Eat at Home 3!

[jsmla]

There is a book called The Belly Fat Cure that is a great book with great ideas. It isn't full on Atkins but has some of the same principles. You might find some items in there that are good for you both.

Thanks for the recommendation! Right now I'm just going to wait and see, neither of us are known for our self discipline. If he sticks with it I'll take it all a bit more seriously. Our DD is getting married next year and he wants to slim down a bit.

 

[tortilla24]

Posting for the first time here but have just gotten into the swing of meal planning
It's just me and my boyfriend - no kiddos so we're pretty flexible. We're both trying to be lower carb and trying to limit weekend alcohol consumption

This week was:

Monday: Lunch... salad from Chop't, Dinner... Spicy California shrimp stacks (recipe from Skinnytaste)
Tuesday: Lunch... leftover shrimp stacks, Dinner... spaghetti squash ragu (recipe from Skinnytaste)
Wednesday: Lunch... buffalo chicken potato skins (recipe from Skinnytaste), Dinner... leftover squash argue
Thursday: Lunch... out for thai food - had chicken eggplant salad in lime sauce, Dinner... out with a friend and over splurged - I had 2 wings, 3 deviled eggs, 3 glasses of wine, 2/3 ahi tuna salad and 1/2 a big slice of carrot cake
Friday: Lunch... sushi date with step-sister, Dinner... leftover buffalo chicken potato skins
Saturday: Crockpot sesame honey chicken (recipe from Skinnytaste)
Sunday: Leftovers

 

[jsmla]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

Sunday (Pre-Atkins)
We went to a craft fair and had fair food (jambalaya and roast pork poboys) for a late lunch, too full for dinner.

Monday
Okay, so DH has decided that he wants to try Atkins. I'm supposed to be cutting back on fat. It looks like we'll be doing His and Hers menus.
Me: grilled halibut, grilled zucchini and tomatoes
DH: grilled halibut, salad of lettuce and cheese

Tuesday
Me: grilled pork chop, baked potato, spinach salad w/apples and walnuts
I had a late lunch, ended up skipping dinner.
DH: grilled pork chops, grilled smoked sausage, green salad

Wednesday
I'll be at my father's house 90 miles away all day so something quick!
Blackened Shrimp
Me: grilled veggies, avocado, tortillas and "Mexican" rice
DH: grilled shrimp salad
We both had grilled shrimp salads.

Thursday
Stir fried chicken tenderloins with onions and peppers
Me: rice, green beans w/almonds
DH: green beans w/bacon
Abundance of pork chops and sausage leftover from Tuesday. DH had that, I had a veggie burger with avocado and strawberries.

Friday
TBD
Planning on chicken fajitas (low fat corn tortillas, fat free sour cream, avocado, grilled veggies, salsa) for me, salad and grilled chicken for DH.

Saturday
BYO barbeque with the neighbors. I'm bringing a corn casserole for everyone else which neither of us can have. I'll probably buy a steak for DH and fish for me.

 

[queenofthehive]

Never perfectly as planned... Life happens and I just roll with it. It is a plan so that I have an idea what we will have for dinner and all the ingredients on hand to make that dinner. I might mix the days up etc... Sometimes I don't make it at all and roll it to the next week. For example, I was going to make a pot roast Wednesday and put in the slow cooker before I left for work. I was running behind that morning and it didn't get to put it on. I just made a quick dinner of eggs/sausage/breakfast stuff for dinner instead.... Just look at as a guide not as strict plan. It never works out perfect -just be flexible with it.

 

[stayhomemom77]

Today- bacon, eggs, french toast, fruit
Tues-chicken, 2x baked potatoes, greek salad
Wed-broccoli cheddar soup, grilled cheese, green beans
Thurs-pork chops in mushroom sauce, rice, peas
Fri-pizza, veggies and dip
Sat-lasagna, salad
Sun-leftovers

Well DH went off his low carb diet AGAIN! I swear that man is going to be the death of me!! I plan and shop based on what I know we'll need for the week. When he is low carb I buy more meat and yogurt and when he isn't I buy more milk, bread and cereal. When he goes off plan, we eat up more of the one and less of the other. I do stockpile, but on a small scale right now. Over time (he's done this to me four times in the last six weeks) I've used up WAY more milk, bread and cereal than I should have and way less meat. My kids won't eat the meat (well DD eats SOME but not in the amounts I purchase for DH) so now my stockpile is ridiculously unbalanced and I don't have the money to put it right. I had to resort to buying cereal that the kids like but that DH doesn't...just so we don't run out completely.

Sorry...small rant that turned larger. I just wish the man would choose a diet plan and stick to it!!

 

[stayhomemom77]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

Generally speaking...we do quite well. A few tweak and changes sometimes, but usually things go pretty much according to plan. EVEN when DH does the low carb fake out...like he's been doing a lot lately.

Our plan for the week was:
Monday- bacon, eggs, french toast, fruit
Tues-chicken, 2x baked potatoes, greek salad
Wed-broccoli cheddar soup, grilled cheese, green beans
Thurs-pork chops in mushroom sauce, rice, peas
Fri-pizza, veggies and dip
Sat-lasagna, salad
Sun-leftovers

And so far this week the changes are:

Mon-the kids wanted pancakes instead of french toast
Tues-mashed potatoes instead of 2x baked (leftover from the weekend) and broccoli instead of the greek salad (DH cooked and didn't feel like making the greek salad)
Wed-canned tomato soup instead of broccoli cheddar (I wasn't about to go to the trouble of making his low carb soup if he wasn't actually eating low carb)

Thursday was bang on and tonight's plan is what we are actually having as well.

I see no reason why the weekend should be any different either.

 

[jsmla]

Well DH went off his low carb diet AGAIN! I swear that man is going to be the death of me!! I plan and shop based on what I know we'll need for the week. When he is low carb I buy more meat and yogurt and when he isn't I buy more milk, bread and cereal. When he goes off plan, we eat up more of the one and less of the other. I do stockpile, but on a small scale right now. Over time (he's done this to me four times in the last six weeks) I've used up WAY more milk, bread and cereal than I should have and way less meat. My kids won't eat the meat (well DD eats SOME but not in the amounts I purchase for DH) so now my stockpile is ridiculously unbalanced and I don't have the money to put it right. I had to resort to buying cereal that the kids like but that DH doesn't...just so we don't run out completely.

Sorry...small rant that turned larger. I just wish the man would choose a diet plan and stick to it!!

Hate, hate the Atkins thing, it just doesn't seem healthy to me. My DH is a champion yo yo dieter. I think he just heard someone say that you can eat steaks and bacon until it comes out of your nose on Atkins. He hasn't read anything about it himself. I'm on a low fat diet per the doctor (crazy high cholesterol) but have to confess that I cheat a little every now and then. I don't think you can cheat at all on Atkins, isn't it supposed to be some sort of biochemical thing?

 

[stayhomemom77]

Hate, hate the Atkins thing, it just doesn't seem healthy to me. My DH is a champion yo yo dieter. I think he just heard someone say that you can eat steaks and bacon until it comes out of your nose on Atkins. He hasn't read anything about it himself. I'm on a low fat diet per the doctor (crazy high cholesterol) but have to confess that I cheat a little every now and then. I don't think you can cheat at all on Atkins, isn't it supposed to be some sort of biochemical thing?

LOL You got it! Cheating is being off the program. You can't kind of do it. Although he doesn't actually do Atkins per se anyway...my dad bought the book and told DH all about it and he gave it a shot a while back. But he doesn't really have the proper information...he just avoids most carb rich foods. Except not. And it annoys me. I follow the old weight watchers program and I'm losing weight...he's basically holding steady...or maybe gaining...I don't know if he's been weighing in lately. I've BEGGED him to just practice portion control and exercise more (he's been doing essentially nothing in that area since the new year began) but he doesn't want to track/count and just hasn't gotten around to fitting some kind of workout into his daily schedule. But he hates the low carb diet so he spends more time off of it than on it. He did lose about 20-25 pounds on it in the fall though so he's not willing to let it go. I wish I could convince him.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

I make about 75-85% of what I plan...and the things I roll are the things that CAN roll (so I usually plan one "easy" meal that uses a premade sauce mix or spice mix and a frozen protein - if I don't get to it, I roll it ahead). Sometimes I will swap sides if something is going bad sooner (so strawberries may move up a day or two and citrus fruits fall back, even if they don't go)...but I plan after I shop, so I know what produce I have, what proteins I need to use up, etc...like this week, I have lots of greens (spinach, lettuce, green kale) which will all need to be used by about Wednesday...I will plan now to use them separately, but if that fails and they start wilting faster, chicken sandwich with a pesto marinade (spinach/kale) and the lettuce as a topping could sub in for what I'm planning (I like to have that backup thought, even if it's not my plan)...

 

[westcoastfldisneygirl]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

We are about 80-90% of the time. It makes our lives so much easier. Sometimes a night ends up being a leftovers night or an "easy night' (canned soup, etc) but we are pretty good at staying on track. We haven't eaten out (except Disney) in so long and we don't miss it.

 

[westcoastfldisneygirl]

We have a LONG week coming up. H has long nights at work/lots of events. Trying to utilize my freezer as much as possible. H and I will probably not be eating together at all, but I will have stuff ready for dinner.

Monday: Baked ziti from the freezer, salad (maybe)
Tuesday: Chicken marinated in Caesar dressing (from freezer), cheesy broccoli
Wednesday: I have my workout class. Easy night/leftovers
Thursday: Homemade black bean burgers from the freezer, alexa sweet potato puffs
Friday: Frozen pepperoni pizza
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Slow cooker Pasta e Fagioli http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-pasta-e-fagioli

 

[TwoMisfits]

Sat - Frozen Lasagna, Green Salad (friends coming for game night after dinner, so I need something that does not require any work to make and clean)
Sun - Chicken Dorito Tacos, Blackberries
Mon - Baked Chicken with Thai Peanut Crust (finally really doing this), Kale Chips, Strawberries, Apple Muffins
Tues - Spaghetti and Meatballs with Sauteed Spinach, Citrus Smoothies
Wed - Leftovers and/or Loaded Baked Potato Chowder Soup with Bacon Crumbles, Sauteed Onions, Carrots and any Kale/Spinach Left, Blackberries, Ciabatta bread for dipping from my farm box
Thurs - Corned Beef, Roasted Cabbage, Mashed Potato (yep, gonna celebrate)
Fri - Cheese Pizza, Leftover Soup, Leftover Fruits and/or Smoothies
Sat - Potluck at Church - I'm bringing 4lbs roasted balsamic baby carrots (thank you Aldi's for having them on sale this week - I'll grab them fresh Tuesday to cook)

 

[DnA2010]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

We kinda do- usually we manage some if the items-

Here is my plan:

Monday- Thinking fajitas
Tuesday- hamburger helper type dish on mash potatoes with veg, or taco salad
Wednesday- homemade soup (we have a few in the freezer) and cheese toast
Thursday- pork chops or ribs, salad, not sure on side yet
Friday- meatball subs, salad and fries
Saturday- just DH and I, so thinking applies of some sort
Sunday- fish of some sort and quinoa

Here is how we have done:

Monday- pork fajitas
Tuesday- we had the pork chops, orzo and frozen veg
Wednesday- Slow cooker ribs, quinoa, salad
Thursday- tortellini, marinara sauce, salad
Friday- didn't cook as DD got picked up for her visit with bio-mom early- DH off to work for the night so he took frozen leftover dinner, I had tomato soup

 

[Kellars]

I am subscribing to this thread! Lots of good ideas to be found.

We are semi-retired, just the two of us. I meal plan before grocery shopping, but seldom plan the menu for specific days. I work part-time so dinner is based on my work schedule. I still cook once for two meals, plan leftovers from a previous meal, and put together make ahead freezer meals. My crockpot plays a big part in all of this. I keep a few easy/quick pantry meals on hand for those nights that things go awry.

Chicken wings & Fries /side salad
Fish tacos with cole slaw & full toppings
Pork chops, potato gratin, broccoli
Red beans & Rice, zucchini noodles, artisan bread
Veggie lasagne & caesar salad/ garlic bread
Meatloaf, baked potato, peas, caramelized onions.
Chicken pot pie

 

[jsmla]

Well, changing it up again! We're in Louisiana and it looks like our business is going to flood. We've got everything moved up into the raised warehouse but it's still going to be no fun. We were supposed to go to a St Patty's a Day parade and then BBQ this afternoon but that won't happen. I'm cooking 1/2 of the chicken planned for the BBQ to make jambalaya for me, will probably grill the rest for poor DH.

 

[Arich01]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

Wow! Sorry to hear your business may flood! Stay safe and as dry as possible!

Normally we usually stick to the menu plan, worst case just swapping days. However, lately we can hardly stick to the plan at all! I only had 4 things on the menu for last week and so far, I've only made one dinner as planned!!!! Too much eating out and that is going to stop this week! I feel so gross from eating out as much as we have. Yuck.

Already coming up with ideas for next weeks menu- really trying not to buy anything at all if I can avoid it. That goes for lunches as well

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

This week includes slow cooker smoked sausage and potato casserole, beef tips and rice, lentil and brown rice tacos, sourdough toast, eggs and fruit and then bean and rice burritos.

 

[bigsis1970]

Just curious, how well does everyone stick to their planned menu? We never seem to stick with it.

We normally do very well 90% of the time I'd say.. I started this long ago when the kids were little and I was a single mom and they kids had crazy sports schedules.. just kept on doing it when I got re-married and the kids grew up it just was habit and actually my Hubs likes it.. I usually do stockpile some since in the past year we got a small chest freezer and large pantry closet ...

My plan this week include myself, Hubs all week and my mom Monday and Tuesday nights..

Monday - Hubs leftover pot roast dinner, mom and I Tilapia, noodles and Brussels or cabbage
Tuesday - Parm & Herb coated baked chicken, Rice pilaf and green beans
Wednesday - Chicken strips, Mac & Cheese and mixed veggies
Thursday - Hubs is having corned beef dinner in the crockpot and I'll have ham steak, sautéed cabbage and carrots
Friday & Saturday night - this is my bonus payday weekend so it's likely we'll eat out someplace !

 

[stayhomemom77]

DH didn't even try to suggest he was going to low carb this week. Made my job easier for planning.

This week the kids are on March break (Spring Break) so all lunches will also be eaten at home. That means more pb&j and grilled cheese sammies and less cheese strings and granola bars. Works for me!

Mon-ham and twice baked potatoes, salad
Tues-girls out for the evening, boys Kraft Mac and Cheese
Wed-East Side Mario's dinner
Thurs-chicken and noodles, broccoli
Fri-butter chicken, naan, rice, peas
Sat-fish and chips (probably chicken strips for the fussy kids), veggies and dip
Sun-leftovers

 

[DnA2010]

Here was my plan:

Monday- Thinking fajitas
Tuesday- hamburger helper type dish on mash potatoes with veg, or taco salad
Wednesday- homemade soup (we have a few in the freezer) and cheese toast
Thursday- pork chops or ribs, salad, not sure on side yet
Friday- meatball subs, salad and fries
Saturday- just DH and I, so thinking applies of some sort
Sunday- fish of some sort and quinoa

Here is how we have done:

Monday- pork fajitas
Tuesday- we had the pork chops, orzo and frozen veg
Wednesday- Slow cooker ribs, quinoa, salad
Thursday- tortellini, marinara sauce, salad
Friday- didn't cook as DD got picked up for her visit with bio-mom early- DH off to work for the night so he took frozen leftover dinner, I had tomato soup
Saturday- DH and I had chili cheese fries and salad (so bad for us but so good)
Sunday- Family dinner at the outlaws so didn't cook and came home with leftovers for my lunch today! Oh Yeah!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This Weeks Plan:

Monday: DH is doing homemade pizzas (we had homemade pizza)
Tuesday: I think we may eat at outlaws (DH made pork chops and veg and such)
Wednesday: Frozen soup, cheese toast, cut veggies (we had soup etc )
Thursday: hamburger helper on mash potatoes with frozen veg (we had chicken fajitas)
Friday:At ski hill- pesto pasta with chicken, salad
Saturday: At ski hill- either pizza or possibly breakfast for dinner
Sunday:Something easy after skiing- hmm- I think I have a turkey casserole in the freezer still