Today we're talking about how to add variety to your meal planning during this time when we are all at home with our families.
Key Points from this Episode:
- I've always had the philosophy that I cook one meal. My kids have never experienced double-cooking where we have one food for the adults and another food for the kids.
- We allow kids to say "this isn't my favorite" but not "eww! I hate this" and those kinds of negative talk.
- We have the family rule that kids must take 2-3 "polite bites" of everything on their plate and after that, they don't have to eat any more if they don't want to. The kids can make themselves toast or a sandwich if they are still hungry, but I don't cook anything extra for them.
- I cook to what I want to eat because I'm doing the work.
- Watch some YouTube to get some inspiration for something different!
- Add something like homemade croutons to an existing salad you like to change the whole feel.
- Cook enough food that you have leftovers (at least for the adults) to take some of the work out of prepping food.
- Consider organizing your fridge where leftovers are all together and easily accessible so they don't get lost in the fridge.
- Take something you normally make and find ways to change up the flavor combinations and it will revitalize the food!
- Make something (like sauerkraut, tortilla, or pita bread) from homemade that you usually buy and it will feel new again!
- Make a triple batch of muffins and freeze whatever you can't finish. They are quick to heat up in the microwave and a great snack.
- Blend ice cubes into snow cones and add orange juice!
- Leftover smoothies or kefir ice cream can go in popsicle molds to save for another day.
- Homemade granola can be added to smoothies or ice cream.
- Mix in a pre-packaged oatmeal packet with regular oatmeal to spread out the sugar and flavor.
- Subscribe to a produce box delivery! They add variety and excitement to your fruits and veggies.
- Try something that sounds crazy like Chickpea Cookies!
- Find some friends to share recipes with!
Resources
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