Meals at a glance...

We have been home from vacation for a week, yet it feels like we went away months ago!  It was so nice to relax with my kids and not have to rush anywhere.  Now it's back to lacrosse, soccer, swim, and dance practices during the week and multiple weekend games.  Despite the craziness, I love watching my kids be active and enjoying their sport.  I remind them that they need to fuel their bodies properly in order to perform.  I recently stocked the fridge and pantry with healthy choices.  Some favorites are nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, granola bars (low sugar ones) and yogurts.  I try to make simple dinners that are healthy and combined with some protein, veggies and carbs.  Afternoons are filled with driving kids to activities and teaching some"kids fit"classes at my studio, so I prep ahead of time.  For people who do not have the option to prep ahead of time there are some alternatives like frozen mixed veggies, chicken and fish that are pre-seasoned and wrapped individually. and many choices at the prepared section of markets.  Whatever works for you,  your family, and your budget.


Our week ahead:

Monday:   Avocado, Chicken and Black Bean Tacos on Corn Tortillas with chopped tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro

Tuesday: Pork Tenderloin, Applesauce, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Parsnips, and Brussel Sprouts

Wednesday:  Salmon Burgers with Cucumber-Cabbage Slaw

Thursday:  Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas, Carrots, & Broccoli

Friday:  Odds & Ends Night-picnic style dinner with leftovers and finger foods like shrimp cocktail, hummus and veggies, cheese and crackers, pesto and bread, hard boiled eggs

Saturday:  Rice & Beans with Skirt Steak and Fresh Salsa ( Real Simple Recipe)

Sunday:  Spaghetti with Asparagus, Scallops & Bread Crumbs .  This looked so delicious in the Real Simple May issue!  Need to price scallops this week.  If too costly will use shrimp or just stick with the vegetable.


Happy week ahead all.  Keeping fingers crossed for warmer weather.  Hope local farms and garden centers can catch up due to the cold.    I will be sure to support them at the Farmer's markets!

Best,

Donna

Meals at a glance....

Happy Sunday to all...  Whatever holiday you are celebrating I hope you are enjoying time with family and eating good foods!  I am with my family in Boston.  Italians are known for making too much of everything, but nothing will go to waste with our crew.  Returning home soon to finish one more week of school before our April vacation.  Because this week is a little crazy to fit everything in and pack, dinners are going to be simple and prepared ahead of time.  The kids helped me come up with some ideas.  We hope they are helpful.



Monday:  Meatball Subs and Romaine Salad --bought prepared meatballs at market to make it real easy!  I buy an organic, all natural brand that contains no nitrates and preservatives,  Read the labels.

Tuesday:  Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Soup with Hearty Bread and Pesto

Wednesday:  Grilled Panini Sandwiches, leftover soup, & salad

Thursday:  BBQ Chicken,  Brown Basmati Rice, Broccoli Slaw

Friday:  Pizza and Salad

I will be away for the following week including both weekends, so Garage Girls Blog and Fitness Studio will be closed.  I am looking forward to recharging my battery and returning renewed and refreshed!

Wishing you all the best.

Donna