In the Kitchen at Magnolia Lane- Meal Plan and Weekly Shopping List

 

I cannot believe that I am kicking off our new series “In The Kitchen at Magnolia Lane” today.  It has been a long couple of weeks trying to prepare, but I am really excited to begin this journey with you all.  {Click HERE to read the introductory post in this series and get up to speed}

Whether you are trying to become more organized in the kitchen, trying to eat healthier or trying to lose some weight, I think you will find this series really beneficial.  I hope you enjoy the menu plan as much as I do.

The first thing you will need to do is print off the February Menu Calendar.  (click to print) This lists the first two weeks of meals (Weeks 3&4 are coming soon).  I begin each week on Sunday and that is my “prep” day.

Yes, I defrost, chop, cook, bake and prep for 1-3 hours each and every Sunday to ensure I am ready for the busy week.   I know that sounds like a lot of time but once you get into the groove of things, you will save so much time, money and stress that 1-3 hours will be worth it in the end.

The second thing you will want to do is print out the weekly shopping lists.  I have attached both shopping list week 1 and shopping list week 2 (click to print).  You may not see a ton of savings the first month, but since I repeat this menu in March, you will be able to take advantage of sales and save money over time.  I also cook in large quantities so I typically have plenty of leftovers that I freeze.  Nothing goes to waste in my house and that really helps on those nights where I just don’t feel like cooking or something has come up.  I always keep a few freezer meals on hand, which prevents me from spending money on frivolous grocery store runs and it has completely stopped the unhealthy drive through habit.

Lastly, you will want to print each recipe sheet associated with the first week’s meal plan.  I have attached a few to get you started and will continue to post those throughout the week.  Some of these recipes are family favorites passed down from my grandmother, to my mother and on to me.  Others I have found on Pinterest, blogs and in recipe books I have here in my home. We will provide information here at Magnolia Lane on putting together a binder for this series in the very near future.

A few recipes for week one to get you started:

autumn soup printable recipe

 

chicken rollatini printable recipe  egg frittata printable recipe

I try to tweak every recipe to make it my own and to keep the carbohydrate count down.  My goal is to provide you and your family with a healthy and whole food menu plan that gives you energy, keep you satisfied and to helps you to lose or maintain a healthy weight.  I am going on my second month of this plan and have really enjoyed it.  I try to use all the food in my fridge and I encourage you to get creative in the kitchen. Please share your  ideas, your favorite low carb recipes and most of all your results.  This is a journey and I am excited to hear about what you all have to say and what you experience along the way.

As always, thanks for stopping by and cheers to a healthy 2012!