We started phase 1 yesterday so earlier in the week I took some index cards and wrote out ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I used a recipe from the boards here, a couple from Kalyn, and several from the SBD cookbooks. I tried to find a mix of things we have had before and some new recipes to keep it interesting. I also went through the food list and listed out the veggies we like. From that I created a shopping list. I made sure that I had cleared out all the food we shouldn't be eating and then went shopping. It sure was nice not to have to figure out where to put things once I brought it all home! Don't know why I don't do that all the time before I shop.
Then I sat down on NYE and wrote out meal plans specific for each meal, each day in my journal through next Sunday. I like to make my meal plans on Fridays and go shopping on Saturday mornings so I figured I would stretch what I had to more than the normal week I plan for so I can get back on that schedule. I'm so glad when I take the time to do this. It makes it so much easier when I know what I need to take out of the freezer the night before and sometimes I get so wrapped up with things during the day I don't even want to try and think of what to make for dinner. This way I just open my journal and see exactly what I need to do. It also helps because I can plan out when to make meals that are quick or maybe save some leftovers because I'm not going to be home that day or I need to take a lunch with me to the office (I'm only there about 4 days a month).
I also whipped up some gazpacho to keep in the fridge for those times when I'm just really hungry and need something between meals. It will also work when I need to take a lunch with me to the office if I end up with less leftovers than I thought I would.
I really want to stay on top of this. It makes me so much calmer to have things planned out. Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy though and don't take the time to do it. Kinda sounds like my diet sometimes - I know what is good for me but don't always do it!
Looking forward to hearing what others are doing with their plans. I get such great ideas from everyone here!
Thanks for starting this thread!!
Gabby