Meal planning can feel so overwhelming…lots of ingredients, new recipes, unusual cooking methods, will the kids try it or my hubby like it? It starts to feel like TOO MUCH, especially at the end of a busy day!
The garnishes, casseroles and homemade sauces are nice but not always practical. The truth is, dinner doesn’t have to feel like a burden. If we can cover just 3 food groups, the meal is a win! Protein, starches, and fruits/vegetables. Plus ideally fat is included as well. That’s it! Taking away the stress of making a new recipe allows time for teaching moments with little helping hands, making fun table decorations with the kiddos, and most importantly easy conversation at meal time. Simply pick one food from each category!
Components of a Meal
Protein
ChickenSteak
Fish
Shrimp or other shellfish
Pork chops
Ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, pork)
Tofu
Beans
Sausage
Nuts or Seeds
Starches
Pasta
Potatoes
Corn
Rice
Quinoa
Barley
Couscous
Farro
Bread
Tortillas
Fruits and Vegetables
SlicedCucumbers
Cherry
Tomatoes
Apple slices
Coleslaw
Green Beans
Roasted
Broccoli
Asparagus
Fruit Salad
Cauliflower
Beets
Green Salad
Carrot sticks or Cooked Carrots
Brussels Sprouts
Fat
Included in the meat or seafood
Olive Oil
Avocado Oil
Butter
Coconut Oil
Sesame Oil
Walnut Oil
Flaxseed Oil
Ideas to Get You Started
Steak with baked potatoes and salad. Baked chicken with pasta and asparagus. Air fried shrimp with corn on the cob and coleslaw. Chicken thighs, potatoes, beets and carrots. Turkey meatballs with rice, cucumbers, tomatoes and olives. Salmon with carrot sticks and salad plus bread (on a limited time night) or brown rice. So many options! You can add cheese or a glass of milk to incorporate some calcium/dairy, but as long as you have protein, a starch plus fruit and veggies, your meal is a success!