My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday: Focus on Fitness

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I am not an athlete. I used to blame my knee’s. Oh yes, the “bad knee’s story”. Nothing has ever happened to my knee’s, I’ve just been so out of shape that I would be in pain if I tried to run. Great logic huh, too out of shape to exercise. There was a time in my early 20s that I worked out daily. I looked fit and was comfortable with the way my body looked for maybe the first time. I used the machine for lifting and the bike for cardio. I would only get on the treadmill if there was no bike available and I would not run, back to the bad knee story.

After that I got married and my husband already had 3 kids. Between working full-time, taking care of my new husband and kids, and a little work on my MBA (that I never finished, thankfully) I didn’t have much time to work out. I joined a Curves and worked out there. It was fun but not a tough workout. I maybe lost a few pounds but nothing substantial. Then we moved to AZ and I’d start working out again ever so often. When I shared my story I talked about working out for months and not losing weight.

A few month’s ago something started to stir in me, I started working out again, not running, but I didn’t stick with it, again. My husband wanted us to work out together and I started dreaming about running. What if I really could run? I watched past episodes of The Biggest Loser and would see a person who weighed 400 pounds running, working out, getting fit. I knew that if they could do then I could too. I was done with the excuses but would I stick with it. I also have two incredible friends who are runner and are faced with some obstacles that make it difficult/impossible to run right now.

I went running a few times, not far and not long but it was progress. I talked to my husband and one of my dear friends, who is a runner, about it. I knew what I had to do. I had to blog about it. Once I put it out there for everyone to see I knew I would be committed. No one likes to fail in public and the internet is public enough for me. 

So one week ago we committed to a one month fitness challenge. My husband and I are working out together and I’m going on short runs, hoping to run faster and longer as I get in better shape. I’ll share more about what we are doing some other day. For now I need to share how we are fueling these workouts.

Meal Plan

Breakfast will be Breakfast Quinoa, oatmeal with fruit, toast with nut butter, fruit, soup (I love leftover soup for breakfast) and the occasional bowl of cereal. My favorite way to eat cereal lately is with blueberries, banana’s and almond milk.

Lunch will be leftovers on most days. I like to grab a quick almond butter sandwich on busy days. Lately I can’t get enough bean burritos. I bought a vat of spinach so I’ll need to eat plenty of wraps so it doesn’t go slimy like last week.

Snack is mostly fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, banana’s and nut butter.

Last week I just sat out cooked grains, beans, and veggies and we made out own meals. We didn’t enjoy this much. It works better as a once in a while type of thing not an every night thing. This week I’ll be making a distinct meal most evenings but not necessarily assigning a special night to it. Also, I work with kids at church on Wednesday night’s so we need a quick meal or take out and my husband is hosting a “Guy’s Night” this week so I’ll be making food for that.

 This week Dinner include’s:

  • Potato Soup with Carrots, Onions, and Garlic (made on Sunday night)
  • Gluten-Free Spaghetti with Mushrooms and Red Sauce, also a Big Garden Salad
  • Spicy Black Bean Soup, I may make this in the Crock Pot, and I have avocados at the ready
  • Chopped Salad or some other Big Salad

I’m also planning the food for the Plant-Based Food Demo I’m hosting soon. I will need to begin cooking some of the dishes I plan to serve to make sure everything turns out the way I want.

Since we have been working out for a week I am definitely craving more calories (and more junk food)! Any suggestions for a newbie runner and aspiring athlete?

Meal Plan Monday: Fueled For Fun

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I finally made it to the store this weekend. The last few weeks we have been so busy we would just run in for banana’s, almond milk, and what ever else we needed for survival. This week my kitchen is stocked with anything a girl could ask for.

Last night I made a Mexican Quinoa Dish that was so amazing my husband and I ate a huge serving bowl full. Since it was full of healthy, yummy goodness neither of us had that overeating bloaty feeling. YAY for eating plants!

While grocery shopping I had one of those experiences that only really happen a few times a year. I’m pushing my cart through the store and smell a glorious medley of apricots, nectarines, and peaches. I stopped my cart and backed it up, then filled bags with yummy summer time fruit. If you shop at Sprout’s I was the crazy lady smelling the pineapples too! This happens to me in the fall when apples catch my attention too.

Meal Plan

Breakfast this week will be bagels (I found them on clearance), oatmeal, Breakfast Quinoa, my husband likes Baked Sweet Potatoes with a little cinnamon, toast, and fruit.

Lunches will be leftovers (more quinoa), nut butter sandwiches, GF pasta with veggies, leftover pancakes (from Father’s Day), and anything else inspiration stirs up.

Snacks will be fruit since I have apricots, nectarines, apples, bananas, pineapples, cantaloupe, honey dew, oranges, blueberries and a couple of peaches. I’m sure I’ll have peanut or almond butter on the apples and bananas. I found some organic soy yogurt on clearance that my husband and boys will have. Hummus and veggies are sure to make an appearance as well. A few months ago I would set hummus and carrots on the counter and munch every time I would walk by. I came to realize my hummus addiction was out of control so I have cut back substantially. 🙂

Dinner will come in the form of “Build You Own” nights. I’ll have grains, beans, veggies, and sauces at the ready and we can pick what we want. So for Monday we may choose Baked Potato topped with spicy lentils and a side or broccoli. Tuesday we may have a wrap with quinoa, beans, salsa, diced tomatoes and jalapenos. The “Build Your Own” foods will be:

  • Quinoa
  • Brown Rice
  • Millet
  • Black Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Lentils
  • Baked Potatoes
  • New Potatoes
  • Bell Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapenos
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Portobello Mushrooms (these will probably be grilled)
  • Avocado

I’m experimenting with this style to see if I can save time and cut down on a little waste. My husband usually takes leftovers for lunch so this may help us be better prepared to that too.

What are you eating this week? Are there any grilled veggies in your future? Are you in love with summer fruit like I am?

Meal Plan Monday:Quick Meals

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About a month ago several friends of mine were talking about how busy there summers were going to be. I just sat back with a smirk because I had almost nothing planned, that is until my calendar started filling up. This week is a very busy week in our household. We had a much busier weekend than normal and didn’t even do our normal grocery shopping. 

My goal is to make due with what we have, maybe make a fruit and almond milk run, and have all dinner take less than 30 minutes to prepare. Breakfast and lunches usually only take about 5 minutes to make. I like to cook beans and grains on the weekend so they can be heated for a quick meal, alas I did not do that this weekend. I’ll make sure I cook these when I find spare time in the afternoon. 

Meal Plan

Breakfast will be oatmeal, toast, cereal, and fruit.

Lunch will be sandwiches, wraps, or leftovers, inventive I know. 

Snacks will be fruit, mini muffins I made over the weekend, and chips and salsa.

Dinner 

Monday: Brown rice with taco seasoned lentils, corn, salsa and guacamole.

Tuesday: Baked Potato (busy evening)

Wednesday: Veggie Stir Fry (made with spinach, carrots, red bell pepper, onions, garlic, and some frozen veggies to round things out)

Thursday: Spinach Dal

Friday: Bean Burritos 

The only thing that will take over 30 minutes to make is the brown rice. I’ll make a big batch and use the leftovers through the week to save time later. 

Do you have any tips or tricks for saving time in the kitchen? What is your favorite quick meal? 

Meal Plan Monday: It’s Hot in AZ

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I did not do much cooking last week. I believe that is two weeks in a row. I’m in a bit of a slump but I have good intentions for getting back on track. Last night I grilled some portobello’s and some other veggies. They had been on last weeks Meal Plan but got bumped although I don’t remember why.

I feel like eating a Plant-Based diet takes a bit more planning because you can’t just fall back on picking something up at a drive through. We still get a few too many bean burritos from fast food joints but since my youngest can’t have wheat we can’t depend on that to feed all of us.

I typically do less cooking in the summer so I’m always seeking quick and easy dishes that can be thrown together. If you live in a climate that is cold now take a look as some of my past Meal Plans, January through March will have better cold weather food.

Also, my boys start swimming lessons this week with lessons at 11:25 am. So lunch will be easy for the next two weeks. 

Meal Plan

Breakfast this week will be gluten-free waffles (a splurge for my boys), toast, fruit, oatmeal, and cereal. 

Lunch will be Bean and Grain bowls, sandwich wraps (I have a ton of spinach), nut butter sandwiches, all with fresh fruit, and of course leftovers. 

Snack will be smoothies (what could be better than that when the temps are over 100°F, fruit, I’m also in pretty desperate need of some new hummus which will be good with veggies.

Dinner

Monday: Gluten-Free Pasta with a Tomato-Spinach Sauce

Tuesday: Grilled Lavash Veggie Pizza 

Wednesday: Something awesome with Chickpea’s. I don’t know what yet but chickpea’s never let me down. I also need to make hummus.

Thursday:  Black Beans, Brown Rice, with grilled veggies (peppers, onions, corn)

Friday: I’ll probably make Baked Potatoes and Baked Sweet Potatoes for my boys while my husband and I enjoy take out. I make a bunch for quick meals on the weekends.

On our date nights we sometimes eat out, other times we just get a movie and takeout. Last week we went out to our favorite place, Pita Jungle. We usually start with a large hummus then get a something else to share. Last week we got a pesto pizza on a pita without cheese, we added some of our hummus to it, YUM! We’ve developed a good relationship with our server and we were there pretty late so most of the crowd was gone. We got a chance to visit more with our server, he recommend new things we might like and he brought us out new things to try. 

Do you do a date night? I think they are very important for every couple. No matter how long you’ve been together date nights are a great way to reconnect as a couple. It doesn’t have to cost a lot and you can be creative, the important part is to be intentional. What is your date night strategy?

Meal Plan Monday: A New Week

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Thank You to all of you who sent me kind words and to those of you who have been praying for my friend Amanda. I am happy to say that is is progressing and we (me, Amanda, her family and friends) are expecting a full recovery. Amanda’s hope is in God and it is Him who is giving her the strength to fight this battle and believe that she will overcome this!

She has progressed so much in a week. She is talking well, she has regained some feeling and use of her left side. She is still working at swallowing. I received a report earlier today that she was not in any pain, and I pray that has continued! She is also 14 weeks pregnant and the baby looks healthy and has a strong heart beat! I wanted to update all of you who have been so supportive this last week. I will try not to mention her here all the time so that I can respect their privacy but she definitely occupies my every thought.

Last Sunday night was one of those moments when your whole world changes. I hope I never lose this perspective of how precious life is and how quickly it can change.

Last week we ate out a few too many times although we are healthy options. Between Chipotle, Subway, Pita Jungle, and drive thru bean burrttios we were pretty well fed. Meals at home were rounded out by bowls of cereal, lots of fruit, Breakfast Stir Fry, oatmeal, quinoa, and baked potatoes. It wasn’t the healthiest week in our household but it wasn’t too bad either.

Meal Plan

Breakfast this week will be oatmeal, Breakfast Quinoa, Cereal, and maybe a Breakfast Stir Fry.

Lunch will be leftovers, pancakes, Baked Potatoes, and veggie wraps.

Snacks will be smoothies, toast with almond butter and apple slices, fruit, and hummus with fresh veggies.

Dinner

Monday: This is Memorial day in the U.S. and also our anniversary so we are going to try a new vegan restaurant.

Tuesday: Grilled Portobello Burgers, Potato Salad, and more veggies.

Wednesday: Quinoa Tacos, with Unfried Black Beans, Fresh salsa and fruit salad. (If there is leftover quinoa and beans I may mix them together to make burgers).

Thursday: Not So Tuna Salad, spinach salad, and fresh fruit.

Friday: Date Night so I usually make something easy for the boys like baked sweet potatoes and fruit while my husband and I have something else.

I know I’m getting off pretty easy in the cooking department this week. Hey, you gotta take it when you can get it right! What about you? Do you have your Plant-Based Meal Plan ready for the week? I’d love to see it!

 

Meal Plan Monday: Wanna Help

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I hope you had a great Mother’s Day weekend. One of the highlight’s of the weekend was the Virtual Vegan Potluck, over 60 bloggers shared recipes. If you have some time stop by the potluck. If you’re interested in seeing my contribution check out these Gluten-Free Apple Muffins.  

Every Monday I post a Meal Plan for the week. Sometimes I stick to it and other times not so much. I occasionally get stuck in a rut and make the same meals over and over. As the temperatures increase here in Arizona I find myself wanting to cook less and less. Does this happen to the rest of you?

Some of my quick and easy (I don’t want to cook anything) meals contained wheat/gluten and I’m trying to stay away from those now. Last week I shared on My Plant-Based Family’s Facebook page how my son’s eczema had almost completely cleared up when we were both gluten-free but started coming back when I would have wheat products (I’m still nursing him). 

The goal of my blog is to chronicle our journey eating a Plant-Based Diet and to do it inexpensively. That means paying $6 for a tiny loaf of gluten-free bread is not something that can be done often. Since we are relatively new to gluten-free eating I occasionally buy convenience items that are on sale, at least until I learn how to make substitutes. 

So here it is Monday and I need to come of with a Meal Plan, and I started thinking that maybe someone else would want to help. Do you wanna help? So I’ll share what produce I bought this weekend and you can give me ideas. How does that sound?

Produce

  • Spinach
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Jalapeno Peppers
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper
  • Limes
  • Broccoli
  • Summer Squash
  • Zucchini
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Grape Tomatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Honeydew Melon
  • Pear (only 1 left)
  • Oranges
  • Kiwi

I also have a big batch of cooked Pinto Beans and of cooked Quinoa along with big batch of Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus and a small batch of Spicy Hummus. My pantry is stocked with my normal go to items like rice, beans, oatmeal (but not gluten-free), and pasta (that is gluten-free). To see my normal supply click on this post about Resources.

What would you make? I’m having company on Tuesday and promised her Mexican food, she is pregnant and has 3 little one’s. Any suggestions? I’ll be posting on My Plant-Based Family’s Facebook page what we end up eating so follow it if you are curious. I’d love to say you could win a fabulous prize but sadly I don’t have any prizes to give away. But I will give you and your blog a shout out if we make a meal that you recommend! 🙂

Speaking of shout-outs, have you checked out Tia Tofu, when she gets to 500 likes on Facebook she will be giving away cookies! I can’t think of anything better than that. So run over to Tia Tofu’s Facebook page and like her. She is fabulous I promise!