Menu Planning Monday!

So here is my plan for this week, I have now been going to SNAP fitness, it works for my schedule because it is open 24 hrs a day....but I should be there more often....so I figure if I write it out I will held accountable! I plan on working out every night for 1 hour(M-F). Despite recently hurting my leg, I think that I should be able to do this! On Saturday I will be cleaning someones house in the morning, and then right after since I will already be in workout clothes attire, I will head to the SNAP right by their house. On Sunday I am not going to commit to working out, if I do great if I don't I haven't failed right! Also, I will be cooking things and know what my point value will be, but I am mainly trying to cut down my portions! Going off of soda for lent was good for me, I don't crave one like I used to, I actually have only had a few, and went back to Diet Coke Caffeine Free! I would much rather have Iced Tea (unsweetened) or a PowerAde! We will see if that does anything to help me lose some of this weight!

Remember to check out the giveaway for this week!

I am a little late in posting this, but here is our menu for this week! If you are interested in looking at other menu's check out Laura's blog~

Breakfasts:

Eggs, Oatmeal, Cereal, Toast, Pancakes, muffins~

Lunches:

BLT's, Salad, Grilled Cheese, Left Overs, Mac&Cheese

Snacks: Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie (3 pts), Homemade Granola, Yogurt, Pudding

Dinners:

Monday: Bow tie Pasta with Broccoli and Chicken

Tuesday: Ribs, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans

Wednesday: Tilapia, Rice and Peas

Thursday: Crockpot Vegetable Soup and cornbread

Friday: Sausage Green Beans and Potatoes

Saturday: Chicken with Rice and Broccoli Casserole

Sunday: Hamburger and Hot Dog Cookout, Potato Salad, Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Granola Bars

So I love to do crafts with the kids and any time that I can incorporate them in cooking they jump for joy! I believe that's because they see me having fun creating things in the kitchen and they see that it can be fun to cook and not a chore! Chip's mom made them aprons to do Easter eggs in this year, and the kids love now they get to wear an apron while cooking in the kitchen! So today we made granola bars! I decided not to put nuts or raisins/craisins this time, because the kids asked for peanut butter and some chocolate chips! So here is how I made them today! Let me know if you use this recipe and how you like it! It is so much fun to have the kids help and have them measure out what is needed (great teaching time!) Let me know how it works in your house, or if you have a spin off on the recipe!

So I basically start with oats (4 1/2 cups), flour (1 cup), baking soda (1 tsp.), vanilla (1 tsp.), butter (softened 2/3 C), honey (1/2 C), brown sugar (1/3 C),

and then anything you want to add in.

I usually will put in crushed almonds, craisins, sometimes chocolate chips. I have found that if you do the choc. chips that you can get by with a heaping cup (more if you like), the rest you can add as you desire. Sometimes my kids are into a real nut/berries kick and I will overload it!

So after you get everything mixed together, put in a greased pan (depending on how thick you want them 9x13 or smaller) and bake at 325 for 15-18 min. Let them cool about 10 min. and cut them into bars, and then let rest until completely cooled! Store in an airtight container, although they go fast here!

So it's an easy recipe, tons of fun with the kids! And you most likely have everything in your house to make them! So go have fun!!!

Blessings

Pumpkin Cheese Cake Muffins!

Okay so last night I decided to get creative with some pumpkin that was in my pantry. I started the recipe like I would normally make pumpkin bread, but then I thought I would do a cheese cake rendition. I filled the muffin tins with the pumpkin mixture. I then decided to mix up some cream cheese, egg, and sugar. I made wells in the pumpkin mixture and put a dollop of the cream cheese, and then sprinkled on some cinnamon, sugar and butter crumble on top. These were such a hit this morning. Andrew had two and asked for more....I cut him off! :) I will do these again sometime soon!

Blessings~