Meal Planning Archives - Page 8 of 30

How to Plan Healthy Lunches Kids LOVE!

Ready to get your lunchbox groove on? Oh yea! It’s that time again … back-to-school! And whether you homeschool, or your children attend school outside of the home, having a plan for what to serve (or pack) for lunch makes getting ready for the busy school year a whole lot easier!

Now I’m not promising that your kids will be throwing up their arms in sheer joy over the lunches you pack if you read this post … But hey, they just might!

One thing’s for sure, you and your kiddos will definitely enjoy the benefits that come from packing a healthy whole food lunch! And the good news is, it doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is a little preparation and some great ideas to get a smooth routine in place for packing healthy whole food lunches that are both quick-n-easy, as well as delicious and FUN!

So why not join me over at Keeper of the Home, as I share 5 Tips for Planning Healthy Lunches Kids LOVE! I’m not only sharing time-saving strategies that make lunch packing a snap, but I’ve included lots of delicious, nutritious recipes too!

P.S. I’ve got a fun way to say I Love You! These little Lunchbox Love Notes are absolutely precious, and are such a heartfelt way to let your kids know how much you love and care about them.

Whether you have preschoolers, elementary age kids or teens, SayPlease.com has an amazing line of “love notes” for kids of all ages, even adults. The notes include an inspiring message along with cool trivia and funny jokes.

I love putting these thoughtful little notes into my boys’ lunchboxes, because I know it makes them feel loved and special!

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Meal Plan Monday: August 5–18

By Kelly · 2 Comments

NO OVEN REQUIRED DINNERS: On hot summer days, the last thing most of us want to do is turn on the oven. So I’ve put together a meal plan that features some of my family’s favorite grilled and stove-top-only dinner recipes perfect for those hot days of summer!

One of my favorite ministries is serving as the Meal Planning Contributor for The Better Mom, where I share my bi-weekly real food meal plans as a way to help inspire and encourage others. Each bi-weekly meal plan includes what’s on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as links to more than 40 of the delicious real food recipes featured.

Why is this called “Meal Plan Monday,” when it’s posted on Saturday? I thought it would be nice to give you the heads-up about what’s on the menu for the week ahead. That way, you have time to take advantage of incorporating some (or all) of the meals featured, if you’d like. Remember: To view the recipe links for each of the meal plans below, please pop on over to The Better Mom.

So … without further ado … here’s what’s on the menu for the next two weeks at The Nourishing Home. Again, you can find each of the recipe links over at  The Better Mom.

P.S. I’ve provided free links, so you can download the new Meal Plan Template for your own personal use.

P.S.S. If you’d like to learn more about meal planning, please check out my FREE Video Course “Mastering Meal Planning.”

Joyfully Serving Him, Kelly

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Meal Plan Monday: December 9–22

Meal Plan Monday: October 15–28

Meal Plan Monday: June 25 – July 8

Easy Mac-n-Cheesy (GF option)

By Kelly · 10 Comments

Oh so creamy! This easy-to-make mac-n-cheese will bring smiles to your kiddos faces, and yours too!

This month as part of my Kids in the Kitchen Summer School Series, I’ve been jazzed about sharing some quick and healthy whole food recipes perfect for cooking with kids! And this Easy Mac-n-Cheesy is no exception! So simple and delicious, there is no need to open a box, when you can make it yourself in virtually the same amount of time using nutritious real food ingredients!

Reader Recommendation! Nourishing Home subscriber Sharon recommends tossing in your favorite protein-rich add-ins such as diced grilled chicken, ham, ground beef, bacon or chorizo. And, why not add some healthy veggies too, such as broccoli, chard, kale, collards or spinach. Brilliant!

Easy Mac-n-Cheesy (GF Option)

Yield: 5-6 servings

Ingredients

12 oz. of your favorite whole grain or GF elbow pasta
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup heavy cream (preferably raw or pasteurized only, not ultra pasteurized)
1/2 cup whole milk (preferably raw or pasteurized only, not ultra pasteurized)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
6–8 oz grassfed sharp cheddar cheese (depending on how cheesy you like it)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook pasta according to instructions. While pasta is cooking, grate cheese and measure out the cream and milk. Collect remaining ingredients to have ready.
Once pasta is al dente, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Then drain the cooked pasta and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Set aside.
Using the same saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter and add the cream, milk and cheese. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy. Then mix in the dry mustard, salt and pepper.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. To thin out the sauce, add one tablespoon at a time of the reserved pasta cooking water while stirring, until desired consistency is achieved.
If adding extras like cooked diced meats or veggies, simply stir them in and enjoy!

Notes

Make it a healthy meal by mixing in your favorite diced meats and some wholesome greens and veggies too! See photo above for some nutritious and delicious add-in ideas!

https://thenourishinghome.com/2013/07/easy-mac-n-cheesy/

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