I’m a paper chart person. So, this type of thing is in a binder with our home management charts. Most things rotate biweekly, but there is more variety for the evening meal each month.
When I’m diligent about sticking to the plan I spent time writing down, life is good! I know where you are coming from as far as needing to simplify. We have farm animals, a garden, our own business, and on, and on, too. Your post snapped me into the reality that I need to get back on track in this area to eliminate some stress I’ve allowed to creep in over the summer.
Okay, so these charts have mostly what you’re looking for in terms of meals. No peanuts. No hummus. Heh. we are mostly GF. Not prescribed, just by choice.
Snacks are veggies, or fruit with occasional plain yogurt & honey. Nuts (other than peanuts) and dried berries are another snack.
We don’t drink calories other than raw milk. For dairy free option, choosing almond milk is my favorite option. I do keep decaf and herbal tea on hand. DH adds sugar, or splenda depending on his determination to avoid sweets. But, I’m not so sure that Splenda is a good choice.
We eat eggs quite often for breakfast. (4-5 times/week)
S-bagels or muffins, fruit
M-omlettes, hash browns, fruit
T-bacon, potatoes, fruit
W-biscuits, sausage, gravy
T-taquitos, fruit (corn tortilla or skip it if GF)
F-cereal (or, oatmeal,) milk, fruit (or eggs, fruit)
S-breakfast casserole (crockpot overnight, or prepped overnight for oven,) fruit
For your Sunday crockpot needs, I’d suggest choosing your favorite crock meal and doing it every week. Choose two to alternate if you must. Keeping it simple means less frustration. Roast with carrots and potatoes, or a chicken. I make twice the amount of brown rice that it takes to feed our family when I cook it. I do the same when baking potatoes/sweet potatoes. That way, I have enough for two meals. If you had Friday, or Saturday as a double rice/potato supper day, you would have it ready for Sunday noon.
Lunches are usually salads, or leftovers at our house. I “cook big” in the evening to be able to have leftovers.
Supper is kept fairly stress free by using the grill, or crockpot. I have once a week meals for several nights.
Some ideas for week nights:
1. Beans and rice/cornbread, salad
2. Baked sweet potatoes, steamed veggies, butter/plain yogurt (leave out for CF needs)
3. Meatloaf, corn cobs, salad
4. Fish, rice/potatoes, veggies
5. Grilled meat/chicken (enough for leftovers,) beans, slaw
6. Soup ‘n salad (veggie, chicken, potato, broccoli/cheese, chili rotation) Consider having two soup nights instead of one of the other meals. Easier on the budget.)
7. Burgers or Pizza alternating. (both can be GF. No bun. Crustless.
Quick tips I like, but tend to forget. Wash & chop veggies as soon as you bring them in from the garden, or grocery store.
Make two family sized meat loaves and freeze one for the following week. Do the same for the burgers.
Read/reread French Kids Eat Everything. Reduce/eliminate between meal snacks. Drink lots of water. Have the kids help with meal prep & clean up from as early as possible.
Hth,
Becca<><