Well, here we are in 2014 and we have no super futuristic meal replacement pills or Jetson like setups. Hrmpf. We do have Roombas which are basically efficient cleaning robots, so that’s a start. I guess.
I’ve been eating like crap since I started working the late shift. I just don’t feel like cooking at 9pm. I realize many of you probably work longer hours and later shifts, but this is all new to me and I just haven’t gotten into the groove yet. So. I vowed to myself that after the holidays, I’d buckle down and meal plan. I’d plan snacks and portable foods for me to take to work. I’d plan some simple meals that can be whipped together in no time. I’d plan meals that were healthy and would work with my fitness goals for the year. Less sugar. Less fat. More veg.
Well, today I did just that. I stayed in bed with a hot cup of coffee, several cookbooks and an iPad and went to town.
I’m pretty excited, I won’t lie. I planned about ten meals to last over the next two weeks, (I leave a couple days for take out or alternate plans) and with what I had in the pantry and what my Dad gave me from his garden stash – I only spent about $130. Maybe you’re a better budgeter, but for me, this is stellar!
Without further ado, here are a few of the recipes!
Rustic Tomato Rice & Kale Stew – Healthy. Happy. Life. I just made this one tonight and honestly, it’s one of the best soups I’ve ever made. Hearty. Rich. Flavorful. EASY. You should add this to your menu plan for next week.
Potato Leek Soup (Vegan) – Fettle Vegan. I’m excited about this one too. My Dad gave me a whole bunch of leeks and potatoes from his harvest this year that need to get eaten up. What better way to showcase them, than a 5 ingredient soup?
BBQ Cauliflower Salad – Fork & Beans. I’m hoping this will be hearty enough for a dinner salad since it has avocado and beans in it. Maybe a hunk of crusty bread on the side?
Kung Pao Tofu – Fettle Vegan. I’ve tried a few kung pao recipes before, I’m hoping this one is a winner. I think I’ll add some toasted nuts to it for crunch and serve some broccoli on the side. Yum.
Chinese Tempeh Salad – Fork & Beans. I’m SUPER stoked about this. I love tempeh and I love the asian style salads with crunchy chow mein noodles. I’ll probably bake my tortilla strips instead of frying them, but I will give the tempeh a toss in my cast iron for some texture.
Smokin’ Hoppin’ John – Serious Eats. I was supposed to make this for New Year’s Day but…fail whale. I was lazy, didn’t feel well and ordered New Year’s Day Pizza instead. It was yummy and I’m sure this recipe will be as well. I might toss in a little kale since I have MASSIVE bags from Whole Foods that I’ll need to use up.
The other meals I’m planning on don’t really have recipes, but just in case you find some inspiration in them I’ve included them.
-Veggie dogs, baked beans and toast
-Sundried tomato basil white bean burgers & salad
-Black bean quinoa bowls with homemade salsa and avocado
-Tempeh reubens & salad
-Chili stuffed baked sweet/regular potatoes & salad
What are you making this month? Are you changing your diet at all this year?
Happy New Year, friends!
Feelings? I ate them all. 