Food for thought

Posted byKrista McCarthyPosted inUncategorized

Planning meals has reached a completely different level at our household due to the COVID situation and the rules it entails. Added to that is the fact that my children have completely different tastes in food. I am challenged to plan meals and shopping lists far ahead as is required by the wait time for grocery order pick-up. Right now the wait is four days at a big chain store and really, the recommendation is to get groceries only once a week. As a result, I find myself eating less so that the kids can have more for a longer stretch of time. I don’t think this has been a bad thing from my fitness, health and weight point of view.

I don’t profess to be a chef or Suzy homemaker but I do make most meals. Often my kids like to get involved and I let them. I now try to keep the meals simple but nutritious. Whatever it takes to need less grocery shopping. And leftovers are big at our house. I thought maybe sharing some simple meal and snack ideas might be helpful. I get most of my recipes on-line and I have a few true and tried ones.

Breakfast

Pancakes with syrup and fresh or frozen thawed berries are our favourite. I make my pancakes from scratch but mixes and frozen waffles work well.
Grilled cheese sandwiches disappear fast also. Easy to make especially with a George Foramen Grill.

Eggs are super nutritious and full of protein. Great for any of the meals on days with a lot of activities.

Oatmeal microwave packets and full grain Cheerios are our go-to when short on time and as snacks.

Lunch

Grilled cheese sandwich works great for lunches too. Add some vegetables and/or fruit to make it a balanced meal. I try to stay away from deli meats for their unhealthy qualities and will substitute peanut butter, tuna or even cooked chicken or steak from the dinner before for the added protein.

Dinner

I cook turkey only for special occasions. But when I do, I use every bit of it for soup and sandwiches.
Homemade pizza is a great way to get the kids involved. They design their portion of the pizza themselves.
Mac and cheese is the old family favourite. I may toss in frozen vegetables for colour and flavour.
Weekend barbecue is quick and easy. I will barbecue meats, vegetables, potatoes even fruit for variety. Home made marinade tops up the flavours and are super easy to make with common ingredients. I use dry rubs also which are equally tasty. Rice makes an easy variation.
My kids ultimate favourite is spaghetti. I add a lot of garlic for its flavour and health benefits. Surprisingly the kids don’t mind the garlic at all, quite the contrary. Side salad and homemade bread completes the meal.

Snacks and staples

Smoothies have become my daughter’s specialty. It’s a great way to get the necessary servings of fruit, even vegetables.

Having kids in the house means availability of snacks. We always have crackers, cheese, yogurts, fruit, Nutella and peanut butter around.

I have these few standard recipes that I rotate and vary by changing a few ingredients. Makes for nutritious quick meals without a lot of effort. Bon appétit!

Published by Krista McCarthy

I am a self-employed single mom navigating life during COVID-19 pandemic.

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