Menu Monday

I AM SO HAPPY THERE IS AN ALDI BY ME NOW. Shopping here in LA has been a challenge, with me going to three stores to stay under budget. It wasn't that big of a deal, but now that's it's over omg I am so excited. My first trip there was the day after we got back from a weekend away. We had no food, I had no plan, and I was hungry. All the big shopping no-no's. I bought whatever I remembered buying in Pittsburgh along with 3 bottles of wine, and a venus fly trap. And I still spent $30 less than usual! All hail Aldi. 

Menu Monday

A few months ago I started to lift weights. In addition to my usual exercise routine, I now do 45 minutes of strength training 4 days per week. And let me tell you, on days when I really go hard, I would kill a man just to smell the curly fries on his breath. For the first time in many, many years I am craving meat. Up until now just the *thought* of eggs made me gag and now I eat at least 2 hard boiled eggs a day. Since we eat a plant-based diet, most of my protein comes from dairy and beans. 

How can I put this delicately...eating enough beans to satisfy my new protein needs and hundreds of squats do not mix. I don't belong to a sexy LA gym, but I would like to show my face at the YMCA again. So this week I am exploring different protein sources besides the musical fruit that I love so much. 

Come with me on this toot-free journey!

Menu Monday

I declare this the week of the carbohydrate. 

Spaghetti, muffins, ramen, ravioli, hash browns, dumplings, pierogi, or just buttered egg noodles. I will take it any way you can give it to me. For a long time carbs got a really bad rap, and that's not fair! Just like anything else, if eaten in moderation they're not going to make you fat or spike your blood sugar. On days when we eat pasta for dinner I'll serve yogurt for breakfast and a salad for lunch. 

Menu Monday

Every once in a blue moon there is a week with nothing inspiring on sale. This was totally one of those weeks. Luckily I have a large repertoire of cheap meals up my sleeve. Tostadas, garlicky pasta, chili, and potatoes are the star this week. Take a look: 

Menu Monday

it cost you nothing - pay me no mind

Look, I'm on my grind cousin, ain't got time for fronting - Jay Z, "Heart of the City"

Finally – I am back to a normal routine. This trip back to Pittsburgh took a lot out of me in every possible way and I am forever grateful to my circle of friends for being the wonderful people they are. But more on that later!

Menu Monday + Some Extra Stuff

My menu plan for this coming week is simple: Stuff My Husband Likes. 

Menu Monday

This past week was a little bit different for me since I had a houseguest. We ate out much, much more than usual and ate much, much more junk food than usual. I feel like a big puffy balloon! And there were lots of apples left in the fruit bowl. When life hands you old apples, make muffins. 

Menu Monday

Jennifer Lawrence speaks the truth. 

Menu Monday

Parmesan my panino - Dake, "Used To"

Before I get into the menu plan for this week, I just have to stand up and publicly thank Drake for not saying 'panini' in this line. Panino is ONE sandwich, panini is MORE THAN ONE. This is one of my biggest pet peeves and also a callback to a hilarious story by David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day. You would never go to a shop and order "a sandwiches" would you? No. You wouldn't because you aren't horrible. 

Anywho! On to the food. Here's what we are eating this week: 

Menu Monday

How come you're always such a fussy young man. Don't want no Captain Crunch, don't want no Raisin Bran. Well, don't you know that other kids are starving in Japan. So eat it, just eat it - Weird Al, "Eat It"

Menu Monday

I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast, but we like hot butter on your breakfast toast - Sugar Hill Gang, "Rappers Delight"

For years and years I have been writing in one way or another about what my family eats each week. People have always responded very well to my menu plans and I know I'm spending much less than others so there is definitely a place for Menu Monday here.