Meal Plan Monday 8th April - 14th April



When home schooling I find I need to be as organised as possible and meal planning helps reduce the chaos, epically at the end of the day as I know what we’re having for dinner, all the ingredients have already be shopped for and if there is any prep needed I know what it is and I fit it into my day.

I usually plan my meals 2 weeks ahead so I can plan my shopping during the week around it.  I also try to plan meals where I can change the meat based on what’s on special each week.

This week’s meal plan has already been shopped for and everything I need is already in the kitchen.  This meals all I need to top up on when I got grocery shopping this week is fresh fruit and vegetables as well as the usual like milk and bread.

I have very fussy kids, and I don’t let this affect what we eat much.  I do plan 2-3 meals a week I know they’ll eat but there are still many that I know they’ll turn their noses up to before they even get seated at the table.  I do not make a second meal for my kids, I do not give them extra food (ok there have been exceptions to this when I gave them a piece of fruit).  The rules in this house is you don’t have to eat the food on the plate but you do have to sit at the table at dinner time.

If we have a dessert planned I still serve some up to the kids even if they don’t eat dinner.  I do not want sweets to be seen as a reward as this can set up some very negative eating habits.  But I do have one rule, they only get as much dessert as they eat dinner, so if they have a good try at eating their dinner they get a normal serve, but if they only lick, or one bite or not eat any of their meal they get one teaspoon of dessert.

Monday – Swimming lesson day so kids get quick and easy spaghetti on toast and the parents get takeaways once the kids are asleep in bed.

Tuesday – Spanish Beef and homemade pasta

Wednesday – Oregano Chicken Schnitzel and steamed vegetables

Thursday – Cheese & Bacon Cordon Blur with salad and mashed cauliflower

Friday – Take away night (Daddy is working late)

Saturday – Sheppard’s Pie

Sunday – Homemade pizza

Weekly baking – Chocolate date cake and marble cookies.

I have been trying out a meal planning subscription at www.grabandcook.com.au which is where I get most of my recipes but while it’s quick easy and healthy meals I’m finding my grocery bill is a lot higher – almost $100 more.  Also my fussy children have yet to like any of the meals I’ve prepared.  Last night was supposed to be Crispy chicken fingers with apple fries which may sound yum and kid friendly, with the way they were to be prepared and with the fries made from apples rather than potatoes I knew hubby and I would be the only ones eating.  So I changed the meal and ended up with potato fries and deep fried chicken fingers.  Not healthy at all but the first meal the kids got a full tummy from all week.