next week. I love to cook and after so many years I have mastered my turkey and potatoes and gravy. I will share those recipes next week. Let's just get through this week, shall we?

Monday: chicken tacos
Tuesday: tomato basil parmesan soup with cheese sandwiches
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: tilapia
Friday: pasta
Saturday: date night
Sunday: beef roast for Orson's 44th birthday

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-11-08T01:14:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks life has happened while I was making other plans. I didn't even bother to get a menu done last week. I know that with the holidays coming, I've got to get this under control. I have never had a busier time in my life. There is definitely more stress involved when I get home and don't have a dinner plan. Plus there is much less nutrition going in our mouths with last minute meals. This week is no less busy than the rest, and my husband is going out of town, which usually means we eat horribly. I am determined to get it together. Here goes nothing.

Monday: out to eat for Katie's 16th birthday
Tuesday: Katie's volleyball banquet at Tia Rosas
Wednesday: ground turkey with bell peppers
Thursday: spaghetti squash with marinara sauce
Friday: tomato basil parmesan soup
Saturday: date night
Sunday: turkey breast with mashed potatoes

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-10-25T01:09:00.003-07:00

We did great following our menu until Friday hit. Then, not so much. We had to attend a funeral and my husband went out of town. So, I am still anxious to try the tortilla soup and mexican casserole. We will try to get them in this week. Of course, we are coming up on Halloween as well as the last week of volleyball for the girls. So, it will be busy, busy, busy. Luckily I cooked a ton of chicken that will make a couple of meals much easier. We will be participating in the trunk or treat at our church on Saturday, where we also have a chilli cook off. I will need to find a fun new recipe to try. Also, my daughter broke her foot on Friday and we will need to get into the orthopedist quickly. Luckily she has a great boot and some crutches. The fun never ends.
I have also been baking like crazy so I can send a fun Halloween package to my son in college.

Monday: chicken nachos
Tuesday: tortilla soup
Wednesday: lasagna (froze it a couple of weeks ago)
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: date night
Saturday: chicken or turkey chili (still looking for great recipe)
Sunday: mexican casserole

Don't forget to check or organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-10-18T01:27:00.001-07:00

Last week we got back to town mid week and I never got a menu planned. We survived, but I really rely on this menu plan more than I ever could have imagined. I have started making a few freezer meals as the weeks are getting busier and we approach the holiday season. Otherwise we just want to eat all the goodies we are making.

Monday: fish tacos with leftover tilapia
Tuesday: steak, chicken burgers and hot dogs
Wednesday: roasted chicken
Thursday: spaghetti with turkey meatballs
Friday: tortilla soup with quesadillas
Saturday: date night
Sunday: mexican casserole

Don't forget to check or organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-10-04T01:10:00.001-07:00

Last week the big hit were the taquitos. I made half chicken and half steak. They were really good. This coming week is busy with concerts and preparing to leave for fall break on Friday. We are going to visit my son at college and get some photos of the kids for Christmas cards. So, yesterday I cooked a crockpot full of chicken to help the week go smoother.

Monday: chicken tacos
Tuesday: ground turkey with bell peppers
Wednesday: ravioli(Costco)made into a lasagna
Thursday: spaghetti squash with chicken
Friday: On the road to Utah
Saturday: BYU Homecoming game
Sunday: Dinner with the Millers

Don't forget to check or organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-09-27T01:02:00.004-07:00

My first week of work is over. It went well, but last night I started feeling a little stressed. We did manage to do pretty well on our menu and it was a big help. Our favorite was the Grilled fish tacos with cilantro lime vinaigrette

This week I am going to be working from the freezer a little bit. The weeks just don't seem to be getting any less busy.

Monday:taquitos
Tuesday:bbq sandwiches (from freezer)
Wednesday: tilapia
Thursday: spaghetti squash
Friday:date night
Saturday:dinner out with the girls
Sunday:turkey medallians with mashed potatoes

Don't forget to check or organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-09-20T01:24:00.002-07:00

We stuck to our menu pretty well last week. I forgot about the daddy daughter campout on Friday, so we are having the fish tacos this week. Our favorite meal was the chicken veggie quesedillas. I would probably add more veggies next time.

If I thought the last month has been crazy, I ain't seen nothin' yet. Today I am starting a part time job 3 days a week. Now, more than ever my meal planning is crucial to keeping my sanity and my family fed. It will be an interesting transition, but this is the only way to go.

Monday: Grilled fish tacos with cilantro lime vinaigrette
Tuesday: grilled chicken burgers and got dogs
Wednesday: Italian chicken (canned by my mom) with spaghetti squash
Thursday: taquitos
Friday: Date night
Saturday: Salad at RS broadcast
Sunday: BBQ steak

Have a great week. Don't forget to check or organizing junkie for hundreds of menu ideas.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-09-13T01:33:00.003-07:00

The last few weeks have not gone well in our menu planning. Last week I never got a menu done and you know how that always turns out. A lot of frozen chicken nuggets and ramen. The week before, I had a menu and never used it. We had family in town and ended up eating out every day. Yuk. My life has gotten crazier in the last 4 weeks since I was called to be the Relief Society President. What I know is that there was a reason I have been successfully menu planning since January. I am in the habit and it is going to help my family even more so now that I am super duper busy. I will forever be grateful that I came across organizing junkie's blog to make this a part of my life.

Monday: crock pot carolina pork roast
Tuesday: bbq pork sandwiches
Wednesday: crockpot rotisserie chicken
Thursday: chicken veggie quesadillas
Friday: grilled fish tacos with cilantro lime vinaigrette
Saturday: date night
Sunday: breakfast for dinner including fluffy french toast

Join in the fun and link your menu along with hundreds of others at organizing junkie.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-08-30T01:10:00.001-07:00

Last week was only the second time this year that I haven't posted a menu. We finally took our son to college and I didn't leave any menu for the two girls I left at home. They somehow survived on their own.

This week is crazy. I have something going on every day and night as well as my parents coming to town. Tuesday I'm going to Costco, so I will probably be getting some fresh premade meals to save me time.

Monday: ground turkey with bell peppers
Tuesday: Sonic after two different volleyball games
Wednesday: Salmon
Thursday: Pasta
Friday: hamburgers and hot dogs
Saturday: dinner out with family
Sunday: BBQ chicken and steak

Don't forget to check out all the great menu ideas at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-08-16T05:45:00.004-07:00

Last week I was extremely grateful for our menu. Now I can't imagine life without doing a menu plan. School started on Wednesday and it was a hectic few days getting back into the groove. I made breakfast on the first day of school. I found the
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes to be delicious. I have yet to find a recipe that is all whole wheat that I like. This one was half whole wheat and half white flour. They cooked up great.

We really enjoyed the White chili with ground turkey . It was different than any I'd ever made. Too bad in was 110 degrees outside. We probably won't have it again for a few months.

Yesterday we had a going away dinner for my son who is headed to college this week. I ended up making two kinds of lasagna and they were a big hit. Our favorite was the chicken lasagna which I will make again this week.

Monday: BBQ with friends
Tuesday: chicken lasagna
Wednesday: salsa chicken and ranch florentine tostadas
Thursday: ground turkey with bell peppers
Friday: Family dinner out
Saturday: Date night
Sunday: Crock pot pork roast

Don't forget to check out all the great menu ideas at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-08-09T01:24:00.002-07:00

Last week was a success. My son found a job on campus and he was able to come home because he doesn't start for a couple of weeks. I'm not sure how my family followed my menu and I decided not to ask. They all survived somehow.

School starts this week and I may start planning some breakfasts as well. I'm not making long term promises. I know if I try to do too much then I can get stopped in my tracks. I've never been one to prepare breakfast for my family on a daily basis. When you have 5 kids in 4 different schools that all start at different times, then it's usually easier for them to fend for themselves. At least that's what I tell myself. Plus, with my son going away to college, my best eater who is willing to try new things will not be here. So, I may try a few this week and see how it goes. I will keep you posted.

Monday: Chicken Caesar Wraps
Tuesday: Back to school dinner
Wednesday: 5 minute southwest layered salad
Thursday: White chili with ground turkey (making in the crock pot)
Friday: BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs
Saturday: Date night
Sunday: Pasta Bar

Breakfast ideas
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Egg Bake
Scrambled eggs with red potatoes

Don't forget to check out all the great menu ideas at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-08-02T01:54:00.001-07:00

So last week I mentioned that I might have to make a 12 hour trip on short notice. On Thursday my son got a job interview for Monday on campus. So yesterday he and I drove to Utah with his room packed in the car. School doesn't start until the 30th, but we just don't know what the job opportunities will be. So, we came with the hope that he will be able to go back home for a few days to say goodbye to everyone. We aren't sure of anything yet. I packed for one week.

That being said, I left my family with an easy menu for the week. My 15 year old is in charge and she'll do great. My husband told me only to plan 3 meals and he would take care of the rest. What a great guy! So, here is a very simple week.

Monday: pork roast (pressure cooked and bottled by my mom) with a packet of mashed potatoes
Tuesday: breakfast for dinner-scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes
Wednesday: daddy's bringing home pizza
Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs (frozen ones from Costco)
Friday: Daddy date night with the 4 girls
Saturday: I hope to be home for my date night
Sunday: It will have to be a surprise

Don't forget to check out all the great menu ideas at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-07-26T01:29:00.003-07:00

So I didn't exactly stick to my plan this week. I had great intentions, but in the end I got lazy. In cooking, sometimes you've just got to compromise or improvise. I did a little of both. For example, instead of the mahi and vegetables, I made tilapia and served it on shredded lettuce. I've got to get the recipe up on my food blog, but basically I cooked the fish on the stove in a skillet and topped it with dijon mustard, bragg amino acid, and agave. You can also finish it off with crushed pecans or walnuts. I did barbeque some chicken, but didn't go to the trouble of making kabobs. Fry's does have them on sale for $7 so I might do that. I didn't get shrimp, so I'll be moving that to this week.

I did have success on Sunday with the pork roast. My family wasn't real sure about the sweet and savory taste, but I loved it. I had to compromise and improvise because I was cooking it in my crock pot. I tried the rub, but didn't have any chili powder. When it was done I made a mixture of brown sugar and bragg amino acid and put it on top and warmed it in the oven while I made the potatoes and gravy. I'm not sure if I'll try it again. I probably will keep looking for other ideas because we eat pork roast quite a bit.

We are winding down on summer as our kids go back to school on August 11. (Yuk! Too soon!) Plus we are getting ready to take our oldest to college. He is looking for an on campus job, so I might have to make the 12 hour drive with not much notice. So I am going to work on some freezer meals over the next couple of weeks. I'd love it if you had any great ideas to share.

One last note in this very long post. Today is the 10th anniversary of Pei Wei. If you live near one, you can print a coupon for 2 entrees for $10 good only for today. Just click on the link on my menu. Enjoy!

Monday: Pei Wei 2 entrees for $10
Tuesday: Northern Italian shrimp and broccoli
Wednesday: Wedding reception for my neighbor
Thursday: Crockpot chicken (breasts w/chicken broth & zesty italian dressing)
Friday: chicken enchilladas (see recipe below) (freezer meal)
Saturday: Date night
Sunday: Pasta bar (turn into freezer meal)

Turkey Enchiladas (or chicken)

2-3 cups turkey, shredded
1 doz. Flour/corn tortillas
1 small can diced green chilies
1 lb. jack cheese, grated
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can water
1 16 oz. container sour cream

Combine sour cream, soup, water and chilies.
Dip tortillas into mixture.
Fill tortillas with chicken and cheese.
Roll and place in 9x13 in. pan
Pour the rest of the mixture on top.
Sprinkle with any remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-07-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

This week was a great success. I made everything I had planned and they were all very good. I guess if I had to pick my favorite it would be the salsa dump chicken, with the BBQ chicken salad coming in a very close second. My husband loved the cilantro in the dressing. The kids were not big fans of the salad. No big shocker there.

This week I am going to be trying out some recipes from Take Shape for Life's new Lean and Green Cookbook. In my weight loss program, I eat a lean and green meal every day in addition to 5 prepackaged meals and 2 snacks. Just as with anything else, I get to making the same things. Each week when I cook for my family I just adapt what they are having. I never make 2 different meals. That would make me crazy. So, I am excited to have these dishes to try that are all portioned out for me. So, I'll be posting the recipes next week with the ones I loved. Sorry there won't be any fun links for you.

Monday: chicken, black bean and corn burritos using leftovers from yesterdays salad
Tuesday: zesty grilled vegetables and mahi mahi
Wednesday: lemon scallion chicken and vegetable kabobs
Thursday: northern italian shrimp and broccoli
Friday: turkey burgers
Saturday: date night
Sunday: pork loin (I'll be trying the rub and glaze, but using my crock pot. It's 115 degrees here!)

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-07-12T01:45:00.004-07:00

Wow, we had such a fun vacation. The weather in Southern California was divine. The highest temp we saw in 10 days was 80. I won't even see that for the low in Arizona for the next 3 months. Oh well, back home and ready to eat good home cooked food again. Although we ate at some pretty scrumptious restaurants. Tomorrow we'll be eating from the freezer until I can get to the store, and then I'm hoping to try some new recipes. I had a little withdrawal not posting last week, but I didn't mind sleeping past 6:00 a.m.

Monday: barbeque hamburgers and hot dogs
Tuesday: Sauteed shrimp with arugula and tomatoes
Wednesday: Sweet salsa dump chicken
Thursday: Chicken spaghetti
Friday: Honey ginger grilled salmon
Saturday: Date night
Sunday: BBQ chicken salad with cilantro ranch dressing

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-06-28T01:52:00.001-07:00

This week we are getting ready to leave on vacation. So, I am going to keep my menu simple and try to cook from my freezer. I don't want to spend too much time or money at the grocery store. This menu will probably seem boring. Sorry.

Modnay: leftover chicken enchilladas
Tuesday: spinach raviolli (frozen from Costco)
Wednesday: homemade pizzas on tortillas (or little caesars)
Thursday: grilled burgers (also frozen from Costco)
Friday: Leave for vacation

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday (100th post)

2010-06-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

What a great week we had. I made the pecan and dijon crusted chilean sea bass over zucchini slaw with mahi and without the slaw. So it ended up being pecan and dijon crusted mahi mahi. I turned out to be delicious. I rarely cook my fish on the stove so I was a little nervous, but it went well. I simply served it over a bed of shredded lettuce because I was too lazy to make the slaw. Maybe another time.

My husband and I spent a few days in California at the beach to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary, so I was able to enjoy fresh seafood, which I love. We ate at Beaches in Manhattan Beach and I had the most wonderful tropical halibut. I wish I had taken a picture of it, but I was so hungry that I forgot.

Our actual anniversary is this week, so I will be spoiled with another fine dinner. The kids are happy to have me back and cooking for them. (I think!)

Monday: leftover grilled chicken with creamy mashed potatoes
Tuesday: spaghetti squash (never made it last week)
Wednesday: anniversary dinner at Donovans
Thursday: ground turkey and bell peppers
Friday: chicken enchilladas
Saturday: date night
Sunday: pork roast (in crock pot)

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-06-14T01:24:00.003-07:00

Alright, I did not make one thing from my menu last week. This should make this weeks planning much easier. However, with all the schedule's this week, I can't see one night where we will all be home together except Sunday. Here's to looking forward to a great family dinner on Sunday.

Monday: chicken tacos
Tuesday: pecan and dijon crusted chilean sea bass over zucchini slaw
Wednesday: spaghetti squash with turkey meatballs
Thursday: leftovers (clean out that fridge)
Friday: oatmeal pancakes
Saturday: pizza (takeout)
Sunday: grillin-turkey burgers

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-06-07T01:39:00.002-07:00

This week, the Crockpot chicken tacos were my favorite. I added more chicken breasts, so I should have added another can of corn and beans. But, it was still delicious. The week was so much calmer and it was nice to not have homework and the like to deal with. The beginning of summer is always so fun. Tomorrow the swim lessons begin and that brings more routine to our lives, for better or worse. We've also got one starting tennis. Of course we are going all summer long with the 6:00 a.m. open gym for the volleyball player. I've got to get to bed earlier. I really want to keep it so simple this week.

Monday: salmon quesadillas
Tuesday: wedding reception
Wednesday: pecan and dijon crusted chilean sea bass over zucchini slaw
Thursday: spaghetti squash with turkey meatballs
Friday: oatmeal pancakes
Saturday: date night
Sunday: grillin-turkey burgers

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-05-31T01:30:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a week we had. I am so exhausted from all the festivities that I was tempted to put off menu planning; for a moment. But, I know what a difference this has made for our family and my sanity. We are officially on summer break now and we have a high school graduate in our home. In less than 3 months he will be off to college, and I will lose my best eater. Anyway, it should be an interesting week as we adjust to being together again.

Monday: leftover pulled pork from last nights graduation dinner (or barbeque)
Tuesday: My birthday dinner, hopefully not at home
Wednesday: Grilled honey lime chicken
Thursday: Crockpot chicken tacos
Friday: Grilled salmon
Saturday: Nathan's 18th birthday dinner
Sunday: Breakfast for dinner

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-05-24T01:25:00.003-07:00

It's finally graduation week. That means something going on at someone's school every night this week. Add to that my sister and 5 kids arriving along with my parents, and we are talking a full house. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. We are sooooo excited. So, this is my best guess for how the weeks menu will go. I was going to try this recipe but we ate all the tortellini last week and I had forgotten I had this slated. So, I'll have to push it back until I buy more tortellini.

Monday: whole wheat waffles

Tuesday: tacos

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs

Thursday: Dinner at Outback before graduation

Friday: Dinner out for my baby sister's birthday

Saturday: Whatever is left in the fridge

Sunday: Pulled pork sandwiches (graduation party)

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-05-17T01:46:00.001-07:00

The lemon butter cod filets were easy to make and it was a nice change from the plain way I usually cook fish.

It's heating up so it's time to start utilizing my crock pot and grill more. Still trying to keep it very simple as we draw even closer to graduation.

Monday: fish tacos

Tuesday: hamburgers and turkey burgers

Wednesday: turkey loin in crockpot (from Costco) and mashed potatoes

Thursday: leftovers from last night

Friday: spaghetti and meatballs

Saturday: date night

Sunday: barbeque chicken and steak

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-05-10T01:11:00.001-07:00

Lasts weeks new meal was the Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken and Veggies. The family was happy with it. I tend to do things more simply. It probably would turn out better if I went to the work of using a whole chickent and so forth, but I opted for frozen, pre-cooked chicken and so I had to add butter to make the gravy. All in all it was a success. We had a wonderful barbeque for Mother's Day. Thanks to my husband, the grill master. It was greatly appreciated. My mom was here and made a corn and black bean salad. Yum. I will try to get the recipe on my other blog after I upload pictures.

My mom took me to Costco and I was able to fill my freezers with lots of fun food. So, we will be utilizing those timesavers for our menus this week. As we get closer to the end of school (2 1/2 weeks) and my son's graduation, things will be crazy, and I know I need to be stocked and keep it simple.

Monday: shredded beef and chicken fajitas

Tuesday: Mother/Daughter dinner at church (boys are on their own)

Wednesday: Chicken and cheese ravioli

Thursday: lemon butter cod filets (I will use tilapia or mahi)

Friday: shredded pork (canned last year)

Saturday: barbeque at Nathan's gymnastics banquet

Sunday: turkey and potatoes

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Developing Good Habits

2010-05-04T21:51:00.002-07:00

I have had this subject on my mind for weeks. Thoughts come so clearly to me when I'm running, however, they slow down or fade as I enter the house.

Habits are funny. It feels like it takes forever to develop a good one and only a moment to develop a bad one. This is the definition of what I am talking about.

A habit is an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition.

Not exercising is a bad habit. Exercising is a good habit.
Eating without thinking is a bad habit. Eating for fuel with intention is a good habit.

Our bodies were meant to move. You don't have to run to exercise. But you have to do something. You would have to do massive amounts of exercise to change your weight without changing your eating habits.

We habitually eat too much. Before I began this journey, I would eat until I was beyond full; at just about every meal. I would eat when I wasn't even hungry. Bad habit.

My dad is a great example. He has been playing tennis for 20 years. So, he was in pretty good shape. His nightly habit was to watch TV while eating popcorn and drinking a Pepsi. He would top it off with ice cream. Every single night. Several months ago he started working with a trainer and attending boot camps as well as running. His body started to change. However, when he gave up ice cream and Pepsi he became a different person. He took off 20 pounds and completely changed the way he looked. He is buff and has incredible abs. He is 66 years old.

It starts now. What habit can you change this very minute? For me, every day, every meal is a chance to change years of bad habits. Good habits bring happiness.

Pass it on.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-05-03T01:27:00.002-07:00

We enjoyed some great meals last week. The Taco pasta
we will try again. I halved the recipe but added too much pasta, so it was dry. I might also add zucchini to it.
For this weeks menu, I am digging into my freezer and cupboards.

Monday: Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken and Veggies
Tuesday: fish tacos
Wednesday: turkey burgers
Thursday: chili
Friday: tortellini (from Sams Club)I will have spaghetti squash
Saturday: date night
Sunday: Mother's Day surprise

Check out organizing junkie for tons or recipes.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

We did much better this week following the menu. However, we ate out for 2 nights and so I still have not tried the taco pasta. I am going to put it here one more time.

Monday: Chicken lettuce wraps

Tuesday: Taco pasta

Wednesday: Pesto topped Mahi Mahi

Thursday: Crockpot Fajitas

Friday: Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken and Veggies

Saturday: date night

Sunday: Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes

Check out organizing junkie for lots of great menu ideas

Mile times

2010-04-22T13:15:00.003-07:00

My fastest 5 mile run so far.

Mile 1-12:27

Mile 2-12:36 Total 25:03

Mile 3-12:22 Total 37:26

Mile 4-12:44 Total 50:11

Mile 5-12:41 Total 1:02:52

The Mind

2010-04-22T08:51:00.002-07:00

The mind is so very powerful. It tells us what to do every second of every day. From my experience, there are many ideas we hear in our mind that simply are not true. They may have come from others, or we may be creating them ourselves. Whatever the case may be, we can control our thoughts and bring about amazing results in our lives.

Just the other day, I cooked my shrimp with the skin still on. In my mind I could hear the thought, "You are such a moron!" However, I stopped it by speaking outloud, "It's no big deal. I was anxious to cook this and I didn't look as I dumped the shrimp into the pan." Then, it was over. I could have continued to berate myself for the rest of the evening and into the next day. But I didn't.

So, what stopped me? I have been reading a book called, "What to Say When you Talk to Yourself." I have had this book on my shelf for at least 15 years and never once cracked it open. I have learned the information many times over in my Mary Kay training, but reading the book is really helping me. I highly recommend you find yourself a copy.

I can't state enough that this journey is about much more than eating the medifast meal replacements. The name of the company is TAKE SHAPE FOR LIFE! Look at those words. I am changing my whole life forever. This is not a short term success for me. This is what I want to live for a lifetime and pass on to my family. I love my better health. I love how good I feel. I love how much better I look.

I hope you are in a place where you can take your health and wellness seriously. This is your life. You've got to treasure it. It is your most precious possession. You are the one responsible for what you do every day. I am passionate about inspiring you to be your best. It is a lifelong process and journey. But it is one of the best I have been on.

Am I too harsh? Have a said too much?

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-19T01:25:00.001-07:00

After only planning 4 meals last week, we only made one, and that was the left overs. So, we'll move everything to this week.

Monday: Grilled shrimp w/bell peppers
Tuesday: Taco pasta
Wednesday: turkey burgers
Thursday: Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Friday: spaghetti squash with marinara
Saturday: date night
Sunday: some sort of fish

Check out organizing junkie for lots of great menu ideas.

At Last

2010-04-15T23:02:00.005-07:00

I finally have a new picture to show. At this point I am down 64 pounds from where I started. I am really proud of myself. I can't remember the last time in my life that I felt that way. Most of the time I felt like a failure. Isn't it funny that when you feel so bad about yourself that it filters down into every area of your life.

I must say, though that there are times when I look in the mirror and I still see a big girl. That programming may take a while to overcome. But, it is important to overcome! There are plenty of skinny girls who think they are fat. But, as I keep reminding myself, this is all about health and longevity. I need to look in the mirror and see someone who is healthy. That is my goal and my passion to share with others.

Are you healthy?

Here we go:

220 pounds

156 pounds

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-12T01:36:00.001-07:00

This weeks menu will be short since we are headed to San Diego to see Nathan compete in the Regional gymnastics championship. I promise that before I leave town I will have my new before and after picture posted. It is totally worth the wait.

Monday: leftover pork roast

Tuesday: Grilled shrimp w/bell peppers

Wednesday: Taco Pasta

Thursday: Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Remember to check out organizing junkie for a ton of help with your menu.

Easier or Harder?

2010-04-07T23:39:00.002-07:00

Today I did my second five mile run. I knocked 3 minutes off my previous attempt. I did it in an hour and five minutes. My fifth mile was actually my fastest at 12:38. It was easier this time. My knees and hip ache a little, but I feel good while I'm running. I felt pretty tired for the rest of the day. It's interesting how easy 3 miles seems now. I don't know that 5 will ever feel that way, but we'll see. I don't know how often I'll push myself that far. I'm getting close to 10K length, though, and that might push me onward for more.

However, I find my weight loss is getting harder. Mainly because I don't feel as driven as I did in the beginning. I look and feel so different now. (I promise to post a picture in the next week)
I just bought a pair of shorts in a size 6. (Down from size 18) I find that now I tend to put extra in my mouth, or slack off on my exercise. In talking to my health coach yesterday, I was reminded that this is my life. This is my health. It is something I have to work on every day of my life. If I don't care about it, who will? There will always be good and bad choices around me. I just have to make more good ones than bad. I really don't want to sabatoge myself and fool myself into thinking that this weight is okay for me. It's not the healthiest place for me to be. I have 26 more pounds to lose to reach my goal. I know it will be slower, but I need to make sure I don't slow it down more than necessary. I am going to finish this goal and continue on this journey and pass it on.

My desire is to help those who want better health. If I can do it, anyone can.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-05T01:16:00.002-07:00

What a great Easter we had. I took the entire day off from my healthy eating plan for the first time in 6 months. I don't know how I used to eat like this on a daily basis. The aftermath is so not worth it. I feel bloated and I felt like falling asleep after dinner. I can't wait to get back to basics tomorrow. My body will thank me. We are going to keep it simple this week.

Monday: barbeque at park (hot dogs and turkey burgers)
Tuesday: turkey pot pie
Wednesday: tilapia
Thursday: spaghetti squash marinara
Friday: crock pot chicken
Saturday: date night
Sunday: pork roast

Remember to check out organizing junkie for a ton of help with your menu.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-03-29T01:19:00.005-07:00

Monday: Salmon tacos
Tuesday: Honey Glazed chicken
Wednesday: Tomato basil pesto pasta
Thursday: Cafe Rio chicken
Friday: shrimp caesar salad
Saturday: dinner out with girls
Sunday: Easter dinner

Remember to check out organizing junkie for a ton of help with your menu.

5 Miles

2010-03-28T13:02:00.002-07:00

This week I ran 5 miles without stopping for the first time in my life. It was tiring. It made my knees hurt. I mean, it made all of me hurt, my the hurt in my knees lingered. I ran sprints on Wednesday, and then I was done for the week. Yesterday I was still having pain walking on the stairs. I am hoping that I can run again tomorrow. Here are my lap times for my first historic 5 miler.

Mile 1-12:37
Mile 2-13:04 total 25:42
Mile 3-13:03 total 38:45
Mile 4-12:52 total 51:38
Mile 5-12:48 total 1:04:26

I hope I don't have to retire now.

Memo to Me

2010-03-23T22:08:00.002-07:00

I just need to have a little discussion with myself.

Did you forget that this was a journey of health?
Do you realize that your weight loss is a bonus of good health?
Are you seeing that sometimes your body takes a little break before it lets more weight go?
Do you know that you have lost 63 pounds in 5 1/2 months?
If you don't love and respect yourself, who will?

I have avoided posting over the last month because I did not lose any weight. I was ashamed. I was hard on myself. However, I still made healthy choices. My mind is still made up that I have changed my body and probably added years to my life. As my husband pointed out, I have just taken 16 years of fat off in 5 months. That is incredible.

Due to my pride, I have missed out on recording some great runs, one of them being my 10:25 minute mile. I am sorry to my 4 loyal readers. I will not disappoint you or myself again. This will be a lifelong journey for me and I want as many people along for the ride as possible. It is hard for me to watch people who I love not be concerned about their health, just as I was for so long. I hope to be a good influence.

Stay tuned for info. on todays 5 mile run. Wowza!

Menu Planning Monday

2010-03-21T20:21:00.004-07:00

We did better this week. Both the parmesan chicken and chicken a l'orange were good. I left a roast in the crock pot on Sunday for the family, and Orson made gravy all on his own. I'll be posting my gravy tips soon on the Next Generation Cooks. Have a great week.

Monday: Fajitas
Tuesday: Beef pot pie
Wednesday: Grilled salmon
Thursday: crock pot chicken
Friday: homemade pizzas on whole wheat pitas
Saturday:teen girls and I eat at YW broadcast
Sunday: breakfast for dinner

Remember to check out organizing junkie for a ton of help with your menu.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-03-14T19:10:00.004-07:00

We did a terrible job of following our menu last week. I don't know what it was. Oh well, luckily the weeks just keep coming. My kids are on Spring Break, so we'll see how it goes. I am transferring much of last weeks menu to this week.

Monday: chicken and steak fajitas
Tuesday: Baked chicken parmesan with spaghetti squash
Wednesday: homemade pizzas on mini whole wheat pitas
Thursday: Chicken a' l'orange
Friday: BBQ burgers and hot dogs
Saturday: date night
Sunday: Nathan and I in Tuscon for gymnastics state championships. Family to eat elsewhere.

Remember to check out organizing junkie for a ton of help with your menu.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-03-04T19:45:00.005-07:00

We only had 3 of our 6 planned meals this week. That makes this week easier to plan. They hawaiian haystacks were an ordeal. My new rice cooker took forever to work. I don't know what the deal was. Plus the chicken gravy was so thick. I don't think it needed quite so much flour. I will have to experiment, because the older 2 kids loved it.

Monday: Baked chicken parmesan
Tuesday: chicken and spinach lasagna (premade chicken and spinach ravioli from Sam's club layered with Ragu)
Wednesday: homemade pizzas on mini whole wheat pitas
Thursday: Chicken a' l'orange
Friday: Breakfast for dinner
Saturday: date night
Sunday: BBQ chicken and steak (3rd tries a charm, right?)

Remember to check out organizing junkie for a ton of help with your menu.

Pathetic Excuses

2010-03-04T07:49:00.002-07:00

We all do it. We make excuses for why we do things or can't do things. I have spent a lifetime making excuses. It was apparent today as I was running. I was making excuses even to myself. If I can't even be real with myself, then I am in trouble. Here are some of the pathetic excuses I told myself.

It's too hot. (in 4 months it won't even be this temp in the middle of the night)
I'm thirsty.
My new shoes hurt my feet (oops, I'm wearing my old shoes)
My ipod ran out of battery

In spite of these excuses, here are my lap times:

Mile 1-11:54 (running)
Mile 2-11:36 (running) total 23:31
Mile 3-11:35 (running) total 35:07
Mile 4-20:45 (slow walking) total 55:52

Life is all about choices. I am going to work on making choices instead of excuses. Here are some alternate thoughts about today.

I chose to wait until 2:00 to run.
I chose to eat pretty close to running.
I chose to put a water bottle out on the mailbox to quench my thirst.
I chose to drink too much and get stomach cramps.
I chose use my daughters ipod because the one I got for Christmas continues to sit in a drawer while I wonder how to make it work.
I chose to walk slowly on the fourth mile and enjoy the beautiful weather.

These were my choices. They will give me freedom. They are much more positive than excuses. This is a good thing.

Wanna join me?

Menu Planning Monday

2010-02-28T12:59:00.006-07:00

Our BBQ was rained out and I didn't get to the hawaiian haystacks, so we'll try again this week. My rice cooker died so we got a new one at Sam's club that steams veggies at the same time. I am so excited to try it.

Monday: Hawaiian haystacks

Tuesday: Chicken and spinach lasagna

Wednesday: tacos

Thursday: Chicken a' l'orange

Friday: Ham and sunshine potatoes

Saturday: date night

Sunday: BBQ chicken, steak and turkey burgers

Check out oranizing junkie for tons of recipe ideas

To your health

2010-02-26T23:19:00.003-07:00

This week I have thought of my friend. He buried his wife today. She was in her 30's. Too soon.
There are exceptions to every rule. The rule is that you live a long life. The rule is you get to raise your kids. The rule is be healthy and you will be around a long time. This was an exception to these rules.
My best friend had breast cancer when we were 36. That's not supposed to happen. I'm so happy she is still with us. She fought to restore her health.
I took my health for granted for too many years. There are very few exceptions to this rule. If you are overweight for a long period of time, you will have health problems. I was on a bad road. I am off that road now. This doesn't guarantee anything, but I think it helps.
I am so grateful for my life. I am blessed to feel as good as I do now. Just about 60 pounds is gone from my body. I feel completely different. I can almost remember what it's like to be fit. However, at 19, I might have been fit, but was I healthy? Not necessarily. I will take pride in my health for the rest of my life. I will fight for it. This struggle will not have been in vain. I have learned many hard lessons. I hope I can pass those on and help others avoid my long and windy road.
Here's to your health!

Easy does it

2010-02-24T22:28:00.002-07:00

I've only been able to get outside and run once a week for the last 3 weeks. The other 2 running days have been on the treadmill. Today was beautiful and my hands were only cold for about 1 1/4 miles.
I decided I was going to take it at an easy pace today and go for distance instead of speed. It is so funny to me that I even have an easy pace. Not long ago, any pace was hard. It was a great run. I went 5 miles. I have never done that. I was actually smiling during the 5th mile. Probably becuase I was walking part of it. It's amazing how free I feel when I am running.
Alright, I'm done gushing. Here are my lap times:

Mile 1-13:27 (running)
Mile 2-13:54 (running) total 27:21
Mile 3-13:44 (running) total 41:06
Mile 4-13:26 (running) total 54:33
Mile 5-13:47 (running/walking) total 1:08:21

I'm speechless. How about you?

Overabundance

2010-02-22T13:54:00.002-07:00

Today I was putting my clothes away and I realized how different my closet looks. No longer are there 6 different sizes of clothing crammed into every nook and cranny.

Being overweight comes from an overabundance of food. It seems as though that overabundance creeps into all areas of life. Many people who deal with clutter also deal with weight issues. I know that there are skinny clutterbugs and heavy neat freaks, but I think they are probably the exception.

So many times you buy clothes to make you feel better about yourself. The feeling is short lived, however, because it is a quick fix. Now that I am doing something about it, I only have clothing that actually fits me in my closet. I also keep a small amount because I am constantly dropping to a smaller size. In the beginning of this journey, I was wearing a size 18/20 in pants, and a 1x/2x shirt. Now I am in a size 10 pants, and medium shirts. What a difference 4 1/2 months has made.

It is truly making me look at other areas of my life that may have an overabundance. One day, my office may not have an overabundance of papers. But, not today!

By the way, todays weight is 164.2. This is surreal.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-02-21T20:09:00.003-07:00

Welcome to another week of attempting to be organized with my menu. The big hit from the week was the Slow cooker southwest chicken stacks. It was so simple and most of my family enjoyed the beans and corn. I took the chicken out instead of shredding it in the corn. We ended up having tilapia instead of salmon and I am moving the Chicken and dumpling soup to this week.

Monday: Leftover pork roast and potatoes from Sunday dinner

Tuesday: Chicken and dumpling soup

Wednesday: Grilled salmon

Thursday: tacos

Friday: Hawaiian haystacksSaturday: date night

Sunday: BBQ steak and turkey burgers

Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for tons of ideas.

Temptations

2010-02-20T23:16:00.002-07:00

There are temptations everywhere. It has been almost 2 months since I really gave into strong temptations. That was when I ate the Christmas toffee...for 5 days. I was surrounded by great food and lots of desserts last weekend. They didn't even phase me. I never felt tempted.

Well, tonight we ate at a very nice restaurant. With all the tempting food, I chose a shrimp caesar salad. It was fantastic, by the way. Anyway, Orson and Katie both got desserts as part of their dinner deal. And all of a sudden, I was tempted. It also didn't help that Katie doesn't like chocolate and there was this beautiful mousse inside a chocolate cup. I was sooooo tempted. So, you know what. I gave into temptation. And guess what, I'm okay. It was totally worth it! I know I won't see a loss on the scale tomorrow (oh, I am not weighing until Monday), but I also don't feel any real desire to gorge myself like crazy. I ate it and felt satisfied. It will probably be another couple of months before I want to stray again. One day, I will be at my goal weight, and I will occasionally eat lavish foods. I may learn control after all.

Here's hoping!

Who am I?

2010-02-17T13:44:00.002-07:00

I am on the verge of admitting that I am a runner. Today was my first run in a week. I couldn't wait to get out there. This weekend I was in California. On Saturday afternoon we spent an hour at the beach. How I wanted to take off running down the sand. But, we were in our regular clothes with our pants rolled up. I thought about running the rest of the day. I wondered how I could fit it in or where I could do it. It didn't happen. I couldn't wait for today to get here. I couldn't wait for Nathan to get home from school. I thought about running different races and how I might do. I thought about increasing my mile time, although it has come a long way in a few short months. Here are my lap times today.

Mile 1-12:06 (running)
Mile 2-12:18 (running)total 24:25
Mile 3-13:03 (walking/running)total 37:28
Mile 4-15:49 (walking, sprinting last stretch)total 53:18

Several things account for the slow finish. It was 75 degrees and I was dressed way to warm. That made me very thirsty and I just didn't have it in me to run the last mile with my lips cracking from dryness. Oh well. I can't believe I am running close to a 12 minute mile.

It was a little discouraging to step on the scale and only see one pound lost in a week, but I did little to no exercise and spent 4 days out of town with eating out and had lots of stress preparing for visiting teaching interviews yesterday. So, I expect this week will be much better. I realize that as I near my goal, I won't be dropping 5 pounds every week. This is where my mentality will be tested. I must stay with the program as temptations to cheat pop up and I am smaller and smaller. I really wasn't tempted this weekend by all the desserts and snacks and junk I was around. I just ate more of my lean and green and fat servings than normal. That's okay. I continue to go down, so its all good.

My health will be a priority for the rest of my life. Look what 15 years of it not being one did to me. I'm guessing that I have extended my life by making these changes.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-14T13:14:00.002-07:00

Tuesday: Slow cooker southwest chicken stacks
Wednesday: Classic baked ziti
Thursday: Salmon
Friday: Chicken and dumpling soup
Saturday: leftovers and date night

Check out organizing junkie for tons of ideas.

Happy Monthiversary

2010-02-08T09:03:00.004-07:00

Today marks 4 months since I started my weight loss program. And the final result is:

52 pounds lost!

Wow!!! I am so in awe. Sometimes I can't believe that I am doing this. I feel so different. Last night as I was laying in bed I realized how much lighter I felt. This is really affecting all areas of my life in such a positive way. I desperatelly want to help others who have lived through that hopeless feeling of never being able to be healthy. I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I reach my goal.

Today I was able to run and my lungs are at about 90%. I didn't start coughing till my 3rd mile. However, it was cold, and that makes my nose run, so I was blowing my nose a lot. I just knew that I would get faster as I shed the weight. Here are my lap times.
Mile 1: 12:08 (running)
Mile 2: 12:59 (run/walk)total 25:07
Mile 3: 12:58 (run/walk)total 38:05
Mile 4: 14:05 (jog/walk slower)total 52:11

Make it a good week everyone.

I want to give a shout out to Becky who lost 13 pounds her first month on the program. Keep it up!

Menu Planning Monday

2010-02-07T21:11:00.005-07:00

Last week's chicken and spinach stuffed shells was a big hit. Even my pickiest eater, who usually doesn't eat any sauce on her pasta said it was delicious. Of course, I didn't have any and I'm not sure if when I am in maintenance that I would want to eat something with 2 bars of cream cheese in it. I may have to come up with an alternative. Or, simply eat only one shell and a huge salad. I'll worry about that when I get there.

This week I am leaving town on Friday and not returning till Monday, so I won't be planning all the meals because I know my family will do their own thing while I'm gone. I am also going to be planning next week's menu and setting it up to post before I get back, so I won't be able to report on this weeks successes.

This is 3 weeks in a row for me and I'm excited. We never got to the tilapia and I changed Sunday dinner to chicken, so you may see some repeats.

Monday: Baked tilapia

Tuesday: chicken pot pie (recipe at the end)

Wednesday: Spaghetti squash with meatballs

Thursday: tacos

Friday-Monday: Good luck family!

Chicken Pot Pie

1 pkg. pilsbury pie crust

3 cups diced chicken

14 oz. pkg. frozen veggies (I use peas and corn)

2 cans cream of chicken soup

Thaw veggies under water in strainer

Combine chicken and soup, then add veggies

Place one pie crust in pie pan

Pour filling into unbaked crust

Place other crust on top

Make slits in crust

Brush with beaten egg yolk (opt.)

Bake at 375 for 35-45 min.

Check out more recipes at Organizing Junkie

50 at 40

2010-02-03T08:52:00.002-07:00

I'm not really sure if I ever thought I would lose 50 pounds at the age of 40. Now with 40 pounds to go, I would love to hit my goal weight by my 41st birthday on June 1. That's 10 pounds per month. I couldn't ask for a better gift. (sounds cheesy)

Anyway, I have been back to my regular exercise this week, even though my chest is not fully recovered from my cough. It still hurts a little.

Monday-interval workout on treadmill
All on incline 2
Warm up, cool down on 3.0
5 min. warm up
3 min. 4.0
1 min. 3.0
3 min. 4.5
1 min. 3.0
3 min 5.0
1 min. 3.0
3 min 5.5
1.5 min. 3.0
30 sec 7.5
8 min cool down
Total time 30 min,

Tuesday-strength training, arms and abs
All done with 10 pound weights with the exception of the shoulder circut which was 8 lbs.
3 sets of 10 with the exception of static curls which was 16 total
rows
static curls
french curls
shoulder circuit
seated curls
upright rows
tri kickback

ABS
3 sets of 20 with the exception of leg lifts which was 3 sets of 10
hold crunches
reverse crunches
toe touches
leg lifts

Wednesday-outside run/walk
Mile 1-13:26
Mile 2-12:38 Total 26:05
Mile 3-13:52 Total 39:57
Mile 4-13:35 Total 53:32

Kind of all over the place today. I hadn't run outside for a couple of weeks and it was hard and my chest hurt. But, there is nothing else like it. I wonder if I will still run when my weight is off.

One final note: my weight today was 170.4

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-01T07:10:00.001-07:00

Last week was so crazy. We only ended up sticking to our menu on Monday and Tuesday. But Monday's roast made for some good leftovers. I can't remember what we even ate the rest of the week, but no one has starved to death yet.

Monday: Rachael's birthday dinner, possibly Outback

Tuesday: Black bean enchilladas

Wednesday: Chicken and spinach stuffed shells

Thursday: Pork Loin-From my cupboard, canned by mom

Friday: Baked tilapia

Mine will only have the seasonings

Saturday: Date night

Sunday: breakfast for dinner

Remember to check all the menu ideas over at organizing junkie and join in.

2010-01-28T10:41:00.002-07:00

I did not weigh myself everyday over the past week. I might have missed a couple of days. It was not surprising that each time I got on the scale, it stayed the same. I have downed 2 bags of cough drops and have not exercised.

Yesterday, I had had enough. I walked on my treadmill for 30 minutes on 2.8 and a 2 incline. It hurt my chest. Oh well. I needed to move. If I'm going to sit still and cough, I might as well move and cough. I did arms and abs this morning. I can only get through 2 sets. Maybe next week I'll make it to 3. I have to thank my fabulous brother-in-law for setting me up with a great workout that stretches my abilities. Check out his website.

It took a week, but even with all my excuses, I was down to 172.4 this morning. It won't be long before I'm in the 160's (I'm thinking early next week would be nice) and I have not seen that weight in more than 15 years. Truly remarkable. If I can do this, anyone can do this. (I always hate when people say that)