Monday, August 18, 2008

Picnic by default

Or, how gestational diabetes is already saving me money!

Food on the run has always been my Achilles' heel.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't think twice about having Sunday lunch out--even though we drive past 3 lovely parks on the long drive home.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I'm just looking at the times of your last two posts! When DO you sleep? Your lunch looks better than fast food and I covet the napkin. I have the tablecloth that matches but not the napkins. I found the tablecloth at the local Goodwill for $4.50 and am thrilled with it. Take care!

Meredith said...

There comes a point in pregnancy when sleep is nearly impossible!

Marsha said...

Sunday after church is the most tempting time to eat out for me, too. And I don't have the excuse of being pregnant or of having a long drive--it's just two miles home. So I try to prepare ahead by having a cold lunch ready in the summer, or something in the crockpot or oven (with auto-on and auto-off times set). I'd love to have you post your ideas for Sunday lunch and read ideas from your readers, too.

Anonymous said...

For the last few weeks I've been packing our lunch to take to the pool and I agree, it is a money saver!

I sometimes let the girls have a picnic in our own backyard. LOL Sure saves on crumbs on my floor. :)

Anonymous said...

I know you have heard this a million times but your photography is amazing. I need to spend more time with my camera.

SB

letterstoelijah said...

What a great idea! I've never thought about having a picnic on the way home from church. I think I'll have to plan this!!

Mrs. Darling said...

Yummy. I love picnics like that. Healthy food is so colorful isnt it?

Tubo Family said...

There are side benefits to dietary restrictions aren't there--I've found that out with my son's food allergy.

Anonymous said...

We just finished 4 days at our County Fair here, & I swear I couldn't do it unless I packed food for us to eat. Do not misunderstand...I really look forward to having my "once-a-year" cheese curds, & we have more than one corndog lover in the family as well. But we couldn't do it continually. The expense would be too great for 5 people day after day, & we'd all feel AWFUL. I packed pasta salads, ham buns, raw veges to munch on, fruit, muffins, brought my crock-pot & did "baked" potatoes, made BBQ meat on buns, PB&J sandwiches...you get the idea. I will always bless the day we found our huge, red Rubbermaid cooler. That thing has paid for itself so many times over. :o)

Brenda

Kelly said...

We have such a lovely park with ducks to feed , Koi to admire , playgrounds to climb on and fishing ponds .
I think some cold fried chicken , iced tea , a biscuit or two and some of your beautiful tomato , sounds lovely !!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, that looks yummy! I agree that Google is grand. The internet can be a very small world sometimes! I'm glad you found me that way too!

Janette said...

The park is the place children are allowed to enjoy while parents chat. Eating out at the park may be a bit of a pain- but it is something they will remember when they get older. I never remember regular Sunday brunches- but always remember the park with my sibblings

Anonymous said...

I never eat out - never - it cost a ton on money and the food is not the best (especially the Applebees/Ruby Tuesday/ type food - loaded with fat and salt. I always have at least six meals frozen and always have the ingredients to make a low fat pasta dish that can be ready in a few minutes. A picnic is great and the ants can eat the crumbs !
Once you make the rule never to eat out planning becomes much easier. Have a look at Cooks Illustrated Magazine in the library for some inspiration and direction.

Alice Gunther said...

That looks wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Pregnancy is the only time I watch every bite and feel the healthiest! I followed the First Place program to avoid gestational b/c diabetes runs in my family. Before I became pregnant for the 3rd and last time, I was taking a prescription to lower my blood sugar...I discontinued it, got pregnant, and haven't been back on it since delivery 3 yrs ago. I thank the Lord for His mercy.

The picnic sounds great....bravo for your creativity. Hope you're feeling well. Good luck on your food plan.

Anonymous said...

I plan pretty carefully for Sundays - with small children, church can be stressful to begin with and then a quick lunch before naps! I actually made a list recently of ideal Sunday lunches - like Marsha said, something cold ready in the fridge, or something hot from the timed-bake or crockpot. I think a picnic is a great idea too - we are able to walk to church, but we could also walk to the park on the way home!

Melissa Lester said...

That looks delicious! I admire your creative and positive approach to dealing with gestational diabetes. By my last pregnancy, while still in the normal range, I had to watch my diet a little more closely. And I really struggled with the restrictions! But your picnic lunch makes eating frugally and healthfully look like a walk in the park! I hope you are feeling well and enjoying the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

Anonymous said...

Wow! It's like I've known you for years - was thinking about you while on vacation with my family and all that I was missing on your blog - all while on a ship and looking at God's wide, wide Pacific - Just the four of us in Victoria, Canada! Exploring the royal family's history and high tea at 2! Prayed for your strength and endurance!

Four meatloves for the freezer girl? YOU HAVE BEEN BUSY, as usual! LOL!

Latrice "Working Mama in the NW!"