Meal Planning Monday - Chicken Lickin'...

When I'm on a diet or 'healthy eating regime' (whatever - it just means I can't eat as much cake), my inner demons are tempting me from every angle. I'm really greedy too. I just can't help myself... Well, my husband is the opposite. He really doesn't see the point of cheating, and lacks the sweet tooth I am a slave to.

He's been caning the gym recently, so we're fusing Slimming World with the high protein meals he wants too. That means chicken. Lots of chicken. Chicken here, chicken there, chicken effing everywhere. So, I'm trying to dress paltry poultry up into something a bit different each night.

The Schwartz 'Perfect Shake' seasonings are really good; I already have the cajun and Italian ones, but today I also invested in the tandoori and peri peri ones. They're syn free and liven up either meat or potatoes. Just spritz with Fry Light first then brush on the seasoning, or scatter over your chips before baking. You can also add them to fat free yoghurt for a tasty marinade. And no, this isn't a sponsored post, I just really like them!

So our week is a little like this...

Monday: Piri piri chicken with mini jackets, steamed veg and low fat coleslaw (5 syns)

Tuesday: Tandoori chicken (yogurt marinade) with chips and steamed veg (Free)
Wednesday: Roasted chicken (made with Oxo chicken seasoning) with jersey royals and roasted veg (1/2 syn)
Thursday: I'm out for tea with my friend Emma.
Friday: Big do at Solita...
Saturday: Some sort of recovery meal... Not decided yet. Maybe a chilli?
Sunday: Out with friends for some American thing at Port Street. This can only end badly.

On the up-side, I'm still lighter than I was last week and that includes living through cake club, Sunday lunch at Grenache and a trip to Solita. Not bad!

I never promised to be perfect...

Join me on Facebook
Tweet me @dollybakes
Have a nosy at my pics on Pinterest  

Meal Planning Monday - Recovery...

Dear or dear. Last week we went to London. I fully expected to pile a load of weight on after two days of sheer gluttony, but I find myself recovering rather than cursing myself! Long story short - we went to some dodgy pub on the last day and I'm pretty sure it poisoned us both...

I arrived home on Friday night, full of burger, cake and contentment. I got in bed and thought 'ahh... what a lovely little break'. I rolled over and BOOOOM. Puke. We were both ill all weekend. On the up side, I am lighter now than when I went to London, so it's like it never happened... la la la... nothing to see here!

This week isn't much better, so I'm hoping last week's calories don't catch up...

Monday: Chicken with sweet potato wedges and vegetables. Detox. 
Tuesday: Rib night at 3TwentyOne with some friends. Retox.
Wednesday: Something quick - the Virgin Media man is coming fixing that bloody box. Probably a jacket spud with salad and lean bacon.
Thursday: Unconfirmed.. possibly going out with a friend! (She doesn't know yet)
Friday: Cajun turkey with chips and broccoli
Saturday: It's cake club day - write off.
Sunday: No plans for the first time in yonks. To be confirmed... Maybe a chilli.

So it's a week of healthy vs. gluttony. I like to think of it as a balance. Ish.

I'll report back next week on how that pans out...

Join me on Facebook
Tweet me @dollybakes
Have a nosy at my pics on Pinterest  

Meal Planning Monday - the calm before the storm...

My name is Rachel and I am a greedy pig. This week has been a monumental fail. I have been one or the other; an effing saint or a total health heathen. I have stuck to healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but also troffed in between. First there was the Frederick's incident... Yes... it was good.

Next came a weekend of gluttony. Pizza and wedges at the darts, the new menu at Brewdog, and then Grillstock. Yes, two lots of barbecue in one day. The bible warns about gluttony, it just didn't tell you how painful it is seeing that you have put two and a half pounds back on! Mothertrucker... It's all my own fault. I may have eaten my own body weight in fruit and veg, but I'm drinking practically nothing and snacking on all the wrong things.

I'm not even going to pretend to be a saint this week, because I'm going to London on Thursday and have six restaurants planned in two days. This will end badly. However, I will still plan my other meals in an attempt to get at least some healthy food in before the trip...

Monday: Gammon, roasted jersey royals and mixed veg

Tuesday: Chicken with spicy wedges and broccoli

Wednesday: Home made burgers with salad and sweet potato fries 

Thursday: The Ledbury, London

Friday: Patty and Bun, London

Saturday: Jacket potato with cheese, low fat coleslaw, pickles and vegetables.

Sunday: It's Horwich Carnival, so there will be cake involved - I'm baking for out WI stall! 

Oh well. I've had an ace weekend so it was all worth it! Damage limitation... 

Join me on Facebook
Tweet me @dollybakes
Have a nosy at my pics on Pinterest  

Meal Planning Monday

Evening all. This is just a quick one! Had a good week, and an 'ish' weekend which included a couple of misdemeanours - mainly in the form of a takeaway curry and a trip to Northcote... The rest of the time I was positively saint like! This week's going to look a little like this...

Monday: Cajun chicken, jersey royals and mixed vegetables
Tuesday: Home made burgers with sweet potato fries and coleslaw
Wednesday: Gammon fries and mushy peas (we didn't end up having this last week)
Thursday: Tandoori chicken with coriander rice
Friday: Meatballs in a spicy sauce with mash
Saturday: Out for a friend's birthday - so it's not likely to be healthy!
Sunday: Out for a big lunch, so probably won't want any tea

On days where I have been naughty, I still try to eat lots of fruit and vegetables to keep my intake high. I've decided to do my weekly 'weigh in' on a Friday, so I'm reaping the benefits of weekday eating and it isn't skewed by weekend gluttony. My running total up to last Friday was 9lbs off!

Join me on Facebook
Tweet me @dollybakes
Have a nosy at my pics on Pinterest

Meal Planning Monday (on a Tuesday)

Last week went a bit off piste... I stuck to my meal plans but went berserk in between. The bank holiday (and my greed) completely kiboshed my good girl behaviour. I'm on track the majority of the time so I can be naughty now and again. Unfortunately for my backside, this means I have put three and a half pounds on... Sugar...

Here are some of the culprits... Yes, there is pastry, cake, curry, pancakes, burgers... yes... that is a Snickers waffle. Don't judge. It was well nice.

However, before the bank holiday hit I was an utter saint - see below.

Clockwise we have:

• My own bodyweight in super free strawberries plus lots of other lovely fruits.
• Southern style chicken and cajun fries.
• Mac and cheese with broccoli.
• Chicken seasoned with chipotle smoked sea salt with paprika wedges and mixed vegetables.
• Cowboy hotpot
• Chilli and rice

All of these were Slimming World recipes too! I can't say that any of them tasted like diet food. They were all lovely and even got the seal of approval from my husband.

So this week's 'back on track' plan looks a little like this:

• Monday: Write off... I'm including this as part of the Bank Holiday saga...
• Tuesday: Chicken jalfrezi (Hairy Dieters' Cookbook)
• Wednesday: Cajun chicken and wedges (Slimming World friendly)
• Thursday: Gammon, roasted new potatoes and mushy peas (Slimming World friendly)
• Friday: Steak and chips with mixed vegetables (Slimming World friendly)
• Saturday: Leaving this day free in case we go out.
• Sunday: Meatballs and mash (Hairy Dieters' Cookbook)

Once again, if you know of any ace Slimming World friendly recipes, please leave a message below. Here's to a better weigh in next week...

Join me on Facebook
Tweet me @dollybakes
Have a nosy at my pics on Pinterest

Meal Planning Monday - Finding a Balance

If you read my blog regularly, you'll know that my two main hobbies are baking and eating out. The unfortunate side effect of this is getting rather fat. I'm lucky in the respect that I don't pile weight on easily, but the last couple of years have been a steady path to self destruction. My back is sore, I'm tired and I don't appreciate the treats in the same way.

I tried the 5:2 diet, but my 'normal' days probably couldn't be considered normal for most people. I have also tried calorie counting, which yielded great results but 1000 calories per day just isn't sustainable. I needed something else. I want to eat relatively normally, feel full and still enjoy my hobbies. I need balance in my life!

Lots of my friends at work have lost lots of weight on Slimming World. Emma has just hit two stones, Michelle about three and Corinne a whopping four! They have actually lost my ideal weight between them! Inspired by their success, I'm giving it a bash. I don't want to go to a club and I won't be doing it 100% of the time, but any improvement is a bonus.

I have stolen this from Corinne's Facebook...
I know she won't mind me sharing it because she's done so chuffing well!

I have been doing it for a couple of weeks so far and have already lost half a stone. It's worth mentioning that I am still eating out but I have cleaned up my act for the rest of the time. I'm sure that rate of weight loss will slow down, but I already feel tonnes better. So, this week's meal plan is out of necessity...

All the meals outlined below are healthy versions, but still taste amazing. I generally use 5 of my 15 syns on a Curly Wurly. Sue me. It keeps me sane.

Monday: Jacket potato with one slice of mozzarella cheese (healthy A), mixed veg and 100g of low fat coleslaw (5 syns)
Tuesday: Chicken with homemade spicy wedges and broccoli (all free)
Wednesday: Booth's Cookalong Night - don't know yet!
Thursday: Macaroni Cheese (free - cheese healthy A)
Friday: Chilli with boiled rice (all free)
Saturday: Out with the sibling for tea.
Sunday: Roast turkey with mixed veg and roasties (all free)

If you have tried Slimming World, I'd appreciate any good recipes!

Join me on Facebook
Tweet me @dollybakes
Have a nosy at my pics on Pinterest

Meal Planning Monday - Post 5:2

So this is the deal. For the past three weeks I have been following the 5:2 diet. I've mixed things up in order to see what works best for me and lost 1-3 pounds a week. It wasn't that hard when splitting the fast days and I could eat what I want on my normal days. However, I have decided not to continue with it. I think I can achieve better results with a normal healthy eating plan. I've felt quite a bit of guilt over this, but it's just not for me 100% of the time. What I would say is that I am keeping this regime in my arsenal, because the fast days are great if you have been caning it over the weekend or have had a particularly indulgent week.

So, here's my regular healthy meal plan for this week...

Monday: Chicken and vegetable stew
Tuesday: Home made low fat corned beef hash
Wednesday: Low fat Lincolnshire sausages with carrot and swede mash
Thursday: At the hairdressers, so possibly just a chicken sandwich on wholemeal bread
Friday: Out at Solita for my friend's birthday do!
Saturday: Cake club! Write off.
Sunday: Home made burgers with frites.

Please leave your comments below... x

Meal Planning Monday - Week 3 of 5:2

I'm here at week three of the 5:2 diet, living to tell the tale. I know today is Tuesday, but before you have me done under Trade Descriptions... I was at the Bolton Food Festival getting very wet all day yesterday and made the executive decision to do my meal plan today. Plus, yesterday was still technically the weekend!

A few weeks ago I watched the Horizon documentary on BBC2 called Eat, Fast and Live Longer. Michael Mosley set himself a challenge; live longer, stay younger and lose weight by living the 5:2 diet. 

So what's the deal?
The idea was to 'fast' for 2 days every week and live a normal lifestyle for the other days. However, fasting doesn't mean eating nothing. Men can have 600 calories a day and women are allowed 500. Sounds great! I decided to try the diet, not only to lose weight but to see if I have the willpower to survive on 500 calories per day.

1. Week one was 'lunch only' on fast days. I did my fasts on consecutive days. 
2. On week two I changed things around a little. I spread my calories throughout the day and split my fast days.

So, this is what week two felt like...

Positives

• It was much easier than week 1
• My blood sugar levels were much better
• I got a sense of achievement from it feeling easier than the previous week
• I felt like I was having a mini detox on each fast day. On Wednesday night I was looking forward to the fast the next day (someone had been caning the buffets...)
• I lost another 2lbs despite three buffets and three days of the Bolton Food Festival being in the same week.

Negatives

• The thirst is still an issue. On the flip side, I know this means I'm not drinking enough... Bad Rachel.
• Not being able to eat Frederick's ice cream on Thursday night. I had to watch my husband. That was crap.
• I was baking most of the week for the Food Festival. That was a killer when you're fasting...

This week's plan

• I'm doing a mix of weeks one and two.
• Fast days will be consecutive.
• The 500 clories will be split over the day.

My husband has now stopped the 5:2 diet because he was losing too much weight! He is just using a fast day once in a while when he's been over-doing it.

So, here's the meal plan!

Monday: Normal day - covering the Bolton Food Festival again. The Hungry Gecko for lunch and sausage butties for tea!
Tuesday: Normal day - sandwich for lunch and a slice of carrot cake. Not really that hungry now... chances are I may just have another slice of cake...
Wednesday: Fast day - small chicken sandwich for lunch and turkey and bean stew for tea.
Thursday: Fast day - turkey salad sandwich for lunch and spiced red lentil soup for tea.
Friday: Normal day - ham salad wrap for lunch and not sure for tea! A treat might be in order...
Weekend: Normal days - we're off to Manchester to buy some holiday clothes (not long now...) so will probably eat out at least once.

Watch the documentary on iPlayer here.

Please note: I am following this diet because I saw the Horizon documentary. I am not qualified to advise others on dietary requirements. This diet is not suitable for everyone. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP.

Please leave your thoughts and own experiences of the 5:2 diet below... x

Meal Planning Monday - Week 2 of 5:2

Last week I started the 5:2 diet after watching the Horizon documentary on BBC2 called Eat, Fast and Live Longer. Michael Mosley set himself a challenge; live longer, stay younger and lose weight. 

The idea was to 'fast' for 2 days every week and live a normal lifestyle for the other days. However, fasting doesn't mean eating nothing. Men can have 600 calories a day and women are allowed 500. Sounds great! I decided to try the diet, not only to lose weight but to see if I have the willpower to survive on 500 calories per day.

I approached week one with a 'lunch only' rule. A big lunch which should last me through the evening. I also did two consecutive fast days. My main concern going into this challenge was maintaining a decent blood sugar level and avoiding the 'dithers'.

So here's what I found...

Positives

• It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be
• I didn't really experience many dithers due to low blood sugar
• I felt energised by fact I was succeeding
• I lost 2lbs (bearing in mind I had two meals out, Pop Tarts and cake club...)
• I had five days of normality

Negatives

• I was so thirsty it was annoying
• The hardest part was just before lunch on day 2 of fasting
• My mood was a bit low in the evenings when fasting
• I got a raging headache. I'm not sure if this was down to general stress or the diet. I think it was a combination of the two.

What I'm changing this week

• I'm trying non-consecutive days.
• I'm spreading my 500 calories out over the day
• I'm eating less carbs on my 'fast' days

Lots of people contacted me last week to say they were giving it a go. Let me know how you got on! My husband lost too much weight, and has now decided to do one fast day this week.

So, here's the meal plan!

Monday: Fast day - food spread throughout the day. Chicken sandwich on brown bread for lunch and a bowl of carrot and coriander soup with a seeded roll for tea. Total 465 calories.
Tuesday: Normal day - sandwich for lunch and chargrilled chicken and vegetables for tea.
Wednesday: Normal day - buffet at work for lunch and home made corned beef hash for tea.
Thursday: Fast day - food spread throughout the day. Vegetable soup for lunch and a tortilla with peri peri chicken and refried beans for tea. Total 455 calories.
Friday: Normal day - the Bolton Food and Drink Festival starts! I'm going to the Paul Hollywood Gala Dinner! Very excited...
Weekend: Normal days - food festival. Say no more.

Watch the documentary on iPlayer here.

Please note: I am following this diet because I saw the Horizon documentary. I am not qualified to advise others on dietary requirements. This diet is not suitable for everyone. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP.

Please leave your thoughts and own experiences of the 5:2 diet below... x

Meal Planning Monday - Week 1 of 5:2

Last week I watched a fascinating Horizon documentary on BBC2 called Eat, Fast and Live Longer. Michael Mosley set himself a challenge; live longer, stay younger and lose weight. However, just like the rest of us he didn't want it to take over his life. Michael explores different ways of embracing the ancient art of fasting whilst maintaining a relatively normal life. The upshot of this was a compromise which is still enough of a sacrifice to work. He tried the 5:2 method (as well as some more extreme techniques...), and not only improved his health, but lost weight too.

So, this is how it works. For two days of the week you will 'fast'. This doesn't mean you can't eat anything at all. Guidelines say men should have around 600 calories whilst women should have about 500. For the other five days, you can eat normally. Here's the technical bit...

• Our bodies have a growth hormone called IGF -1. As a child this is what helps our bodies grow, but as adults it ages us.
• High levels of IGF-1 can lead to diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
• Lowering your levels of IGF-1 can help prevent against these diseases and can be done through your diet.
• When lowering your IGF-1 levels, growth stops and your body starts to repair cells. It also uses up your glucose and starts to burn fat, so you also lose weight.

Source: Jac Meldrum at Tinned Tomatoes. Please visit her site to read more and for some fantastic recipe ideas.

I am tackling week one in a bit of a boring fashion, just to get my body used to lowering its calorie intake. I'm trying to pick 'fast day' foods which will keep me fuller for longer and maintain a balanced blood sugar level. I'll then review next week.

Monday: Normal day - Heston's Perfect Chilli with a jalapeno wrap.
Tuesday: Normal day - out for tea at Pizza Express with work.
Wednesday: Fast day - lunch only. Spicy vegetable couscous, 50g of chargrilled chicken and a nectarine later in the day.
Thursday: Fast day - lunch only. Jacket potato with beans and a dollop of low fat coleslaw and an apple later in the day.
Friday: Normal day - home made tandoori chicken with wholegrain rice.
Weekend: Normal days - bit of a write off. Eating out and cake club are involved....

So, as you can see. Two 'fasting' days and the rest are completely normal. I'll report back...

Watch the documentary on iPlayer here.

Please note: I am following this diet because I saw the Horizon documentary. I am not qualified to advise others on dietary requirements. This diet is not suitable for everyone. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP.

Please leave your thoughts and own experiences of the 5:2 diet below... x

Meal Planning Monday

I was missing last week. I wasn't being lazy, I was (as Joe Mangle would say...) crook. I was a horrid, festering pile, and had no energy for Meal Planning Monday. It also meant my taste buds were shot, so I wasn't that hungry anyway. However, I've been a bit of a pig this weekend, so it's now time to try and eat a little better this week.

Monday: Not sure yet. It depends what time the delivery man comes with my replacement KitchenAid. Yes, really. I am now on my fifth pink mixer since March. All with different faults. Let's hope this is the last... I'll probably end up having a bigger lunch and having some cereal at silly-o'clock.
Tuesday: Steak and frites with broccoli.
Wednesday: Chicken, vegetables and low fat coleslaw. Boring but necessary.
Thursday (Friday Eve): Yay! We're going back to Solita with Wayne and Vicki! Excited as a bugger! Deep fried coke here we come! If I am talking in riddles you really must investigate...
Friday: Probably something quick and easy (code for take-away from Chicco's...) because I'll be making teeth from sugarpaste. That's right. Teeth. I'm making more monster cupcakes...
Saturday: I will be baking the cakes and decorating them on Saturday afternoon before they are collected for Ewan's party. I'm sure I will be overcome by sugar fumes at this point and want something savoury. I think I might make St John's Welsh Rarebit as we've plenty of ale in!
Sunday: Nothing planned for the first time in ages! Possibly out for tea. Who knows!?

Meal Planning Monday

Evening all. I'm a little late today with the old meal planning because I've been cooking. Not baking, actually cooking! Shock, horror! I have had such a manic week! It was the Summer Fete on Saturday, so I didn't have time to do much over the weekend other than run round like a crazed fool.

So, this will be short and sweet as time is of the essence. Plus I need to send out the email for Clandestine Cake Club July. The to do list just gets longer...

So, here we are! I'm still trying to eat healthily during the week, but I'm not as hung up about losing weight now. I have to say that because I ate six biscuits today and fear the scales...

Monday: Turkey stew
Tuesday: Jacket potato with a little cheese and a dollop of M&S low fat coleslaw. I'm testing my cake club cake so I need something speedy!
Wednesday: Chicken with vegetables and gravy
Thursday: Home made beef burgers with skinny fries
Friday: Out at the Comedy Club so not entirely sure!
Saturday: Cake club day. I'm going to be honest with you. I usually crave chips after cake club. I am sure there is scientific method behind my madness! The savoury balances the ridiculous amount of sweet cake I consume...
Sunday: Brewdog in Manchester. The husband is craving a spot of ale...

So there you have it. Good during the week, abhorrent at the weekend!

Meal Planning Monday

Last week was fantastic! I managed to lose half a stone in a week and a half and my brother got married. The sun was shining for his big day and lots of food and drink was consumed. This did creep into Sunday as well, but hey ho we all had a bloody brilliant time. That means only one thing... Back on the wagon this week! I haven't weighed myself yet, but I'm sure to have added a few extra pounds...

The bride and groom

My husband and I...

Chris, my mum, yours truly and Paddy

So, back on to the healthy eating plan! It goes a little like this...

Monday: Mini turkey burgers in a wholemeal pitta with chilli cheese (only a sniff...)

Tuesday: Chicken, vegetables and gravy. The gravy allows my brain to think this isn't really a healthy tea...

Wednesday: Jacket potato with beans and low fat coleslaw.

Thursday: Pork chops with root vegetable mash

Friday: Cheat's hotdogs. Low fat bangers on a wholemeal finger roll with something along the lines of sweet potato chips.

Saturday: It's the Summer Fete Day! I'm not going to lie to you. This may involve a take away when I get home. Oh well.

Sunday: Home made low fat burgers with lots of salad and skinny fries.

I solemnly swear that I will try very hard...

Meal Planning Monday - Being Well Behaved

If you read last week's post, you'll know that I'm trying to persist with this healthy eating malarky. I even went to the bloody gym last week! Granted, I overdid it and awoke my sciatica, but I think it's recovered enough to do it all over again tomorrow. My only real misdemeanour was an unplanned trip to Ma Simms' Pie and Mash shop. Granted, I did go to Gorilla as well, but I had planned that... Behave during the week, treats at weekend. I managed to lose four pounds and gain a stinking headache, so I must be doing something right!

I have got to the stage where I'm really unhappy with my weight. I've always been quite lucky that I don't put it on easily (despite the amount of cake and eating out...). To an extent, I still don't pile on the pounds that easily, but this has been a steady increase in the last six to twelve months that is probably a result of blogging (and therefore testing), my age and pure greed. A lot of hard work went into piling on the pounds!

My 'tricky time' is mid afternoon if something stressful has happened and last thing in the evening whilst watching TV. Scientifically there is a reason for this too. These are times when our serotonin levels are low meaning we can feel quite down, therefore our bodies crave something sweet to get that much needed burst of our own natural happy drug. I read this week that totally cutting these treats out of our diet can make us more likely to binge, whereas a small treat or something with natural sugars e.g. fruit will satisfy the need and boost those serotonin levels.

This week's meal plan is an attempt to shed an extra few pounds before my brother's wedding on Saturday. There is no better incentive than the threat of a photographer...

Monday: Low fat sausages on wholemeal pittas with a little bit of Tracklement's onion chutney.
Tuesday: Chicken breast with broccoli, carrots and a splash of chicken gravy. The gravy is to trick my brain into thinking that this isn't boring...
Wednesday: Tandoori marinaded chicken breast with wholemeal rice.
Thursday: Boiled eggs and seeded bread soldiers. We're going to circuit class. I'll be surprised if I can refrain from being sick let alone eating...
Friday: Home made low fat beef burgers with a slice of low fat cheese on a wholemeal bun with a pot of baked beans. This may seem odd, but it's a nod to my favourite meal as a child. I didn't like chips! Shame I do now...
Saturday: Free for all. My little brother is getting married!
Sunday: No idea at this moment in time. All depends on how rough we are!

I'd really appreciate any more tips or links to interesting healthy recipes, especially if they are quick to prepare after the gym! Please leave your comments and ideas below...

Meal Planning Monday

Today a truly heinous thing occurred. The lovely Jackie from Bolton Market sent me some pictures that had been taken on Saturday for Love Your Local Market. Now, I'm not totally daft as a brush, and I knew I had put a few pounds on with all my cake testing (all in the interest of the general public...). However, today's pictures prompted:
a - a quivery lip
b - a good whinge to my friend Emma
c - rage at my own gluttony
d - new jogging pants
e - a visit to the gym. That's right, I did not say tea shop and I didn't mention restaurant. The gym. Place of horror and misery. 

Do you see the progression I have made this afternoon? Having not set foot in a gym for over two years I decided it was prudent to do 'Legs, Bums and Tums' and then (in my infinite wisdom) I announced I was staying for 'Body Combat'. 

Two hours later I have arrived home looking like I have just been on the receiving end of a badly executed chemical face peel, a perm and with legs that are made of something of a similar structure to tagliatelle. If you follow me on Twitter, please expect much whiney behaviour tomorrow, as I'm sure my calf muscles are already half an inch shorter than they should be, and my face is stinging. 

However, this level of pain makes me more determined to eat well this week. I'm not wasting this effort by scoffing contraband. I'll allow myself little treats at weekends, but for the foreseeable future, I'm behaving. So here goes:

Monday: Vegetable cous cous with chargrilled chicken and a dollop of low fat coleslaw (it's from M&S so doesn't taste like wallpaper paste)
Tuesday: Chicken breast with vegetables and gravy
Wednesday: Low fat sausage butties on wholemeal rolls with brown sauce (husband - sans brown sauce...)
Thursday: Simon Rimmer's turkey burgers with sweet potato fries. I learned how to make these when I went to his cookery demo on Saturday!
Friday: Hehehehehe!!! Much excitement followed by a helping of eating out. We are Manchester bound!
Saturday: I have no idea whatsoever. I'm being honest! Not sure what plans we have yet.
Sunday: I'm thinking some sort of healthy roast with some nice vegetables. Might even do a couple of roasties. Crazy mother...

Here's to a week of saint-like behaviour... If any of you have any healthy suggestions, please share... you might have gathered, it's not my forte... 

Meal Planning Monday - Pay as You Go

Hell fire today has been pants. I promised myself I wouldn't eat as much crud too. I stopped myself from buying treats from Marks and Spencer's this morning only to snaffle a four-fingered Kit Kat from the work vending machine ten minutes later. I didn't even wait to get back to my desk. I ate it en route. Pig of the week strikes again...

I've crept back into old habits a bit recently, and found myself not sticking to the plan as much as I had hoped... (don't hit me! I'm just being honest...) Inevitably, this means food is still getting wasted or stuck in the freezer. It has also meant a few takeaways after a bad day...

So, I have two challenges this week! 

1. Try to keep it half way healthy... I'm a realist. My aim is to keep the saturated fat to a minimum but not eat a leaf per day.
2. Only buy what I need. When I need it. This is meal planning pay as you go!

This week I have a plan, but I acknowledge it may change. The difference it, I'm buying almost daily. This means I have a walk at lunchtime too! Two birds, one stone.

Monday: Chicken, skinny fries, broccoli and gravy. A nice comforting meal with few calories. The fries are low in fat too, but give the illusion of something bad! I'm all about the mind games folks...

Tuesday: Some sort of curry, rice and cheese naan bread. This has become a bit of an England match tradition!

Wednesday: My husband is out, so I might end up baking. This generally means a quick sandwich followed by heartburn. 

Thursday: Sirloin steak, carrots and thick cut chips. This steak has been in the freezer for a couple of weeks, so it will cost nothing extra! Cash-back. Again the chips are of the low in fat too.

Friday: I'm off work on Friday so I'm a little tempted to make a chilli and let is cook slowly all afternoon. My chilli is quite healthy so I'll serve it with brown rice and some chilli fajitas. I will be having sour cream. My husband will not. I won't share what he calls it. 

Saturday: I'll be picking up something from Bolton Market as I am there as part of Love Your Local Market. I'm sure I'll have no problem finding something!

Sunday: We were thinking of trying the Old Forge at the Bob Smithy, so perhaps there!

On that note, I'm off to make tea as I'm starved!

Meal Planning Monday

Better late than never!

Ok, so I know we are now on Tuesday (yet it feels like it should be at least Thursday...) I was absolutely cream-crackered last night, so I am a little late with the old plan-a-roo. 

This week will be a little odd I think, as I'm not entirely sure what time we will both be home from work and we have other commitments too. Quick and easy is the name of the game!

Monday: We had a takeaway curry as the football was on!

Tuesday: Chicken and vegetables with cous cous. Yes, I'm on a bit of a cous cous bender at the moment! Fills you up without being too stodgy. I give it another couple of weeks until it's 'dealt with'.

Wednesday: Gammon with egg and chips. Old Skool. I've been craving this since my grandad mentioned it the other day...

Thursday: Bangers and mash with gravy.

Friday: Possibly out, so not planning anything.

Saturday: I'm doing a cupcake order on Saturday afternoon, so it will be something quick and easy. Maybe just some nice sandwiches with fries.

Sunday: We're going to Rogan and Co. for Simon Rogan's Great British Menu for lunch, so I doubt I'll want anything else!

I have a sneaking suspicion that some of these meals won't happen because we are so busy, or I'll end up eating junk whilst watching The Shield... but hey ho. At least I had a plan! I will try to stick to it, but life is sometimes just too short to eat like an adult... 

Meal Planning Monday - Jubilee Week

I'm sure the time between these posts is getting shorter? Or perhaps this is just another sign of old age...

This week will be short and sweet, a little like the food I'll be eating! We're both off work this week, so fully intend to make pigs of ourselves to celebrate the Jubilee! I'm not making any excuses. It's like Christmas. It would be rude not to (see next week's panic diet post...)

So, here goes... (don't give me that look... I can feel your eyes...)

Monday: Chinese Takeaway from Golden Harvest in Horwich. We went to the street party in Manchester today and neither of us had the inclination to eat any proper food after scoffing a massive double burger for lunch! See upcoming post...
Tuesday: Might have a night of normality as I know what is coming tomorrow. Might have something light like chicken breasts with spicy cous cous. This should help fend off the gout for another day.
Wednesday: We're going back to Lucy's for Pudding Club! 
Thursday: I'm thinking chilli. I can make it the day before so it will have matured nicely before it's devoured. I'll serve it with skinny fries for a change (my friend Vicki once served skinny fries with venison casserole - I've been converted ever since. It just works!)
Friday: There's a new place that we're thinking of trying, so might just do that.
Saturday: It's CAKE CLUB! I'm taking Linzi's advice and eating nothing but a packet of crisps when I get home. Apparently this helps with the 'cake ache' as I've started calling it!
Sunday: I'm going to be honest and say I really have no idea! I'm not thinking about Sunday yet!

Happy Jubilee week folks, hope you all have a fabulous time!

Meal Planning Monday - Heatwave Edition!

Hell fire it's been hot! For the first time in yonks, it's actually put me off eating. Really. I know the weather has threatened to cool off a little this week, but I am still planning some lighter meals as I've heard it's still going to be warmer than usual. So, here's what I'm plotting this week!

Monday: Deli Style Hot Dogs - barbecued chiploatas served with Tracklements onion marmalade and melted Lancashire cheese. I'll serve about three thin sausages in each bun. This is a nod to one of my favourite meals ever from Thyme Deli (incidentally, you can buy the onion marmalade from there!). The marmalade is really sweet and sticky, but not overpowering. 

Sounds odd, tastes amazing with sausages...

Tuesday: Roast chicken, vegetable cous cous and Vicki's grandma's potato salad. I'm not a lover of leaves, so this is my perfect substitue! My friend Vicki makes the most amazing potato salad ever, which I believe was handed from her grandma. It's a favourite in our house as well now! 

Wednesday: Venison burgers with chipotle chilli cheese on a bun with skinny fries.

Thursday: Turkey breast with vegetables. Healthy tea before a week of gluttony.

Friday: We're both off work on Friday, so will probably pop somewhere for lunch and therefore skip an evening meal.

Saturday: Steak, wedges and peas. Simple yet hugely effective. Will probably be baking like a fiend too. I'm not going to lie to you... I'm going to end up eating 'some' of it...

Sunday: I have no idea what we're up to on Sunday! But, I have decided to leave this open as it's Jubilee weekend!

I've linked this post to Mrs M's - have a look at all the other Meal Planning Mondays!

What's your favourite summer evening meal? I'm looking for suggestions please! x

Meal Planning Monday - First Ever!

There are a few reasons I have decided to participate in Meal Planning Monday:

• I am a pretty organised person in most areas of my life; work, cake club, fundraisers etc. However, this is generally at the expense of my diet... Bad planning.
• I have put about a stone on in the last year. Bad times.
• I spend a fortune on food that we end up wasting. Bad finance.
• If left to decide when I open the fridge, I often opt for nothing, then find I am hungry like the wolf late at night. Bad habit.

I've been reading Kate and Nelly's meal plans over the last few weeks, and after a chat with Kate decided it would probably help me to get organised, save money and lose a few pounds! Need your own inspiration? The creator, Mrs M links everyone's offerings in one place. Well worth a nosy...

So, here we go.

Monday: Gammon, mash and peas

Tuesday: Out for tea at Teacup in Manchester.

Wednesday: Healthy home made tandoori chicken with pilau rice, bombay potatoes and naan.

Thurdsay: Gammon, mashed butternut squash and peas

Friday: Steak, jersey royals, broccoli and carrots (with a balsamic and red wine sauce)

Saturday: Turkey breast with vegetable cous cous

Sunday: Throwing caution to the wind... Perhaps out...

Shopping didn't cause me to burst a blood vessel, because I had a bit of a plan. I probably spent about the same, but I'm sure we'll waste much less. I shall start as I mean to go on...