Menu Plan Monday - 6/27/2011

This is going to be another challenging week.

Last week, a dear friend from work was injured in a motorcycle accident while leaving work and passed away on Wednesday. Ryan Scoggins is now an angel in heaven and we will feel his absence for a long time to come. His passing has been a real wake-up call, reminding me once again that life is precious and none of knows how many days we have here on earth. My friend was a wonderful example of how to live --- he had an amazing work ethic, a fierce love for his family and friends, a terrific sense of humor, and a strong faith in the Lord. He was also a big guy like my husband, and was really working on being more physically active and eating properly.

I'm finding it very difficult to live a 2X (or 5X) life in an "XS World", if you know what I mean. We are tired all the time, and I find us watching life instead of participating much of the time. And that's gonna change. I am dedicating my summer to living healthier and more in balance for my friend Ryan. My goals are to help myself get under 200 lbs (there's a horrid number), to help my hubby get a handle on his diabetes, and to help my DD also get in better overall health. I know that even little changes can have far-reaching effects.

One thing I'm starting back up is menu-planning. Since I need to wait for payday on Thursday to do my grocery shopping, we will be eating from our freezer stash and pantry, but anything is better than fast food- right? Then, my plan is to transition to simple foods, fresh fruits/veggies, whole grains and, the key, moderate portions.

Monday - Three-packet Pot Roast with faux-tatoes
Tuesday - Ryan's Celebration of Life -
Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken with caramelized brussel sprouts (new recipe)
Thursday - Chicken Fajitas (using leftover teriyaki chicken, lots of peppers, onions and such)
Friday - Meatball subs
Saturday - Chicken Enchiladas
Sunday - Garlic Studded Pork Roast
I'm linking this up over at OrgJunkie.com.

I've joined the SparkTeam Official Healthy Family Makeover Challenge on http://www.sparkpeople.com/. SparkPeople was such a great resource and support for me a few years ago, so I'm excited to be active there again. And we're starting our new session of Weight Watchers at work. So, lots of support - I just need to get my head in the game, so to speak.

Oh, one last thing --- I'm hosting a wonderful giveaway from DaySpring - $20 gift certificate from their online store. I would really appreciate it if you'd visit THIS POST and enter by 6/30 so I don't feel like I'm letting them down.