Food and the power of Meal Planning

So lets talk food...

Much to my partners dismay, one thing I am not very good at is meal planning. Funny thing that because normally he hates having a plan but for some reason when we are talking food, all he wants is a plan. 

There is an element of power in meal planning. It reduces waste and gives the family some transparency on what will be consumed during the week and makes shopping easier. For me though, I find it difficult to commit to doing a meal plan, food is such a passion for me that I like to "go with the flow". I really enjoy the challenge of opening the fridge to see what is there and coming up with some strange concoction. 

I do however have one of these;

It's just a meal planner and you can get them most major stores in Australia, mine is from KikiK. When I do use it, I write it out and put it on the fridge.

Planning allows me to do things like take into consideration the days we are travelling for work plus I can keep track of how many I am feeding on any given night - somewhere between 1 - 6 mouths! Inevitably that creates efficiencies and lets me control the grocery bill. 

You also get the benefit of ensuring that your families diet is balanced. There are plenty of ted talks that discuss the merit of being a weekday vegetarian and the impact that consuming large amounts of animal product has on not only your health but the environment. A meal plan gives you the ability to check for protein balance. 

Now when I do decide to plan I can sometimes be a bit of a control freak, so what I will do is write out breakfast, lunch and dinner - for kids and adults. Breakfast and lunch for adults will normally include Isagenix and dinner will be a family dinner for everyone. 

Ends up looking a little something like this; 

 When I am writing my meal plans, I often refer to some of my favourite recipe books. I don't really follow recipes verbatum but I really enjoy the inspiration that they give me. Pete Evans and Luke and Scott are my go to's for healthy recipes and then I have a few Master Chef and MKR cook books that I also love. 

Through Go Left, I will explore some of my favourite recipes for my family. I hope that you you are able to use them in your own life and enjoy the experience of cooking healthy. 

Crispy Skin Salmon, with Pea Puree and Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Ingredients: 

• 1 pc salmon with skin per person 
• 1/2 cup forze peas per person
• 1/2 shallot per person
• 1/4 avocado per person
• approx 6 baby mixed colour carrots per person 
• 2 spring onion per person 
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (double large groups)
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (double for large groups)
• Sea salt and fresh pepper to taste 
• Avocado oil 
• Macadamia Nut Oil 

1. Roughly chop the shallots and place them into a pot (not a pan) to brown off with a small amount of avocado oil. Brown until golden. 
2. Once onions are browned, place the frozen peas into the same pot with 1/2 cup water, cover and allow them to boil until peas are tender - you may need to add more water. Set aside. 
3. Wash or peel carrots. Place them into a pan (not a pot) with a small amount of water. Turn them on to cook. 
4. Use your barmix stick or food processor to make a pea puree. In whatever device you are using mix the  cooked peas and shallot, you may need to add a 1/4 cup of water. Once mixed add avocado and continue to mix. Set aside. 
5. Cut the spring onion into small batons. 
6. Carrots should now be cooked - to al dente or slightly under soft. Drain off excess water and return to heat. Add a small amount of macadamia nut oil and spring onion. Pan fry for approx 1 min. 
7. Add balsamic and agave and reduce heat. Allow this to make a glaze stirring occasionally. 
8. Pre heat a large pan, add a small amount of macadamia nut oil. Place salmon skin down. Allow to cook skin down on medium to high heat for approx 3 - 4 min depending on thickness. Turn and look for 2-5 min depending on thickness and desired wellness. I do mine for about 2 as I like some pink in the middle. More on how to cook salmon here. 
9. Plate up as pictured above - okay you might wish to do something a little bit prettier, I was having fun with shapes! All up this recipe should take you less than 15 min to cook. Easy done.