Menu Plan Monday

 

Everyone is back to school, littles had their first day of kindergarten today, and bigs had 3 week of 4th grade.  We celebrated DT’s birthday and he and the bigs got to go to a Astros baseball game.  I am keeping meals very simple this week as homework has kicked up a little and why stress myself out more than I have too.

I am still kicking along with my Trim Healthy mama lifestyle diet and feeling lighter and so good each day making good healthy decisions for myself and my family.  They see the new ingredients I am using and I love being a healthy example to them that eating healthy isn’t boring or gross.  Most of the meals on my plan this week are THM friendly and/or easy to convert in a healthier way.  I do still cook real food and real meals my family will eat, with just a few tweaks here and there (slow burning carbs and healthier sugars).  And I am down about 18lbs which feels so great and encouragement to keep going.

Here’s what caught my eye this week and what I’m reading:

• Girl Wash your Face, Have you read this yet??  Why are you waiting??I honestly believe this book can help every woman grow. Personally, it has helped me focus on the one person who is the LAST to get my attention and effort. Myself.
  In each chapter, Rachel starts with a lie you tell yourself, provides examples from her own life illustrating it, then lists the tools she used (or wished she had) that help overcome the lie. She writes as if she’s your bestie giving advice and sometimes tough love over a VLC (vodka la croix). She’s honest, vulnerable and nerdy which I found made her stories endearing.
  Chapter; 5 to Thrive is practical advice for any person. 5 to Thrive has changed my life. The idea is that you do these 5 things every day for 30 days: 1. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. 2. Exercise for 30 minutes. 3. Wake up an hour early using the hour for yourself. 4. Give up 1 food or category of food (THM has helped tremendously as well, but this book really catapulted me to start doing something everyday). 5. List 10 things you’re grateful for from that day.
  Ultimately, reading this book will not change your life. No person, no book, no thing can fix what is broken for you. Rachel writes, “Only you have the power to change your life.” This book can give you the tools that you need to reach your goals and make lasting change to live your best life, but it’s up to you to make it happen. She writes, “Please stop telling yourself you deserve this life. Please stop justifying a continued crappy existence simply because that’s the way it’s always been. Just as you’ve chosen to stay in this place for so long, you can choose too to get yourself out of it.” It’s what I needed to hear at this time in my life and I recommend this book to others who may need additional encouragement or direction. I have this book through audible! But may get the book as well. I love listening on Audible and if you sign up you get 2 free books!
• The 10 best dishes for mothers from (Lauren Conrad) the cowboy chopped salad looks yummo.
• 19 Fancy Dinners That Secretly Take 30 Minutes or Less (Pure Wow)- I am seriously into lists this week, the Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is on my to try list for sure.
• Most popular recipes on the blog this week, Freezing Tomatoes and Friendship Casserole, most referred blog post (thanks),  and most popular pin on pinterest.

Last week we enjoyed:

Sticky Chicken in the crock pot (Thm- S)

Un-Stuffed Peppers (THM-E) (The joy of Cooking Together)

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole THM-S (Easy Family Recipes)

Snacks, Desserts, drinks and other:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins (THM-S) going to convert for gluten free baking blend and sweeteners.

Berry Banana Baobab Smoothie (Northern Nester) using baobab powder.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This week we have planned:

Dinner:

Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup) THM-S without rice

Snacks, Desserts, drinks and other:

Old Fashion Banana Pudding (with cooked meringue)

Upcoming recipe this week: Chicken wings, 3 ways- a fam favorite for game days.

For other great menu ideas be sure to check out Organizing Junkie.

What are you eating, reading or working on this week? Please share.

Enjoy your week. XOXO

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