Today, we aren’t talking beauty buys, home decor finds or the latest trends. Instead, we are talking about another gem always on my mind: food.
I set out to share a post on recipes I make throughout the week and started to plan a styled shoot. Nothing gets me more excited than beautiful tablescapes and pretty photographs. However, we are all busy and eating on the go half the time, so I figured I’d do a food diary and keep it as normal as possible. These aren’t fancy photos and sometimes I’d already taken a bite of my food before I remembered to photograph. But my hope in this is that you get some ideas if you’re in a rut with what to make for lunch and you can share some ideas as well. I am in SUCH a rut with dinners lately, so send me all those quick recipes you’ve got stored up in your brain.
I’ll preface this food diary by sharing I’m not on any specific diet. I know the past few years it’s very normal for people to eat paleo or Whole 30 in their day-to-day life. I’ve done that before, but what I personally found was that it gave me a ravenous sweet tooth. Sometimes I wonder if it did more harm than good with the cravings because I could probably kill a sleeve of Oreos if I let myself. Now I just try to eat sensibly during the week and I don’t give my meals a thought on the weekend. If we want donuts on a Saturday morning, we get donuts. If we want to grill a healthy meal, we do that with our green mountain grill davy crockett. Ultimately, having a daughter I don’t want her to ever feel like she has restrictions and she’ll see that through my actions. I want to teach her that sugar isn’t evil, it’s just not great for our bodies. So you’ll see that some meals below are healthy and some aren’t the best. I just try to do the best I can with the time I have.
Day 1
One fabulous thing Whole 30 taught me was to love black coffee. I can’t drink my morning cup with any milk or sugar in it- unless it’s iced coffee and that’s a special treat. I pour a cup at 7 and reheat it all morning. I know, I know! I could get a Yeti or a coffee warmer, but I’m always chasing Maxi around the house so I leave it here and there. Plus- I always think my mugs are sentimental so I can’t break up with them for a Yeti. Too emotionally attached. 😉 I’m never hungry early in the morning so I sip my morning drink and then coffee after. Y’all know I make this morning drink on the week days at around 5:30 a.m. before coffee. I didn’t photograph it because it was 5:30 in the morning. Need I say more?!
By 9:30, I’m still not THAT hungry, so I make a piece of avocado toast. I use Dave’s Killer Bread with half a mashed avocado, sliced cherry tomatoes, himalayan pink sea salt, chili flakes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. I do need to be better about incorporating more protein with breakfast, but before I was pregnant I wouldn’t eat breakfast until noon. That’s truthfully how bad I am about being hungry in the morning!
At 10:30 Maxi is up from her nap. I just started drinking this Goop Glow when we are home in the mornings. The taste reminds me of Emergen-C and I squeeze lemon in it! This is filled with a ton of vitamins and nutrients and is supposed to give you glowing skin. I thought it was an easy way to prep for summer and plenty of no-makeup days at the pool.
We had some leftover fajitas from the night before so I decided to make a quick salad with them. I HAVE to have brown rice in salads at home, plain lettuce doesn’t fill me up. For this I just used romaine we had, fajita meat, peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, brown rice and salsa for my dressing. I am obsessed with using salsa & a squeeze of lemon for a healthy dressing. My mom always did that growing up, so at restaurants I ask for that.
Maxi is down for her afternoon nap so I try my best to keep chugging water. I’m very bad at drinking water all day long so I have to be mindful of it. I make a note that each time she is asleep I aim to drink 16 ounces.
Maxi is awake and we are about to run out the door. For a quick snack I may have a spoonful of almond butter and then something extra. I just grab this Annie’s pack we had from Costco.
For dinner we stopped at Press Cafe and I had a salmon and greens bowl. This had quinoa, parmesan, nuts and salmon in it. It was to die for and I wish I could recreate it! Maxi? Not so much into salmon…she happily ate her grilled cheese.
Day 2
I start my morning off with my green smoothie. This tastes SO good to me and Maxi loves it as well. I use a handful of spinach, half a banana, half a pear, a scoop of almond butter, unsweetened almond milk, ice and a scoop of collagen peptides. I nix the peptides for the beginning of blending and then will pour some into a cup for Maxi. Once I have enough for her, I add in the collagen peptides for me, blend and enjoy. If I know I’ll have a really long morning shooting, I’ll add in a scoop of oats to keep me full longer. This almond butter I have does have sugar in it, however if yours doesn’t you can add a drop of vanilla into your smoothie to give it a sweetened taste. I prefer to not have almond butter with sugar because I like it either way, but this is what we had.
For lunch I have two slices of avocado toast, an apple and a scoop of almond butter. I’m a creature of habit with my avocados and almond butter.
With lunch I also have my Goop Glow Powder drink. I slice lemons in my fridge every few days so I can easily toss them in my water and on top of my salads.
For a snack, I grab a Zone Perfect Bar in chocolate peanut butter. I eat these for no other reason than the fact they taste like Reese’s Peanut Butter cups to me. 😉
Paul got me a Pioneer Woman crockpot for Christmas and I faithfully use that thing each week. Maxi is definitely clingy and doesn’t like me to prepare dinner that takes 45 minutes especially since Paul doesn’t get home before I can cook dinner. I made this Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe in my crockpot and usually fill it up during her second nap. Full disclosure, this is Whole 30 and so for some it can be more bland than they are used to. However, Maxi likes pretty simple things so it’s great for her. We topped ours with avocado, lime juice, shredded cheese [not Whole 30!] and a dollop of plain greek yogurt to act as sour cream. You can also toss in some tortilla chips if you like that.
Day 3
For breakfast I wanted something a little sweet, so I had my coffee with a flaxseed waffle, almond butter and sliced strawberries. If you like pastries or have a sweet tooth, definitely top your waffle with almond butter and strawberries. It’s also easy to eat on the go.
For lunch I had a bowl of quinoa & brown rice {my fave brand to buy} with shredded chicken, feta, spinach, avocado, cherry tomatoes and salsa with lemon.
I’m headed out of town next week, so I’m trying to up my probiotic intake to stay healthy. I sipped on a serving of Kombucha while I worked.
For my snack I finished my child’s peanut butter sandwich. She was so generous with what she left me. Picture for evidence. 😉
I WISH I could tell you that I had something other than this quinoa for dinner, but I’d be lying. Paul worked late so I just made another batch of this and topped it with these crockpot meatballs.
And now that I’ve just typed out all my meals, I’m officially embarrassed with how boring I am. But we already knew this right? *Brown Rice* *Avocado* *Coffee* *Repeat* I just about sound like a broken record. No midday sushi and Rosé for this gal. One thing that does give me hope is I remember Kelly Ripa saying once that she will eat the exact same thing for months on end for a meal, because she just likes what she likes. So I suppose if I MUST have something in common with that fabulous lady, it can be that. 😉
But for more ideas, follow me on Pinterest where I pin all the recipes we try!
Now spill the beans, sister. What do you make for meals?!
I’d love if you shared more on your diet! I love reading food posts and have been thinking of Whole 30 for the longest time. Don’t think I’d be able to commit for so long, though! I’m so weak!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I’m a creature of habit as well. I typically eat the same things without getting tired of them. I love adding egg to my avocado toast if I’m a little more hungry in the mornings.
Are the jeweled wedges true to size?! I need them!
Hi girl! Yes, they are! 🙂 xo
I made this for dinner last night and it was amazing! Plus the prep is minimal and cooks really quickly.
https://www.howsweeteats.com/2016/04/30-minute-cajun-salmon-with-salted-lime-butter/
Now, I really want avocado toast for breakfast.
Thanks so much for sharing,
Heather
Love that recipe! Thank you so much for sharing, Paul and I would LOVE that! xo
This makes me feel SO much more normal! I eat the same thing day in, day out because I know it works for my body. Love to eat veggie omlettes, green smoothies, and a snack lunch (lean deli meat, carrots or cucumbers, apples with PB/Almond butter or yogurt with granola. Thank you for being so real Katey!! (Also, aren’t we all striving to be a little more like Kelly Ripa, honestly)?!
Amen, girl! I’ll be Kelly any day! Thank you so much for reading! xo
I love to make chicken salad- You can either buy a rotisserie chicken or bake a whole chicken on a Sunday- I usually add in mayo, pepper, dill, and fresh sliced green grapes- also some nuts (i like sliced almonds or walnuts)- you can eat this on lettuce or wraps- Easy and good! I also love to make black bean burgers for dinner- they sell the morning star chipotle black bean burgers at Costco- SO good- I usually just use a wedge of romaine lettuce and plop the burger on top with some kinda sauce and avocados- so good!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
LOVE when you do blogs like this!! I think it should be a weekly thing 😉
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I love sharing more shots like this, too! xo
First of all, I love how you’re not afraid of healthy fats like avocado and nut butter. So many people don’t understand that our bodies need fat! Secondly, have you tried putting some ghee and cinnamon into your coffee? It makes it so frothy without using cream or milk!
Ooh no!! I’ll try that this weekend, thank you for the tip girl! xoxo
Love this post! Thanks for sharing! I love quick and easy meals! My hubby and I eat a plant-based diet and those meals are so quick and delicious to make! I follow the Minimalist Baker on IG and they have so many delicious and quick recipes! <3
Thank you so much for that recommendation, Melissa! I’m going to go follow! xo
loved this post! so realistic and relatable! however, i’m laughing so hard because i bought that quinoa/brown rice thing from costco when I was pregnant and it literally made me barf so now I can never eat it again! ha! but I love me some white rice anyway so may try your fajita bowl with that! <3
LOL! Girl I feel for you! I would throw up popcorn while pregnant and now anytime I see popcorn I want to die! lol
I’m a creature of habit too and tend to make what’s easy and tasty. My husband works 3 nights a week in the ER so I don’t like spending a ton of time in the kitchen on those nights. I love to making buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes (Whole 30 approved and crock pot friendly) and burrito bowls, similar to your salads. I have always those ingredients on hand so it’s easy!
Ooh!! I remember making that buffalo chicken recipe when I did Whole 30! Thank you so much for reminding me, I’m going to make that! Have a great weekend! xo
Thanks for the post Katey! I’d also be interested in what your little one eats on a daily basis. I know that’s a very mom centered post but I have a 9 month old and we will be transitioning her out of pureed foods soon!
That’s a great idea, Christine! I’d love to share that! Thank you so much for reading. 🙂 xo
I think what you eat for breakfast and lunch looks delicious–not boring at all! Plus you gave me a couple of new items I plan to try. I’ve never heard of Dave’s Killer Bread or Van’s Whole Grain Organic Waffles, but I found stores in my area that carry them!
Girl, Dave’s Killer Bread is AMAZING!! I never was one to finish a loaf of bread and now all I want is toast 24/7!
xo
Pioneer woman pot roast is pretty delicious! It makes enough you can eat leftovers for a couple days
Will definitely try that! xo
add an egg to your avocado toast for some protein! one of my favorite breakfasts or snacks, especially with a dash of cayenne pepper 🙂
Thank you, Megan! Hope you have a great weekend! xo
I’m such a creature of habit with meals, too!! My latest thing is finding Smoothie King recipes online and making them at home! So much cheaper than a $5.00 smoothie!
That’s such a good idea, I’m going to look those up! Smoothie King is SO expensive! 🙁
As a food blogger, people are often surprised to find that my weekday eating isn’t very adventurous! Studies have shown that people who eat the same thing everyday are typically more fit, which totally makes sense for Kelly Ripa. 🙂 I work in an office so I usually have a breakfast of oatmeal when I get to my desk, snack on fruit and nuts throughout the day, and eat whatever I’ve prepped for lunch unless I have an outside meeting. Here are three of my go-to things to prep for breakfast:
https://www.dashofjazz.com/recipe/pumpkin-maple-baked-oatmeal
https://www.dashofjazz.com/2016/02/01/instant-oatmeal-mix
https://www.dashofjazz.com/recipe/the-best-breakfast-hash-updated
Totally going to try these recipes! The pumpkin maple one sounds incredible! Thank you so much for sharing, girl! xo
Hey Katey,
Love the post!! Are you vegan? I am struggling to change up my meals with strictly vegan foods but without having to spend a fortune at the grocery store!
Hi Kristen! I’m not! However, I was vegetarian for a few years, so I really want to try being Vegan for a week or two. I get a little nervous about cooking for Paul because he isn’t and then I’d spend a fortune. 🙁 If I try it I hope to blog it! xo
I LOVED this post!! Please do more like this! 🙂 It’s so fun and inspiring- even about such a simple topic. Definitely trying a few of these soon! Xoxo!!
Aw thank you so much, Caitlin! I really appreciate you reading! xo
One of my favorite quick dinners is goat cheese chicken! We pound out a chicken breast and fill it with a bit of goat cheese to bake at 400 for 20 minutes. You can season it any way you like and we serve it with bell peppers or asparagus, which roast quickly in the toaster oven! It’s fairly healthy, but the goat cheese feels decadent.
This sounds DIVINE! Oh my goodness, I’m going to make that this weekend! Thank you so much!! xo
Do you make your own salsa or are you using store bought? I have the hardest time finding salsa that doesn’t have sugar!
Hi Elise! I do both! Normally, we get our salsa from Trader Joe’s! It has less than 1 gram of sugar. But for homemade I love this: https://alittleinsanity.com/best-restaurant-style-salsa-recipe/
I hope this helps! xo
Lol! I’d totally finish the PB&J, too! <3
BlondieintheCity.com
Haha, yes!! I’m always more than willing to finish her snacks! lol
I get those Seeds of Change packs all.the.time. I definitely suggest you try the kale and chia one! So good! The other night I made balsamic roasted potatoes and asparagus with chicken! Super yummy and super filling! But one of my favorite recipes to make is roasted buffalo cauliflower tacos! This is also super yummy and surprisingly very simple to make. The recipe calls for some chili powder, but if you don’t care for things to be too spicy it would be just fine without! Thanks for sharing this post! I can read food diaries all day long, haha 🙂
YUM!!! I love buffalo anything so I’m going to try that! Thank you girl! xoxo
Loved this! Sometimes I get so stuck in what I eat every day. It is nice to see other ideas. I am going to try those waffles and I like the Quinoa and brown rice as well!
Thank you so much reading! xo
Yessss girl! I am the same way! For lunch, I will basically rotate the same three things over and over again. lol
I love avo toast! Have you tried it with a runny egg and parsley? It’s my fave.
I love to prepare cubed chicken every week with several different vegetables. You chop everything up, season how you like and then pop it in the oven to bake and broil for a few minutes right before you’re done. I’ll eat this alone or with rice. Sometimes I’ll even make a sandwich.
Great post! Since you’re in Cowtown too, pop on over to Unrefined Bakery and grab a loaf of their Paleo bread. I toast a slice, top with avocados and tomatoes (like you) but then I sprinkle the Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning on it!!! Yum!!!!
Now you’re making me want to go to Press ?
Love Unrefined!! I’ll try their paleo bread next time, I’ve only ever had the sweets- haha! That sounds divine with that seasoning. Thank you so much for the suggestion! xo
OMG! You are so healthy 🙂 Everything looked so good though – must try!
I love this! I have been in such a rut with food lately. Not eating enough and what I do eat isn’t great.. thank you for the ideas!! Have you done a food diary for Maxi?
Hi girl! I haven’t yet, but that is a great blog post idea! 🙂 xo, Katey
Hi there
About a month or so ago you mentioned there was a smoothie mix you used to make your smoothies in the morning when you were on the go. It had the right portion and all you had to do was blend it and add milk. If I am detailed enough could you let me know what it’s called and where to find it?
Thank you!
Hi Liseth! Of course! The smoothies are by Daily Harvest. https://www.daily-harvest.com/ xx, Katey