You wouldn’t know it by my stream updates on Twitter and Facebook (or in the Mamavation Forums) but this roller coaster has GOT to stop. I go for a period of time where everything is on track and then… like a roller coaster… a STEEP drop to the bottom and I feel like I’m starting all over again.
And I REALLY hate admitting that.
It’s that whole, “I wanna be perfect” issue I’ve dealt with for-evah.
But… I’m NOT perfect… (shocking I know)
and according to those near and dear, being Not Perfect is a perfectly acceptable way to be.
So, over the last few days, I’ve been looking at my world to try to figure out WTH is going on… because this happens to many times to chalk it up to “just another set back” and it boils down to self sabotage. And excuses. And allowing the little things in life to completely overwhelm me.
and I’ve come to a conclusion.
There is not one single solitary person in this entire world who will make ME the priority… That’s on my shoulders (as it should be) and I’ve fallen back in the trap of allowing everything else to take precedence… Staying up too late because a friend wants to talk… which then means I’m not getting up early to get my sweat on (even though I KNOW that this is what I need to do because it makes me a MUCH nicer person)… not planning my meals in advance… skipping meals because I’m “too busy” and then eating like there’s no tomorrow because I’m ravenous…
It’s a slippery slope and I KNOW you know what I mean.
So today, I started meal planning again.
I’m going back to the meal plan that Alysa gave me during my reign as a Mamavation Mom.
- Breakfast – 1 fruit, 1 milk, 2 starch, I fat
- Morning Snack – 1 fruit, 2 fat
- Lunch 2 veggies, 1 fruit, 1 FF milk, 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat
- Afternoon snack – 1 fruit 2 fat
- Dinner – 2 veg, 1 ff milk, 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat
I KNOW that I have to keep my meal plans simple stupid so there will be lots of repetition. I’m ok with that. For some of you, variety may be the spice of life and that’s great… for me, I like not having to think too much.
Breakfasts with be either:
- PB & banana sandwich with glass of milk – 1/2 banana, 1 tbs Natural PB, 2 slices WW toast
- English muffin with fruit – 1 english muffin is 2 starches, 1 teaspoon of butter, apple slices (with peel) and glass of milk
- Breakfast smoothie – Smoothie with 8 oz. milk, 2 cup frozen fruit, 1.5 tsp. peanut butter.
Snacks (AM & PM) will be either –
- grapes and almonds
- apple slices with Natural PB
- 2 TBS dried fruit and pecans
- 2 clementines with almonds
Lunches – Salads. Made in advance. Easy breezy – usually a spinach based salad with tomato and cucumber and either egg, leftover meat, or garbanzo beans as the protein. FF milk will most likely be a greek yogurt. and the starches will come in the way of crackers. I’ll treat myself to dressing as my fat and employ the “Fork Dip Method” – for those who don’t know, the Fork Dip Method is where your dressing is on the side and you dip your empty fork in the dressing and THEN pick up a bite of the salad. You get all the flavor but OH SO MUCH less dressing is actually consumed.
Dinner is where more planning is needed. While it’s NOT ideal for clean eating, I did stock up on Lean Cuisine frozen dinners for those nights when life gets hectic… that and a salad and I’m good to go. add into the mix the occasional night out and it becomes all about portion control. Yes I have a plan here as well. When eating out, making smart choices and being like Sally from When Harry Met Sally and not worry about taking 45 minutes to order a sandwich (not the other restaurant scene you dirty birds) you know how Harry pokes fun at her for being High Maintenance?
Harry: (to Sally) You don’t see that? Waiter, I’ll begin with a house salad, but I don’t want the regular dressing. I’ll have the balsamic vinegar and oil, but on the side. And then the salmon with the mustard sauce, but I want the mustard sauce on the side. “On the side” is a very big thing for you.
Yeah… that’s gonna be me – take it or leave it. Oh – and another “trick” I’ve forgotten about? asking for the to go box up front. Yes some may think this is weird, but honestly, out of sight, out of mind. (also – need to re-watch that movie… it’s a good one)
For nights when I am cooking for one – I’ll plan in advance… as follows
Tonight – Dinner out – see above. (which works out because I DESPERATELY need to hit the grocery store)
Wednesday – Plans after work so I will plan to bring my dinner with me – something light and simple – and something that can be cold – hmmm… I’ve got it – Salad – spinach, tomato, cucumber, Salmon (for the lean meat), crackers and milk to drink.
Thursday – Boys night 🙂 so I need a crock pot meal as opposed to coming home and cooking – I’m going with a family favorite around here – Alysa’s Crock Pot Chicken and Sweet onions. Boys LOVE it. I love it. Paired with a side salad and dinner is done when we get home.
Friday/ Saturday: I have some tentative plans but I’m not sure which day they are falling on… so I have 2 dinner ideas that are interchangeable. On the night that I have said plans, (I need to check at the store so this might change) I’m planning a Lamb Filet Dinner, side salad, roasted brussel sprouts (or roasted broccoli) and couscous on the side. On the night that I don’t have plans – I’ll make a version of this EASY Veggie Frittata.
Sunday I’m planning leftovers. I KNOW I’ll have leftover SOMETHING that I’ll need to finish off.
So there’s this week.
The good news is that I’ve done SO MUCH better on my water – Averaging 100+ oz a day. (and living in the bathroom… sorry – TMI)
The other good news is that we are currently in that rare window here in Texas where the weather is GORGEOUS so that inspires me to get back outside.
I’m feeling empowered. I know I can do this. I know I have your support. I also know that every time I stand back up, I’m that much stronger than before. Food is my biggest hurdle right now. Starting April 30th, I know that I’m going to be sweating alongside the gals who are the next set of Mamavation Moms so I need to get my act together NOW.
and you know WHY?
Because I’m worth it.
Wow girl you have a great plan, all of it down to the T. Even when I try planning little tornadoes come in. Im sneaking your prefood making ideas. heheh 🙂
Doesn’t it feel good to have a plan? I’m very impressed by you on a daily basis, Shelley. Thank you for admitting that you don’t always have it all together – sometimes super women can be intimidating!
Thanks for sharing your meal plans, I intend to steal some!
xoxo
Steal away my friend. Steal away 🙂
Ok, I had a bunch of stuff written out that started to sound kinda stalkerish, so I’m replacing it with this:
You are one of the most awesome women I know, and you are so worth it! <3!!!!!!!
awwww… but I wanna hear the stalkerish stuff too 😉
Thank you love. Seriously.
Shelley, even though I have only been around a few weeks now, as I have been reading your tweets, Facebook posts, and Monday Mamavation posts, you seem like the kind of person that is strong, has it all together, and very confident in her own skin. I hope that over time, we can become friends because you are the kind of friend that I would like to have to lean on. Thank you so much for welcoming me into the Mamavation community and having kind words to put out there for me. You can totally rock this, and I will be there a long side of you and all the others come Monday. You have been encouraging me to believe in myself and I believe in you. I hope you have a great rest of the week!
Thank you so much for your kind words. They brought tears to my eyes. I love that you are part of the sistahood and look forward to getting to know you better. So much easier when you aren’t on the journey alone. THANK YOU!
You ARE worth it! That is a kickass plan and I know you can stick to it and love yourself!
Thank you gorgeous. I appreciate the confidence and support!
I also think it’s an “adopted” thing because my mom does the same thing to herself. She has to be perfect OR she completely beats herself up for it. And when I say beats herself up, she privately puts herself up on a cross and stays up there helpless. She takes care of everyone else but herself and takes on everyone’s problems. And then I think she purposely doesn’t do anything for her because it’s not perfect or she doesn’t get enough love from herself for it.
Here’s me just reminding you that you were chosen by me to be a friend. And you were chosen by everyone else here to be their friend. You were chosen by your parents. It wasn’t about just getting what they got..they chose you. So by default that makes you hella special. And worth all the love and affection that people wanna give you. And even though I’m extremely high maintenance, I WILL understand you needing to put yourself first cause you are right…no one else is gonna do that for you. We are all so used to you being the mom. It’s okay to step back and let us love on you some more. Just tell us you need some. 🙂
I agree and it’s something I work on DAILY… Mom used to tell a story about a little girl who was always perfect until one night the parents woke up to find she had taken the scissors and shredded the drapes. They asked her why and she said “you live me when I was good but now that I’m not, do you still love me?” even though logically I know better, it’s a struggle. Daily.
Good for you. It’s a constant effort – and continuing to add to those “basics” – those easy foods you don’t have to think about – is what makes the difference in the long haul, I think. Beans and brown rice with lots of tomatoes and onions and some reduced fat cheese is a huge hit for me, fills you up and is super quick and easy and delish.
Sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Girlfriend, you can do it! You have the knowledge, and you know what Schoolhouse Rock says about that -knowledge is power! (sorry, feeling cheesy) And yes, you are definitely worth it! Hugs!
Love your brand of cheese heather :). Thanks so much.
Oldies but goodies in the menu planning. I try to stick to the meal plan Alysa gave me too. Looks like you are rocking that menu and well prepared.
You are an amazing lady (Swype did replace that with lay, which made me giggle). I’m so glad that you are a part of my life.
I seriously laughed out loudly as I read your autocorrect. but thanks for the compliment (either way but how would YOU know? someone been talking?) I can honestly say though that you are a blessing in my life and it wouldn’t be the same without you around. THANK YOU for all you do – both with Mamavation and for me personally. LOVE YOU!
You make me smile!! Of corse you’ve got this! Regrouping is what it’s all about! So, get on it my friend! It’s a good plan, and you can do it!
Thank you Micah. Your support and accountability means so much.
#1- you are terrific and deserving of totally being your own priority.
#2. I love love love your meal plans.. they all make such great sense. I LOVE the fork dip method, too. the only way I use salad dressing!
#3- yay for plans and I wanna eat over (except I don’t eat lamb)
#4. YOU ARE SO TOTALLY WORTH IT MY FRIEND!
and I really hope you and I are sweating out butts off together! :0
You don’t eat lamb?!? I’m not sure we can be friends… Kidding of course. Good luck honey 🙂