Sunday Meal Prep | Week of April 7
What I'm cooking + few other tidbits that you didn't ask for but might enjoy.
Today is a travel day for me, and while it’s been great to get away, I’m looking forward to getting back into my routines. Travel used to really throw me off. A little more sugar, bread, pasta, alcohol, etc. etc. etc. I’d always feel puffy, tired, and would struggle to get back into a workout routine when diving straight back into life.
The nutrition work I do isn’t just for you; it’s for me too. Over the years, I’ve found that it gets easier and easier to both make healthier choices when I’m away and get back into my routines when I get home. I feel less “off.”
Want to know the secret? You have to like your healthy routines. It sounds patronizingly obvious, I know, but it’s the only thing that truly works. That whole I’ll start over on Monday mentality never works for anyone because we know whatever is starting on Monday will kind of suck.
I’ve written extensively about the idea of productive foods—these are meals that tick all the boxes: they look good, smell good, taste good, and make you feel good. When you find your sweet spot of good-for-you foods you enjoy, you’ll feel less satisfied with meals that tick the first three boxes but leave you feeling sluggish or bloated.
Travel often comes with added indulgences, which is fun for a minute. But, when getting back into your routine means eating foods you love that make you feel great, it’s less diet-y, more enjoyable, and it actually works. I hope these menus help you get there, because having more home-cooked meals might be the best thing you can do for your health.
* MENU: WEEK OF APRIL 7 *
We’re starting out the week with meatballs, which make for both a hearty and satisfying dinner and great meal prep. My meatball recipe uses lamb, but you can easily swap for another protein, and also employs a ton of fresh herbs which make them feel vibrant and more spring-y, while adding in extra nutrition (we love herbs!).
If you’re shopping today, here’s your grocery and pantry lists. I’m continually updating and adding to this, so keep checking it as you grow your pantry. But before we get started, a few things I’m into:
Sunday reading…
As obesity rises, Big Food and dietitians push ‘anti-diet’ advice, Wall Street Journal
A really important read about the hold processed foods and “big food” have on us (plus who they’re paying, gasp!), and how the anti-diet movement has harmed people’s health. Are all foods good foods? If you read this, let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Best bathing suit five season in a row…
Hunza G Seersucker Swimsuit
I bought my first Hunza G suit when I was pregnant with Ozzie (five summers ago!), and I’ve added to my collection every year since. They’re cute, comfortable, forgiving, and easy to wear through different life phases. Everyone needs one.
Get some good salt!
Redmond Real Salt
I smuggled some salt home from Costa Rica (it’s local and so mineral-rich!!), but for a store-bought alternative for everyday use, try Redmond Real Salt. It’s a staple for me, and this brand is excellent—unrefined and full of minerals as salt should be. I do love some Maldon for finishing but I use Redmond for everything else.