In making this week's menu plan, I really struggled with creativity and have some repetition. I really look to the sale ads for inspiration, and the sale ads are just full of food that is outside my budget. There were lots of kinds of expensive processed food items, but not a lot simple ingredients on sale. Watermelon, grapes and tuna were the good buys this week. I also grabbed some smoked sausage, chicken thighs and a package of frozen chicken patties. I really need to branch out in our meals, but that can be so tough when you have kids. They like what they like and some are really stubborn enough to go hungry, making everyone miserable.
Trying new recipes is also risky for our budget. If we spend our limited SNAP or food stamps and no one eats it, it is a double loss. We lose the cost of the meal and the cost to replace it. I'm not saying this to scare us away from trying new foods or recipes, I'm just reminding us to be smart about it. When evaluating new recipes, meals or foods that I am unsure will fly, I use a few strategies.
- When looking at new recipes, I look for the majority of the ingredients to be something we already like. There is less chance for failure.
- Look for new ways to prepare ingredients we already like. For example, instead of steaming broccoli, roast it.
- When trying a new food altogether, like quinoa, I prepare a small amount of it using spices or seasonings we already like and serve it with foods that have previously been approved. This way everyone has a chance to try the new food but if they don't like it, they won't go hungry.
- Ask for input. If I am checking out a new recipe or food, I poll the potential eaters for their opinions and suggestions.
- Perception is everything. If we had to change our diet drastically, like in the discovery of an allergy or a major budget downturn, parents can set the tone. A short explanation of the reason for the change is all that is needed, then get on with a positive attitude about it. If mom and dad are looking at a plate of beans and rice and sighing about it, then the kids will too.
- And if all else fails, try turning the new food into something already agreeable. If roasting vegetables doesn't go well, try putting the leftovers in spaghetti sauce for a chunky pasta sauce. That's how I got everyone to try okra!
If you have any tips at all to share about getting kids to try new meals, please pass them my way!
Here is this week's boring menu plan, but I am going to do better next week. Hope you have a good week!
Monday-
- Breakfast- Leftover pancakes, banana
- Lunch- Ham and cheese bagel sandwiches, chips, watermelon
- Dinner- Bean and cheese quesadillas, chips and salsa
Tuesday-
- Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
- Lunch- Sandwiches, pretzels, watermelon
- Dinner- Fake jambalaya, corn on the cob, garlic toast
Wednesday-
- Breakfast- Eggs, half a bagel, banana
- Lunch- Ramen or leftovers, crackers, watermelon and grapes
- Dinner- Fried Cabbage and Noodles with hot dog coins, 5 minute glazed carrots
Thursday-
- Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
- Lunch- Tuna Pasta Salad, crackers, grapes
- Dinner- One Pot Veggie Pasta, garlic toast
Friday-
- Breakfast- Toast, egg, banana
- Lunch- Tuna Pasta Salad, crackers, grapes
- Dinner- Pizzadillas, deviled eggs, veggies and dip
Saturday-
- Brunch- Frittata biscuits, fruit cocktail
- Dinner- BBQ chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, garlic toast
Sunday-
- Brunch- Pancakes, homemade pancake syrup, scrambled eggs
- Dinner- Chicken sandwiches, fries, fruit and veggie tray
Have a good week!
~ Sarah
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