Monday, September 30, 2013

Menu and Miles

First of all, the menu.

Over the years, my cooking has changed.  There was a time when I subscribed to Southern Living, and at least once a week I would try a new recipe from the current issue.  A few years ago I gradually moved away from using a lot of processed foods.  About two or three years ago I began buying organic foods when possible, and I eliminated even more processed foods from our diet.

Then, about 18 months ago, I made the most significant change to our family's eating habits.  We adopted a plant-strong diet.  No dairy, no meat, no eggs.  I began making almost everything we ate from scratch, and let me say that it was a challenge at first!  We have now evolved into our current way of eating, which is mostly plants.  I never buy any dairy products.  I occasionally buy eggs from my neighbor's chickens (about once a month or so), and I still have a few chickens left that I bought from my friend, Heather (raised and processed by her).  In our home, I cook from scratch as much as possible, but we still eat some processed foods--things like pita chips, flour tortillas, tortilla chips, pretzels, graham crackers, and a variety of granola/fruit type bars.  Mostly we eat a ton of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of homemade hummus.

I serve a mostly plant-based menu.  I cook a meal that includes meat about once every one or two weeks, but I also include non-meat items on the menu as well for the members of my family who choose to eat no meat at all.

I have spent many, many hours the last year and a half trying out all kinds of new recipes.  However, the season I am in right now calls for simplicity, and I have decided not to try any new kitchen adventures for a while.  I thought of seven categories of foods that we eat on a regular basis, and I just plan to rotate those meals.  So, I will not be posting a new menu each Monday for the time being.  We are just going to eat the meals on my chart below over and over again!  Until I have time for creativity in the kitchen again.

Our breakfasts are mostly self serve (oatmeal, fruit smoothies, cereal, toast, etc.) or sometimes Julie will prepare pancakes, waffles, or muffins.

Lunches are either leftovers, PB&J sandwiches, carrots, broccoli and hummus, salads, etc.

Here is the supper menu chart.  I printed this out and hung it inside my pantry door.  Having a master plan for simple meals will cut down on my grocery list making time  each week.  When we tire of these meals, I will redo the list, but I am hoping this menu will last us a while.

pasta
pasta salad, fresh fruit
penne with zucchini, salad
wraps, chips and salsa
BBQ bean wraps
sauteed veggie wraps
soups
chili
taco soup
red beans and rice
white bean soup
vegetable soup
Mexican
refried beans, corn, rice, shells, wraps, chips
salad
quinoa salad, oven fries
Mexican salad, oven fries
regular salad, baked potatoes
vegetables
mashed potatoes, green vegetables, baked beans
meat
fish, roasted potatoes, roasted asparagus
roast, carrots, potatoes, green beans
chicken noodle soup

Miles
Last week I was sick, so I did not complete my miles!  I ran my 8 and a 4, and that is all! I had a cold, cough, sore throat, and I ran a fever.  I have not been sick enough to not get my training runs ever, as far as I can remember, but I really felt badly last week.  Leah got sick too, and she had strep throat!

This week's plan is 17, 9, 6, and 5.  I hope I can get them all in!

You can visit OrgJunkie.com for more menu inspiration.

1 comment:

  1. I'm still not making my kids eat the way I do. For supper tonight I'll make two big pans of lasagna, we're having guests, Asian red cabbage cole slaw (which I can eat), and homemade Italian bread (it's been a long time since I've made bread because I don't eat it, but I love it so). I'm in love with quinoa breakfast bars. They are both vegan and gluten free and I make them at least once a week.

    I ran 18 yesterday, slow and stiff, and 11 today, the first 9 very slow then the last 2 fast with a 14 yr old friend. I think I've been under the weather as I've had to force the miles and they've hurt from the first one, which is unusual. I have a cough and sore throat, too. I'm planning 7 each on Tues and Thurs since I spin 2+ hrs on those days, 16+ on Wed, and not sure about Friday. I have my first trail race Saturday so I'm excited. I entered an ultra for Oct 19 and am very nervous about it. It's in Palo Duro canyon with lots of ups and downs on singletrack. 50K. I'm hoping for 10-11 min miles.

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