If you\u2019re thinking \u201cwow, that chick really knows how to celebrate St. Patrick\u2019s Day!\u201d clearly you\u2019re right. Party. Animal.<\/p>\n I started by listing the days we need meals for the week, considered any evening obligations, then picked out and planned out dinners from there.<\/p>\n When choosing dinner options I consider how long they take to make and what I can do ahead of time. Some sound fancy, but are deceivingly quick to make. I also list options for breakfasts and lunches that are healthy and quick to throw together.<\/p>\n These may seem dull, but having a base of beans and rice ready to go makes it easy to fancy it up come meal time.<\/p>\n From there, I made my grocery list and checked the pantry for what I already had (like brown rice, carrots and yogurt). I noted below what I bought organic, otherwise assume it is conventional.<\/p>\n Writing a list makes grocery shopping go by quickly. After getting home and unloading came the real secret to success- food prep!<\/p>\n With the help of my pressure cooker (non-soaked dried bean are ready in 25 minutes!), prep may look complicated, but it isn\u2019t. I threw the beans in the pressure cooker- set it and forget it. I brought the brown rice to a boil, reduced to simmer and set a timer. I started cooking the diced potatoes and stirred every few minutes. In between, I cracked eggs, grated cheese and diced vegetables.<\/p>\n Many people ask how I do this with Hailey running around. We usually start off with food distraction in her high chair where she can watch me. I dance around and play music (yes, it\u2019s quite the scene\u2026) while she eats and I prep. Koda desperately waits for dropped food.<\/p>\n This keeps her occupied for about 20-25 minutes, then, I just let her go wild.<\/p>\n There are a few drawers and cabinets that aren\u2019t child proofed and she has her way with them. I let her because there is no sense in trying to clean up until the end. Yesterday she continuously ran in and out to the porch to enjoy the beautiful weather (I can always see her). Koda sunbathed.<\/p>\n Inside I chopped, stirred and assembled.<\/p>\n Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n After a little more than 1 hour, I was done.<\/p>\n I feel ready for the week, which helps me relax and focus on just dinners, which are already mapped out and have ingredients bought. It seems like a lot of work, but really it\u2019s just some organization.<\/p>\n But before you think I have it all together, let me assure you that it\u2019s Monday and my laundry basket is still overflowing But as for food for the week\u2026<\/p>\n![\"food](\"https:\/\/www.ahealthysliceoflife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/food-rut-redemption-meal-planning_thumb.jpg\" "\\"food")
<\/a><\/p>\nSunday<\/span>– Chili & Lime Roasted Chicken, Roasted Red Potatoes and Green Beans<\/h3>\n
Monday<\/span>– Linguine with Clam Sauce and Saut\u00e9ed Kale<\/h3>\n
Tuesday<\/span>– Beef and Broccoli with Oyster Sauce and Brown Rice<\/h3>\n
Wednesday<\/span>– Black Bean Soup and Salad<\/h3>\n
Thursday<\/span>– Saut\u00e9ed Chicken Breasts with Mustard Sauce, Baked Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus<\/h3>\n
Lunch Options<\/span>– Bean and Rice Bowls, Salads, Leftovers<\/h3>\n
Breakfast Options<\/span>– Burritos (David), Bananas, Yogurt, Eggs<\/h3>\n
Inner Aisles<\/span>: whole grain mustard, mini white wines (for cooking), wheat tortillas, organic crackers, organic black bean soup, dried beans, seltzer water, whole wheat linguine, oyster sauce<\/h3>\n
Meat Counter<\/span>: steak (1 lb natural flank), whole organic chicken (1), organic chicken breasts (2), clams (2 lbs)<\/h3>\n
Dairy<\/span>: organic heavy cream, feta cheese, cheddar cheese (2 blocks), whole milk, free range organic eggs (2 dozen)<\/h3>\n
Produce<\/span>: green beans (1.5 lbs), shallot (2), lemon (3), organic parsley, red potatoes (12), organic broccoli (1 head), serrano pepper (1), limes (2), sweet potatoes (4), asparagus (1 bunch), garlic, organic kale (1 bunch), bananas, organic red peppers (2), onion (2), organic cherry tomatoes, organic romaine, organic black berries<\/h3>\n
Total Grocery Bill: $134.74<\/h2>\n
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