Joined the site today. First trip to the supermarket tomorro

tashajayne2011

I need to put together a meal plan for the next week and I have no clue where to start!

I have made my diary public (its only today and then what I planned for tomorrow, sorry) so if anyone has any genius ideas or tips I would be very grateful!!
I am on my own during the day but in the evenings I will need to be cooking for myself and my partner and our children.. I guess I would prefer to cook one meal for all rather than seperates

kimmerroze

I would check out the recipe forum in the message boards. there are fantastic recipes there.

DrBorkBork

Since you asked-- go to your local book store today and buy a copy of Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso. Now, before anyone jumps all over me, I just want to put out there that the book is filled with just good ol' fashioned, clean eatin' recipes. I think EVERY family, irregardless of their way of eating, should own a copy. Can't go wrong with healthy recipes, right?
Anyway, the reason I love this book (aside from the recipes) is that it has a 1 month meal plan, weekly grocery list, workout plan, and tips on how to get the whole family on board with healthy, clean eating.
It's the best $20 you'll splurge on this weekend!
Just my 2c.

Munchiemooka

Feel free to check out my diary for ideals.... I am also from the UK so you will reconise brands espically sainsburys lol :bigsmile:

Please add me if you wish :O)

udallmom101

I have a family of 5, and I fix one meal. I do simple changes to a lot of things and it all comes out pretty good. I use whole wheat pasta, brown rice, reduced fat cheese ( I can't stand NO FAT dairy), and we eat more lean meats, such as chicken, ground turkey, and some fish. I always shop the perimeter of the store - Produce, Meats, Dairy and then pick up a few odds and ends in the aisles, such as black beans, tomato sauce with no added salt, frozen veggies, and stuff like that. Whole Wheat Pita pockets are wonderful too! I love to fill them with my favorite veggies, some italian stewed tomatoes, reduced fat mozzarella and warm them in the toaster oven. Pizza on the Go!
I really hope this site helps you! I have been here for almost a year and have found it a wonderful tool to keep me going! Good luck!

bethdris

Welcome! we eat a lot of chicken. I'ts good protein, most days the kids will eat it and you can make it soo many ways.

We go through a lot of fruit! I get the kids little snacks that I don't eat, but for the most part we all eat the same foods. I use turkey in place of beef at some meals too. Make sure you check your calorie count on the turkey, b/c some of it is LESS lean than good lean hamburger. Veggies-The kids will eat green beans and sometimes peas and corn. I eat a lot more than that, buit I'm happy I can get some into them!!

Pasta-I only use Smart Ronzi pasta the kids/hubby dont know any difference and its less cals than most other pastas.

EricInArlington

apples for breakfast are great, big salads with your meals help fill you up, light dressing or vinegar taste pretty good. wheat bread if any, any veggie without salt added, always better to add too many calories on you logs then too little.

craftylatvian

Mmm, there are so many great foods out there that are good for you.
My personal staples for snacks/lunches:

hummus
cucumbers
tuna
peanut butter w/graham crackers or apples
greek yogurt
Larabars (no preservatives)
watermelon
bananas
pears

Dinners vary, but some other staples are:
parsnips & sweet potatoes (great roasted in the oven)
green beans
romaine lettuce
ground turkey (99% lean)
fresh tuna or salmon
eggs
zucchini (great for using slices in place of some lasagna noodles)



Stay away from processed foods and anything with processed sugars as much as you cnn.

My diary is open if you want to look for some ideas.

Remember to keep to the outside of the store, that is where the fresh stuff is.

sdirbder

I cook regular recipes I find online then make modifications as suggested above. The big thing for me in the plate portions. 1/2 veggies 1/4 protien, 1/4 carbs/starches. The veggies fill me up with out as much calories.

curvygirl512

I'm not sure how markets are set up in England, but here in the US they tell us to shop the perimeter of the store. The center of the store is typically where you'll find processed foods, bagged, canned, dehydrated, sugar/salt laden foods--foods we generally should avoid. Fresh produce, meats, dairy are around the perimeter, and always good bets. I'd also pay closer attention to portion size--that's been a difficult thing since I joined MFP. I was eating too much of good things. Good luck.

curvygirl512

I cook regular recipes I find online then make modifications as suggested above. The big thing for me in the plate portions. 1/2 veggies 1/4 protien, 1/4 carbs/starches. The veggies fill me up with out as much calories.

Plate proportions are so easy. I also downsized from a 10 in dinner plate to an 8 in salad plate. So easy!

tammykoon

I am still new at this myself. But if I were to make a recommendation it would be to reinvent your current meals. My Husband and I LOVE pizza. So, I found ways to make (or buy) flat bread pizzas. We have changed all our pastas to whole wheat and we are measuring to make sure we are eating proper portions size. Each week I try an new recipe from here or other websites. If we like it then it becomes a regular on our dinner table. Take a good look at the produce section and see what is usually available, then go home and find your recipe for next week. If you do this each week you'll be teaching yourself how to incorporate new foods in to your routine. Hope this helped. Have fun!