Menu Plan by Melody We are a family of four, including two toddler boys who eat their body weight in food every day.  We eat a Paleo-ish diet, with the majority of our meals and snacks made with whole foods.  We don’t eat pasta, beans or grains of any kind and very little dairy.  We are super busy during the week, with trips to the gym most afternoons, so are constantly on the lookout for meals that can be prepared ahead of time or thrown in the crock pot. Meal planning is very important for our family, as the last minute options we used to rely on (grilled cheese, PB&J, frozen pizza) aren’t in the cards anymore.  I try to do as much prep as Keep Reading

Last week, I skipped menu planning. By Thursday night, I was in a serious cooking slump. We went to the park for a "picnic dinner"... which consisted of carrot sticks, cheese slices, apples, and crackers. My kids were happy as clams, but my husband, who is currently training for Reach the Beach, was not impressed. He strode off to hunt his own dinner, bringing down a big, greasy burger a few blocks away. Clearly, I need a better plan. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Belgian Waffles with Strawberries and Coconut Whipped Cream, scrambled eggs Tuesday -- Deep Dish Pizza, kale salad Wednesday -- Beans & Greens, fresh Keep Reading

My husband spent this past weekend out-of-town with the guys while I spent the weekend at home with a head cold. It involved some of my finest Couch Parenting to date. Is it just me or has this cold-and-flu season been dragging on forever?! I am planning to make The Ultimate Cold Cure tomorrow. I don't even care if it's "really very nasty." Have you seen this week's weather forecast? Anyway, all that to say, last week's menu plan was kicked to the curb and buried beneath a pile of Kleenex. I am hoping to get back on track. And out of my yoga pants. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Chicken Noodle Soup, homemade Keep Reading

Menu Planning happens the same way in our house almost every single week. After the kids are in bed, my husband and I crash on the couch and watch a movie (or just enjoy the sound of silence) together. He suggests dinner ideas that sound good, and I attach them to days, based on our schedule for the week. Just like that we have a menu plan! I have veto power, but I find that often the hardest part of creating a menu plan is that initial inspiration. I'm happy to cook if I have a plan. My husband is the exact opposite. So we make a good team, and it starts the week off on the right foot. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Keep Reading

I started the Advocare 24-Day Challenge last week. If you're not familiar with the program, it's a twenty-four day comprehensive supplementation and nutrition program designed to give your body the jump start it needs to help you reach your goals (weight loss, energy, and/or overall wellness). It starts with a ten-day cleanse eating whole foods and grains while eliminating dairy, coffee, sugar, and processed carbs. (Don't be scared off by the no coffee part. They offer a great Spark drink.) The second phase continues the same eating plan while adding in a small amount of dairy and whole grain carbs. My husband lost 18 pounds last month on the Challenge Keep Reading

We will be eating crackers and peanut butter all week long. Ok, not really, but with weather like this it is so tempting! I just want to stay outside playing in the dirt all day. Suddenly my little tribe is hungry, and they're all looking at me. So, in the interest of keeping everyone fed and happy, I will try really hard to take off my gloves and lay down my shovel before five o'clock... and stick with this menu plan. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- French Onion Tart, Raw Tuscan Kale Salad Tuesday -- Black Beans & Rice, salsa & guacamole, fresh pineapple Wednesday -- Quinoa Patties, roasted butternut squash, Keep Reading