Meal Plan Monday

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!

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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

BBQ Chickpea Salad

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?

The last few weeks of May are always crazy! Graduations, the end of school, my anniversary…so much to look forward too. With so much activity, a weekly plant-based meal plan can help you stay on track with healthy eating.

I’ll be focused on keeping our meals simple over the next few weeks. We have a ton of travel planned so these meal plans will be irregular. My weekly Saturday morning emails will continue right on schedule. If you don’t get these yet you will want to sign up. Every week you get plant-based tips delivered to your inbox. They are always a quick and easy read.

I will be utilizing my Instant Pot and my favorite easy recipes this month! If you got an Instant Pot for Mother’s Day, be sure to check out my IP recipe page! If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, see the 10 reasons I bought an Instant Pot!

Weekly Plant-Based Meal Plan

Monday

Overnight Oats

Baked Potatoes

Chickpea and Rice Soup (in the Instant Pot)

Tuesday

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal with diced apples

leftover soup and veggie sandwiches

Veggie Pad Thai

Wednesday

“Baked” Sweet Potatoes made in the Instant Pot

Lentil Quinoa Salad (rice can be used instead of quinoa if you have it leftover)

Mexican Casserole (I have stove top, oven, Crock Pot and Instant Pot versions)

Thursday

Strawberry Banana Muffins

Burritos with leftovers

Dirty Mashed Potatoes (or Baked Potatoes), steamed veggies and Creamy Brown Gravy

Friday

Banana Nut Oatmeal

leftovers

Breakfast for dinner, pancakes, Breakfast Hash and fruit salad

With all of our travel coming up, I’m brainstorming things that will travel well. The World’s Best Banana Bread is at the top of my list! I’ll make it without chocolate chips for travel.

I’ll be able to pack food for driving trips but flying trips make it more difficult. I’ve got a few ideas but I’d love to hear yours! What is your favorite travel food!