I was flipping through a magazine on Saturday, while waiting for my freshly-cleaned carpets to dry (yay EcoFresh! totally recommend them if you're looking for a carpet cleaner in this area) and my little girl to wake up from her nap, when I came across a new "eating plan" in the health section. It caught my attention because the daily meal plans included foods I love, and the recipes looked easy. I've never been on a diet before, because I'm not really looking to lose weight- but I am looking to be healthier. And, that's what this eating plan promised. Better health and more energy. Yes please!

So, I've declared this week "Health and Fitness week" at the Braam household. We're going to exercise every day, and follow the strict meal and snack plan for the next seven days. I'll post the daily menu throughout the week (hopefully I'm allowed to do this? i'm not sure about copyright laws...) So, if anyone else is interested, they can take part, too! Maybe not this week, but if you get inspired in the future, it will all be here.

So, without further adieu, here is the first week of Denise Austin's 3-week eating plan, from her book "Daily Dozen"...

Monday

Breakfast
2 eggs scrambled with 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1 slice whole-wheat bread, toasted
1 med orange

Lunch
Feta & Cranberry Salad
3 cups spinach
1/2 c. chopped cucumber
2 oz roasted turkey breast
2 Tbsp crumbled low fat Feta
2 Tbsp dried cranberries
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 banana

Afternoon snack
Unsalted almonds
Apple

Dinner
Maple-Glazed Salmon
2 tsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp soy sauce
3 oz Salmon
Preheat the grill. Combine syrup and soy sauce in small bowl. Place salmon skin-side down on grill, brush sauce on top. Grill for 10 minutes per inch on thickness.
3/4 cup cooked brown rice
3/4 cup steamed mixed veggies

I am really excited. We ventured out to the Granville Island Market this morning, and picked up all the produce. And, I've already prepped Nich and I's Feta and Cranberry Salad for tomorrow.

I'm sure I'll be starving by Tuesday...but hey, it's just one week. I can do anything for one week, right?