Family Meal Planning

So – earlier this week, I had a ‘supper crisis’ – ridiculous – baked beans on toast, and only one kid would eat it – time for Family Meal Planning.

I had completely run out of Family Meal Planning ideas and inspiration – and I turned to instagram to vent and ask if anyone does ‘family meal planning’ – and you were all so brilliant, this is just a post to say THANK YOU and to pull together some of the amazing suggestions – and wow, I feel better now – glad to know that I’m not alone – beige food is ‘ok’ – we aren’t all living the dream of foraged organic food.

Hah – look at this photo though – Maggy and I went to see our friend Mrs Bell today who lives in the ‘burbs and this is all from her garden! – and now I’m asking you for CHARD recipes – and have got to peel all of those blummin apples!)

We rocked up with some flowers wrapped in newspaper – and went home with chard, parsley and the most delicious home grown tomatoes! Thanks Mrs Bell.

Once I’ve finished writing this up  – I’m going to have a good look at some of these links and ideas and MAKE A LIST – let’s call it a ‘meal plan’ and also, I’ve added some links to our MEAL PLANTASTIC pinterest board too HERE.

Instagram suggestions for good cook books:

ataylor478 Get the green roasting tin cookbook..its saving my sanity..shove everything in one tin and into the oven..and a wholesome meal done..and minimal washing up too..win win.. (photo @missminifer) BOOK – available here

thishouseourhome Ps: I’ve been using the ‘feeding a family’ cookbook recently and it’s helped get me out of a cooking funk… BOOK – available here

Instagram suggestions for family meal planning:

ceramicmagpie  ?? Pasta with a tomato based sauce is your go-to dinner. (I think you are veggie otherwise you could add tuna for more protein).

thinlyspread 1. Teenage boys will eat when they need to. Much like toddlers. Don’t fret. Pizza and veggie burgers got me out of many a hole.

sewlovecraft Also, on the meal plan front, sit and do a meal plan on a Friday for the following week, so you can take into account of after school clubs/nights out. Choose one meal in a week each children will like, that way you know your efforts are appreciated by at least one person at the table. Also put the meal plan on view, so what for tea is not a surprise for anyone.

michelletwinmum We keep it easy with food, tonight was sausages, mash, 3 veggies & gravy. Tomorrow is spag bol, yesterday was jacket potatoes & various fillings. I can’t cope if I don’t menu plan

gailyfromupnorth @incredibusy fl buy that book immediately, write a list and do a ‘big shop ‘, including emergency beans and spaghetti and breathe – it’s all going to be ok …… PS soup is an easy go to X

capturebykaye Pasta, pancakes or omelette!! I know those raised teenager eyebrows well too

niki.at.the.cottage Keep beanburgers in the freezer, with a roll, top with an egg and salad…pretty much a stand by…or when the girls were young…french toast was my go to…must include just about every food group…egg, bread, milk.. (bacon) topped with strawberries, greek yoghurt…every time you make a fish, make enough for two nights so you get a night off…

two_mad_girlsNo ones on a diet in our house but the only thing that everyone will eat is weight watchers bean chilli!

muminthemadhouseVeggie stir fry always goes down well here and I make with wholewheat noodles to fill up the boys and it o it takes 8 minutes. Other winners are curry and soup

linda_eco_design Super easy meal. Split red lentils cook for 15 mins, add herbs, add a chopped veg of any kind eg carrots, potatoes and serve with lashings of lemon juice. Literally so yummy and now think I may have it myself tonight. !!! ?

wearetwoteaspoons It’s super dull but I have created a 4 week menu for dinner time which I can order and cook from each week. It takes some planning time but is so easy and helpful once you start using it. Especially with work/kids/clubs/work/dog etc etc etc Takes all the effort out as I can just look at the list and check what I’m doing. We have 2 veggie, 1 fish and 2 meat meals most week… An excel sheet has it all taken care of. ? (thank you Becky for messaging me with your spreadsheet!)

So – once I’ve made my meal plan in my new notepad for next week, I promise to come back and edit this post! (thank you for my lovely book Jinder, Jin B – love Etsy)

And thanks again for the insta support, and private messages – you lot are brilliant – if you’re not following me on instagram, I’d love you to pop over to say hello, I’m @incredibusy and @sogoodineveryway x