A Day on Simply Filling

I get questions from people about what they should eat now that they have started their own weight loss journey. Below is a record of what I ate for one day using the Weight Watchers Simply Filling technique. These healthy foods kept me satisfied throughout the day.  I hope this post gives you some new ideas which you could easily add to your daily routine.

{Breakfast}

For breakfast I ate...

hot oatmeal (powerfood)

blueberries (powerfood)

1 tbsp agave nectar (2 pointsplus)

1 liter water (0 pointsplus)

delicious blueberries

{Morning Snack}

I was so full from breakfast that I wasn't hungry for a snack. That doesn't always happen, but on this day it did.

{Lunch}

For lunch I ate...

1/2 bbq chicken lean cuisine pizza (4 pointsplus)

green salad (powerfood)

2 tbsp fat free zesty italian dressing (0 pointsplus)

1 liter water (0 pointsplus)

water bottle

{Afternoon Snack}

For snack I ate...

1 large banana (powerfood)

{Dinner}

  For dinner I ate...

1 slice nature's own 100% whole grain bread (powerfood)

2 egg muffins (powerfood)

1/2 cup roasted tomato, potato, zucchini, and summer squash (powerfood)

1 liter water (0 pointsplus)

roasted tomato, potato, zucchini, and summer squash

 {Late Night Snack}

For snack I ate...

4 cups plain, air-popped popcorn (powerfood)

{Daily Total}

3 liters of water

lots of powerfoods

used 6 pointsplus from my 49 weekly pointsplus allowance

Adding to the Sample Plans

source

The sample menu plans that I have give you are designed for a daily PointsPlus Target of 26. If yours is higher, double the lean protein, whole grain, and/or dairy serving in the meal, and/or add to the meal with additional foods that have PointsPlus values. There are some starter add-on ideas below.

Add a protein portion, such as:
Breakfast meats
Bacon, cooked crisp, 3 slices (4 PointsPlus)
Canadian bacon, 1 oz (1 PointsPlus)

Lunch/deli meats
Ham, lean, reduced sodium, 2 oz (2 PointsPlus)*
Hot dog, beef or pork, fat free, cooked, 1 3/4 oz (1 PointsPlus)
Hot dog, beef or pork, light, cooked, 1 3/4 oz (2 PointsPlus)
Luncheon meat, fat free, 2 oz (1 PointsPlus)*
Tuna, canned in water, drained, 1/2 cup (3 PointsPlus)*

Entree meats
Beef, filet mignon, lean and trimmed, cooked, 4 oz (5 PointsPlus)*
Beef, ground, 93% lean, cooked, 3 oz (3 PointsPlus)*
Beef, steak, NY, KC strip, tenderloin, round, or flank, lean and trimmed, cooked, 3 oz (4 PointsPlus)*
Chicken breast, skinless, boneless, cooked, 3 oz (3 PointsPlus)*
Pork, center loin, lean and trimmed, cooked, 3 oz (4 PointsPlus)*
Pork, tenderloin or top loin, cooked, 3 oz (3 PointsPlus)*
Turkey breast, ground, 99% fat free, cooked, 1 oz (1 PointsPlus)*
Turkey breast, skinless and boneless, cooked, 2 oz (2 PointsPlus)*
Shrimp, cooked, 1/2 cup (2 PointsPlus)*

Meat substitutes
Tofu, light, firm, 3 oz (1 PointsPlus)*
Vegetarian burger, fat free frozen, 1 [2 3/4 oz] (2 PointsPlus)*

Beans
Black or cannellini, cooked, 1/2 cup (2 PointsPlus)*
Kidney, garbanzo, pinto, or white, cooked, 1/2 cup (3 PointsPlus)*

Eggs
Egg, 1 (2 PointsPlus)*
Egg whites, 3 (1 PointsPlus)*

Add bread or cereal, such as:
Bread
Bread, reduced calorie whole wheat, 2 slices (3 PointsPlus)*
English muffin, light, 1 (3 PointsPlus)*
Pita, whole wheat, 1 small (2 PointsPlus)
Tortilla, whole wheat, 1 medium (2 PointsPlus)
Roll, hamburger or hot dog, light, 1 [1 1/2 oz] (2 PointsPlus)*

Cooked or ready-to-eat cereal
Bran flakes, 3/4 cup (3 PointsPlus)
Grits, 1 cup (5 PointsPlus)*
Oatmeal, 1 cup (4 PointsPlus)*

Add a classic side, such as:
Bulgur, cooked, 1 cup (4 PointsPlus)*
Pasta, whole wheat, cooked, 1 cup (4 PointsPlus)*
Potato, sweet, cooked, 1 large (4 PointsPlus)*
Potato, white or red, cooked, 1 large (7 PointsPlus)*
Quinoa, cooked, 1 cup (5 PointsPlus)*
Rice, brown, cooked, 1 cup (5 PointsPlus)*

Add some dairy, such as:
Milk
Milk, fat free, 1 cup (2 PointsPlus)*
Milk, low fat [1%], 1 cup (3 PointsPlus)

Yogurt
Yogurt, fat free plain or light, 1 cup (3 PointsPlus)*

Cheese
Cheese, fat free, hard or semisoft, 1 slice [3/4 oz] (1 PointsPlus)*
Cheese, low fat, 1 slice [3/4 oz] (2 PointsPlus)
Feta, reduced fat, 1/4 cup (2 PointsPlus)
Cottage cheese, fat free, 1 cup (3 PointsPlus)*
Ricottal fat free, 1 cup (5 PointsPlus)*

Add flavor, texture, or fat - for example:
Toss in some oil
Canola, olive, flaxseed, safflower, or sunflower, 1 tsp (1 PointsPlus)

Top with a spread
Butter, light, 2 tsp (1 PointsPlus)
Jelly or jam, 1 Tbsp (1 PointsPlus)
Hummus, 2 Tbsp (2 PointsPlus)

Add...
Almonds or walnuts, slices or chopped, 1 Tbsp (1 PointsPlus)
Avocado, 1/4 medium (2 PointsPlus)
Olives, 10 small/6 large (1 PointsPlus)

Add snacks, such as:
Almonds, 12 nuts (2 PointsPlus)
Biscotti, plain, 2 small (3 PointsPlus)
Cereal bar, fat free, 1 bar (3 PointsPlus)
Crackers, fat free, 7 (2 PointsPlus)
Dried apricots, 6 halves (1 PointsPlus)
Popcorn, 94% fat free microwave popped, 3 cups (2 PointsPlus)*
Pretzel rods, 2 (2 PointsPlus)
Rice cake, plain or multigrain, 2 regular (2 PointsPlus)
Tropical trail mix, 1 oz (3 PointsPlus)

Fruits & Veggies
If you'd like to add satisfaction, but not PointsPlus values, you can always add fruits and veggies, most of which have a PointsPlus value of 0.

*Weight Watchers Power Food

. . . . . . . . . . 

For sample menu plans, click the links below.

Sample Menu Plans - Week One

Sample Menu Plans - Week Two
Sample Menu Plans - Week Three

Sample Menu Plans - Week Three

source

The last two weeks I have posted sample menu plans for you. There are a total of three weeks worth of menus that I would like to post for you. As a result, this is the last week! Have any of you started using these menu plans yet? I hope that they help you stay on plan.

As I explained last week, at each one of the PowerStart sessions, Weight Watchers gives you a weekly tracker with sample meal plans inside. I am sharing these sample meal plans from Weight Watchers to help give you some good ideas!! Just for you information, these sample plans are based on a Daily PointsPlus target of 26.

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day One} 

Morning - Bagel shop breakfast
2 mini whole wheat bagels, topped with (4 PointsPlus)

  2 Tbsp whipped cream cheese (2 PointsPlus)

1 grande [16 fl oz] fat free unsweetened cappuccino (2 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Midday - Chinese for lunch

4 chicken lettuce wraps [each 5" long by 3" wide] (8 PointsPlus)

1 steamed vegetarian dumpling (1 PointsPlus)

1 cup steamed broccoli (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 9

Evening - Salmon & feta salad

3 1/2 oz grilled wild salmon, tossed with (4 PointsPlus) *

  2 cups mixed greens (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup roasted red peppers (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup sliced jicama (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/3 cup reduced-fat feta cheese (2 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

  1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (0 PointsPlus)

1 cup Garden Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Anytime

1 mango, diced and mixed with (0 PointsPlus)*

  3 Tbsp fat free ricotta cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

15 baby carrots, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup fat free salsa (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 1

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Two} 

Morning - Breakfast at home
1 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Smart Beginnings Canadian Style Bacon English Muffin Sandwich (6 PointsPlus)

1 grilled tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Midday - Indian for lunch

4 oz chicken tikka (5 PointsPlus)

1/2 cup cooked white rice (3 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Evening - Grilled barbecue mango chicken

3 oz grilled, boneless chicken breast, with (3 PointsPlus)*

  2 Tbsp low sodium barbecue sauce (0 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup mango slices (0 PointsPlus)*

1 small plain baked potato (2 PointsPlus)*

1 cup steamed sugar snap peas (0 PointsPlus)*

1/2 cup baby carrots (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Anytime

1 tall [12 fl oz] fat free unsweetened latte (3 PointsPlus)*

1 cup mixed fresh fruit (0 PointsPlus)*

2 oz fat free mozzarella, layered with (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 sliced tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil, plus fresh basil leaves (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Three} 

Morning - Cinnamon oatmeal
1 cup cooked hot oatmeal, with (4 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp cinnamon (0 PointsPlus)

  artificial sweetener to taste (0 PointsPlus)

1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

1 cup blueberries (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Italian for lunch

2 cups Caesar salad, with (5 PointsPlus)

  3 oz grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast (3 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil, mixed with balsamic vinegar (2 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Evening - Sushi takeout for dinner

4 medium or 6 small pieces rainbow roll (3 PointsPlus)

4 large pieces California roll (4 PointsPlus)

1 cup steamed snow peas, carrots, and broccoli (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup Garden Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Anytime

2 slices [1 1/2 oz] fat free cheddar cheese, with (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 sliced tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

2/3 cup light yogurt, artificially sweetened (2 PointsPlus)*

1 cup strawberries (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Four} 

Morning - Breakfast at home
1 cup fortified whole grain cereal, with (2 PointsPlus)

  1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*

1 sliced nectarine (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Midday - Lunch from the deli

1 1/2 cups lentil soup (6 PointsPlus)

1 wheat roll, with (2 PointsPlus)

  2 tsp butter (2 PointsPlus)

1 banana (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Evening - Mexican for dinner

1 fast food soft chicken taco, with (4 PointsPlus)

  1 Tbsp sour cream (1 PointsPlus)

1/2 cup black beans and rice, topped with (3 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup pico de gallo (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup guacamole (2 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Anytime

1 cup steamed asparagus, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

  1 tsp lemon juice (0 PointsPlus)

1 baked apple (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 2

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Five} 

Morning - Breakfast at home
2 slices reduced calorie whole wheat bread, topped with (3 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp peanut butter or cashew butter (2 PointsPlus)

1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Midday - Lunch at the diner

2 slices bread, topped with (4 PointsPlus)

  3 oz roasted skinless turkey breast (3 PointsPlus)*

  2 slices lettuce (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 slices tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp mustard (0 PointsPlus)

1 cup melon chunks (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Evening - Favorite steakhouse dinner

2 cups tossed salad [no cheese or croutons], with (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

  red wine vinegar (0 PointsPlus)

4 oz lean and trimmed grilled filet mignon (5 PointsPlus)*

1/2 cup cooked mushrooms [no fat added] (0 PointsPlus)*

1/2 cup cooked red potatoes, with (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp butter (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Anytime

1 cup celery sticks (0 PointsPlus)

2 slices [1 1/2 oz] fat free cheddar cheese (2 PointsPlus)*

1 banana (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 2

 Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Six} 

Morning - Diner brunch
2 eggs, cooked into an omlet with (4 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp butter (2 PointsPlus)

  1 cup spinach leaves (0 PointsPlus)*

  4 tomato slices (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup orange sections (0 PointsPlus)*

1 espresso with 1/2 cup fat free milk (1 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Midday - Vietnamese late lunch

3 steamed Vietnamese spring rolls (6 PointsPlus)

4 Tbsp spring roll dipping sauce (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Evening - Dinner at home

1 [3 oz] grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast (3 PointsPlus)*

1/2 cup cooked quinoa, tossed with (3 PointsPlus)*

  1 cup steamed asparagus (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

  1 Tbsp sliced almonds (1 PointsPlus)

1 cup Garden Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 9

Anytime

1 cup strawberries (0 PointsPlus)*

1 grande [16 fl oz] fat free unsweetened iced latte (4 PointsPlus)*

1 cup blueberries (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Seven} 

Morning - Breakfast at home
1 cup fortified whole grain cereal, topped with (2 PointsPlus)

  1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 cup raspberries (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Midday - Italian for lunch

1 large slice thin crust one meat topping pizza (8 PointsPlus)

2 cups arugula, tossed with (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 slices red onion (0 PointsPlus)*

  with 1/2 cup sliced cucumber (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

  2 Tbsp red wine vinegar (0 PointsPlus)

  1 Tbsp plain croutons (0 PointsPlus)

  3 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese (2 PointsPlus)

12 fl oz diet soda (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 12

Evening - Dinner at home

3 oz beef eye round, steak or roast, trimmed, grilled (3 PointsPlus)*

1/2 cup boiled red or white potatoes, mashed with (2 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup low fat milk (1 PointsPlus)

1 cup green beans, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp toasted sliced almonds (0 PointsPlus)

1/2 cup cooked mushrooms (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Anytime

1/2 cup cooked edamame in pods, sprinkled with salt (1 PointsPlus)*

1 tall [12 fl oz] fat free unsweetened latte (3 PointsPlus)*

1 cup cherries (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

*Weight Watchers Power Food 

. . . . . . . . . . 

For sample menu plans, click the links below.

Sample Menu Plans - Week One

Sample Menu Plans - Week Two
Adding to the Sample Plans

Sample Menu Plans - Week Two

source

I hope that the Sample Menu Plans - Week One that I posted for you last week was helpful! I want to post a total of three weeks worth of sample menu plans for all of you.

As I explained last week, at each one of the PowerStart sessions, Weight Watchers gives you a weekly tracker with sample meal plans inside. I am sharing these sample meal plans from Weight Watchers to help give you some good ideas!! Just for you information, these sample plans are based on a Daily PointsPlus target of 26.

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day One} 

Morning - Yogurt parfait
1 cup plain fat free, layered with (3 PointsPlus)*

  1 cup raspberries (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 cup fortified whole grain cereal (2 PointsPlus)

1 cup black coffee

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Turkey 'n' cheese sandwich

2 slices reduced calorie whole wheat bread, with (3 PointsPlus)*

  2 oz roasted skinless turkey breast, sliced (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 slice [3/4 oz] fat free cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

  2 each: lettuce leaves and tomato slices (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp mustard (0 PointsPlus)

1 small unsweetened dill pickle (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup Garden Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)

1 cup unsweetened iced tea (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Evening - Fish and chips

4 oz halibut, grilled or brolied with (5 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp olive oil (1 PointsPlus)

  1 Tbsp lemon juice (0 PointsPlus)

1 cup steamed broccoli (0 PointsPlus)*

1 medium baking potato, sliced, brushed with (4 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp olive oil, and baked (1 PointsPlus)

1 cup mixed greens, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 Tbsp fat free Italian dressing (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 11

Anytime

1/2 cup fat free milk (1 PointsPlus)*

1 chocolate sandwich cookie (1 PointsPlus)

1 pretzel rod (1 PointsPlus)

1 slice [3/4 oz] fat free Swiss Cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Two} 

Morning - Fruit 'n' nut cereal

1 cup fortified whole grain cereal, topped with (2 PointsPlus)

  1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 Tbsp sliced almonds (1 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup blueberries (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Pasta salad

3/4 cup cooked whole wheat pasta, mixed with (3 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup canned white beans (2 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (0 PointsPlus)*

  6 large black olives, halved (1 PointsPlus)

  2 Tbsp reduced fat feta cheese (1 PointsPlus)

  1 tsp olive oil (1 PointsPlus)

  1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Evening - Rice and beans

1 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Classic Favorites Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans (8 PointsPlus)

1 cup asparagus, drizzled with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp sunflower oil (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 9

Anytime

1 cup light yogurt, artificially sweetened (3 PointsPlus)*

1 cup raspberries, topped with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup aerosol whipped cream (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Three} 

Morning - Oatmeal and fruit
1 cup cooked hot oatmeal, mixed with (4 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup fat free milk (1 PointsPlus)*

  1 Tbsp sunflower seeds (1 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Midday - Tuna salad pita

1 small whole wheat pita, stuffed with (2 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup tuna, canned in water, drained and mixed with (3 PointsPlus)*

    1/4 cup chopped celery (0 PointsPlus)*

    2 tsp Dijon mustard (0 PointsPlus)

    1 Tbsp fat free mayonnaise (0 PointsPlus)

  1/4 cup shredded lettuce (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 slices tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Evening - Pasta with beans & ricotta

3/4 cup cooked whole wheat pasta, with (3 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup heated store bought marinara sauce (1 PointsPlus)

  1/4 cup canned white beans (2 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup fat free ricotta cheese (2 PointsPlus)*

1 cup steamed broccoli, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

  minced garlic (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Anytime

1 cup light yogurt, artificially sweetened (3 PointsPlus)*

1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (0 PointsPlus)*

1 pretzel rod (1 PointsPlus)

1 slice [3/4 oz] fat free Swiss cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Four} 

Morning - Fruit 'n' nut cereal
1 cup fortified whole grain cereal, topped with (2 PointsPlus)

  1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 Tbsp sliced almonds (1 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup raspberries (0 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Turkey 'n' cheese wrap

1 medium whole wheat tortilla, filled with (2 PointsPlus)

  2 oz roasted skinless turkey breast (2 PointsPlus)*

  1 slice [3/4 oz] fat free Swiss cheese

  2 tsp mustard (0 PointsPlus)

  2 lettuce leaves (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tomato slices (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 red onion slices (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Evening - Pork with sweet potato

4 oz lean trimmed pork center loin, grilled with (4 PointsPlus)*

  1 Tbsp reduced sodium teriyaki sauce (0 PointsPlus)

  1 tsp olive oil (1 PointsPlus)

  1/2 tsp minced garlic (0 PointsPlus)

1 large baked sweet potato, with (4 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp light butter (1 PointsPlus)

1 cup steamed asparagus, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp olive oil mixed with lemon juice (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 11

Anytime

1/2 cup fat free milk (1 PointsPlus)*

1 chocolate sandwich cookie (1 PointsPlus)

12 low fat baked tortilla chips, with (3 PointsPlus)

  1/2 cup fat free salsa (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Five} 

Morning - Tomato feta scramble
1 egg & 1 egg white, scrambled and topped with (2 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup diced tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 Tbsp reduced fat feta cheese (1 PointsPlus)

1 sliced reduced calorie whole wheat bread, with (1 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp light butter (1 PointsPlus)

1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Soup and tuna salad

1 cup reduced sodium chicken noodle soup (3 PointsPlus)

2 cups mixed greens, topped with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 small sliced tomato (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup tuna, canned in water, drained & mixed with (3 PointsPlus)*

    1/4 cup chopped celery (0 PointsPlus)*

    2 tsp Dijon mustard (0 PointsPlus)

    1 Tbsp fat free mayonnaise (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Evening - Tofu stir-fry

1 cup cooked whole wheat spaghetti, stir fried with (4 PointsPlus)*

  3 oz light firm tofu (1 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 red bell pepper, sliced (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 scallion, chopped (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup snow peas (0 PointsPlus)*

  2 tsp canola oil (2 PointsPlus)

  2 Tbsp Asian stir fry sauce (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Anytime

1 cup light yogurt, artificially sweetened (3 PointsPlus)*

1 cup blueberrie (0 PointsPlus)*

1 tall [12 fl oz] fat free unsweetened latte (3 PointsPlus)*

1 chocolate sandwich cookie (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Six} 

Morning - Egg white omelet
3 egg whites, cooked into an omelet with (1 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup chopped cooked asparagus (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 sliced [3/4 oz] fat free cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

1 cup black coffee

Total PointsPlus value: 2

Midday - Mixed-up salad

Mixed greens and sliced tomato, topped with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 medium avocado (2 PointsPlus)

  1/4 cup raspberries (0 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup canned white beans (2 PointsPlus)*

  3 oz grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast (3 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp olive oil (1 PointsPlus)

  lemon juice to taste (0 PointsPlus)

1 cup diet soda (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Evening - Pasta with turkey & ricotta

1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta, with (4 PointsPlus)*

  1/2 cup heated store bought marinara sauce (2 PointsPlus)

  3 oz roasted skinless turkey breast (3 PointsPlus)*

  1/4 cup fat free ricotta cheese (1 PointsPlus)*

1 cup steamed zucchini, with (0 PointsPlus)*

  1 tsp olive oil (1 PointsPlus)

  minced garlic (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 11

Anytime

3 cups 94% fat free microwave popcorn (2 PointsPlus)*

1 tall [12 fl oz] fat free unsweetened latte (3 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Seven} 

Morning - Fruity-nutty yogurt
1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt, mixed with (3 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (0 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp sunflower seeds (1 PointsPlus)
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Midday - Chicken tostada
1 medium corn tortilla, topped with (2 PointsPlus)
  2 oz grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast (2 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup canned black beans (1 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup diced tomato (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup shredded lettuce (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup shredded fat free cheese (1 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup fat free salsa (0 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp fat free sour cream (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Evening - Turkey & sweet potato
1 cup Garden Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)
3 oz roasted skinless turkey breast (3 PointsPlus)*
1 large baked sweet potato, with (4 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp light butter (1 PointsPlus)
1 cup steamed asparagus, with (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Anytime
1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*
1 chocolate sandwich cookie (1 PointsPlus)
12 low fat baked tortilla chips, with (3 PointsPlus)
  1/2 cup fat free salsa (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 6
 

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

*Weight Watchers Power Food

. . . . . . . . . . 

For sample menu plans, click the links below.

Sample Menu Plans - Week One

Sample Menu Plans - Week Three
Adding to the Sample Plans

Sample Menu Plans - Week One

source

I have received lots of emails, messages, and comments requesting that I post sample meal plans on my blog. I am a busy woman and have not had time to make sample meal plans of my own. However, I want to try and give you what you need.

At each one of their PowerStart sessions, Weight Watchers gives you a weekly tracker with sample meal plans inside. I hope that these sample meals plans from Weight Watchers help give you some good ideas!! Just for you information, these sample plans are based on a Daily PointsPlus target of 26.

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day One}

Morning - Walnut oatmeal & yogurt
1 cup cooked hot oatmeal, topped with (4 PointsPlus)*
1 Tbsp chopped walnuts (1 PointsPlus)
4 Tbsp fat-free plain Greek yogurt, topped with (1 PointsPlus)*
1/2 cup blueberries (0 PointsPlus)*
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Midday - Pesto turkey sandwich
2 slices reduced-calorie whole-wheat bread, with (3 PointsPlus)*
  6 slices tomato (0 PointsPlus)*
  4 slices cucumber (0 PointsPlus)*
  1 oz cooked skinless turkey breast (1 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp reduced-fat pesto sauce (1 PointsPlus)
  2 oz fat free mozzarella cheese, sliced (2 PointsPlus)*
1 cup Garden Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value:7

Evening - Salmon with brown rice and spinach
5 oz wild salmon fillet, baked with (6 PointsPlus)*
  2 medium tomatoes (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)
1 cup steamed spinach (0 PointsPlus)*
1/2 cup brown rice (3 PointsPlus)*
1 1/2 cups mixed greens with (0 PointsPlus)*
  sliced cucumber and shredded carrot (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp fat free Italian dressing (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 11

Anytime
1/2 cup sugar free gelatin (0 PointsPlus)*
1 shot espresso, with (0 PointsPlus)
  1 cup heated fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*
1 cup mixed fresh fruit*

Total PointsPlus value: 2

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Two} 

Morning - Greek yogurt with berries
1 cup fat free Greek yogurt, mixed with (3 PointsPlus)*
  1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 Tbsp sliced almonds (2 PointsPlus)
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Pasta with salmon & peachy salad
1 cup cooked whole-wheat penne pasta, with (4 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup reduced-fat pasta sauce (1 PointsPlus)
  3 oz pink salmon, canned in water, drained (3 PointsPlus)*
2 cups mixed greens salad, with (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)
  2 Tbsp lemon juice (0 PointsPlus)
  1 large peach, sliced (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 10

Evening - Veggie burger & corn on the cob
1 grilled frozen fat free vegetarian burger, on (2 PointsPlus)*
  1 light whole-wheat hamburger roll, topped with (2 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp ketchup (0 PointsPlus)
  1/4 medium avocado (2 PointsPlus)
  2 large slices tomato (0 PointsPlus)*
1 medium ear of corn (2 PointsPlus)*
1 cup grilled zucchini (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Anytime
1 cup carrots (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup fat free salsa (0 PointsPlus)*
3 oz fat free cheddar cheese cubes (3 PointsPlus)*
1 apple, sliced (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 3

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Three} 

Morning - Egg 'n' English muffin
1 poached egg (2 PointsPlus)*
1 light whole-grain English muffin (3 PointsPlus)*
1 cup grapes (0 PointsPlus)*
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 5

Midday - Couscous lentil salad
1/2 cup cooked lentils, mixed with (2 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup cooked whole-wheat couscous (3 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup cooked bell pepper (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup celery (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup lightly steamed sugar snap peas (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 Tbsp lemon juice (0 PointsPlus)
  1/4 cup fat free chicken broth (0 PointsPlus)*
1 tall [12 fl oz} fat free unsweetened latte (3 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Evening - Turkey stir-fry with quinoa
2 cups vegetables, stir-fry with (0 PointsPlus)*
  1 tsp sunflower oil (1 PointsPlus)
4 oz cooked skinless turkey breast, served over (4 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup cooked quinoa, mixed with (3 PointsPlus)*
    2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce (0 PointsPlus)
    1 tsp sunflower oil (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 9

Anytime
1 cup sliced mango, mixed with (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese (1 PointsPlus)*
1 cup light yogurt, artificially sweetened (3 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Four} 

Morning - Cottage cheese & tomato
2 slices reduced calorie whole wheat bread (3 PointsPlus)*
1 cup fat free cottage cheese (3 PointsPlus)*
1 small tomato, sliced (0 PointsPlus)*
1 medium orange (0 PointsPlus)*
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Midday - Tuna & bulgur salad
1 cup spinach leaves topped with (0 PointsPlus)*
1 cup cooked bulgur, mixed with (4 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup tuna, canned in water, drained (3 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 red bell pepper, diced (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup diced cucumber (0 PointsPlus)*
  1 scallion, chopped (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 Tbsp fat free balsamic vinaigrette (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Evening - Grilled chicken & baked potato
1 small plain baked potato, topped with (2 PointsPlus)*
  2 Tbsp fat free sour cream (0 PointsPlus)*
3 oz grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast (3 PointsPlus)*
2 cups mixed greens, tossed with (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup halved grapes (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup diced jicama (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)*
  2 Tbsp red wine vinegar (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 7

Anytime
1 grande [16 fl oz] fat free unsweetened latte (4 PointsPlus)*
1 banana (0 PointsPlus)*
1 cup sugar free lemonade (0 PointsPlus)
3 cups plain air popped popcorn (2 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Five} 

Morning - Breakfast muffin crostini
1 light whole grain English muffin, topped with (3 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup fat free ricotta cheese (2 PointsPlus)*
  1 sliced banana (0 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp chopped walnuts (1 PointsPlus)
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Midday - Tuna pasta salad
1 cup chopped red cabbage, mixed witth (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup steamed sugar snap peas (0 PointsPlus)*
  6 oz tuna, canned in water, drained (4 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup cooked whole wheat pasta, cooled (2 PointsPlus)*
  3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp canola oil (2 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Evening - Steak, sweet potato & veggies
1 large cooked sweet potato (4 PointsPlus)*
2 cups steamed broccoli and cauliflower (0 PointsPlus)*
3 oz grilled lean, trimmed beef round steak, with (4 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp steak sauce (0 PointsPlus)
1 cup Garden Vegetable soup (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Anytime
1 cup light yogurt, artificially sweetened (3 PointsPlus)*
1 cup halved strawberries (0 PointsPlus)*
6 large olives (1 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Six} 

Morning - Cereal with blueberries

1 cup fortified whole grain cereal, with (2 PointsPlus)
  1 cup fat free milk (2 PointsPlus)*
  1 cup blueberries (0 PointsPlus) *
1 cup black coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Midday - Turkey and avocado roll
1 light roll, topped with (2 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup roasted peppers (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 medium avocado (2 PointsPlus)
  2 oz fat free mozzarella cheese, sliced (2 PointsPlus)*
  2 oz cooked skinless turkey breast (2 PointsPlus)*
1 cup celery and carrot sticks (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 8

Evening - Chicken and beet salad
2 cups raw spinach, mixed with (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup sliced beets (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper (0 PointsPlus)*
  4 oz cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast (4 PointsPlus)*
  2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (0 PointsPlus)
  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)
1 cup fat free cottage cheese, topped with (3 PointsPlus)*
  1 Tbsp roasted pine nuts (1 PointsPlus)
Total PointsPlus value: 10

Anytime
3 small fresh apricots (0 PointsPlus)*
1 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Delights (4 PointsPlus)
  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae

Total PointsPlus value: 4

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

. . . . . . . . . .

{Day Seven} 

Morning - Eggs with 'shrooms & bacon

2 large eggs, scrambled with (4 PointsPlus)*
  1 cup mushrooms cooked in nonstick spray (0 PointsPlus)*
2 slices cooked turkey bacon (1 PointsPlus)
1 slice toasted reduced calorie whole wheat bread (1 PointsPlus)*
1 cup back coffee (0 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Midday - Broccoli cheese baked potato
1 medium baked potato, with (4 PointsPlus)*
  1 cup steamed broccoli florets (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 oz fat free mozzarella cheese, sliced (2 PointsPlus)*
1 cup Vegetable Soup (0 PointsPlus)*
1 large plum (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 6

Evening - Pork with pasta & green beans
1 cup cooked whole wheat penne pasta, with (4 PointsPlus)*
  1/2 cup canned reduced sodium tomato sauce (0 PointsPlus)*
  1/4 cup fresh basil (0 PointsPlus)*
5 1/2 oz lean trimmed pork center loin, (5 PointsPlus)*
  fried in nonstick spray (0 PointsPlus)
1 cup steamed green beans, with (0 PointsPlus)*
  2 tsp olive oil (2 PointsPlus)

Total PointsPlus value: 11

Anytime
1 pear (0 PointsPlus)*
2 stalks celery (0 PointsPlus)*
1 tall [12 fl oz} fat free unsweetened latte (3 PointsPlus)*
1 cup grapes (0 PointsPlus)*

Total PointsPlus value: 3

Daily PointsPlus Total: 26

*Weight Watchers Power Food

. . . . . . . . . . 

For sample menu plans, click the links below.

Sample Menu Plans - Week Two
Sample Menu Plans - Week Three
Adding to the Sample Plans

Friday Night Grocery Shopping

My grocery list for this coming week.

Happy Friday!!

Tonight, I'm going to the grocery store. When do you do your grocery shopping? Normally, I go to the grocery store on Friday night or Saturday. My baby belly is getting bigger and bigger, so I cannot carry the groceries upstairs by myself. I have to become more strategic about my grocery shopping and go when Jon can come with me. This way I do not have to make one hundred small trips up and down the stairs by myself!

Throughout the month of June I am going to go to the grocery store on a weekly basis to see how I like that. Because I am pregnant, I've been eating a lot of fruit and milk! This is good, but it means that I need to go to the store more often than I normally do. I told you about my grocery experiement last year, which has been working pretty well for us up until this month. What works best for you? Weekly trips?

No matter how often I go to the store, I always have to make sure I have a list. This helps me to stay on track and only get what I need. It also helps me to avoid tempting foods that are high in PointsPlus values. When I know what I need, I do not have to spend a lot of time wandering up and down the alises walking past snacks and treat that I know I do not need.

This week I plan on making some great recipes!! I have listed the recipes below if you are interested.

June Meal List - Week 2
Taco Junk
Santa Fe Breakfast Ring
Apricot Glazed Pork Medallions

If you have to go grocery shopping this weekend, make sure that you go prepared! Click the link to read more about some Supermarket Tips that might help you this weekend while you shop.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

My Sample Menu

Let me just start by saying that if there is anything that you ever want me to blog about or have questions about please let me know. I love hearing from my readers!! Feel free to click the “Contact Me” tab in the top left hand side of my blog. It will take you to a page with all of my contact information.

Several weeks ago I started my Living a Changed Life Facebook page. It has been fun to interact with my readers in a different kind of way! On Friday, Jaime left me a Facebook comment saying, “I would love a sample menu for a week of the foods you eat. I'm really looking for new ideas on eating healthy and I am very interested of the kinds of things you are eating for meals as well as snacks :)”

Thank you Jaime for leaving me that comment that has since inspired this blog post!

Okay, here is a look at what I eat on a daily basis.

My Sample Menu

Monday thru Friday
Breakfast:
1 cup of cooked Oatmeal (4 PointsPlus)
2 tsp Splenda No calorie sweetener (0 PointsPlus)
16 oz of water (0 PointsPlus)
Total: 4 PointsPlus

Morning Snack:
1 granola bar normally: Special K Fruit Crisps (3 PointsPlus) or Nutri-Grain Bar (3 PointsPlus) or Fiber One Bar (4 PointsPlus)
10 oz of water (0 PointsPlus)
Total: 3 or 4 PointsPlus

Lunch:
Turkey Sandwich (there are a variety of ways that I make this)

Bread - 2 slices of Nature's Own Whitewheat (3 PointsPlus) or 1 Mission Carb Balance Wheat tortilla (1 PointsPlus) or 1 Orowheat Sandwich Thin (3 PointsPlus)
Turkey - 6 slices Deli Fresh Turkey Breast (1 PointsPlus)
Cheese - 1 wedge of Light Laughing Cow Cheese (1 PointsPlus), I spread this on my bread like you would with mayo.
Fruit - this is whatever kind of fresh fruit I have on hand, Apples, Strawberries, Banana, Kiwis, ect. (0 PointsPlus)
10 oz of water (0 PointsPlus)
Total: 3 to 5 PointsPlus

Mid-Afternoon Snack:
Yogurt - Weight Watchers Yogurt (2 PointsPlus) or Fiber One Yogurt (1 PointsPlus)
Total: 1 or 2 PointsPlus

Dinner:
This really depends. I have told you about our grocery experiments in February and in March.

At the end of March I planned a new menu for April. I decided what meals we would eat for the month of April, so that I would only have to go to the store twice a month. This is in an effort to help save us money.

If it is helpful I can start posting our dinner menu list each month, just let me know.

In the last three months we have had things like:
Skinny Sloppy Joes
Taco Junk
Shepard's Pie
Chicken Ropa Vieja
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Meatloaf Muffins
3 Bean Turkey Chili
Tacos
Chicken & Rice
Easy Beef Enchiladas
Spinach Lasagna Rolls
Crock Pot Chicken Chili
Homemade Pizza
Tomato Pepper Lasagna
Bubble Up Enchilada
Total: 4 to 8 PointsPlus

Evening Snack:
I really like snacking at night time so I leave a lot of room for this.
1 cup of Cinnamon Burst Cheerios (3 PointsPlus)
38 Veggie Straws or Apple Straws (3 PointsPlus)
Total: 6 PointsPlus

Daily Total: 29-33 PointsPlus

Saturday and Sunday
Breakfast:
1 cup of cooked Oatmeal (4 PointsPlus)
2 tsp Splenda No calorie sweetener (0 PointsPlus)
16 oz of water (0 PointsPlus)
Total: 4 PointsPlus

Lunch and Dinner:
The weekends are made up of leftovers from whatever we ate earlier that week. If we eat out at all during the week it is usually on the weekends, so I try to plan ahead for that.

Daily Total: 29-33 PointsPlus 

I hope that this was helpful, let me know if you have any questions about anything.

Our Grocery Experiment Report

Source

This morning I am here to report on some very exciting things! Last month, I told you about our grocery experiment that we were conducting.

I planned out our meals for the entire month of February, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The rules were that we were not going to eat out and that we were only going to go shopping twice throughout the month. As it turns out, we ate out twice, and I made a total of four trips to the store (two big trips and two small trips). However, because we were so good to stick to our menu we saved money!

That's right we save almost $100.00 this last month just on groceries!

I did not buy a lot of snack foods at the store. Instead, I have been baking things like cookies, rice krispie treats, and banana bread. I have been trying to eat only the serving size so that the food will last longer. I also used coupons, bought generic brands, and watched sales. We probably save more money on gas, because we are not making a trip to the store every week.

Most importantly, I have been praying that God would help our bellies to feel full and let our food last longer then just the month I planned for! He did that last month and I know that He can do it again!!

It does take time to sit down, plan out our menu for the month, and hunt for deals. However, if it is going to save us $100.00 every month, I think it is worth my time. So I am excited to say that we are doing it again!! I decided to make our March menu in Microsoft Publisher.

March Meal List
Oatmeal
Turkey or Ham Sandwiches
Macaroni & Cheese
Skinny Sloppy Joes
Taco Junk
Shepard's Pie
Sandwiches
Chicken Ropa Vieja
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Meatloaf Muffins
Jon's Homemade Chinese Food
3 Bean Turkey Chili
Tacos
Chicken & Rice
Easy Beef Enchiladas
Spinach Lasagna Rolls
Crock Pot Chicken Chili
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Strawberry Pie
Raspberry Squares
Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our Grocery Experiment

As many of you know, Jon and I are on a pretty tight budget. In December, we began paying back Jon's student loans. As a result we need to be very careful with how we spend of money. God has provided for us each month and for that we are very thankful! However, we are trying to see if there are any areas that we can cut back so that we will have enough money to make our monthly payments each month.

This month we are conducting an experiment to see if we can spend less money on groceries. Usually we go to the store about once a week. I am still following the Weight Watchers plan, so I try to eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. That normally means that I buy enough to last us a week or a little more. However, I have been wondering if this is the smartest way to go shopping.

For the month of February, Jon and I are conducting an experiment. As a wife and woman on Weight Watchers I feel it is my responsibility to plan out our meals. So, I made a menu for us for the entire month of February. I am talking breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

I wrote everything out on a calendar that I found for free at Tip Junkie. Then I taped this list to our fridge.

I wrote out a meal list as well, so that if we need to be flexible with our meals we can be.

After making my list, I researched each recipe to find out what ingredients I already had and what I needed to buy from the store. I made a shopping list of everything that we would need for the entire month. I knew that fresh produce would not last four weeks, so I made two more lists of fruits and veggies. The first list we purchased last night at the store and the second list we will use for a very small trip to the store in about two weeks.

I also did some research to find out how much canned and frozen fruits and veggies would cost. I thought, maybe we can start buying more of that to tide us over until the next time I go to the store for fresh produce. We will see how it works out, like I said it is an experiment.

I think that we will be able to save money this month only if we are able to stick to the menu. It took a lot of time to plan everything out, but if it will save us money then I think it is worth my time. What do you think? We will save money this month? How do you plan your meals each month? I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and feedback.

For those of you who would like to know what Jon and I will be eating the entire month of February, I have made a complete list below.

February Meal List
Meatloaf Muffins
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Seven Layer Dip
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
Burgers
Steak & Potatoes with onion
French Toast
Bajito Chicken
Easy Beef Enchiladas
Chicken & Rice
Taco Junk
Skinny Sloppy Joes

Dessert
Weight Watchers Strawberry Pie
Cupcakes
Muffins
Chocolate Chip Cookies