this week's plan (on a soapbox): 1/31 - 2/6

It's high time I bring back the "dine in, not out" lo-goal, don't you think?  Well, I do :)  Now, don't get me wrong... I LOVE eating out.  It's seriously my favorite thing to do!  No joke.  But, I believe eating at home is more important.  And I believe meal planning is VERY important.  If you want to strengthen family relationships, you eat meals together.  If you want to lose weight, and make your wallets fat, you plan your meals.  I believe food has the power to bring people together, and to bring out the best in them!

I used to plan an entire month's worth of meals.  I know people who plan a year's worth of meals!  I've found that planning a week at a time work's best for me nowadays.  And I've been really happy with my meal themes.  Because it works.  For me.  But that doesn't mean it'll work for you.  Plan according to your goals and needs.  Make it work for you!  And then try to follow said plan.  Sometimes that's the hardest part...

With that being said, here's my menu:

Mexican Monday: Salmon Fish Tacos
Oriental Tuesday:  Healthier General Tso Chicken with brown rice

Twisted Wednesday: leftovers

Authentic Thursday:  butternut squash mac & cheese with veggie meatballs

TGIFriday: hamburgers with potato salad and applesauce

Super Saturday:  DATE NIGHT

Special Sunday: vegetable shepherd's pie and apple slices with yogurt dip

Now link-up and see if you can get anyone else on the meal planning bandwagon ;)

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.recipesviabeth.blogspot.com" title="Beth's Mess"><img src="http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s143/SummersCamp/dine2.jpg" alt="Beth's Mess" style="border:none;" /></a></div>