New ideas, new menus?

I have been out of commission for the past couple days...I must have bent funny or strained a muscle that pinched my sciatic nerve and sent me to my knees. So, I have had lots of time to think about how to change my exercise habits and how to incorporate more healthy eating into my family's routine.

Routine...in fact I need to break free of the routine. Spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, pork chops with sweet potatoes...my go-to meals are starting to feel ordinary. Boring. Bland. It is time to branch out. I have used my kids as the excuse (they may not like the strong flavors, they don't eat that vegetable...heck: *I* don't eat that vegetable!). But establishing adventurous habits now will serve them well in the future!

So here I sit in bed reading my new Cooking Light magazine with renewed interest. I have always enjoyed reading it even if I didn't try the recipes. But now it seems more imperative to use these recipes whenever I am able to get the ingredients inexpensively. And my mouth is watering..."pan-seared flank steak with garlicky asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes"..."butter-roasted carrots"..."hazelnut-crusted halibut with roasted asparagus"... One word: yummy.

Cooking Light has changed slightly in recent times to openly acknowledge that not everyone has a fully-stocked pantry with hours of time to prepare beautiful meals. They highlight kid-friendly recipes, recipes that use convenience foods (like store-bought rotisserie chickens), and healthy but inexpensive meal options. Perfect for someone like me.

So I will embark on a new food adventure. I will let you know how my sometimes-finicky family responds. ;-)