A couple of weeks ago, Jenn and I interviewed Laura from I’m an Organizing Junkie on Frugal Coast2Coast. During that show, I shared how I struggle with organization in the kitchen, and Laura shared the importance of a menu plan. Of course I already know about the importance of a menu plan, but I struggle with follow through.
The result was a promise that I would post a menu every Monday on my blog during the month of August. Now I know Laura and Jenn will be checking in on me, so here’s my menu! And it’s really important for me to be organized this week, as today is our first day of homeschooling! I’m going to be too busy during the day to make last minute trips to the grocery store.
With that said, here’s what we’re eating this week:
Monday:
- Breakfast: Leftovers from brunch with the in-laws (egg casserole, french toast casserole, & pancakes)
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: Crockpot chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans
Tuesday:
- Breakfast: Eggs & hashbrowns
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Wednesday:
- Breakfast: Waffles
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: Chicken Pot Pie, salad
Thursday:
- Breakfast: Pancakes
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: 7 layer tortilla pie, mexican rice, salad
Friday:
- Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: Homemade pizza with whole wheat crust, salad
Saturday:
- Breakfast: Waffles
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: Hamburgers, fruit, chips, baby carrots
Sunday:
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies
- Dinner: Leftovers
I’ve already done the shopping for the week, so the freezer and pantry are stocked, and all that’s left to do is cook! And I must say, it feels pretty good to know what’s for dinner all week!
For more Menu Plan Monday, be sure to visit The Happy Housewife!
What’s on your menu this week?
Photo by TORII[photography].
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice menu and good recipes!
We usually formally plan weekend menus, but allow flexibility on weekdays.
That great Lynnae! It makes me feel so much more relaxed about meal times when I already know what’s ahead. I hope it does for you too!
Great idea! The hardest part of meal planning for me is making meals that we like with produce that is in season! I’ll get better at it someday!
Good for you, Lynnae. I know how you struggle with this, and I hope it will become routine for you to plan your menus. Maybe you can even incorporate menu planning into a lesson or two for your children, or even let them plan one or two menus!
I have to giggle for I have on our menu for tonight crockpot chicken, mashed potatoes, and yellow beans.
Once you start planning you will be able to handle this like a pro. My next step is to plan for two weeks and then a month. Have fun!
The menu plan looks great and well thought out. Have you considered ensuring there is an element of protein in every breakfast? On the days schedule for waffles, pancakes, or cereal, there are easy ways to add protein. Some examples include: a little peanut butter, one serving of yogurt, or a serving of cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is really the best; it gives you the most amount of protein at low fat plus as much calcium as yogurt. Protein in the morning can make a huge difference. If your husband is still running, it would be good for him to have a little protein after a morning run (muscle repair). One wedge of Laughing Cow low-fat cheese is also a great minor source of calcium and protein. (In Europe, this is a common part of breakfast, and of course, “French women don’t get fat.) :0)
Notes on Peanut Butter: The absolute healthiest PB is where you go to the health-food store (or the nutrition center of a supermarket like Freddies) and grind your own. There’s no added sugar, and evertyhing is purely natural. It is a little more expensive though. I learned a few months ago that the low-fat PB versions (won’t name brands here) are actually the worst. Although the fat is reduced, the sugar is hiked up and you don’t save any calories. Plus, depending on brand, the fat in regular PB is a healthy fat.
Forced to be frugal (lost job four months ago – readers please pray), I’ve also found (maybe too inflexible for families) being extremely specific can help. For example, my Tuesday menu is:
Breakfast (post-run): 1 cup oatmeal; 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Lunch: Romaine lettuce topped with one cut-up grilled chicken breast, sliced tomato, and red vinegar. One container Yoplait non-fat, sugar-free yogurt, 1/2 grapefruit
Dinner: Diana’s delight (steamed mix: 1 cup brocolli flowers, 1 sliced zucchini, 1 sliced yellow squash) – I top that with tabasco – yes I’m weird; 4 oz. grilled salmon; 1 piece whole-wheat bread. (On the steamed delight, I normally would add 1 chopped bell pepper, but they’re too expensive for me right now.)
Night-time snack: One container Yoplait non-fat sugar-free yogurt.
I am always looking for new recipes and ideas for dinner. Your meal plan looks yummy!
And I found myself a great recipe for some granola I want to definitely try! ;) Thanks!
Great job! Thanks for the recipes. They seem easy enough, which is good since I don’t have that much time. I have started using the coupons I have and the weekly mailers to plan my meals and my shopping for the week. This week, my grocery bill was only $44. I saved $51 and have plenty to eat!