Doable Bulk Cooking – 2 Recipes, 16 Meals: Ready for Monday!

Great Start to the Week!

Be Prepared for Your Next Meal Before It’s Time to Eat  (I will repeat this often)

In my last post I committed to making just two recipes this weekend – bite-sized, doable bulk cooking.  And so I did.  Last night, despite feeling like making popcorn and watching a movie, I went into the kitchen and started to cook.  Within 10 minutes I had the music turned up a little louder and a renewed sense of control over my diet.  I was determined to avoid last week – one that I didn’t plan for and paid the consequences of by Friday night.

Here’s what happens when I don’t do meal planning and bulk cooking:

1. Meals become too heavily grain-based – sources: previously frozen grains, sprouted tortillas, or pasta
2. Carbohydrate servings increase – more grains are eaten to make-up for the lost volume of produce
3. Working-out becomes more sporadic because energy levels decline
4. Sleep is impaired from decreased diet quality and lack of exercise
5. Caffeine intake increases – mood becomes more impatient, more anxiety – creativity decreases

Here’s what happens when I do plan and cook:

1. Meals are produce-based – 2-3 servings per meal (average 8 servings per day!)
2. Whole grains are modestly enjoyed (at most) as only 1 carbohydrate serving per meal (1/3 cup)
3. Within 48 hours, energy levels increase and working-out seems doable
4. Sleep improves
5. Caffeine intake moderates (~6 oz, 2x per day – total ~300 mg daily) – creativity replaces anxiety

When I see these lists typed, I’m amazed that I ever feel too busy to not prioritize meal planning and make-a-head (bulk) cooking - it’s how I nourish myself.  It’s just like exercise, the first 10 minutes is always the hardest.

~Teri