My husband and I started this…
Not a diet.
Not a fast.
Not a fad.
Not a resolution.
Not even a lifestyle change.
Nope, not even that.
It’s a MEAL PLAN.
That means, we figure out what we will eat for the week, and then buy what we need from store. And the last step in this process is…making it.
Sticking to the plan. Making it work.
And while that is not easy…it’s a better start than just making up meals as you go along. And well, that is pretty much what we have done for YEARS.
Actually, one time, we made a meal plan. A week’s worth. It was AWESOME. We had a plan. We would eat at home. We knew what we would fix and shop for. We’d save TONS of money from not eating out. YEAH!
Then?
Disaster. That week four of our five family members were in a roll-over car accident. Outright creamed and knocked over by a giant Chevy Silverado as they happily headed home from ice cream.
Worst day of my life. Probably because, I was the one member NOT in the car.
From that day on, meal planning was cursed, and strictly forbidden. Because. Hello? Accident from Hell.
So as this year begins, we have thrown caution to the wind and created a MEAL PLAN.
Oh, God.
But so far, no accidents. No near disasters. No bad mojo.
It’s a just a meal plan, dammit.
And a damn good one at that.
Well, except for the nuts. One cup is a trillion calories. A handful is a good guide. And eat as many carrots as you want. Crunch. Crunch.
So Day 3 of the “plan” and all is well. I have even danced like no one is watching in my old Zumba class.
So take that, doomsday plan! In your face!
As you can see by our fancy meal planning board, part of our plan involves GREEN juice.
Yes, GREEN.
As in, all veggies, and no fruit syrup.
My sweet tooth cried.
But that is okay. It’s good for you! And do you know what I discovered? I feel a heck of a lot happier when I am on the GREEN juice plan.
Maybe, my body is getting all the nutrients it needs and so it concentrates on sending me feel-good hormones.
I don’t know if that is what it is. But, I’ll take a another cup of whatever it is!
Oh yeah, GREEN juice!
My husband has a special recipe. He takes spinach, cucumbers, zucchini, a pear, a few mango chunks, and a bit of lime.
So yes, a bit of sweet (the pear and mangos) and sour (the lime) to offset the taste of pure boatloads of spinach.
We actually didn’t have all these ingredients last night. My juice connoisseur husband was having a fit. He had to use Apple instead of pear. And NO LIME at all. The shame.
But I thought it was fantastic!
Guess I don’t have the juice palate. Because I honestly can’t tell what from what. I just chug-a-lug and be happy.
So happy!
If you want to know more about green juice and other benefits. You can check out the video we watched before we started Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. And keep in mind, I don’t take everything I see or read to heart. It’s a guide. It’s one movie’s opinion. Believe me, there are plenty more where that came from.
Our good friends recommended the movie and they juiced with their meals. It looked like they discovered the fountain of youth or something. They look absolutely amazing! We tried the Whole Foods juice (they have a juicer on-site). And liked it enough to invest in our nifty juicer.
Isn’t she a beaut?
Cheers to you who are trying something new this year. Cheers to you for doing something that makes you feel better and feel happier.
Wishing you much success!
And for those without New Year Resolutions? Cheers to you too.
I dislike resolutions and that is why I have a MEAL PLAN.
Gep juices periodically. I just try to eat healthy meals with lots of veggies, no red meat (or infrequent red meat), a little chicken, fish or pork, whole grains. Cooking for one, a meal will go for multiple days.
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I have a major sweet tooth and sugar craving. So far, juice is the only thing that has worked in taming that monster. You look very healthy. I have no doubt you have a good plan. 🙂
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You go, girl! And hubby too, but I just can’t, in this case, go green. You got a lot of resolve. I got none! I’m gonna need to find something that works for me that involves pizza and wine. 😫
Keep us posted. (Get it? Posted? Ugh!)
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Lol, Gemma. I swear it’s like having a salad without having to chew all that stuff up! The fruit takes the tang out. It takes all my cravings away. I swear it is not resolve, because i have the weakest!
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I need to find something to take my CARB cravings away 😫
Good luck, girlfriend. 😉
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Ha, ha! I was thinking You go, Girl, too!
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I am going all right! Two Zumba classes this week! Woot!!
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One day when I grow up I’ll be able to stick to a meal plan like a pro. It’ll be awesome. 🙂
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It will be SO awesome! Until then, enjoy your youth to the fullest!! 🙂
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I have tried three times to use all kinds of meal planners because I thought at 34 I would be able to pull it off but so far, no good. One day before Im 40 🙂
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Brava! Good for you, Angelia! And I like how you called this a ‘meal plan’ and not a resolution because I think that puts too much pressure on people. The food in your beautiful photographs looks YUMMY! And I LOVE your new juicer!
The best to you, my friend 🙂
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Thanks Ron! It’s amazing how much better I feel after only a few days. 🙂 Just say no to resolutions. That’s my motto! Lol.
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Good for you!
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Shhhh, it’s just a weekly meal plan. If it is identified as anything but a weekly meal plan, I might do something terrible like eat a bowl of Cocoa Puffs! Lol.
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Mmmm…Can I come over on Mondays?
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Why yes indeed! The more, the merrier! The stir-fry was AWESOME. Nom. Nom.
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I live on meal plans because I am a Type A weirdo and need things super organized. Yes. Freak. Let me tell you though. It saves so much money and time and it saves you from jumping in the fridge and going for the processed garbage. Really!!!
It may seem like a lot of work at first but keep at it! Give yourself a couple “whatever” days and oh!!! Crockpots!!!
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Though I never done it because I’m not in a big family household, I’m for sure it’s a wise thing to do. It’s nice that you include a Free Day. That’s what I was hoping to see. 😉 Ow, I just bought a new blender and started having smoothies again. 😀
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Great! Nice photographs….I liked your meal plans 😀
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I am inspired to start juicing! By the way, your photos are beautiful.
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