Monday Meal Planning and Belly Fillers

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 Last week we tried a few new recipes using an inexpensive ingredient, rice. As shortages and inflation wear on, we will probably be trying all kinds of different ways to fill our bellies so being open to new preparations will be important.  The rice balls were a hit with my whole family. My husband said having meat in the sauce like the original recipe called for would have made it heartier, but overall it was a win.  The rice fritters not so much. While the adults liked them, the kids were not fans. They just kind of took a couple of bites and then just ate the rest of the meal. They didn't reheat well either, if I had an air fryer, that probably would have worked better. Luckily, the ingredients that I experimented with were inexpensive and since some of us liked them, not much went to waste.

 This week, I have been looking at "belly fillers" that are not just empty carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are important, but trying to be frugal and save money can lead to an over dependence on that one kind of food. Here are a few ideas I use to get somebody through to the next meal that are not just carbs.

  • Celery and peanut butter, crackers and peanut butter 
  • White bean dip/hummus
  • Popcorn
  • Carrots
  • Raisins, trail mix with cheap cereal, nuts and raisins
  • Boiled eggs
  There are lots of lists of low carb snack ideas, but they are not really low budget friendly. Protein helps the stomach stay feeling full longer. We lean pretty heavily on saltine crackers and peanut butter or white bean dip as a way to match savory and crunchy for a snack.

 This week had eggs, chicken thighs and potatoes are on sale. I stocked up on eggs and potatoes and am really excited about that. A 5 pound bag of potatoes and a dozen eggs were both $1.99 limit 5 so I bought 5 of each. Here is this week's menu plan, hope you find something that makes you smile this week!

Monday-

  • Breakfast- Leftover pancakes, banana
  • Lunch- Ham and cheese roll ups, crackers, apple
  • Dinner- Vegetable soup and grilled cheese

Tuesday-

  • Breakfast- Egg, toast, banana
  • Lunch- Thai ramen, crackers, carrot and celery sticks
  • Dinner- Scalloped potatoes, baked beans, peas, biscuits

Wednesday-

  • Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
  • Lunch-  PB&J sandwiches, crackers, apples
  •  Dinner- Black bean burgers, microwave baked potatoes, corn

Thursday-

  • Breakfast- Eggs, toast, banana
  • Lunch-  Leftover burgers, crackers, carrots and celery sticks
  • Dinner- Potato soup and fried bologna sandwiches

Friday-

  • Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
  • Lunch- PB&J Sandwiches, crackers, carrots and celery
  • Dinner- Spaghetti, green beans, garlic toast

Saturday-

  • Brunch- Fried egg and bologna sandwiches, fried potatoes and onions
  • Dinner- One pan chicken and gravy , mashed potatoes, biscuits, carrots

Sunday-

 Have a good week!

~ Sarah

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