Menu plan: 5/23-5/29

We had an incredible but utterly exhausting weekend. We were only gone for two days, but it feels like we’ve been gone a week! I’ll write more about our weekend — and our change of plans that saved us a ton of money — tomorrow. For now, all I can manage is a menu plan for the week.

I’m trying out the low(er) carb thing by cutting breads, pastas, and potatoes from our diet. These are three of our main staples, so menu planning without them is a challenge.

I’ve been struggling to lose a pesky 10 pounds gained over the past year with no luck, and several people have suggested that cutting carbs might be the answer, especially since so much of our diet revolves around unhealthy carbs like bread and pasta. Last week I limited carbs and lost 2 pounds after months of working out and dieting with no results, so I have a feeling it might be working.

I don’t want to do anything too drastic, though. This has to be a lifestyle I can live with, so we’re working on planning our meals around low-fat protein and lots of veggies so we can maintain this new diet long term. And of course, our meals have to be frugal.

Here’s what we came up with this week. I’m pretty proud of how delicious it all looks!

Monday: Mini cheeseburger salad with honey mustard dressing
Tuesday: Fajita grilled chicken  with sauteed onions, peppers, and corn
Wednesday: Chicken kabobs with peanut sauce & steamed vegetables
Thursday: Taco salad
Friday: Tomato-basil baked chicken with spinach salad

Tomato-basil baked chicken

Thin cut boneless, skinless chicken breast
Mozzarella cheese
Can of diced tomatoes
Fresh basil, chopped
Extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sear chicken in hot pan with olive oil on both sides. Finish cooking in oven (about 20-30 minutes). Top with mozzarella in last five minutes and allow to melt. Heat diced tomatoes on stove top. Add salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Top chicken with diced tomatoes and chopped fresh basil.

We just came up with this recipe, and we haven’t tried it yet. I’ll let you know how it turns out! For more menu plans, check out OrgJunkie.

Have a great Memorial Day everyone!

7 thoughts on “Menu plan: 5/23-5/29

  1. EastTXmom

    Karen –

    I have a blog I visit regularly to get great ideas for carb-free recipes called Kalyn’s Kitchen (kalynskitchen.blogspot.com). Her recipes for the most part are simple and yummy. She has other helpful hints from grilling to making your own mixes.
    Hope you find it helpful.

  2. Rona

    Actually I found weight loss occured more when we eat smaller meals, more fruit and veggies and increased our physical activitiy. We keep busy with walking the property several times a day and all the projects we have to do daily.
    I lost over 15 pounds in 3 months and I love bread.
    I hope you and your family had a very nice Memorial Day.
    Happy MPM.

  3. Karen

    @EastTXMom Thanks for the link! I’ll definitely check it out!

    @Rona I’m glad that works for you. Unfortunately, I’ve been eating 6 small meals a day and working out every day and I’m just not losing any weight, so I’m trying something new. Congrats on your weight loss!

  4. Sharon

    I had a very slow weight loss through weight watchers, but it is a program that you can live with for “life”. No foods are off limit.

    Your menu sounds delicious! I think I’ll use some of those ideas this week! :)

    Sharon’s last blog post..Before and After….

  5. Karen

    @Sharon – I’ve lost weight on Weight Watchers before, too! I lost about 40 pounds 3 years ago, but for some reason it’s not working for me now. :( You’re right, though. WW is by far the most “liveable” diet. Once I lose these 10 pounds, I will probably go back on WW to maintain!

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