Today we are making an EASY football snack for the Today we are making an EASY football snack for the Super Bowl that your kids will love. 

-First melt chocolate chips in a wide-rimmed bowl. 
-Then cut chocolate chip granola bars in half. 
-Dip each half in the melted chocolate and then place them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. 
-Once they are ready, draw laces on top with white icing. 
-Serve and enjoy!

#superbowlsnack #superbowlsnacks #superbowldesserts #superbowlideas #superbowlparties #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids
Today we are making a cheesy pepperoni football fo Today we are making a cheesy pepperoni football for your super bowl party. 

-First roll out a can of pizza dough and cut into squares. I make 5 vertical cuts and 3 horizontal cuts to get 18 squares of dough. 
-Then cut 6 string cheese sticks into thirds and place a piece of cheese in the middle of each square. 
-Roll your dough into balls around the cheese. 
-Set these aside and repeat with another can of pizza dough and six more string cheese sticks. 
-Arrange your dough into a football on top of a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. 
-Then mix together melted butter, garlic powder and parsley flakes and brush on top of the football. 
-Top with pepperoni and make sure all of the dough is covered to really define the football shape. 
-Bake on 400 for 15 minutes. 
-While it's baking cut another cheesestick into two long pieces and three short ones. These will be your laces. 
-Once the football is done, arrange these on top and place back in the oven for another minute or two. Serve and enjoy!

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlappetizers #superbowlideas #superbowlfood #recipereel #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #footballfood #partyfoods #easyrecipesformoms
Making cute Valentines for my son's class. These l Making cute Valentines for my son's class. These little stickers say "I'm so glad we swim in the same school. Your friend, Benjamin."

I filled some cute little fish bags with goldfish and added the sticker to the front! 

What do your kids give their classmates Valentine's Day?

#classvalentines #toddlervalentine #valentinesforkids #valentinesdayideas #valentinescards #valentinescards #ltkfamily #ltkkids
Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would b Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would be fun for Valentine's Day dinner with your kids. 

In full transparency, I wanted to make quesadilla uncrustables, but bought the wrong kind of tortilla. If you want to make those definitely get flour tortillas not corn. 

These are easy to make though, just use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your tortillas, then fill and grill on the stove! 

#easymealsforbusypeople #easyrecipesformoms #valentinesideas #valentinesdinner #recipereel #galentinesbrunch
Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in your closet! Use a magazine! Roll it up and stick it inside for your boots to stand tall! 

After organizing all weekend, I didn't want to purchase ANYTHING else to organize. I wanted something cheap that I already had lying around.

I like the pool noodle hack but did not have time to go acquire a pool noodle in January.

Try the magazine hack and let me know how you like it? What's your favorite organizational hack?

#organizationhacks #closetmakeover #homehacks #closethacks #widecalfboots #organizationideas #homeorganizationtips
A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺 A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺

As a boy mom, I have to work a little harder for matching ensembles, but this little floral wrap dress and button down for spring are just too cute! 

Linking our outfits here: https://liketk.it/40B4p

#ltkfamily #shopltk #ltkunder50 #boymomclub #familymatchingoutfits #familymatching #ltkkids #boyclothes #oldnavybaby #oldnavykids #oldnavystyle #floralsforspring
I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holiday I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holidays and loved it so much I bought one for my sister. The rotating barrel makes getting ready so darn easy! 

Use my code HELENWAVE for 10% off!

#beachwaver #beachwaverpartner #hairstylingtutorial #hairstylingtips #hairstylereels #curlingirons #curlingiron #curltransformation #igotbeached
Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blank Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blanket for your super bowl party. 

-First, roll out crescent dough and slice each of the triangles into thirds. 
-Then spread a little boursin herb and garlic cheese onto each of the triangles. 
-Add a lil smokie and roll it up. 
-Bake for 12-15 minutes on 375. 
-Serve and enjoy!

Do you add anything extra to your pigs in a blanket? 

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlsnack #superbowlappetizers #easyappetizer #easyappetizers #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesathome #recipereel
You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen a peanut butter board? 

Today we are making one for Valentine's Day. 

-First take a board and spread peanut butter all over it. 
-Then top with chocolate chips, valentine's day sprinkles, bananas, nutella and strawberries. I cut mine to look like hearts. 
-Then serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit and enjoy! 

Are you doing anything fun for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day? Have you tried the peanut butter board yet?

#valentinesdays #valentinesdaydessert #galentinesparty #butterboard #peanutbutterrecipe #peanutbutterdessert #recipereel #valentinesdayideas #easyrecipesformoms
  • SHOP
    • INSTAGRAM
    • AMAZON
    • GIFT GUIDES
  • ABOUT
    • FAQ
    • Disclaimer
  • BLOG
  • LET’S WORK TOGETHER
  • HOLIDAY HUB
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
  • FREEBIES
    • Charcuterie Basics Course
    • 12 Cocktails of Christmas
    • Midsize Style Guide
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

Helen G. Bailey

  • WEAR
  • PRIMP
  • ENTERTAIN
  • DECORATE
  • DINE
  • FAMILY

Diet, popular, Wellness · January 5, 2016

Meal Planning for Beginners

With the New Year comes new resolutions! Every year, mine is to drop the weight I gained the year before and get healthy. This year is no different.

Last week, I was flipping channels late at night and magically the Lizzie McGuire movie came on ABC Family. Judge away, I love that movie. So, of course, I stayed up an extra two hours to watch it. I finished singing along with “Hey Now,” cheered when she and Gordo kissed, and finally got ready for bed. However, at this point we had ventured into uncharted infomercial territory and something caught my eye.
Tom Bergeron was helping sell this cool weight-loss program called the 21-Day Fix. There were cute little containers and toned super humans and I couldn’t not stop and watch. Well the next day, I was the proud owner of the 21-Day Fix.
So far, I’ve completed one day…but it went well. The program helps with portion control by allowing the user to plan their meals into super-adorable color-coded portion-controlled containers. That was a lot of hyphens…
The hardest part is meal planning. I’ve never been one for meal planning…as in I’ve failed every time I’ve tried, but I am so determined to succeed this time. So here are my tips after one day of meal prepping. Clearly I’m an expert so take my advice with a grain of salt…
Plan:
-Buy proper Tupperware. If you are planning on heating
anything up at all during the week, make sure they are BPA free, microwave and
dishwasher safe. It’s helpful to have similar sizes that can stack. Obviously I’m
using the cutesy colored ones from the fix program, but since I’m prepping for
a few days, I have to have extras to store and use the colored ones for
measuring. I recommend these.

-Know exactly what you are going to eat each day that week.
Pinterest your recipes, plan your snacks, etc. Make a list of all the
ingredients and then make a separate list for those you don’t currently
possess. This becomes your shopping list. Ta-Da!
-Go shopping. Don’t buy extra. Plan for the week and the week
only.
-Create daily counters, spreadsheets, menus, etc. Whatever
you will need for the week. The 21-Day Fix has awesome tally sheets, but it’s
very easy to create your own specific to your plan. Keep them on your fridge so
you can check things off as you go.
Prep:
-Each plan is different, but Sundays are your friend. Prepare
your proteins- cook your turkey, bake your chicken, boil your eggs, etc. If you’re
like me, the odds of cooking anything on the week nights are slim to none so
get any major cooking out of the way early.
Timing:
-Here is the tricky part. Some foods will spoil if prepped
too early. For example, if you slice your apples on Sunday, odds are they will
be brown before Thursday…or Monday afternoon. Be prepared to spend an hour or
so each night packing and preparing for the next day. This applies mainly to
fruits and veggies.
Hacks:
-Some things you can prepare on Sunday and freeze to cook
later in the week. For example, you can marinate your chicken breasts and then
put them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer until you are ready to cook them.
-Crock pots are the best. If you’re not going to cook your
meals on Sunday, then at least prep them and put them in the crock pot while
you are at work to save some free time.
-Save and dressings or sauces on the side and put them on right before you eat so your food doesn’t get soggy.
 
Have you ever meal planned? What are your favorite tips?

In: Diet, popular, Wellness

You’ll Also Love

Friday Favorites: Ab Videos
The 5 Best Arm Workouts on YouTube
How to Have Energy On The Go

Comments

  1. Kati Rose @ Constantly Seeking Wonder says

    January 5, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    Not gonna lie the double bonus of those tupperware containers being cute and colorful while also being portion control really has me intrigued…

  2. Brittany@TheLadyLawyer says

    January 5, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    SO happy you're doing the Fix! I love it! I have a Pinterest Board full of Fix Approved Recipes that I've used

  3. Life with Lolo says

    January 5, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    Amen to good tupperware! I got 3 BOXES worth for Christmas from the BF (which he was sort of in the doghouse for because how is that a gift and not an insult saying I need to be more organized?) But still they are the nice rubbermaid stackable ones and they have been perfect for all the prep. So I guess he's sort of forgiven. I love to prep stuff for the crock pot and do one protein Sunday for lunches, it seems to work out well for me. I want to get into freezing more stuff in advance though!

  4. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge says

    January 5, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    i have failed every single time i attempted meal planning. this year it is on my list to master though, so here's hoping. thanks for the tips, they really helped!

  5. Alanna @ Alanna and Company says

    January 5, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    I suck at meal prepping. I basically make one huge meal and then eat it for days and get so sick of it…

  6. Lindsay Latimer says

    January 6, 2016 at 1:45 am

    I meal plan-ish. I don't do dinners or snacks right now, but cook breakfast and lunch on Sundays. I want to try the 21 Day fix… I have been doing the workouts (BeachBody OnDemand) but need to institute the food part!

  7. Being Leanna says

    January 6, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Great tips! I used to be a crazy meal planner, now that i've moved a couple times I find myself just foraging the kitchen for whatever I can put into the oven to make into a meal. I can't wait to get back into planning.

  8. Nadine Lynn says

    January 8, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    So I came over here to check out your blog via Kristen and then I saw you were in Atlanta!!! I lived in and around Atlanta for 13 years before I moved here to Birmingham. Love following people from my old stomping grounds 🙂 Love all your planning tips. I am a huge meal planner, have been doing it for two years and cant stop!

  9. Staci says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    Hi Helen!

    Found your blog through Kristen's at SeeYouInAPorridge! Love all these tips! I do all of them! Except I do cook dinner each night (no protein prep on Sundays for week night dinners), but usually something easy! Another great tip I've realized, is make your weekly menu around similar grocery items. This provides a lot less waste! I.e. chicken fajitas one night, stuffed peppers another night, sliced peppers with dip (for a lunch side), etc.! Lots of the same ingredients can be used in different dishes so things don't become mundane or wasted =]

    Can't wait to follow along!

    Staci
    http://www.missbloodymary.com

  10. Christy Alin says

    February 1, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Fat Diminisher By Wes Virgin is a best meal plan to lose weight as well as get healthy.

Next Post >

Things I Do Every New Year

hi, i’m helen

About Me
Welcome to Helengbailey.com, a digital lifestyle haven where I share the best in affordable style, beauty, food, DIY, family and home decor. As a former certified event planner, I also offer lots of tips and inspiration to plan the perfect party.

Search This Blog

join the hive

Reader Favorites

trending now

instagram

Follow @helengbailey

Today we are making an EASY football snack for the Today we are making an EASY football snack for the Super Bowl that your kids will love. 

-First melt chocolate chips in a wide-rimmed bowl. 
-Then cut chocolate chip granola bars in half. 
-Dip each half in the melted chocolate and then place them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. 
-Once they are ready, draw laces on top with white icing. 
-Serve and enjoy!

#superbowlsnack #superbowlsnacks #superbowldesserts #superbowlideas #superbowlparties #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids
Today we are making a cheesy pepperoni football fo Today we are making a cheesy pepperoni football for your super bowl party. 

-First roll out a can of pizza dough and cut into squares. I make 5 vertical cuts and 3 horizontal cuts to get 18 squares of dough. 
-Then cut 6 string cheese sticks into thirds and place a piece of cheese in the middle of each square. 
-Roll your dough into balls around the cheese. 
-Set these aside and repeat with another can of pizza dough and six more string cheese sticks. 
-Arrange your dough into a football on top of a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. 
-Then mix together melted butter, garlic powder and parsley flakes and brush on top of the football. 
-Top with pepperoni and make sure all of the dough is covered to really define the football shape. 
-Bake on 400 for 15 minutes. 
-While it's baking cut another cheesestick into two long pieces and three short ones. These will be your laces. 
-Once the football is done, arrange these on top and place back in the oven for another minute or two. Serve and enjoy!

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlappetizers #superbowlideas #superbowlfood #recipereel #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #footballfood #partyfoods #easyrecipesformoms
Making cute Valentines for my son's class. These l Making cute Valentines for my son's class. These little stickers say "I'm so glad we swim in the same school. Your friend, Benjamin."

I filled some cute little fish bags with goldfish and added the sticker to the front! 

What do your kids give their classmates Valentine's Day?

#classvalentines #toddlervalentine #valentinesforkids #valentinesdayideas #valentinescards #valentinescards #ltkfamily #ltkkids
Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would b Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would be fun for Valentine's Day dinner with your kids. 

In full transparency, I wanted to make quesadilla uncrustables, but bought the wrong kind of tortilla. If you want to make those definitely get flour tortillas not corn. 

These are easy to make though, just use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your tortillas, then fill and grill on the stove! 

#easymealsforbusypeople #easyrecipesformoms #valentinesideas #valentinesdinner #recipereel #galentinesbrunch
Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in your closet! Use a magazine! Roll it up and stick it inside for your boots to stand tall! 

After organizing all weekend, I didn't want to purchase ANYTHING else to organize. I wanted something cheap that I already had lying around.

I like the pool noodle hack but did not have time to go acquire a pool noodle in January.

Try the magazine hack and let me know how you like it? What's your favorite organizational hack?

#organizationhacks #closetmakeover #homehacks #closethacks #widecalfboots #organizationideas #homeorganizationtips
A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺 A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺

As a boy mom, I have to work a little harder for matching ensembles, but this little floral wrap dress and button down for spring are just too cute! 

Linking our outfits here: https://liketk.it/40B4p

#ltkfamily #shopltk #ltkunder50 #boymomclub #familymatchingoutfits #familymatching #ltkkids #boyclothes #oldnavybaby #oldnavykids #oldnavystyle #floralsforspring
I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holiday I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holidays and loved it so much I bought one for my sister. The rotating barrel makes getting ready so darn easy! 

Use my code HELENWAVE for 10% off!

#beachwaver #beachwaverpartner #hairstylingtutorial #hairstylingtips #hairstylereels #curlingirons #curlingiron #curltransformation #igotbeached
Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blank Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blanket for your super bowl party. 

-First, roll out crescent dough and slice each of the triangles into thirds. 
-Then spread a little boursin herb and garlic cheese onto each of the triangles. 
-Add a lil smokie and roll it up. 
-Bake for 12-15 minutes on 375. 
-Serve and enjoy!

Do you add anything extra to your pigs in a blanket? 

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlsnack #superbowlappetizers #easyappetizer #easyappetizers #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesathome #recipereel
You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen a peanut butter board? 

Today we are making one for Valentine's Day. 

-First take a board and spread peanut butter all over it. 
-Then top with chocolate chips, valentine's day sprinkles, bananas, nutella and strawberries. I cut mine to look like hearts. 
-Then serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit and enjoy! 

Are you doing anything fun for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day? Have you tried the peanut butter board yet?

#valentinesdays #valentinesdaydessert #galentinesparty #butterboard #peanutbutterrecipe #peanutbutterdessert #recipereel #valentinesdayideas #easyrecipesformoms
Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread bowl. This is a great party snack and would be awesome at an upcoming super bowl party. 

-First, cut the top off a round loaf of bread and remove the middle. 
-Cut all of the pieces removed into cubes and set aside. 
-Then take a jalapeno queso block and cut it into cubes. Place in a pan. 
-Then add two cans of drained green chiles and a splash of milk. 
-Heat over medium high heat on the stove stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Trust me nobody wants that cleanup. 
-Then immediately pour into your bread bowl and serve hot with the cubed bread pieces. Enjoy!

Easy, and tasty! Are you having or going to a Super Bowl party this year? What's on the menu?

#partysnacks #partysnack #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #cheesedip #recipereel #superbowlsnacks #superbowlfood

Work With Me

  • About
  • Let’s Work Together
  • FAQ
  • Disclaimer

join the hive

Shop My Favorites

Copyright © 2023 Helen G. Bailey · Theme by 17th Avenue