When I’ve got a million things whirring through my mind I turn to my calendar and just start planning. Between workouts, lunches and breakfasts, I decided to just write them all in. I don’t do this if I’m not that busy, but when it comes to packing workout clothes so I can go straight to the gym or packing lunches or figuring out how much time I have in the AM, it’s very helpful.
As you can see, I have 3 days at Winthrop of orientation and then my internship starts on Thursday. Purple are meals, grass green are workouts. I feel much better now!
I also had Matt pick out 3 months worth of soup recipes that he’s going to be making on Tuesday nights. He put the soups into his calendar (which I can see) and put the ingredients in the Description area so I’ll know what to put on the grocery list. I’m going to also plan a crockpot meal and do the same – I just need to pick the recipes! One night a week is going to be eat-what-you-want (i.e. sandwiches or leftovers) and the other will be a more formal recipe (likely Mondays when ingredients are fresh).
If you have some great make-ahead salads or crock pots, please post them below! I might do a compilation of links (so I’d prefer for them to be posted online somewhere).
At 11AM I met up with Emily for a stellar yet freezing run at the greenway. How did I know it was 19*? The whole marshland was a block of ice! The greenway is in a flood plain and with all the rain they got recently it was quite full and it was all frozen solid. COOL!
Emily and I did
SEVEN MILES
again! We didn’t run super fast, but the run was fun and pretty easy. I was so intimidated by 7 miles, but really it’s just an hour of running and I workout for an hour all the time. I have a feeling going over 1.25 hours is going to be when it starts to feel hard.
All I wanted for lunch was a spinach salad and yogurt!
Like mother, like daughter! Mom got me the matching mother bowl from Anthropologie for Xmas 🙂
My salad contained spinach, dressed in EVOO + agave + sat, plus carrot, red pepper, broccoli (steamed in the microwave), CRANBERRY CINNAMON GOAT CHEESE from Costco!!!, and my newest homemade olive hummus
Kalamata Olive Hummus: Food process for 3-4 minutes: a can of garbanzo beans, ~2 tbsp bean liquid, 1 heaping tbsp tahini, ~8-10 kalamata olives, ~1/2 tsp kosher salt, a pinch of garlic powder, and a pinch of oregano.
On the side: Stonyfield pumpkin yogurt with Kashi Warm Cinnamon
Trying to warm up by my space heater. Not sure what else is on the agenda!
Sarah says
Those bowls are super cute and I love the meal and exercise organization – impressive!
Gracie says
All I can say is that I’ve GOT to get myself Google Calendar stat! I’m like, an organization *freak* and seeing that calendar in it’s colorful, organized glory is just a wonderful sight for me. haha! And those dishes are beautiful – Anthropology is one of my favorites (expensive, though, so a great gift!)
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
Wow I love that calendar! I love being super organised too!
Congrats on the chilly run – oooh and that is one awesome looking salad!!
Biz says
Wow, running outdoors when its so cold – brave woman! 😀
I have hands down the best crock pot pasta sauce – it does have a lot of meat in it, but you only need a little to really kick up your pasta, and it freezes well.
http://biz319.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/italian-sunday-gravy/
Gracia says
That reminds me that I must update my calendar… and go back to running! Every time I read your blog I feel guilty, but injuries scared me out of it!
Jordan @ Salt Sweat Sugar says
I love your bowls!
That’s a pretty cool idea with the menu planning.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Yeah, when I was training for my half-marathon, it all felt pretty easy and doable until I crossed into double digits. That’s definitely where it got tough for me. Tough, but awesome, if that makes sense. I feel like you get a sense of accomplishment with those long runs that just isn’t there for the regular shorter ones…that’s how it was for me, anyway.
Sorry– that was kind of rambling!
Amanda says
A great split pea soup recipe that I found on Recipezaar:
http://www.recipezaar.com/Slow-Cooker-Split-Pea-and-Ham-Soup-169041
Super easy to make and oh-so-delicious. I think it’s even better if you make it ahead because the soup gets extra thick when you put it in the fridge and then reheat. YUM!
Chloe (Naturally Frugal) says
That’s a great idea to put your meals into google calendar for both you and Matt to see! I’m definitely implementing that plan – one of my NYR is to be more organized, and this will definitely get me on the right track!
Jenn (www.j3nn.net) says
Very organized! That salad looks great. Kalamata olives are a great 💡 idea for hummus. Yum!
Jenn
Anne @ the doctor takes a wife says
Planning meals and workouts in the Google Calendar is such a good idea!! I’m such an avid user of this app, I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner 🙂
Thanks for the idea!!
Wendy says
I’m trying to decided if I’m brave/crazy enough to run outdoors tomorrow morning – it will likely be in the lower teens here! Great job on the 7-miler. I find that long distances are more mental than physical – I can only run as far as I set out to run, and not a step further!
Good luck with your first week back to full-time work! Looks like you’re well-prepared. 🙂
Kristen says
My favorite make-ahead salad lately is this Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing. It refrigerates great and tastes yummy reheated!
http://www.flexyfare.com/?p=1376
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
WOWZER! X 3:
1) You have amazing organisational skills!! I need to do something like that fast!
2) Cranberry cinnamon goat’s cheese – why do English supermarkets not do stuff like that!? Seriously, those are three of my all time favourite foods. Not fair 🙁
3) Yay for the 7miles! I swear I only started reading your blog about 6months ago, and I don’t remember any posts about running, you progressed quick! Go you 😀 it’s SUCH a great feeling 🙂 wait til you hit double figures…it’s the best!!
I have a lovely recipe for braised red cabbage which can be made in advance and cooked for like, one and a half hours or so, or longer on a lower heat. I’ll put the recipe + photo on my blog soon, but in the meantime:
About 1 red cabbage, shredded finely
A cooking apple, peeled and cut up finely
A red onion or two
Garlic, chopped finely
Nutmeg, Cinnamon, ground cloves, all to taste
1.5ish tbsp brown sugar
about the same of red wine vinegar
a tiny bit of butter
salt and pepper
add it all together in a big pot, mix it up, cook til tender! It’s DELICIOUS and keeps for ages in the fridge, AND tastes good cold 😀 win/win!
Danielle says
I love your google calendar with everything in it, even the meals. Another friend of mine just did something similar and it’s making me want to jump on the organized bandwagon 🙂 I know I’m lost when I don’t use my planner and I really need to get things for the new year entered in there.
La says
Kath I am in awe of you and your organizational skills. I’m just such a mess, and I realize it’s not something that just happens overnight, but ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh teach me your ways! You really are the postmodern Martha Stewart!
Jessica @ JJsVinBlanc says
Good luck this week Kath. You’re doing so much now that you’re sure to have a successful week ahead. Here’s one of my favorite slow cooker recipes from 2009, the photo is horrible, but the meal is delish! http://johnstonesvinblanc.blogspot.com/2009/01/slow-cooker-chicken-makhani-indian.html
Mom says
Fun! I didn’t know I was buying you the mother in a mother/daughter bowl set. I still feel bad we didn’t have mother/daughter dresses.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
That goat cheese is like crack. I can eat it with a spoon! I plan like crazy when I’m busy…ironically. hope your first work day goes well tomorrow.
Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run says
Pretty bowls! As a runner, I think after an hour it’s mostly mental. If you keep up with the training, you should be able to run 90minutes+ no problem : )
Kerry says
I made this salad a few times late last winter, and it was like a breath of fresh (spring) air. I switched up the veggies a few times too, based on what looked good at the market.
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2008/04/spring-green-quinoa.html
Good luck tomorrrow!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Love the Anthropologie bowls! I can seriously spend the entire day in that store!
theemptynutjar says
Once again, in constant awe of you. How do you get those google calendars? I need some way to add structure to my life…so I feel I accomplish my goals or something.
Have a nice day Kath..
Lauren says
Kath,
I use the Google Calendar like it’s my personal Bible. I put everything on there from workouts to dinner. What I find best when planning meals in advance for every night of the week, is to do just as you are and including designated nights for certain fares. For example, we always do a BFD (Breakfast for Dinner) on Wednesday nights, Monday’s are usually something that will make lots of leftovers for the week, like soup or casserole, and then I always try to keep at least one low key and simple recipe like sandwiches one night.
You will find it gets easier as you find your groove.
Good luck with everything! 🙂
Emily @ The Front Burner says
Ahh I totally went home and ate an enormous salad too! And topped mine with apricot & date gorgonzola from trader joe’s – YUM! I couldn’t warm up either – stood under a hot shower for over half an hour! Didnt feel cold ON the run, but brrrrrr afterwards. Totally worth it and fun! 🙂
Kathi says
Kath,
Where do you get all the wonderful bowls? I am looking to get some pretty bowl to put my food but haven’t been able to find anything. Any ideas?
Thanks
Kathi
Leila says
Wow I need the google calendar…I start school tomorrow and am running around like crazy trying to get ready. Sigh, another week of break would be nice.
Easiest chicken chili ever:
4 cans white beans (two drained, two undrained)
2 cups salsa (I like the Organic Kirkland kind from Costco)
8 oz shredded pepperjack
1 can diced green chilis
3 large chicken breasts
mix all ingredients above (except chicken) and place in the crockpot. Place chicken on top. Cook on low for 5 hours, remove chicken & shred, then add chicken back to the mix. Cook one more hour on low. Top with avocado, green onion, cilantro and tomatoes. Very filling and very yummy. The hubs wasn’t impressed with the bland looking ingredients, but was very impressed with the results.
Jin says
Hi Kath! I think it’s my first time commenting (I’ve been a long-time reader :D). I always wanted to thank you for posting your beautiful photos and sharing your day with us! You definitely inspire me to eat healthy and be more active. I’m 17 and I think it’s so important to have a great role model (who isn’t your mom =P)!
I went for a run with my brother in the cold too! But isn’t it so refreshing to be out in the fresh air than in a gym?
As for salads I love making a big batch of Moroccan couscous(though it isn’t actually a ‘salad’ it resembles one) ahead of time and I just leave it in the fridge until I pack some for school. Other times I mix spinach and other salad greens + toasted whole almonds + red onion slices + raisins + raspberry vinaigrette! yum!
Quinoa salads are great also of course!
Have a great day!
Amelia says
Impressive organization, especially coordinating with Matt! I’m sure that will take some of the stress off you this coming week! 🙂
Jo @ SeekingHealthyBalance says
I love how you are using your calendar for meal planning too. I may try this when I have a super busy week!
Julie @savvyeats says
I love Anthropologie’s dishes. They are always so cute!
Once school kicks off again, I should start putting my workouts and meals into Google Calendar… such a good idea!
Anne says
So exciting for you to be working full-time again – good luck this week!
This is one of my FAVORITE dinners; and its pretty effortless:
Coconut, Shrimp, and Corn Chowder (from Real Simple)
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/coconut-shrimp-corn-chowder-10000001167280/index.htmlttp://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/coconut-shrimp-corn-chowder-10000001167280/index.html
Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind says
That lunch is soooo up my alley! (Isn’t that a weird saying?) Love those bowls, too – so cute!
Karla says
I should try planning more! I think it would make me less stressed… the funny thing is I’m getting a master’s in Planning… city and regional planning. You’d think I’d apply it more to life!
Cute bowls!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I have a pretty unhealthy relationship with hummus myself (just kidding). The olive version sounds yummy!
Kailey says
i love planning my week out when I feel stressed! makes me feel so much better!
awesome 7 miler kath!
Lauren @ eater not a runner says
Seriously impressed with your organizational skills! That salad looks awesome too 🙂
Balance for MEre says
I am making the Three Sister Soup you posted back in December. I’m making it for tomorrow. I’m heading back to school — workday for teachers.
Also I made this recipe on Saturday and have extras to convert into sandwiches for Wednesday. The taste was somewhat Asian/BBQ:
http://penniesonaplatter.com/2009/11/17/apricot-and-french-dressing-crock-pot-chicken/
Jenny says
I think that’s a great way to manage stress and anxiety (your Google calendar). I did that same thing when school got really hectic last semester. So much better than trying to sort it all out in your head!
Red Head, Yellow Dog says
when i was training for my first half, 8 miles was a turning point for me. 8 miles was SO hard! but after that it was all very manageable!! and makes you feel SOO accomplished! love it
another love: google calendar! especially that I can view my boyfriend’s calendar too (especially since he works in retail so his hours are always different) love being organized!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I’ve never been one to plan on the computer… I’m just too much of a “write it down” girl. But I am ALL for planning ahead! 🙂
Congrats on the 7 miles!!! And what a delicious salad to refuel.
J says
I would love a compilation of really good crockpot recipes! I have a huge problem because I’m a student and the crockpot is PERFECT in terms of convience, but I never use it b/c most crockpot recipes sound so minimalist and mediocre to me, and we eat pretty gourmet around here (I’m attending culinary school). Wanted to try a version of your cranberry chicken, but I couldn’t find cranberry bbq sauce anywhere and that seemed to be the star of the recipe. I guess I could make my own…
MelissaNibbles says
The calendar is stressing me out! I’m more of a fly by the seat of my pants type of gal. Whatever works for you though! Good luck!
Katie says
Wow you are SO organized!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i made up a recipe of eggplant and collard greens soup for the crockpot that turned out really tasty:
http://theactorsdiet.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/lynn-magazine-madness/
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats says
I loooove this recipe for French Dip Crock Pot Sandwiches: http://iowagirleats.com/2009/11/12/french-dip-a-la-crock-pot/
and this recipe for Santa Fe Chicken:
http://iowagirleats.com/2009/12/17/they-tried-to-make-me-go-to-rehab/
Kati @ Living Well says
I love all the new Anthropologie bowls! Olive Hummus sounds unique and wonderful! Don’t you love that warm cinnamon Kashi?? Sooo good.
Appetite for Conversation says
Here’s my recipe for a crockpot dish I call Black & Orange Chili. I made it on Halloween.
I was just thinking today how I need to get more organized. Now I’m extra motivated. Thanks!
Appetite for Conversation says
Here’s my recipe for a crockpot dish I call Black & Orange Chili. I made it on Halloween. http://appetiteforconversation.blogspot.com/2009/11/smokin-hot.html
I was just thinking today how I need to get more organized. Now I’m extra motivated. Thanks!
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen says
I love running outside when it’s cold! What a yummy lunch, too…hope you have a good start to the week tomorrow!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Thanks for the Hummus recipe. One of my goals is to make my own hummus.
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I love how planned you are! Inspires me 🙂
Soul soothing quinoa coconut curry
http://ohsheglows.com/2009/10/22/soul-soothing-quinoa-coconut-curry/
its really easy to make ahead…just prepare the sauce and pop in the fridge. The night you want to make it, just cook the grains. Great for lunch the next day too!
Laura @ Food For La says
Hey Kath,
I love crock pot recipes, also. Here’s one of my favorite sites and you can just search for which ingredients you want to use.
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/
This woman makes homemade apple sauce, BBQ chicken, chicken and rice, curry, and even lattes in her crock pot. Everything looks fab; definitely a great resource to have.
Good Luck!
Lauren says
I make a big batch of chili in the crock pot. My husband and I love it, it’s so easy, and it freezes really well.
http://giantscoopsofjoy.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/fall-days-and-chili/
Here’s another really easy one (Cranberry Chicken):
http://giantscoopsofjoy.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/cranberry-chicken/
One more awesome one for Sweet Potato Chicken Curry:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1932650
Hope this is helpful 🙂
Christy says
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese?! No way! Sounds fantastic 😀
Make Roux says
Hi and happy 2010, Kath!
I really like your idea for using a shared calendar the even includes shopping list items!
Here are two of my favorite make-ahead salads:
http://makearoux.blogspot.com/2009/08/too-hot-to-cook-quinoa-marinated-feta.html
http://makearoux.blogspot.com/2007/06/identity-crisis-chopped-pasta-salad.html
And here are two Southern crock pot faves of mine:
http://makearoux.blogspot.com/2008/01/slow-cooker-lima-beans-with-canadian.html
http://makearoux.blogspot.com/2008/05/leaner-slow-cooker-pulled-pork.html
Enjoy! You’ve inspired me to get back into my meal planning starting NOW!
Karmen @ Fit Twentysix says
You are so incredibly organized! A calendar like that would make me less crazy (well, hopefully LOL) I love Anthropologie it’s such an awesome store. Even if the only time I buy things is during a sale =)
candice says
Ahh, I MUST get this amazing goat cheese from Costco!
Ali says
Make ahead “recipe”: Make hummus (as you’re doing!) roast some veggies (onion, beet, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, whatever!) the weekend before a crazy week.
Hummus + veggies + bread (+ cheese, sprouts, or whatever) = a delish, non-soggy, and easy-to-prepare lunch sandwich.
Rachel says
I’m a huge fan of Google Calendar. it helps keep me sane!
Great soup recipe: http://fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/10/black-bean-and-chorizo-soup.html
It’s one of my favorites, and so simple!
Frogs and Men@ Paris Food Blog says
i feel like i’ve only had soup on my mind the past few days! and i like it!
one of my favorite recipes is for a pumpkin and chickpea soup. you mix 2 cloves of garlic, an onion, a tablespoon of olive oil, some thyme and chopped ginger, with 2 cups of pureed pumpkin, and a cup of chick peas. unfortunately, i don’t have a recipe online, but i might do a blog post some time soon.
i also have 2 soup recipes on my blog so far:
one is for a simple leek and onion soup.
http://frogsandmen.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/inspector-poireaux/
the other is for a vegetable lentil soup.
http://frogsandmen.wordpress.com/2010/01/03/lentil-and-vegetable-soup/
they can both be prepared in a crockpot, and the leek soup can be made in large quantities and frozen (i’m not sure how well lentils freeze, have never tried it).
thanks for posting the hummus recipe! i’ll have to try it. olives were my first love…
Cyndi says
I’m impressed with your planning and at the same time intimidated.
It’s good to plan, but it seems that your meals are so planned down to the tee that it takes the life out of the meal. Live a little!
Kath says
There’s plenty of flexibility in the meal plan!! Plus, I just spent 9 days living a LOT, so I’m excited to get back to some planned out healthy meals.
Jenna says
Salad looks great with cinnamon cranberry goat cheese and hummus!!
Sharon @ What Is Sharon Doing Now?! says
I made my first online menu calendar today. I love all this organization!
Unplanned Cooking says
You are organized! Love the color coding. I’ve been forced to become organized through three kids. I think if I knew what I know now back when I was in the work force, I could have been CEO. Well, maybe that’s a stretch, but I would have performed!
Foy (Garden Cook Write Repeat) says
Okay, I’ve been on a soup kick lately so I blogged about it here: http://foyupdate.blogspot.com/2009/12/soup-day.html
There are four featured soup and the best two soups include recipes: Carrot Ginger Soup and Yellow Split Pea Soup. Both are super healthy, filling, gluten free and vegan. Enjoy.
megan says
this is seriously the best slow cooked pork roast I’ve ever had. try it 🙂
http://whatmegansmaking.blogspot.com/2009/08/slow-cooked-puerto-rican-pulled-pork_18.html
Carolyn says
That’s a HUGE salad!!
Lauren says
Forget the bowls – is that spoon for serious. I’m in love. Where is it from?
Kath says
World Market
Natalie (The Sweets Life) says
I have a few crockpot recipes on my blog, but this is my all-time favorite! http://mclaurysweets.blogspot.com/2009/10/indonesian-chicken-with-peanut-sauce.html
Joanne says
Hi Kath! I have a few crockpot recipes on my blog that I think you’ll like!
The first is a butternut squash black bean chili – http://joanne-eatswellwithothers.blogspot.com/2009/11/12-weeks-of-winter-squash-buttercup.html. Delicious!
The next is pot roast with vegetables – http://joanne-eatswellwithothers.blogspot.com/2009/09/tff-pot-roast-with-vegetables.html.
Chicken Coq Au Vin – http://joanne-eatswellwithothers.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitchen-confidential.html.
Crockpot Pulled Pork – http://joanne-eatswellwithothers.blogspot.com/2009/03/crockpot-pulled-pork.html – so delicious and not as bad for you as you’d think if you use pork tenderloin!
I’m also going to have a tofu, tempeh, butternut squash peanut mole on there tomorrow if you want to check back. Hope you like these!
Katy @ These Beautiful Feet says
I may use some of these crock pot meals! We don’t use ours nearly enough!! I need to start planning more. I think that would help with the motivation.
Shelley (Pink House) says
I love Google Calendars too. I’ve been using it for about 4 years now. I have mine color-coded for social events, personal workouts, yoga class, my business work, appts with clients, meetings, personal appts, and travel. My husband and I also check each other’s to see if there are conflicts when scheduling. I’ve never used mine for meal planning…..but it’s a good idea.
Everyone should try out Google calendars – it’s FREE to use! Also if people complain that they still like the pen&paper method: you can always just PRINT OUT your google calendar each week on S unday night.
Lisa Rainer @ Healthful Sense says
Easy and yummy soups:
Latin Style black bean and roasted corn soup
http://www.healthfulsense.com/2011/01/12/black-bean-and-roasted-corn-soup/
Roasted red pepper soup with millet
http://www.healthfulsense.com/2011/02/10/roasted-red-pepper-soup-with-millet/