Get Back on Track With Your Goals.

To get things back on track, ask yourself the question: "What's one thing I want to have happen in my life right now that's not happening?" What spoke (on the Balance Wheel) does it apply to? Use that particular spoke, and begin by identifying 3 goals that you can accomplish to help bring some balance back into your life.

You see, one of the reasons our lives get so out of balance is that we have too much on our plates; we are feeling overwhelmed. The way to take back control is to take baby steps. Set some small goals and, once accomplished, celebrate! Wallow in the success, no matter how large -- no matter how small. Then, set another 3 goals. Baby steps, baby steps. That's how you will make progress and you will not only begin to get some balance again, but you will also feel in control of your life. If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

I know, from conversations with friends and neighbors, that meal planning can be a challenge because we are so busy. Poor meal planning can lead to a number of (negative) outcomes: weight gain, loss of sleep, lack of desire to exercise, boredom with food, etc.

Perhaps this example will generate some ideas for you to use:

1. The first step in menu planning is to look ahead at your week. Are you home all week for meals? Are you taking your lunch to work all 5 days? Are you entertaining at home this week? Are you going out for business luncheons?
2. Once you have a sense of how many meals you are planning for, then begin to plan for each day of the week. I typically BBQ a lot in the summer, so for one meal I cook extra chicken (for instance) which then gives me leftovers for my lunch the next day and I can throw the chicken into a salad.
3. As I plan my meals, I make my grocery list (usually on Saturday morning). I would often plan for 2 chicken meals, 3 fish meals, a 'left-over' meal and leave the 7th day for anything impromptu. That's a general guideline. My menu planning for the summer varies from my planning for the winter.
4. I also like to try a new recipe each week -- nothing complicated, but something easy and tasty. If you check out the website for the Food TV Network, there are some awesome recipes available there. New recipes keep me interested in my menu plans. Kraft also has a great website where you can plug in as few as 2 food items that you have available, and recipes will 'appear'. Great fun!

When we eat right, sleep right and exercise, our energy levels soar! That really adds to our sense of happiness!!!