My Plant-Based Family

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

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Meal Plan Monday: The Post Road Trip Detox

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We just returned from a week-long, 3300 mile road trip and boy do I feel bleh. Even making the best choices (most of the time) I feel pretty gross. Now that we are back I’m determined to detox all of the sugar, caffeine, chocolate, and grease I ingested during the trip. Tomorrow I’ll let you in on part of my plan for this detox but today I’ll just fill you in on my Plant-Based Meal Plan. My approach with this Meal Plan has two parts, first is to include as many fruit and veggies as possible and second is use up a lot of stuff from my freezer. I have a lot of odds and ends in the freezer and they take up a lot of room. I’d really like to empty it out as much as possible.

Plant-Based Meal Plan

Breakfast

Lately I’ve been struggling to eat breakfast in the morning. I always encourage oatmeal but this week I’ll eat other options too.

Lunch

I plan to eat a lot of soup this week because I eat more veggies in a bowl of soup that I would ever eat on their own. To make your soup stretch a little further try pouring it on top of a baked potato.

Snacks

We have eaten so many unhealthy snacks lately they I really want to so better this week.

  • Smoothies for my hubby and boys, I’m not a smoothie unless it is chocolate peanut butter smoothie
  • Apples and Sunbutter
  • Raw Veggies and Hummus
  • Soups
  • Baked Goods in my freezer

Dinner

I always strive to prepare a filling dinner, beans is the not-so-secret ingredient that keeps us feeling comfortable full all evening.

Last week I shared The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan Ever! I hope you took a look at the FREE Printable Shopping List that accompanied it. I was sad to see apple prices shoot up this week at my local grocery store, that would wreak havoc on keeping the Meal Plan under $55. I’d just switch to pears which were about 77¢ per pound. Do you need a “recovery” period after vacations to get back on track?

North Coast Organics Lotion Bar Giveaway

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North Coast Organics Lotion Bars

Have you tried using a lotion bar? Yes, you read that right a lotion bar. Well if you haven’t tried North Coast Organics new Certified Organic, Vegan and Handmade Lotion Bars you don’t know what you are missing.

You all know I’m a HUGE FAN of North Coast Organics line of deodorants that include Death By Lavender, Revolver and Naked. I’ve never used a deodorant that stopped the stink, especially through an Arizona summer like North Coast Organics deodorants.

They sent me their new lotion bars to try out and once more I’m in love. I’ve used a different brand of lotion bar but it left something to be desired. North Coast Organics Lotion Bars are easy to rub in and leave my hands feeling soft and protected for hours. There is no weird film that some heavy-duty creams leave behind.

These handmade lotion bars come in Lemon, Floral and Untitled. I’ve always loved anything lemon scented and tried the Lemon Lotion Bar first. I love it. I usually put it on first thing in the morning and I love it’s clean, fresh scent. I was originally skeptical of the Floral bar but this is a nice, pleasant scent that is not perfume-y or overwhelming. Untitled may be my favorite though. It’s great for men or women. I use it every night. They are made from food grade products so you don’t have to worry if you  2 year old tries to eat one.

I’m the kind of person who uses lotion daily. When the cooler weather sets in my skin gets drier but these lotion bars will help keep my skin smooth and soft.

If you want to stock up North Coast Organics has generously offered a 30% off coupon to My Plant-Based Family readers and one lucky reader will win a set of three Lotion Bars. The coupon code is 30LBAR and is good throughout the giveaway.

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway! There are several ways to enter but hurry because the giveaway will end on November 2nd. This giveaway is open to those in the US and Canada.

FTC Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. I was given free product to review but the opinions are 100% honest and my own. I was not under any obligation to write a positive review.

The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan Ever

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The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan Ever

Is it too expensive to eat a Plant-Based Diet? This Meal Plan will show you exactly how cheap a Plant-Based Diet can be.

This isn’t the healthiest Meal Plan I’ve ever created; but it is a nutritious Meal Plan for those lean times when you really have to watch your budget.

I’ll assume you have some spices and other pantry staples. This Meal Plan will feed a family of 4 for less than $55 a week. Food prices vary by area but these meals use ingredients that are generally inexpensive, seasonal (for Fall) and available in most places. If someone in your family has food allergies you may need to make a few substitutions. For example, if you can’t tolerate gluten I recommend you skip the bread, pancakes and oats since the specialty (gluten-free) versions will cost more.  I have had good experiences with a gluten-free pancake mix from Walmart called Maple Grove Farms Pancake and Waffle Mix.

The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan

Breakfast

If you have a wheat allergy I recommend you remove the oatmeal and pancakes from the Meal Plan and replace them with Baked Potatoes and Veggie Breakfast Stir-Frys.

  • Oatmeal with Apples
  • Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Sliced Bananas
  • Overnight Oats
  • Breakfast Rice with Diced Apples
  • Pancakes
  • Pancakes with Peanut Butter and Bananas
  • Pancakes with Baked Apples

Lunch

Cook extra for dinner each evening so you have enough leftovers for lunch. Eating out for lunch is a big budget buster.

  • Bean and Grain Bowl
  • Baked Potatoes with Leftover Chili
  • Potato Soup with a side salad
  • Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
  • Taco Salad
  • Bean and Rice Burritos or Bowls

Snacks

Stick with fresh fruit and veggies, processed foods are expensive. If you need a snack that is a little more filling try leftover soup or baked potato.

  • Carrot Sticks
  • Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
  • Orange Slices
  • Bake Potatoes

Dinner

These dinners are perfect for cool Fall weather. If you are missing an ingredient just substitute something else.

Here is the Free Printable Shopping List for The Cheapest Plant-Base Meal Plan Ever (Fall Edition). You may spend less than $55 if you already have some items available. I even included what I consider to be luxury items like tortillas and bread, if you omit them you could spend less than $50. I looked at store advertisements and asked around to determine prices. If something on the list is expensive fresh consider buying the frozen version. I also have some duplicate items like “frozen veggies” just to make sure you have enough available. If your family dislikes something on the list just omit it and work around it. We don’t eat a lot of oranges at our house but they are fairly inexpensive in our area now so I included them.

 

Plant-Based Tostadas

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Raise your hands if you love a good Tostada! Plant-Based Tostadas are an easy and family friendly recipe you need to add to your meal plan!

Plant-Based Tostadas are a fun and easy meal idea. Kids love tostadas and they are healthy too.

 

Plant-Based Tostadas

I rediscovered the Tostada when we learned my son had a wheat/gluten allergy. Tostadas are made with corn tortillas (but always read your labels) so they were safe for him.

Tostadas are:

  • Easy to make
  • Customizable
  • Allergy-friendly
  • Inexpensive
  • Delicious
  • Kid’s love them

Plant-Based Tostadas

We are always changing up our Plant-Based Tostadas! Sure we need a crispy tortilla and beans but sometimes we used Instant Pot Refried Beans and other times we use Refried Black Beans. Lettuce and tomatoes are usual staples but sometimes we add Pico de Gallo, when the garden is growing we will make Oven Roasted Salsa. A fun addition is Mango Salsa!

Basically, anything goes and you can use what you have! 

Plant-Based Tostadas

Ingredients

  • Soft Corn Tortillas (or buy the crispy tostada tortillas)
  • Unfried Pinto or Unfried Black Beans (store-bought refried beans can be used but read the label)
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Dice Tomato
  • Salsa (optional)

Do

  1. If using soft corn tortillas, preheat oven to 350° and place tortillas on cookie sheet (I use parchment paper on my cookie sheet).
  2. Bake tortillas for 15 minutes then remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes until you can handle them. They may not feel crisp but they will get crispier as they cool. Leftover tortillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  3. Spread beans onto tortillas. I prefer the Unfried Black Beans. Top with lettuce, tomato and any other toppings you prefer.

Serve

These are great as an afternoon snack but also good for lunch or dinner. If serving as a meal I highly recommend making Mexican Rice. Tostadas are so simple that many kids could assemble them without much help and would be a fun party food.

Plant-Based Tostadas

 

How do you top your tostadas? 

Plant-Based Tostadas

Plant-Based Tostadas

Plant-Based Tostadas are an easy and family-friendly recipe you need to add to your plant-based meal plan!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • Soft Corn Tortillas (or buy the crispy tostada tortillas)
  • Oil-Free Refried Beans
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Diced Tomato
  • Salsa, peppers, your favorite toppings (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using soft corn tortillas, preheat oven to 350° and place tortillas on cookie sheet (I use parchment paper on my cookie sheet).
  2. Bake tortillas for 15 minutes then remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes until you can handle them. They may not feel crisp but they will get crispier as they cool. Leftover tortillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  3. Spread beans onto tortillas in a thick layer.
  4. Add lettuce, tomato, and any other topping you will enjoy.

Notes

You can use canned beans to save time. One 15 ounce can of fat free refried beans is enough for about 4 people or 8 tostadas. You may been to add some water to the canned beans to get them smooth enough to spread.

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo
 

Got Snacks? Try Dry Roasted Edamame

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Got Snacks?

My family of 4 eats a plant-based diet, 2 of us are also gluten-free and 1 nut and oat free. Do you realize how hard it is to find good snacks that fit the bill. I’m always looking for snacks that are easy for my 2 year old to eat and not too messy. Sometimes we end up with a variety of granola bars, cereal bars, fruit pouches, etc. but have to be careful about cross-contamination.  It’s tough.

One Snack the Whole Family Can Enjoy

When I first heard about Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame I was intrigued. We tried the Lightly Salted, Sea Salt, Spicy Wasabi and Goji Blend. They were so good! I didn’t let my 2 or 4 year old try the Spicy Wasabi but they loved the other flavors. I love them all! These are coming with us on our next road trip. We eat a lot of snacks on the road! 🙂

I even shared them with some of the attenders at Healthy Cravings and they loved them as well. The Sea Salt seemed to be the favorite among many of them. I think the Lightly Salted are my favorite. My boys had already eaten all of the Goji Blend so no one else got to taste those. I’d never had dry roasted edamame, I thought they had a nutty flavor.

I Love that these dry roasted edamame are:

  • Gluten-Free
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO

These are delicious and perfect for those times you want a crunchy (and salty) snack.

FTC Disclaimer: I receive free product samples from Seapoint Farms. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the Seapoint Farms.

Meal Plan Monday: Loads of Beans

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Do you ever get over run with leftovers? We do! We have a lot of leftover beans from last weeks Healthy Cravings. By the way, if you are in the Mesa/Gilbert/Phoenix you should be coming to Healthy Cravings!

The first few days of the Meal Plan will focus on using up the leftover beans and leftover veggies. We didn’t even do a real grocery shop this weekend. I want to work towards an empty refrigerator this week.

Plant-Based Meal Plan

Breakfast

We have been relying on cereal quite a bit lately but I will not succumb to guilt. Cereal may not be the best choice but it can work for a decent breakfast. 

Lunch

I love eating leftovers for lunch because I don’t like to spend a lot of time cooking lunch. I don’t mind passive cooking like tossing things into a pan or the oven though.

Snacks

We stick to fruit and veggies for most snacks. It helps us make good choices and lower our grocery budget since we eat seasonal produce. Occasionally I’ll make something special, especially when I’m trying new recipes.

Dinner

As mentioned before we have a lot of beans that are already cooked; pinto beans, Unfried Black Beans, lentil and chickpeas. Since these are all cooked it will save me a lot of cooking time this week. I may put some of them in the freezer if it looks like we wont use them in time.

We have a lot going on this week so I fully expect us to be eating out as well. I’m hoping to avoid running to the store so I’ll swap out ingredients and work with what I have.

Do you use these Meal Plans for inspiration? I’d love to hear what you think!