Getting Organized and Weekly Menu, albeit a little late

If you haven't been able to tell, I am still "off" on my timing and blogging. I assure you that it's eating as usual here, but nonetheless, the blogging has taken a backseat to life.



With that said, we've had a great meal plan this week, which I will share with you in a sec; but first take a look at this, Sandwich in a Can:

Never mind the nasty-factor, this is a sad commentary on the state of food and our obsession with fast and easy meals. Making nutritious, home cooked meals doesn't have to be time consuming and out of reach for busy people, it just takes planning. Meal planning, specifically, and prepping for the week in advance alleviates the stress of "what's for dinner?"

Preferably, for the busy person, all shopping for the week takes place in one outing. This requires organization and a detailed grocery list.


Here are some ways to get organized, get that meal plan together, and get the shopping done so the food is in your home ready to eat!

Getting Organized:

• Take inventory of ingredients already in stock in your pantry and refrigerator.
• Look at your calendar. Are there some days that are busier than others? On those days will you need "fast food?" If so, consider the crock pot or making a one dish meal, such as a lasagna, in advance so that reheating is all that's necessary.
• Make a meal plan for the week. Start with 4-6 dinners. Consider doubling the recipes that can easily be made into a lunch or frozen for future consumption.
• Create a shopping list from your meal plan. Don't forget to check your list twice for all ingredients and make sure you write them all down.
• Schedule your shopping day, don't forget your list, and stick to it! Veering away from your list will wreak havoc on your budget.

In my experience, two areas in particular dictate a persons eating habits: time and money. Creating a meal planing-shopping system will help with both and lend itself to healthy eating habits.

Weekly Meal Plan

Sunday- Pulled BBQ Chicken Sando's and Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Monday- Shrimp Taste-Off (meaning two differently seasoned shrimp to get the kids excited about something they don't normally care for. It was a big hit. We had garlic and buttered shrimp, and Old Bay spiced shrimp.) Green salad, and a small side dish of pasta tossed with lemon, Parmesan cheese, Bouquet Garni spice, salt and pepper. Dee-lish and like most of my meals, only took 15 minutes to put together.

Tuesday- Taco Night

Wednesday- Cobb Salad

Thursday- Chicken and Veggies served over Brown Rice