So that may be the fastest
year I've ever experienced, and so many changes to boot. Let's see,
three jobs later, another cross country relocation, and another baby!!! I
guess this is why writing came to not only a slow pace, but a full-fledged
stop. Living on the west coast was nice, but I'll take the natural green
trees, grass, humidity, and mosquitos thank you very much. Moving back to
the east coast is evidence that God hears and answers prayers. After
hearing my daughter become sad because she couldn't see her cousin, I took to
praying for a return to close to home. Less than 12 months later, hubby
has a new (and safer) job at the closest base to home. What a mighty God
we serve!! What's even better is that we're in a lovely home, with
wonderful neighbors, we've located a great sitter, and even I've gotten a
WONDERFUL job. It's not really work if you love it is it? But you
can't stop there...both girls are at the same Christian school that is spitting
distance from home and both our jobs. All things are working for me!!
Hallelujah, all glory to God.
After talking to
(texting with) one of my best friends in the whole world, I decided to write
yet again. She, also a wife and mother of two, is working on organizing
as a Super Mommy and getting back to basics in the kitchen. With all the
responsibilities of a wife and mother, meal planning can seem like the most
arduous task. Okay, so you have to prepare food...that is yummy to
eat...that has nutritional value. Oh right, and you must do it every day,
2-3 times a day. Sign me up!!! (Can you sense the sarcasm here?)
Also be mindful of your family's financial and fitness goals.
Ha!
Thankfully, I've been
able to have time to organize for nutrition during periods of unemployment.
So, here are some tips from what I've learned:
- Eliminate
Excuses!! My
mother diagnosed me with Excusitis as a child so I know
my tendencies and have made ways to counter my inevitable excuses. I
know that if there is not food in the house, we will purchase fast food
which means spending unnecessary money on foods high in sodium, fat, and
cholesterol. My grocery shopping may look like too much food to
some, but I know that if I do not buy it at the grocery store, I'm going
to end up in a drive thru line at the local artery clogger.
- Plan
Plan Plan.
Meal planning is just that and it not only involves planning what you will
prepare, but also the estimated days of leftovers (which MUST be eaten in
entirety). Therefore if hubby wants seconds, he may not be able to
have them because the meal is needed for two (or three) additional days.
- One thing I love to do is
purchase chicken breasts, butterfly them (slice in the center for thinner
pieces), place them in a freezer bag, and add seasonings and oils to the
bag for marinating. Then I place that freezer bag in the freezer
labeled with the contents. It is much simpler to put that bag in
the fridge the night before cooking and throw the contents into the slow
cooker in the morning before work. Remember the slower cooker liner for easy clean up.
- Some mornings are met with
rushing so it is great to have yummy grab-and-go items so I'm not in a
drive thru first thing in the morning. Bagels, granola bars, and
cereal bars are great. Also if you like pancakes, they can be made
ahead of time, cooled and frozen. Pop in the microwave for 30-60
seconds and eat on the road (without syrup of course).
- For a healthy option (that
will keep you full longer) opt for steel cut oats. Make a big batch
Sunday night and divide into 5 mason jars. Sweeten with honey,
milk, cinnamon, and dried fruit. Cool and place in the refrigerator. Grab one on the way out the door
and heat up at work. Watch the jar when you heat it up though as it
will bubble over the top.
- Water
Water Everywhere.
My parents rarely let us drink juice any other time than breakfast time.
I am currently the #1 fan of Great Value Apple Juice, but to save
calories, I have juice at breakfast only, and water everywhere else.
Staying hydrated helps me as a lactating mother and it's just so
good for me!
- Keep
it Light.
I often have "off" times where I'm totally uninspired and wind
up eating a meal out of a bag, a very greasy bag. I've learned not
to be too hard on myself. I look forward to Friday nights because
it's going to either be pizza or Chinese take-out. Then while I eat
it, I check out Pinterest for ideas on meals that I and my family will enjoy.
From that inspiration, comes a grocery list (that is always in
development).
- Find
the Alternatives.
If you were raised like me, you know that you only get dessert if all your
food is consumed. I find myself eating strictly for the dessert, but
desserts have so many calories that it can throw off my entire day.
Soooooo, I find delicious alternatives. Some great low
calorie, low sugar alternatives to desserts are animal crackers, graham
crackers, ginger snaps, lemon snaps, and sorbet.
Hope this helps give you some ideas of where to start!
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