Welcome to Mindful Menus - A Menu Planning Blog Roll to inspire health through real food!

It is my hope that this blog roll will inspire others to health through menu planning and to introduce you to the joys of menu planning. Yes, there are joys! If you are new to menu planning, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Don't forget to keep checking back as menu plans are added.
 
Thank you for patiently waiting... I wasn't sure I would actually be able to post a menu plan this week...

My Dad peacefully passed away on Friday. 

I have spent the last couple days wrapping my mind (and heart) around the fact that I won't get to eat a meal with him or see his smiling face or hear his laugh or words of wisdom for some time.  Dad had this awesome ability to encourage you in pursuing your dreams... whatever brought you joy, brought him joy.  So, I know Dad would want me to continue doing the things I enjoy, like, among other things, this blog.  And THAT is the only reason, I am able to muster up a post at this time... because he would want me to. 

Through this painful walk, the greatest thing I have learned is that love truly IS the most important gift in this world and you CAN take it with you. 

I was completely blessed to have had him for a dad. 

A huge thank you to family and friends who have emailed, called, texted, facebooked and tweeted their condolences... Your thoughts and prayers have carried me through.

      
Here is what we are eating this week:

Monday - Vegetarian - Black Beans and Rice - using Volcano Rice from Lotus Foods - one of our favorites.  Topped with homemade guacamole and salsa, chopped cilantro and shredded cheddar... citrus salad. 
 
Tuesday - Southwestern Buffalo Burgers with chipotle mayo, peppers and guacamole - this recipe is from one of  the free magazines offered at the local natural foods market.  It is a great source for healthy, seasonal recipes, so be sure to check them out.  We LOVE avocados, so having them twice in row, is a good thing... mixed salad.

Wednesday - Salad Nicoise - the traditional French salad with tuna.

Thursday - Whole Wheat Penne with tomatoes, turkey Italian sausage, fresh basil and parmesan cheese... steamed broccoli.

Friday - It's Friday... you know what that means - POW (Pizza of the Week) Night - cheese takeout from the local pizzeria.

Until next time... Eat REAL, Eat WELL- Cheers!!!

Menu Planners: Please join me by linking your healthy menu plan via McLinky on Sunday evenings. I usually have my menu plan up by 9pm... If you're not ready until Monday evening... No worries, just please do it!

A few "rules" for joining in Mindful Menus...

*Please post only menu plans that are healthy and focused on REAL food.

*You must link back to the blog roll so that everyone can explore all the menu plans available. This is such a great way to get new menu ideas, new recipes and meet other like-minded people. To link back, please grab a Mindful Menus button (in the sidebar on the right) for your post.

*If you link up and are on Twitter, please let me know by comment with your twitter name or tweet to me @chivetalker. I would love to tweet a thanks to you for joining in and I want to add you to my Menu Planners List.