Smart Menu Planning

Before you can start to cook you must have a plan! I start each week by making a menu and then creating a grocery list. After I buy groceries at the farmer's market, health food store and grocery store (whew!), I can get cooking!

You can make a week's worth of menus, too. Just break it down. Here's what I do.

Sundays -- Traditional Sunday Dinner
I often have more time to cook on Sundays, so I usually plan a Sunday Dinner for that night. Think casseroles or a New Heritage Cooking style traditional Sunday Dinner -- soy sausage, a couple of veggies and cornbread or biscuits. Yum!

Mondays -- Soup or Salad
In the summer, I love to create big salads for Monday night supper. In the winter, I serve soup, which I often make on Sunday afternoon. These quick Monday dinners are rounded out with whole grain rolls or bread.

Tuesdays -- Beans or Tofu
Classic beans and rice, stir fry tofu, beans and greens... the combinations are endless!

Wednesdays -- Pasta
Pasta is a quick and filling meal for midweek. And pasta can take a number of forms -- soba noodles with peanut sauce, rice noodles with Pad Thai, whole wheat spaghetti with marinara sauce. Yummy!

Thursday -- Sandwiches
Thursdays can busy nights at my house -- workouts at the gym, yoga class, and just being plain tired from a hectic week. Sandwiches fit the bill just fine.

Friday -- Pizza
What's better on Friday night than a homemade pizza?! Top with low-fat or soy cheese and your favorite toppings, pop in the oven and 15 minutes dinner is ready! Look for pre-made crusts in your grocer's cooler case or freezer for a truly fast meal.

Saturday -- New Recipe or Dining Out
Saturday night takes us out on the town or trying a new recipe. It's a fun way to wrap up a week of great eating.