Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m kind of bummed it’s on the most unromantic day of the week. I’ve never been a big fan of Mondays.
This week’s meal plan starts off with yet another bean burrito dish. I’m looking for the perfect one to freeze so I can have it on hand for quick meals. The black burrito meal I made a couple of weeks ago was good but not exactly what I’m looking for. So the search for the “elusive” freezable burrito continues.
I also made Spanish rice last week. The consistency was much fluffier (the no stirring helped a lot) but the flavor was off. Big A was excited to see the rice but stopped after her second bite. I’m going to try this recipe next. I’ll admit…I’m a little obsessed with rice and burritos right now.
I’m also trying spaghetti with power meatballs made with spinach and am revisiting the White Chicken Chili. As always, for more meal plan ideas see Org Junkie.
What’s Cooking This Week
Monday: Bean Burritos with all the toppings
Tuesday: Spaghetti with Power Meatballs (SOS cookbook), salad and bread
Wednesday: White Chicken Chili, fruit and carrots
Thursday: Hubby’s birthday — leaving it open will probably make salmon or go out
Friday: Make your own pizza with roasted veggies, fruit and salad
Salad of the week: Green salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Snack of the week: Valentine’s Day Smoothie
I’m proud of…ME!
A few weeks ago I was putting a turkey chili in the slow cooker and totally changed up the recipe. It turned out really good and I had this moment of pride realizing how far I’ve come.
During this moment I thought about my other recent accomplishments like hosting and making the food for my sister’s wedding shower and my mother-in-law’s birthday party. I’m not quite sure I love cooking yet but it’s much more rewarding – and less scary — than it used to be. I also am much better at picking out recipes that will work or me and my family. There are fewer disasters although they still occur.
To give you an idea of my pre-kids cooking ability, when I was in my twenties my best friend (and roommate at the time) oh so delicately told me “You better be good in bed.” She said this because of my lack of skills in the kitchen – and the fact that I totally messed up the bruschetta she just made by “trying to help.”
And while I’m still hard on myself and have my share of insecurities, I realize the leap of progress I’ve made. I often talk about how kids can help us heal our own food issues, whatever they might be, and for me, that has been cooking. Those of you who struggle with meal preparation know what I mean. Not knowing how to prepare meals can be a huge hindrance especially when kids are in the picture.
I’m writing about this or two reasons. First, to give those of you who don’t know how to cook hope and second, to remind you to be kind to yourselves. The socially acceptable way to bring about change is to use nagging and focus on our shortcomings. The “should” statements follow and we wonder why we are not motivated to do the things we keep falling short on.
So I could focus on the fact that I’m still afraid of cooking meat or that Big A is still picky (must be my cooking right?) or that I sometimes forgo my planned meal for an easy standby. Instead, today, I’m going to give myself credit for what I have done.
So join me with this positive energy by telling me what you have to be proud of.
News: Eggs, Diet & ADHD and Picky Eating
There were a couple of interesting reports released last week. The first was new data showing that the nutrition in eggs is better than previously thought. They have less cholesterol and more vitamin D. I personally love eggs. So easy to prepare and chock-full of nutrition. I can’t believe in the nineties I used to only eat the whites.
Another study published in The Lancet showed that a strict elimination diet decreased symptoms in kids with ADHD by 60 percent. The study offers the promise that working closely with a child’s diet can help reduce symptoms. More research still needs to be done but diet may be an alternative to medication for ADHD.
And lastly, I want to let you know about my podcast interview with the Meal Makeover Moms on the Science of Picky Eaters. They interviewed me based on my Picky Eating Series. While I don’t have any magical answers, I help explain why kids eat the way they do. So if you’re struggling with picky eating check it out!
Have a great week!
Want to create your way to meal plan in a way that works for you? Get step-by-step help in Maryann’s book The Family Dinner Solution.
Eggs are great! My kids love toad in a hole, scrambled, over easy, omelettes. They are so great for kids. I am glad eggs are in the good news section again!!!
Me too!
I have question regarding whole wheat. I recently read on another blog about a woman grinding hard WHITE wheat to make her flour. She says it is just a different variety of wheat (normally we use red wheat?) but when ground it has all the vitamins, minerals, and fiber as regular whole wheat but it tastes much better. Do you have any information about the 2 different types of wheat? Is this the wheat they use in store products where it says “white wheat bread” ?
Good question Rachel. I looked it up to be sure. Basically whole wheat bread is made with red wheat, which is darker in color and has a slightly bitter taste. White whole wheat is made with an albino variety of wheat, which is lighter in color and has a sweeter, milder flavor. It has the nutritional benefits of whole wheat bread with the texture of white bread.
Hi. Just found your blog and wanted to know if you’d be willing to share some healthy recipes with us. I would add these on a rotating basis on our web site. Thanks!