It is very difficult these days to know what is actually good for us. There are so many different theories of what is healthy. I’ve heard passionate philosophies from trusted researchers that claim meat causes cancer and others who say we should only eat meat and veggies because carbohydrates are evil. You can find a link on facebook that will tell you to never eat a banana…
So….! Who to believe? My theory is that all of these findings have some truth, but I think not subscribing to any one extreme philosophy or diet is the best way to go. Keep in mind, some people need to follow stricter diets for health reasons or allergies.
I try to just have balance. I eat some meat, but not too much. I eat potatoes, but not too many. I eat pasta, but not too often. (Well, maybe a little too often! Ha! But I do believe it is easy to burn off carbohydrates if we stay active.) I eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. But most importantly, I eat good ingredients. And, I do love sugar! So, I eat sweets, but I choose them carefully and limit my sugar in any one day. Balance!
I work hard to have balance throughout our week. My goal when planning the menus for Whats For Dinner, Gena is to have a lot of variety, including a wide range of nutrition and flavors. When planning the weekly menus, I begin by making an eight week schedule. Beginning with one meat meal per week and varying the type of meats each week allows for diversity. So, week one may have chicken, week 2 could have pork, week 3 beef, etc… Veggies get added to the list next. I create a master list of all the items to be included, from all of the food groups and I just cross them off as I go. Legumes, grains and all other nutrients get plugged into the schedule as well. I will think, “what haven’t we had in awhile?” and add that item.
After I have all eight weeks filled in I get to search for the recipes to match. That’s the fun part! I LOVE searching for recipes! Which is really why this blog exists. I spend so much time looking for recipes with good ingredients that I wanted to share them with you! YOU, who may be working or just not wanting to spend the time looking for a new recipe. My hope is that this blog will become your go-to place when you need an idea.
Hopefully you can come to this site and find fun, simple, healthy homemade food and drink! And since there are many people with specialized needs and varying philosophies on what is healthy, I want to be that resource that has something for everyone. I will continue striving to have a complete site that everyone wants to visit, whether you are Paleo, Atkins, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, No-restrictions, or just looking to be “Balanced.” So, if you’re enjoying this blog but wish there was something more suited to your needs, please leave a comment and let me know!
Happy Cooking!
~ Gena
Charlotte says
I enjoy your blog and I am not one to spend time looking up recipes so it is handy to go to your blog. Thanks for spending time doing this.
Gena Hassett says
You’ve made my day, charlotte! Thank you!
Jeanne says
Love balance..Just wish I could get groceries more often!
Gena Hassett says
Jeanne, I bet that is tough. Does your local grocery store deliver? Maybe I’ll find some freezer crock-pot recipes so you can have some meals ready when you can’t get to the store. 🙂