Ready, Set, GO!

It is Monday. It is the first Monday of the new year. And for the past couple of days I've been getting ready.

I am set.

And that means it's time to GO!

Yes, I have officially kicked off my new healthy eating plan and lifestyle. I'm excited -- in fact I woke up several times during the night thinking about it. I've been reading blogs and looking at recipes, I've been getting some needed motivation and pumping up my hubby to be excited about this too.

I got up and did a weigh in. Sigh. I reminded myself that I've got to start somewhere. And honestly? I'm down a few pounds from a week or so ago (although I don't know how it happened!) so I really can't complain. Still -- I have a long way to go.

I exercised this morning and on the Fast Walk with Leslie Sansone DVD she talked to a couple women who had lost a lot of weight -- one lost 65 pounds in 7 1/2 months. One lost 100 pounds ... the third had lost 110 (the first 100 in 9 months!) I know they weren't just exercising. They were making healthy food choices and most importantly -- they were sticking to it!

I came out in the kitchen and was pleased to find that their wasn't any bread. There weren't any cookies or potato chips in the pantry. The Christmas candy is gone (well -- there are a few pieces left in a box of Russell Stover's but I'm tossing them) and so are the bagels from the weekend.

There is no junk in the fridge. We have apples, oranges, and bananas. I just made a delicious green smoothie (banana, strawberries, blueberries, and spinach) that I'm drinking while I type this. But the big news is ...

I threw out an entire pan of brownies (and I didn't even sneak a taste before I dumped them in the garbage!)

Now that's progress.

I'm off to grab a shower and then cut up veggies and do some menu planning. I have a "to do" list a mile long that will hopefully keep me out of the kitchen but with the huge salad I'm planning for lunch, I don't think snacking is going to be a problem!

Be on the lookout for some of the new recipes I'm going to be trying and my weekly menu plans!

Menu Planning Monday

One of the reasons I wanted to start my own blog was because I am so nosy love the inspiration I get when I see what other people are doing and blogging about. And one thing I'm kind of obsessed about is what other people are eating (and cooking!)

I've followed Jo-Lynne's blog for a while now and she frequently posts her weekly menu and links it to Menu Planning Monday sponsored by Laura at OrgJunkie.com. Since my husband and I are working towards cleaning up our eating habits and committing to a healthier lifestyle, I thought planning our meals would be a great idea. And I could have the fun of joining the link-up.

So -- while I haven't had a chance to type up these recipes or search for online recipes to link up to, this is a start. I'll try to get more organized and be more prepared next week.

MONDAY:  Grilled Chicken Salad

TUESDAY:  Orange Beef and Broccoli with Brown Rice. Cantaloupe and Red Grapes (side)

WEDNESDAY:  Veggie-loaded Scrambled Eggs with Oven Roasted Reds

THURSDAY:  Chicken-Escarole Soup with Grilled Tomato and Montrey Jack Sandwiches

FRIDAY:  Black Bean and Spinach Quesadillas with Fruit Salad (with leftover Chicken-Escarole Soup if there is any) OR dinner out ... (my daughter and her boyfriend are coming to visit and they'd like to try the local Chinese restaurant that we've talked about ... so maybe ...)

SATURDAY:  Dinner in Boston -- woo hoo!

SUNDAY:  Steak on the grill, Mashed Reds, Roasted Veggies

Well, that's the plan ... I'm working on my grocery list now and making sure I have what I need for at least the majority of the week. I will probably be making a trip to the market for fresh produce by Thursday.

I'll work on getting recipes typed up and will try to update my post with links later in the week.

Sure hope I get this linked up ok -- I'm a newbie everyone!!