So like 3 or 4 years ago, a friend of mine started a Facebook group called "30 Days on a Plate." The idea was that we would feed our families only real food for 30 days. (Well, we would do the best we could.) We shared recipes, ideas, frustrations, fails, accomplishments, etc. But, after 30 days, it stuck. Most of us couldn't go back. Once you've opened up that box... once you've jumped down that rabbit hole... once you've started reading and researching...and learning about the foods that you are feeding your children... it's hard to just go back to buying "the other stuff." Yes, sometimes life gets crazy. Money becomes an issue... time becomes an issue. Holiday food becomes an issue. Children that become random picky eaters become an issue. However, for the most, we have stuck with it. Yes, my pantry probably has more "snacks" than it did 4 years ago when we started. Yes, I just ate a candy cane Hershey's Kiss (when that bag is gone, those things won't be back for another year!!). Anyhow... my point is... I want to go back to those first 30 days. When I was trying really, really hard to only eat real food. Because isn't that what we're supposed to do when the new year rolls around? Try to eat healthier?!
So... here is my plan before school starts:
(P.S. You can make any meal or recipe a "real" food recipe just by choosing the right ingredients. Buying local, organic beef. Organic beans, corn, etc. It's not that hard. Except chicken. Chicken is hard to find.. and, when you do, it's expensive. And cheese. Cheese is also expensive.. and I can only find it in Pawleys Island at The Fresh Market. Anyhow. Check out www.100daysofrealfood.com if you need some help getting started!)
Meals:
Beef stroganoff
Taco Chili
Chicken Philly Sandwiches
Sloppy Joes
Honey Sesame Chicken
Quinoa Tex Mex
- This isn't a freezer meal so in order to make it one, I'm going to dump everything in a bag, except for the quinoa, and freeze it together. I will measure the quinoa out, label it, and put it aside in the pantry. I will add it to the crock pot the morning I cook it.
- This is also a meatless meal--which will save a little money! :) But this also means, I might have to put it in a wrap for the kids. Just because they will probably eat it better that way.
Snacks and other things to help us get through the next few weeks:
Uncrustables
No-Bake Energy Bites
Taco Seasoning
No-Bake Candy Bars (a "healthier" alternative to junk food)
Coconut Oil Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (I've never made these before, but Carter needs something for his snack at school. I will use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate).
When I go to the store, I will also buy sides to go with each meal:
Organic frozen corn (Lowes Foods has the best brand, in my opinion)
Organic black beans
Frozen broccoli
Organic frozen string beans
Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and peppers (green, red, orange, and yellow)
Fresh fruit (whatever is on sale and in season)
Quinoa
Rice
Rainbow Roasted Vegetables is one of my favorites to make on a Monday or Tuesday night and use the leftovers again later in the week.
Ok! That's all I've got for now! My Lifetime movie is over :) Now, it's time to use this post to make my grocery list. Let me know if you have any questions AND if you decide to jump down that rabbit hole!! :)
