Meal Planning Monday - Being Well Behaved

If you read last week's post, you'll know that I'm trying to persist with this healthy eating malarky. I even went to the bloody gym last week! Granted, I overdid it and awoke my sciatica, but I think it's recovered enough to do it all over again tomorrow. My only real misdemeanour was an unplanned trip to Ma Simms' Pie and Mash shop. Granted, I did go to Gorilla as well, but I had planned that... Behave during the week, treats at weekend. I managed to lose four pounds and gain a stinking headache, so I must be doing something right!

I have got to the stage where I'm really unhappy with my weight. I've always been quite lucky that I don't put it on easily (despite the amount of cake and eating out...). To an extent, I still don't pile on the pounds that easily, but this has been a steady increase in the last six to twelve months that is probably a result of blogging (and therefore testing), my age and pure greed. A lot of hard work went into piling on the pounds!

My 'tricky time' is mid afternoon if something stressful has happened and last thing in the evening whilst watching TV. Scientifically there is a reason for this too. These are times when our serotonin levels are low meaning we can feel quite down, therefore our bodies crave something sweet to get that much needed burst of our own natural happy drug. I read this week that totally cutting these treats out of our diet can make us more likely to binge, whereas a small treat or something with natural sugars e.g. fruit will satisfy the need and boost those serotonin levels.

This week's meal plan is an attempt to shed an extra few pounds before my brother's wedding on Saturday. There is no better incentive than the threat of a photographer...

Monday: Low fat sausages on wholemeal pittas with a little bit of Tracklement's onion chutney.
Tuesday: Chicken breast with broccoli, carrots and a splash of chicken gravy. The gravy is to trick my brain into thinking that this isn't boring...
Wednesday: Tandoori marinaded chicken breast with wholemeal rice.
Thursday: Boiled eggs and seeded bread soldiers. We're going to circuit class. I'll be surprised if I can refrain from being sick let alone eating...
Friday: Home made low fat beef burgers with a slice of low fat cheese on a wholemeal bun with a pot of baked beans. This may seem odd, but it's a nod to my favourite meal as a child. I didn't like chips! Shame I do now...
Saturday: Free for all. My little brother is getting married!
Sunday: No idea at this moment in time. All depends on how rough we are!

I'd really appreciate any more tips or links to interesting healthy recipes, especially if they are quick to prepare after the gym! Please leave your comments and ideas below...