Last week, I shared that I was kicking back into high-gear with my meal planning. I also added breakfast to my meal plan for the first time ever. It worked! I had kids eating WAY less snacks, and found that my pickiest eater was starting his day with a solid meal, rather than opting for a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast and half a banana.

I wanted to share a meal-planning tip each week to help encourage those of you who may be just starting out with their meal-planning.

Today’s tip: Cut yourself some slack.

Some days, regardless of how carefully you’ve planned and shopped, you’re still going to end up not sticking to the plan. It happens. Some evenings you may just not feel like cooking. Something will come up. Plans will change. Don’t freak out! If you end up not making whatever meal you have planned, simply plug that meal into a slot in one of the coming weeks, especially if you’ve already purchased the ingredients for it. No big deal.

For those evenings when life happens, I recommend keeping your pantry well-stocked with a variety of basics and staples. Click HERE to see my recommendations for a well-stocked pantry.

Hopefully you’ll walk away from this post with a new idea or two to get you out of your meal rut!

Sunday

Breakfast: Green Shamrock Pancakes and Green Milk

Dinner: Homemade Pizza (*Confession- This was an instance where “life happened” and I threw together grilled chicken tenders, a pasta mix, carrots, and tube biscuits instead!) It happens…no big deal!

Treat: Cookies and Cream Brownies

 

Monday

Breakfast: Turkey Sausage, Bagels

Dinner: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake, Broccoli

 

Tuesday

Breakfast:  Overnight Sticky Rolls

Dinner: He-Man Spanish Rice, Quesadillas, Crockpot Refried Beans, Mango Jello

 

Wednesday

Breakfast:  Lemon Loaf

Dinner: Homemade Hamburgers and French Fries, Fruit

 

Thursday

Dinner: Lasagna Soup, Gooey-Cheesy Garlic Rolls

 

Friday

Breakfast:  Oatmeal

Dinner: Chili Cheese Frito Wraps, Salad

Treat: Better Than Anything Butterfinger Cake

 

Saturday

Breakfast:  Cranberry Orange Muffins

Dinner: 3 Envelope Pot Roast, Veggies, Soft Herbed Potato Rolls

 

Happy Meal Planning everyone!