Back to Budget: Meal Plan

   


      I didn't spend silly money on vacation but even the non-silly adds up but I have not an iota of regret. The food was delicious, and wish I'd have had even more. I'm going to be on the hunt for real plain Greek yogurt, not what passes in the US. A pleasant surprise...my ridiculously priced beer and quesadille in the Toronto Airport that after tip came to $40, was actually $30 US dollars. I had the exchange rate for Euros engrained and wasn't thinking the US dollar was higher than Canadian. Yay, I guess. Anyhow, pricey cheese on a tortilla and flat beer aside, here's my attempt at a menu requiring no additional groceries.

  • Sunday: Chicken, cilantro rice, and black bean wraps or bowls
  • Monday: Meatballs in mushroom sauce with penne, steamed carrots
  • Tuesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables
  • Wednesday: Tuna hotdish with peas
  • Thursday: leftovers
  • Friday: Dinner out with family, fish fry or may have something else
  • Saturday: Chicken drumsticks with seasoned rice and vegetables
     My weight has been up and down each day since back from vacation, but pretty sure a few pounds was an unwelcome souvenir. I'm trying to limit my portion sizes, plan to going forward, and drink a lot of water so hopefully start feeling and looking a bit better. Despite the nine inches of wet heavy snow, spring is officially here Saturday and I'd like my existing clothes to fit.

Comments

  1. jjMarch 16, 2026 at 7:58 AM

    These meals sound delicious! Good luck this week on transitioning back to things. Pearson is the worst, we typically pack snacks to take (we're from Toronto) to avoid their way too expensive prices.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:03 AM

      We have in Minneapolis, though expensive some of the best options I've ever seen in airports. I think other airports have more shops and less options for TLC between flights.

      Delete
  2. BelindaMarch 16, 2026 at 8:20 AM

    Sounds like a good menu for the week and not having to get additional groceries for it is a bonus. Now I'm curious about the Greek yogurt too, so please keep us updated on what you find. I eat it almost every morning for breakfast and am curious. I'm glad you're home safe and sound and back to blogging. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:03 AM

      Im hearing look for fage. I also want to make a sour cherry sauce thatcwas perfect drizzled over.

      Delete
  3. GinaMarch 16, 2026 at 8:34 AM

    I'm going to do my best to stay out of the grocery store this week. I feel like once every two weeks could probably do it for me. Your menu sounds very nice.

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    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:04 AM

      We go through fruit and veg, milk faster so weekly top upscale needed but I agree, stretching out is very much preferred.

      Delete
  4. KirstenMMarch 16, 2026 at 10:15 AM

    If you can buy 'live' yoghurt, and have a thermos flask, it's easy to make your own thick yoghurt, maybe not exactly Greek; but still good; heat milk and reduce by about a third, cool to blood heat, stir in a good spoonful of live yoghurt and leave for 24 hours in thermos. (Scald thermos with boiling water first) You can then let it drip through a sieve lined with muslin or kitchen paper. If it's too runny. The liquid can be used for bread making or scones. It's less of a palaver than it sounds. I've used semi skimmed, whole or uht, and don't always bother to reduce it. Quantities are inexact... depends on the size of your thermos. Mine's about three quarters of a pint.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:06 AM


      Oh, don't think I'll try making yogurt but appreciate those that can.

      Delete
  5. VixMarch 16, 2026 at 11:20 AM

    I was going to suggest Fage, which is the most popular yoghurt in Greek but I expect the orange buffon's tarriffs make it cheaper to fly to Athens and eat it there!
    The price of airport food is insane, isn't it? xxx

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    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:07 AM

      I think there is an American adjunct facility from doing some googling. I bet not as good but I'll give it a try.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMarch 16, 2026 at 1:35 PM

    Airport food is always the worst - not particularly tasty as a general rule, and incredibly overpriced. Lounge food tends to be a slight step up, but with that comes other tradeoffs, like needing a credit card with travel perks ($) or airline status that is expensive to achieve & maintain. If I'm traveling for work & have lounge access, I try to make myself a salad with protein, but it's hit or miss with what's available. - Hawaii Planner

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    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:08 AM

      I was tempted to get the lounge pass at $130 when the two hour delay was announced but sucked it up!

      Delete
  7. AprilMarch 16, 2026 at 4:26 PM

    May your transition "back" go well. And yeah, you guys are getting clobbered again. Stay safe and stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:09 AM

      A bit more today but then we have a warm up. I've come to expect that March will be like this.

      Delete
  8. CelieMarch 16, 2026 at 5:57 PM

    For Greek yogurt here, I usually buy Fage. It's available lactose free and I like it, even though generally I prefer regular old runny yogurt!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:10 AM

      That's the recommendation Im hearing. I'd rather eat better quality so worth a try.

      Delete
  9. SharonMarch 16, 2026 at 7:55 PM

    Vacations are always good to have a little splurge. I'm sure you'll get back on track and, if Spring weather actually sticks around, maybe you'll be able to get out and have a few walks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:11 AM

      This hip is sure not settling down but I can't wait to get out in real spring weather again. Greece had perfect temperatures.

      Delete
  10. Anne in the kitchenMarch 16, 2026 at 8:06 PM

    What good is a vacation if you don't enjoy it to the fullest. Pounds come and go, but the memories stay with you. Glad it was a great trip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMMarch 17, 2026 at 6:13 AM

      You'd think with all the walking, it woukd even out. But I've learned alcohol is hard on my weight and 3-4 drinks and day for overcaxweek is more than I had, and probably will have Jan-April combined!

      Delete
    2. TreadersMarch 18, 2026 at 4:04 AM

      I agree with Anne. While the extra weight is annoying, heck that's what vacations are all about! Glad you had a wonderful time!

      Delete

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