This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BalancedNewYear #CollectiveBias
Being back in the pool this year feels SO wonderful. While I’m not a huge proponent of New Year’s resolutions in general, I did make it a goal to kick off 2016 by swimming 6 times a week.
Swim club has been great about keeping me right on track: this weekend, a few of us hit up the pool for some workouts and reminded me how fun it is to be back in a swim community again. After just a few weeks, it feels good to know that when my arms pull through the water, my body is actually inclined to move forward at a relatively fast pace again. I’ve even been motivated enough to squeeze in a few (just a few!) double days of morning and evening practices, which I honestly haven’t done since dinosaurs roamed this earth. Good lord, it’s like I’m actually making progress!
With this zealous swim calendar and an even crazier work schedule, though, I’ve found the hard way that it takes a world-class juggling act to maintain any sort of balance in my life. After a week of solid swim practices and absolutely nothing in my fridge when I came home wet and hungry, I decided to swing by Walmart one weekend and scour the aisles for something satisfying, but balanced enough that I could eat right after workout.
I was on my way out of the store after picking up some broccoli and shredded cheese when I finally found the golden ticket: LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace Collection Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. I probably can make this sound any cheesier if I wanted to, but it really was love at first sight, because if there’s one way to my heart of comfort food hearts, it’s mac & cheese. Upstanding eligible bachelors, take note.
After a quick glance at the labels–made with organic pasta, hooray!–I decided to throw three in my basket before hitting the checkout. Following practice the next day, I made it a point to get my daily meal planning off to a balanced start again by heating up one of my meals and setting a pot of water on the stove top to boil so that I could whip up a side of parmesan cheddar broccoli to go with it. The whole process took less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and right now I’m packing up a second serving of mac & cheese and this broccoli for today’s lunch!
If you’re in the mood for a quick, simple, balanced meal to keep your new year on track, this is the dynamic duo you need. Can’t wait to hear what new year goals you have for yourself! Are you working out more regularly and serving yourself up some awesome food fare?
What are your goals in 2016? If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the Flavorful Moments Pinterest Board for more delicious ideas!
Parmesan Cheddar Broccoli and LEAN CUISINE® Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Add balance to your meals with a quick and easy side of parmesan cheddar broccoli! You can swap out for different cheese varieties according to your preference.
Ingredients
- 2 crowns of broccoli, washed and cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add prepared broccoli and cook until stems turn dark green. Strain broccoli completely, then transfer to a bowl. Add both cheeses, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside a Lean Cuisine Marketplace Collection meal!
Is Lean Cuisine a universal thing? We have them here, but they are for weight loss and controlled eating plans. All the people I know who have used them, have put weight on as they used lots of bread and cheese. But…. me thinks this must be different. I have never tried Mac & Cheese before, I see my USA buddies posting recipes often and am now totally overwhelmed with which is best, so haven’t done any. 🙂
New Years Resolutions, I have started a Food Bloggers Mega Share group on FB, it is all about syndication, I am rather chuffed it is coming along nicely. If you want to join the fun, you are totes welcome Ala. 🙂 And… Back into my healthy eating, green smoothies and walking up mountains and around lakes every day. I am writing more, planning a couple of international trips this year too. Pretty much just focusing on remaining positive and enjoying my days.
That’s an AWESOME question, Anna! My approach is everything in moderation. These are likely the same products that you have in Australia, but I like to stash some in my freezer because it helps me stay on track when I know I’m having a tired week and I want to enjoy a fairly wholesome meal that will keep me fueled. As with anything, I don’t know that I’d ever depend solely on any one product for “results”–but since I’m also more concerned about balancing my life than trying to control my eating in any way, this is a really great option for me personally. Just my two cents!
And are you KIDDING? I’d love to be part of your FB group! Send me an invite, girl! Your goals sound amazing, here’s to 2016!!
My husband isn’t a broccoli fan, but I love it! [client]
hehe thank you, Melanie!
YUM! I love the new Lean Cuisine options! Such a great way to stay on track! -client
Agreed, Heather! Cheers!
Glad your swimming is going well! Sounds like fun. Haven’t thought of Lean Cuisine in years — sounds like they’re doing some good things. Can never resist mac ‘n cheese. 🙂
Oh my….can I get more cheese in life? The hubs loves Lean Cuisine and he always makes an excuse to get some each time I travel overseas.
This mac and cheese looks yummy, perfect comfort food! And the fact that it’s made with organic pasta is a great bonus!
yes yes yes–agreed, Melanie! <3 have a great rest of the week!