8/9/11 Katie's Healthy Eating Journal: Tuesday

I just had a conversation with a friend about healthy eating.  She and I were discussing trying to eat more fresh veggies and planning weekly meals.  It got me thinking about how I was raised.  My Mom always spent time pouring over her recipes deciding what the "menu" would be for the following week.  This left my Dad in charge of the grocery shopping.  They both did their fair share of cooking.  Actually, they made a good team.  I never thought twice that any other way of shopping was done in families.  In fact, when I had my own family it was just assumed that before the grocery shopping I came up with the list and planned what we would be having for the week.  It really didn't occur to me until I was talking with my friend that a lot of people either eat out or just run to the store when they need a thing or two.  I know some families that go grocery shopping several times a week.  I hate grocery shopping and the less I go the better. 

But, in reality, if you're trying to eat healthy, planning out your meals leaves no room for spur decisions to run to Chipotle or indulge in McDonald's because it's all you had time to pick up on your way to work.  Planning is in essence exactly what it means.  Sit down and think about what you're going to be feeding you and your family for the next several days.  You have complete control over eating a healthy diet.  I strongly urge you to make time to do this.  I think you'll find you are eating balanced meals and making sure to hit those fruits and veggies.  It's become habitual to me because I've never known anything different.  If you model this for your own children most likely they will make this a point to do in their own adult lives. 

Breakfast -

JC Breakfast Scramble

Banana

1 cup coffee with 2 tsp. fat-free creamer

Snack -

JC Anytime Bar

Lunch -

JC Cheeseburger

Carrots

Snack -

3/4 cup grapes

Dinner -

JC Chicken Fettucine

Broccoli with 1 tbsp. margarine

Snack -

JC Toffee Cookies