I get questioned constantly about how to be a more structured and organized person. And I’m obviously the right person to ask because I’m so organized. Must be in order to meal plan, right? Wrong. So wrong. The truth is I’m naturally a super disorganized person. But I’ve figured something out – productivity creates structure. There are many areas of my life that are still super disorganized – my bed and bathroom, my office to name just a few – and they most likely always will be. And who cares. No big. My point is by meal planning, aka being productive on Sundays, I create a structure in my weekday life that helps to set me up for success. Just spending thirty minutes, one day a week, makes me a healthier, happier, human being.
When I had to go back to work full time, five years ago, I was a hot mess. My dad had just passed away, I had to find a new job (he was my boss) and I had two littles under the age of 5. I didn’t have a choice. I went from a part-time schedule, where I could exercise and grocery shop when I wanted, to a “no time” schedule, one that didn’t allow for time to take care of me. I was miserable. The responsibility of having to come home, after an eight hour workday, and figure out what to feed my family was overwhelming. All I wanted to do was put on my pjs and go to bed. And then one weekend I realized I had to make some changes. I was gaining weight and teetering on a depressive state. I decided to meal plan and order groceries online – seemed like a small enough first step, one I could manage. If nothing else, I figured it would save me some weekday time. The truth is it gave me my life back. How? Sounds quirky, I know, but that one thing helped to create a routine – a rhythm to my day – and gave me some control back. All of a sudden I was coming home, exercising (because I wasn’t stopping at the store), helping the kids with homework and starting dinner. I was accomplishing things – for myself and my family- and that feeling was a game changer.
I know, too heavy and long for a meal planning post. I just wanted y’all to know little steps can create big life changes. And anyone can meal plan. If I can, ANYONE can. Start small. You will never regret it.
Sunday, February 2nd // Super Bowl Sunday // It’s Super Bowl Sunday. If you are hosting friends for dinner, I suggest doing a taco bar or chili. Something people can help themselves too easily. I’ll be making an app from my Super Bowl app list. Linked above!
Monday, February 3rd // Low Carb Crack Chicken with Green Beans // Cheesy, salty and easy. Everyone will love this one.
Tuesday, February 4th // Lamb Kofta // Don’t knock it till you try it. I will change this one up just a bit. Instead of making “loafs” of lamb (not sure how else to describe it) I will just ground the meat or, make patties. I’m not putting these on sticks. You can find ground lamb at most grocery stores. So lean! Kids will never know it’s lamb if you don’t tell them.
Wednesday, February 5th // Lemony Orzo Salad with Chicken // This simple salad recipe calls for chickpeas. I’m going to sub rotisserie chicken – Patrick isn’t a chickpea man.
Thursday, February 6th // Coconut Curry Zoodle Ramen // Not really family friendly but SO yummy and healthy. Buy pre spiralized noodles for a quick, weeknight meal!!
Friday, February 7th // Award Winning Healthy Turkey Chili – Instant Pot // I’ve thrown a lot of flavors at y’all this week. Let’s top it off with something basic, family friendly and healthy. Instant pot so it will be done in a flash!!
Products I Used Making The Above Recipes
Instant Pot // Spiralizer // Soup Ladle // Soup Pot
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