Okay guys, you ready for this? We made four legit dinners this week. FOUR. I can’t even tell you when the last time was that happened. Probably at least 3+ months ago!
I’m excited to get back on the meal planning bandwagon, just because it seems to make our whole week go (slightly) smoother. No last minute scrounging around, trying to find something to put together. We just definitely function better over here when we’ve got some sort of a plan. Can anyone else relate?
All that said…here’s a look at our meals from this past week!
Sunday: Labor Day party foods!
Monday: Taco salads (salads with cucumber, tomato, avocado, corn, and crushed tortilla strips with taco seasoned ground beef) with avocado ranch dressing
I love these because they’re quick and easy, they’re healthy, and they’re filling. Perfect for weeknights!
Tuesday: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Rice Bowls
This recipe is quickly becoming a more popular STSL recipe!
Wednesday: Emily’s Famous Sloppy Joes
We got a late start on dinner and didn’t eat until after the boys were in bed, so we were too lazy to worry about adding any sides at that point. That recipe has long been a favorite of ours for sloppy joes! This time, I replaced about 1/2 pound of the ground beef called for in the recipe with diced zucchini and it was delicious!
Thursday: Asian Sweet Chili Sesame Chicken over jasmine rice
We first tried this recipe back in January and I’m shocked it took us this long to make it again. It’s SUPER good.
Friday: Leftovers/clear out the fridge
Saturday: Takeout pizza with sausage, peppers, and onions (x2)
FYI: In case you’re wondering if Lucas also eats the meals prepped up above, that would be a big fat NO. I know some parents are on different sides of the fence on this one (kids eating what you make vs. making separate meals for them) but I have decided that I would prefer to make Lucas a meal I know he’ll eat AND have a more enjoyable dinner without arguments over making him eat something he doesn’t want. Hey, it works for us. And thankfully, the kid loves peas and carrots.
What’s on YOUR menu for the coming week ahead?
Heather @Lunging Through Life says
My babe hates veggies, haha. I’m already right there with you. I want her to eat and since she can’t talk to us or say if something else is wrong, I’d prefer to make something she likes. I try to include at least something she will eat in our meals, and sometimes she will just eat what we have, but not always. Of course, what she likes one day differs to the next! I forgot about sloppy joes! I bought the stuff last week for them and totally forgot. Thanks for the reminder!
Kelly says
Don’t worry about Lucas not eating what you guys do. Both of my kids did that too (they are 10 and 7 now). Eventually they come around. Making separate meals will just be a phase of like. Nothing, in my opinion, to remotely worry about ?
Laura says
Totally agree with this ! Some moms are all hard was about not being a short order cook, and more power to them, but if my kids would eat some chicken and an apple over something that I made for myself I am not gonna stress. They are 6 and 8 now and eat have expanded what they like greatly, but my husband is picky as well so I take what I can get. I want my kids to have a healthy relationship with food, and to me that meets eating a balanced diet and eat when you are hungry, stop when you’re full. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since becoming a mom, it’s exactly what was said above. So many challenges come and are gone before we can figure out the right answer. Enjoy every stage bc another one is right around the corner !
Torry says
So happy you are doing these posts again. They help me stay on track too!
Also, I don’t know if I’ve missed it out now but how is Cody doing?! I know it’s been awhile since he had his medical issues hope he is doing well!!
Courtney says
Aww thank you for asking, Torry! He’s doing great! Totally back to his wacky, rambunctious self ;)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Pizzaaaaaaa! Ethan has always been a pretty great eater from the start. Little Adam, on the other hand, refuses to eat the regular meals I cook. It drives me absolutely crazy!!
Jennifer says
Thanks again for these meal plans!! You are seriously making my life so much easier, can’t thank you enough! And, totally with you on the kid thing. My son (also named lucas) is starting to expand his taste buds a little bit but, it’s still a struggle. At the end of the day, I’d rather he eat!
Laurie says
Yay for weekly meal plans! I love seeing what y’all had for dinner. It also helps with me with my family’s weekly meals because it gives me ideas. Btw, how did you get Alex on a bed time schedule? We have a 9 week old and I am having the worst time with getting him on a bed time schedule while we are putting our 23 month old daughter to bed.
Courtney says
Hey Laurie! Oh gosh, we are definitely not the ones to ask on that one, lol. Alex is SO hit or miss with bedtime…sometimes he’ll go down okay and then other times (like the past 2 nights…) he won’t settle for about 3 hours (it’s back and forth from about 7-10pm…ay yi yi). Unfortunately, their bedtimes are pretty close at the moment so when we’re both home then Jay usually puts Lucas down and I put Alex down. I just keep trying to remind myself it will get easier…!
Krystal says
Would you mind giving some examples of what you do offer him when he doesnt eat what you and your husband do? Sometimes my toddler just will not eat what we are having or i want to make something “out there” or spicy..but i feel like im always recycling the same couple of *toddler options* for my son. :)