Meal Planning

[missyt]

Does anyone plan there entire weeks meals?

Everyone tells me that I am crazy....but I feel it helps me stay on track and also helps me with time. I work full time, so I am limited on exercise time. This is what has helped me stay consistant with exercise.

I go to the grocery store once a week. I then post on the fridge what the evening meals are for the entire week. That way when I get home I know what I need to prepare.

I also prep all my snacks for the week in ziplock bag/bowls. I usually do this on Sunday's.

Anyone else do this?

[Nicole_29]

I do a relaxed version of this. I used to be more anal about it but now I just plan out 2-3 days in a row. I buy chicken breast is bulk and use the sell by date as a set point basically what needs to be eaten by when and then go from there. I take requests from the family and try to incorporate them. I have a few snack staples that I keep on hand for me and make sure I always have them prepared and portioned out in the fridge. This helps me too but I think it annoys my husband how much I plan it out, I'm sure he'd like to go out to eat more often.

[TRSTACIE]

The meal schedule for my son and me is completely random. We do try to eat fairly healthy by simply limiting the amount of processed foods we eat and by eating at home. Every meal has fresh fruits or vegetables for him (6 year olds are a challenge to get to eat vegetables....still working on that but he loves fruit) and vegetables for me.

I heard that meal planning is cheaper too but I am just not organized enough to do it.

[story1267]

Missy, I think meal planning is a terrific idea. Saves time, money, brain space, etc.

DH and I split the cooking duties and I plan the meals I cook in advance. My step-sons have a favorite dish of mine so I always make that for them on the weekends they're here. Thursdays are spaghetti night, Mondays are "make pizza" for my kids.

Also...I LOVE your avatar pic!

[mini-natty]

Great idea Missy! Why would anyone think you are crazy for doing that that?

[missyt]

Suzzanne---thats my cat Boots!!! He is all grown up now. But, I think it was the cutest picture ever!!!

Natasha---People say I am to organized!!! My husband, loves it! Because he always knows what I am cooking that evening!!!

Most of the people I know are not into the healthly lifestyle/exercising.
But, I don't let it stop me. If people really sat down and looked at america today, and saw what they actually looked like and took into consideration there health. I think more people would be like us. But, its sad to say that most people don't care!!!

[story1267]

Boots is awesome! I have 5 cats and am surely just.this.close to being a Crazy Cat Lady.

A few years back I came on the forums here to beg for help because I am chronically disorganized. A kind soul recommended FlyLady.

FlyLady.net

This changed my life in so many ways. She is a big proponent of meal planning.

So...you go with your organized self!

[mini-natty]

Originally Posted by missyt

Suzzanne---thats my cat Boots!!! He is all grown up now. But, I think it was the cutest picture ever!!!

Natasha---People say I am to organized!!! My husband, loves it! Because he always knows what I am cooking that evening!!!

Most of the people I know are not into the healthly lifestyle/exercising.
But, I don't let it stop me. If people really sat down and looked at america today, and saw what they actually looked like and took into consideration there health. I think more people would be like us. But, its sad to say that most people don't care!!!

BTW, I meant to say I really love your Avatar pic too! I have 2 cats, but they are seniors now, both 13 years old. I still think of them as my little kitties

It's great you're so organized. You should be proud of everything you are doing to contribute to your healthy lifestyle. Once you make fitness/health a priority, it becomes second nature. I understand about people not understanding, it's like that in my life too. I am a "rarity". Most people I know do not exercise or eat well. I get laughed at when I purchase fitness equipment/DVD's. Don't let that discourage you though. Keep up the great work!!!

[missyt]

Natasha--- I also have 2 cats. Boots is 3. Blackie (my other cat) is 6. Blackie acts like she is a senior. The lazyest cat on the planet!!! I also have a dog which is 2 and 2 horses. My hisband and I have enough animals!!! But Boots is the best!!!! He is momma's boy!!!

But, as for our unhealthy friends/family. I know how it is. Everyone says... you bought what??? Or if we go out to dinner... you ate what??? I don't even let it get to me anymore. I am who I am.

At least we have each other that have the same interests. It doesnt matter where we live. As long as we have a computer...we can still chat!!!

[cammie-cam]

I usually plan my meals mostly because I bring my lunch to work so I need to prepare something that can keep in the refrigerator and microwave well at work. This keeps me from "winging it" which can lead to me eating something that's not a good choice.