Organic Irish oats

organic fresh berries(blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) if available

Organic greens (spinach, romaine, field greens, kale)

bananas and organic gala apples

Veggies like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, onions, sweet potatoes, reg potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers, asparagus,and mushrooms

Omega 3 eggs

No fat greek yogurt

salmon and other fish (tilapia, low mercury tuna)

extra lean ground turkey

1 gram of fat or less pasta sauce

whole wheat pastas or half whole grain

Maranatha peanut butter, honey, real maple syrup

Frozen veggies...like collard greens, spinach, broccoli medley, corn, etc

Canned(I drain and rinse) and dried beans and lentils.

Some cereals...multi grain cheerioes, Kashi brand, Bear Naked fit granola.

Breads--Whole wheat loaf and english muffins

Green teas and coffee, organic skim milk, some juices

I like to make lists of things to help simplify grocery shopping...this is one of my lists which shows the basics of groceries for weekly and monthly shopping. I try to buy fresh as much as possible, so a lot of these things are weekly purchases...but some things like oats, cereals, canned foods, etc may be monthly or so. I, also, buy some different things for my kids...like 2% milk, instant oats, some canned soups, a few convenience foods that they like. So, healthy foods are the goal, but I don't limit my kids as much as I limit myself.

Although I did the vegan thing for about a year and a half, I have added back some healthy animal foods...I have come to find that I do not like the labels(vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) and restrictions that are involved with that way of eating. I just try to eat as healthy as possible with lots of variations to my diet. I felt great with the vegan diet in the beginning and still believe it is a very healthy way to eat, but I started to see that I was not getting enough calories or healthy fats. Plus, I was burning so many calories with my running and working out, that I was not consuming enough calories to maintain a good healthy weight. I had some health issues(lightheadeness, lack of energy at times, etc) that had to be checked out by my doctor and although everything came back fine from my bloodwork, I needed to change some things. It is all about balance and seeing what is best for your own body. Some people may do great on a strictly vegetarian diet, while some may need a little more protein and fat. Everyone is different.

I still am doing my Monday Menus in a book I have, but have not been posting them regularly on my blog. I may try to get back to that some this year. The time I spend keeping up with a blog has been harder this school year with more teaching time with my younger ones...a senior who is busy with college applications, essay writing, etc that we help her with...plus, just setting priorities with my Bible study and time with my children does not always allow for a blog post! I know you busy moms understand!

This week has been challenging for us...I have had 4 out of the six of us sick these last few days and I am not sure what they have. At first we thought it was food related, but now we think it might be some kind of lovely tummy bug. Anyway, it has not been fun for those who are sick. Mike, who NEVER gets sick, has really been feeling bad and not able to work which is really bothering him. He has lots of days off for the holidays and now to be missing work with sickness is just really frustrating and stressful for him. Hopefully he will get better soon. I feel so bad for him. I am trying to take care of him with a servant's heart...and also trying to stay away(far away) because we don't need both parents sick! I am surprised that I have not gotten sick and I keep thinking it is going to hit me at any minute...but so far, I have not and I know it is the kindness of God. So, could you pray for us during this time of illness? Thanks so much!

I pray you all have a healthy and blessed 2010!