I usually do my food prep every other Sunday and I prep for 2 weeks of lunches. I sometimes will do 2 or 3 different meals and make a few of each, but this week I just made my favorite meal of turkey patty, sweet potato and mixed veggies.   I started out by gathering all of the ingredients:  5 sweet potatoes, 2 1/2 lbs of ground turkey, 1 bag of mixed veggies, salt, pepper, garlic powder and storage bowls w/lids. 

    

  
I started making the turkey patties by mixing ground turkey with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl.  This time I used 2 1/2 pounds of Jenny-O lean ground turkey.

  

Then I formed the turkey into 10 meatballs.  Each meatball will be used as a patty. 

  

 I cooked the patties in a large skillet using a little Pam cooking spray. It takes about 15 minutes or so turning them over once to cook on each side.
  

For the sweet potatoes, I covered them with plastic wrap and I baked in microwave oven using the potato setting.  I buy large organic sweet potatoes and cut them in half (lengthwise) after they cook.  So I used 5 potatoes for these 10 meals.

    

For the mixed veggies, I just use frozen ones and I just pour them into the storage containers and add a little salt and pepper.  
  

To finish the meals, I put a sweet potato half and turkey patty in with the veggies. I also seasoned the sweet potatoes with salt and pepper.

  
  

Then I added the lids and then put all of meals into the freezer to be used for my lunches for the next two weeks.
  
 

Each day I take one to work with me.  At lunch time, I unseal the lid, pop in microwave oven and heat on high for 3 1/2- 4 minutes.  It’s tasty, healthy and fast.

  

      

So, if you are one of those people who did make new year’s resolutions, now what?  As a school counselor, I teach my students that a goal without a plan is just a dream.  It’s one thing to say you will do something and another to follow through and actually do it.  It’s important to set realistic goals that you can actually accomplish.  One way to do this is to set goals that are SMART–Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.  To say you want to lose fifty pounds in the next 30 days may be specific and measurable, but for most people…not achievable, realistic or timely.  But to lose five pounds in the next 30 days could be considered a SMART goal for many.  

     After setting your goals, you need to have a plan that will work for you.  You don’t have to overhaul your whole life….but you will need to make some changes to see results.   For example, one of my resolutions for the new year is to finish reading the bible.  I actually started reading it last year.  In order for me to finish it and accomplish my goal, I will need to read a little each day…following the reading plan I have chosen to use.  This goal is a SMART goal because it is specific:  I will finish reading the bible.  It is measurable:  I can track where I am using a bible app and I will know when I have finished it.  It is achievable:  It can be done easily if I read 15-30 minutes per day following the reading plan on the app that I am using.  It is realistic:  I have time to read a little each day and if I miss a day I can read extra the next day to catch up.  Finally, it is timely because I have given myself a year to do it.

    If you don’t know how to make a plan for accomplishing your goals, here are some basic steps you can use to get started:

1. Decide on a goal you want to work on.   Make sure it is a SMART goal- Your goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.

2. Decide on specific things you will do to help you reach your goal.  What changes are you going to make in your daily routine to help you reach your goal?  What resources do you need? 

3. Imagine yourself successful.  Visualize yourself successfully reaching your goal.

4. Expect no less than the best for yourself.  Don’t let failure be an option.

5. Ask for help and advice.  Find a friend or expert who you trust to guide you.  Or join a support group of people working towards the same goal.

6. Remember a mistake only as a guide to doing better next time.  Don’t give up if you have a bad day.  Get back on plan as soon as possible.  

7.  Think positive!  Reassure yourself that you can and will achieve your goal.

8.  Enjoy your accomplishments.  Celebrate by doing something special for yourself.

        

     

   

     It’s a new year so many of us have resolved to make positive changes…such as eating healthy, losing weight, quitting smoking, getting more sleep, exercising more, etc.  I am one of those people who get excited about new year’s resolutions.   For me, it’s a new start, new opportunity….. a time of renewal.  My husband, David, would say, “Why wait until the new year?  Why not start today?”  He doesn’t believe in the “I will start on Monday or on the 1st of the month” mentality.  That is where he and I differ.  For me, I like the “fresh start -wipe the slate clean – out with old in with the new” way of doing things.  He is more of a cold turkey kinda guy.  Some like to write down their resolutions and/or share with friends for accountability purposes (me).  I have my list of new year’s resolutions typed up and posted on the fridge.  Others keep quiet about their goals and accomplishments (hubby).  And some people just don’t make resolutions at all for their own personal reasons.  In my opinion, there is no right way or wrong way.  I do feel everyone has room for improvement, but people have to do it in their own time and own way.  They have to make it work for their personality and lifestyle.