Hello my lovely friends!  How are you?  Another week down and this one was a short one, which made me feel like I was trying to cram in more than usual.  It’s funny because we have been having really gorgeous weather this past week but the weekend is supposed to be pretty overcast and then it is going to be beautiful again next week.  Go figure!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Friday’s Food & Fitness.  This week, it is all about meal planning!

The absolute only way I can make it through a week without totally going under is to make sure that I meal plan.  I’m not one of those people who can just show up at the grocery store, buy a bunch of different things and then whip up something in the kitchen.  I meticulously think about what I’m going to eat for the week, then write it down, then grocery shop and then prepare it.

Even though it sounds like a ton of work, it is actually so much easier to do the work up front than be scrambling mid-week.  Here’s a little peek into my meal planning from last week!

Steak and Zucchini Stir Fry

This healthy stir fry meal was a cinch to whip up and was full of good-for-you veggies plus some lean protein.  I omitted rice and it was great on its own.  I love topping my stir fries with sriracha, so if you have that on hand, you can serve it with your meal.

Chickpea Burgers

These chickpea burgers are healthy, delicious and vegetarian!  I try to eat vegetarian at least once a week and these are a great alternative to “real” burgers.  I served them with kale chips (just rip kale from stem, toss with olive oil and salt and then bake in oven at 400 degrees for 10 or so minutes) and roasted cauliflower.

Vegetarian Cobb Salad

This vegetarian version of the classic cobb salad packs in the nutrients with extra veggies and good-for-you protein.  Plus it is very tasty.  I used to always pick low-fat dressings but these days I enjoy a real dressing made from real ingredients even if it is full-fat.  I just watch how much I use.

Are you guilty of it?  I know I am!  Not stretching enough.  I have to make a conscious effort to stretch on a regular basis.  Luckily some of my favorite workouts inherently include flexibility in them like pilates, barre and yoga, but even then, I still need to stretch.  I’ve put together what I think are the Best Stretches to show you my little stretch routine!

Child’s Pose Thread the Needle

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Kneeling Quad Stretch

Kneeling Hamstring Stretch

Pigeon Pose

Folded Pigeon Pose

One Legged Hamstring Stretch Wrap

Straddle Stretch

Lying Hamstring Stretch

Readers, are you a meal planner or do you fly by the seat of your pants?  What’s your go-to stretch?  Any big plans for the weekend?