Why 500 Calories or Less?

I've had a million blog ideas in my head for a few years now, but none very focused. Then I had an epiphany in line at Panera...

I was looking at their menu trying to add a pick 2 up to 500 calories or less. For a few weeks now, I've been trying to make that my target for meals and it is very doable. I struggle a little in restaurants but at home, no problem at all.

But I don't think that everyone knows how doable this is. So what if I took a picture of the meals I came up with and told you all about them? Its a new challenge for me, and a new level of accountability as well as informative for my friends and family and the members of the blogosphere looking for new ideas.

And really, 500 calories or less per meal is a great day to day standard for everyone whether you're watching your weight or not! I like to indulge here and there and that's fine for a meal or two a week but the secret to maintaining my health personally is being in control of most meals I eat. The lower the calorie count the better of course, especially if its filling on top of it! I also try to put emphasis on healthy ingredients, of course!

I'm a stay at home mom so I buy food on a budget. But I eat out way too much. I will not make a recipe I have to buy a bunch of exotic one time use ingredients for, and I will never give up fast food or pizza. I'm kind of a picky eater and live with another picky eater (or three) so I like to think that the meals I'll share will be pretty accessible. Quick, cheap, and healthy are words I live by with food at home.

I'm also using this as a record for myself of the yummy meals I've come up with within the parameters. I'm a cookbook and recipe website addict and sometimes forget about the successes I've had in the past while looking for new recipes!

So I hope you enjoy!