Last week was a productive week. Even though I did not stick to the menu plan for dinners (which is why you see some of the same things as last week) I was still able to keep my calories under control. This resulted in a 2lb weight loss. Woohoo!
The key was still checking in with my food journal everyday! As long as I knew what I was eating it was more difficult for me to overeat. The mindless eating will get me every time.
This week I am taking my own advice and entering the menu plan into my online food journal ahead of time. This way I know the foods and calories I will be eating everyday and don’t need to think too much about it. The entire process took me a little over an hour but I suspect it will be worth it come weigh in on Sunday.
Weight Loss Goals for 2012
- Lose the last 20lbs by June 1st.
Weight Loss Action Plan
- Keep calories between 1300 – 1500 a day. Like I said to stay on track with this I will input my menu plan into my food journal ahead of time. That way I know exactly what I will be eating the moment I wake up.
- Power walk for 40 minutes on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Do not eat after 7:00pm. This little tip really helps me keep calories for the day under control.
- Drink 64 ounces of water a day. To keep me on track with this I think I am going to purchase a large 32 ounce water bottle
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Menu Plan {January 16th – 22nd}
This week I formatted my menu plan into a nice landscaped chart for you making it much easier to print out, view, and follow. You can view it here. I also added the daily calories. I will add WW points to future menu plans.
By clicking on the links in the chart you will see the ingredients, nutritional and freezer cooking instructions for each recipe. If there is not a link then that means I have not posted it yet but will as soon as I can.
Please note that I am keeping my menu plan simple this week eating much the same thing for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. For me it is easier to stay on track and grocery shop when I don’t have to put together different foods everyday.
Make Ahead Instructions
- Breakfast burritos were made last week and I still have a few left.
- I will be making the breakfast sandwiches, coffee creamer, and energy bars today.
- I put together a quesadilla freezer meal kit and complete chicken enchilada freezer meal last weekend.
- Shredded chicken, meatballs, pizza dough, and tacos are made and ready in the freezer to prepare dinners this week.
This menu plan will participate in Menu Plan Monday hosted by The Organizing Junkie.
Menu Planning Resource
I am currently reading Plan It, Don’t Panic: Everything You Need to Successfully Create and Use a Meal Plan
Love the new menu layout! Here’s our menu from last week (I post the week after I cook):
http://thelittlethingsjournal.blogspot.com/2012/01/menu-plan-monday-in-reverse-january-16.html
Just found your blog and I’m loving all your beautiful food photos. Congratulations on your weight loss, as well. It takes a lot of patience and hard work, I’m sure.
Thank you! I try to get the best photos I can but I am still learning
It does take patience and hard work. But menu planning and freezer cooking has made it much easier for me. Thanks so much for stopping by.
I like your menu plan layout. I might have to try something like that. Here is what we are eating this week:
http://healthynbalanced.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/weekly-menu-116-122/
Great job on the menu all planned, and it’s a great idea to enter your food ahead of time. I’m always glad when I do that.
Thanks Laura! Haven’t seen you in awhile, how are things going?
Thanks, I had a bit of a slip-up toward the end of the year. Bought a new house that needed work, took a vacation to Hawaii, the holidays and my weight loss efforts slid to the back burner. I’m happy to be back on track again!
I am so glad I found your blog! (I think I found it on pinterest.) I am really bad about eating out and not cooking but your freezer recipes look so easy! I’ve heard many people talk about freezing food but I never understood how the reheating process worked. Now I understand how easy it is! I can’t wait to try the breakfast burritos!
Krista thank you so much for stopping by. I love freezer cooking and it seriously has changed my life. Just start small and slowly incorporate recipes into your menu plan. Keep in touch!
Just found your blog–I LOVE your layout for your menu w/ calories added. I really like how you’ve incorporated some freezer items too. I’m a working wife and mom of 3 who needs to lose 30 pounds and I’m so overwhelmed! I think this will help me. thanks for posting
My question is– where can I find your recipe for the homemade coffee creamer? thanks
Hi Lisa! You and I are one in the same. I totally get where you are right now. Just remember slow and steady wins the race. Take your time and make slow changes. I just posted my homemade creamer recipe. You can also find under the all recipes tab. Keep in touch!