We started back to school last week. I was happy our meal plan was easy because it was a busy week. This week is the first full week of school so I’ll have more easy meals on my mind and on my plant-based meal plan.
So far, we have a great breakfast routine on school days. My boys have been requesting oatmeal every day and I’m happy to make it for them. It’s super easy and super healthy! This week, I’m expecting to serve oatmeal with diced apples and raisins every morning.
We normally stick to leftovers for lunch. Some days I can hardly wait for lunch time! I’ve even been known to eat leftover soup for breakfast!
This page contains affiliate links.
This meal plan will focus on our evening dinners. Personally, I prefer to cook 3-4 big dinners a week then eat leftovers. I used to write my meal plans that way but people would be confused so I started writing out daily meal plans. I rarely make all 5 days worth of planned meals. I double recipes or add extra sides so I can get by with less cooking.
Sometimes I cook a meal that I know my kids won’t like. Either it’s spicy or uses veggies or textures that I know they aren’t interested in. I’ll take each kids’ preferences into account. Some days I tell them they don’t have a choice, they have to eat it. Other days I’ll give them the option of leftovers, oatmeal (yes, even for dinner), a sandwich or beans.
Plant-Based Meal Plan
I’ve already cooked a big batch of chickpeas that I’ll use this week in the soup, stir fry and BBQ chickpeas.
I discovered Palouse Brand Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) on Amazon last fall and fell in love. If you think you don’t like chickpeas try this brand. They taste so much better than canned or other brands. They are non-GMO and you get a code to track your chickpeas to the field they were grown in. It’s pretty cool if you are a food geek like me!
Monday
Instant Pot Chickpea and Rice Soup (link includes stove top directions)
Tuesday
Tostadas with Mexican Rice
Wednesday
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry
Thursday
Friday
Pizza Pasta, side salad, and veggies.
If we have enough leftovers, I may not make it all the way to my Pizza Pasta. Since I’ve already cooked a bunch of chickpeas, I’ll prioritize using them up first.
Do you have kids going back to school soon?
We will be going back to school soon & I plan on having meal prep and planning as part of our curriculum?
That is awesome Jess! Let me know how it goes!