Menu Plan Monday – Simplify Meal Planning

I have always been a huge fan of menu planning. Menu planning causes me to actually have a plan from day to day and that reduces how much we eat out or eat easy, processed meals.

A few months back I discovered a blog called Keeper of the Home and I am learning SO MUCH about changing our diets from the “average” American diet to a more whole foods diet. I can’t say that we are anywhere near close to totally changing our lifestyle and the way we eat (as you will see), but I am learning and awareness is the first step.

As a result, I am participating in the Plan It – Don’t Panic meal planning challenge at Keeper of the Home. I will be grocery shopping this afternoon, so the plan is subject to change depending on what I can find!

Monday – Chicken, peas, rolls

Tuesday – Pork chops, broccoli, rice

Wednesday – Spaghetti squash with tomatoes and herbs, fresh bread

Thursday – Pan-seared cod with peppers and onions, seasoned rice

Friday – Sloppy joes, potato wedges

Saturday – Penne pasta with Italian sausage, fresh bread

For breakfasts I plan to try baked oatmeal for the first time. We also eat a lot of eggs since we raise chickens, and we eat fresh fruit. Lunches are usually leftovers from the night before or sandwiches.

     Photo Credit: winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So, like I said, we have a long way to go before we are on a completely “real food” diet, but I am reading more and more about it everyday. I also love having a meal plan because I love knowing what to expect to cook that day. With two little ones running around all day, menu plans are essential or we resort to take-out!