My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

Plant Based Diet

Fast and Easy Breakfast Ideas

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If you’ve been enjoying lazy mornings all summer the beginning of school can be a shock to the system. These fast and easy breakfast ideas will help you acclimate to the new school year.

Some of these breakfast ideas need to be eaten at home but others are perfect for enjoying on the way (unless your the driver). Almost every item on the list can be made in 5 minutes or less. The others can be baked ahead of time.

Fast and Easy Breakfast Ideas

Fast and Easy Breakfast with SoyNut Butter Toast and fruit

Toast with SoyNut Butter and Fruit

It doesn’t get much easier than toast. We love SoyNut Butter spread on our toast and fruit on the side. Sometimes I’ll slice the fruit and put it right on the toast. Speaking of fast and easy, get it on Amazon!

Bobs Red Mills Oatmeal Cups

Oatmeal Cups

I’m a huge fan of oatmeal! It’s easy to make but Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal Cups are simple enough for my kids to make by themselves. Plus, clean up is a breeze! These gluten-free cups only need water and they are ready in minutes.

On days I don’t have time to make my Instant Pot Oatmeal, these oatmeal cups come to the rescue! I get them on Amazon!

Strawberry Banana Muffins gluten-free and gluten-free

Strawberry Banana Muffins

These Strawberry Banana Muffins have to be baked ahead of time but they are a filling breakfast that you can give your kids on the way to school.

Gluten-free granola

Granola

I always keep granola on hand for “emergency” breakfasts and snacks. It’s a ready to go meal when I don’t have anything else available. I love the I’m Healthy gluten-free granola; it’s gluten-free and peanut-free with flavors that do not disappoint. Available on Amazon.

Yogurt and Granola

Granola and Yogurt

If I only have a little time, I’ll pour some dairy-free yogurt, fresh fruit and granola in a bowl for a breakfast that takes less than 2 minutes to make. My youngest son loves this treat! I’ll admit, it makes a great dessert too!

Plant-Based Gluten-Free Breakfast Cookies that are allergy-friendly and delicious. These cookies are a great choice for breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast, yes please! These Breakfast Cookies are closer to a granola bar than a dessert. They are great on the go but healthy enough to call it breakfast. Make them on the weekend for easy weekday meal.

Bobo's Oat Bars

Bobo’s Oat Bars

I fell in love with Bobo’s Oat Bars. These hearty bars are like mini loaves of baked goodness. I was surprised to love every flavor I tried. I keep them in my purse and they easily pass for a meal. I’ve begrudgingly shared a few with friends and they loved them too. Get them on Amazon.

What are your favorite fast and easy breakfasts?

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August 29, 2016 Weekly Meal Plan

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You’ve probably heard that grocery shopping on an empty stomach is a bad idea. I think meal planning when your hungry is an equally bad idea. In fact, I’m officially adding “eat a snack” to my meal planning tips. Your weekly meal plan will turn out healthier if you aren’t thinking of pizza while you plan it.

Mmmmm, pizza sounds good! See, it’s a problem anyone can fall into. Fortunately, it is still too hot for pizza so that won’t make it into my meal plan but Pizza Pasta will. Sometimes people will ask me why I’ll eat soup or chili in the summer; since it’s so hot here in Arizona we keep our air conditioner really cold so soup is actually enjoyable. On the other hand, turning on the oven will heat up the house so I usually only do that in the mornings or for company.

Just thinking about turning on the oven made me think of cookies. Thankfully, I have a no-bake alternative for those too.

See, I have a problem. That just goes to show how much I need a meal plan to keep me focused. I’m also thinking about trying Veestro to have “just in case” I need a quick and easy meal. If you have experience with them let me know!

We’ve had family in town two of the last three weeks so and haven’t been eating the healthiest meals. This week we are ready to get back on plan. This meal plan will focus on dinners because we’ve been living on the Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal Cups for easy breakfasts.

Weekly Meal Plan

If you are stuck and can’t figure out what to have for dinner, this plant-based meal plan should give you some ideas!

A plant-based meal plan the whole family will enjoy. Easy swaps make it gluten-free.

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August 15, 2016 Weekly Meal Plan

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What’s for dinner? I really get tired of this question but if you have a weekly meal plan it’s a lot easier to answer. Take a look at our weekly meal plan and find out what we are having for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

I’ll do my best to stretch these dinners into multiple meals so I can cook less. My latest recipe, Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice is getting some great reviews. One reader even made it in the Crock Pot for 10 hours with great results! We are having it for dinner on Monday night with plenty of leftovers for lunches!

A gluten-free, plant-based weekly meal plan the whole family will enjoy.

Weekly Meal Plan

I hope our weekly meal plan will give you some inspiration as you plan your own. Don’t forget to take your schedule into consideration. Enjoy leftovers on busy nights or have something simple like potatoes.  [Read more…] about August 15, 2016 Weekly Meal Plan

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

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If you’ve been here for a while you know I’m all about easy recipes. I think this Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice recipe is my new favorite. Why? Because you can cook black beans and brown rice together in the Instant Pot! No soaking or precooking. It turns out great, like magic. 

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

I’ve always been a fan of quick and easy meals. Years ago, when I was a stay at home mom I would still stick to simple meals. I had my hands full with kids, the house, and everything that comes with that role.

Now I work full time, still have to handle all the “mom stuff” and cooking can easily take a back seat to getting a little down time.

That is one of the main reasons I love my Instant Pot. It makes life easier for me. You may love your slow cooker, I used to use mine a lot more. Which ever you choose, having tools that make life more efficient and that set you up to be successful in your goals is a good investment.

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

This recipe is pretty simple. I wanted it to be a blank canvas so I could add difference spices and flavors. Before you skip over this no-fuss meal give it a try.

It took a few tries to get the beans and rice ready at the same time but this totally worked for us. If you want something with a slightly more complex flavor try my Instant Pot Mexican Casserole!

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

This super easy recipe feeds a crowd. It's mild flavor is perfect for kids who don't like spicy foods. Feel free to spice it up for adults.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced
  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 2 cups dry black beans
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 limes (optional)
  • Avocado (optional)
  • 4 ounce can of diced green chiles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dump diced onion and garlic into the Instant Pot liner.
  2. Add the brown rice and black beans.
  3. Pour the water into the pot liner and add the salt. If using, add the diced green chiles.
  4. Secure the lid with the vent sealed.
  5. Select Manual, using the arrows decrease time to 28 minutes.
  6. Once the time is up you can press cancel or unplug the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to naturally release. (I let it set for 20 minutes before opening the lid.)
  7. Scoop into bowls and squeeze a lime wedge over bowl and stir. Then add a few slices of avocado for garnish.

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Instant Pot

This recipe makes a lot of food! I estimate at least 6 servings depending on how much you eat.

If you want more flavor, try adding your favorite salsa, this homemade Pico de Gallo, homemade guacamole or your other favorite flavors. I almost always make this with a can of green chili now but when I first started making this I left it plain and would spice it up later.

Find more easy and delicious Vegan Instant Pot recipes on my Instant Pot page!

August 8, 2016 Meal Plan

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My kids don’t know it yet but we have company coming this week. Our Meal Plan will be a little loosey-goosey since I don’t know what all we will have planned. The kids are in school and we are working so most of our “together” time will be in the evenings.

If you are new here, you came at a great time!

I tend to jump into back to school mode early for two reasons; first, I’m a planner and second, my kids have already started school. Over the next month (or two) you can expect to see lunch box ideas, easy breakfast ideas, busy morning productivity hacks, recipes and more! Back to school season is kind of like my Christmas. I love Christmas but I get way more into the back to school planning compared to Christmas planning.

This week we don’t have a lot planned. With family visiting I want to keep my options open. I have a few things in mind but I don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking.

Meal Plan Monday with a plant-based meal plan! Almost gluten-free too.

Weekly Meal Plan

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Fruit Salad with Simple Citrus Dressing

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Fruit Salad. That is the answer to so many questions. Here are a few of them and let me know if you think of more:

  • What should I take to the potluck?
  • What will your (picky) kid eat?
  • What should I freeze for a icy treat?
  • What is the one vegan food no one will think is weird?
  • What will make the other kids jealous at the lunch table?
  • What should we pack for the picnic?

I know there are more but we have things to do. I think you get my point though, Fruit Salad is a great addition just about any time.

Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing

The only problem with fruit salad is the browning that happens when you cut certain types fruit. I’ve got an easy fix for you.

All you need is some vitamin C! Citrus juice does wonders to keep fruit from browning.

Growing up I didn’t eat a lot of fruit. I remember the first time I saw my husband meticulously rubbing lemon juice on apples and bananas. I thought he was insane. It was labor intensive to wipe each and every slice of apple and banana with a lemon wedge (although sometimes the lemon juice went in a bowl and we would dip it).

Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to do that. This version has a few more steps but it’s even easier and less time consuming than his way.

Not only does it keep it from browning but your fruit salad will continue to taste refreshing for a day or two (if it lasts that long). I like to store it in a bowl with a lid so I can give it a gentle shake before serving. You can also make fun fruit kabobs for a treat if you have leftovers.

Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing

This dressing works with many kinds of fruit. We are using strawberries, kiwis, cantaloupe, blueberries and blackberries. The important thing is to use what you like, mango, pineapple and grapes are good choices too! In the fall we use lots of apples.

Fruit Salad Dressing
 
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Ingredients
  • juice from 2 large naval oranges
  • juice from 1 pink grapefruit
  • juice from 1 lemon juice
  • juice from ½ lime juice
  • 3 pounds of assorted fruit
Instructions
  1. Squeeze juice from oranges, grapefruit, lemon and lime into a bowl or small jar.
  2. Stir juice (or if in a jar with a lid, give it a little shake).
  3. Pour it over the fruit and serve.