Monday, April 4, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

I'm trying to stay on top of eating in, as it's so much healthier for us and much more inexpensive!
To feed my sweet family of 4 at just McDonald's we spend $20-$25 per meal!
Eating out at a restaurant is closer to $35+ tip and beyond!
When I cook at home I spend $5-$10 for all 4 of us.
That's a significant savings!
I try to make it much more cost effective by using coupons and shopping the best prices around town.
Sometimes that means I'm going to 4 plus stores every 2 weeks.
But it's worth it.
I've dropped our grocery budget from $500 per month to $300 per month.

So, why am I making this post?
Because I'm trying to stay focused.
I'm trying to loose weight.
I'm trying to encourage others to do the same!
EAT IN!

So here is what I have planned for this week!

Breakfast:
Cheerios
Eggs with green bell peppers and cheese & toast
Pancakes with Fruit and Bacon

Lunch: {usually served with fruit of some sort}
Peanut butter & honey sandwiches
Macaroni and Cheese
Grilled pizza sandwhiches {grilled cheese + pepperoni}
Leftovers {if it's actually something they liked}

Dinner:
Tonight: Cranberry Pork Roast with Asparagus
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Roasted Squash
Spinach Turkey Roll with Roasted Squash
Pork Bites with Apples Rice and Asparagus
Spaghetti with veggies added and rolls

I really have a hard time with side dishes. My kids hate eating vegetables, but I know they need them. So I force them in there. But if you have any quick, easy side suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

I'm totally okay with giving recipes out....so if you'd like one {or more} leave me a comment and I'll email them to you! Make sure your Email is Enabled so we can continue to talk!

I've joined the rest of these lovely bloggers in planning my meals for the week at Menu Plan Monday.

3 comments:

Anne said...

Tasty menus! I'm going to have to try that apple oatmeal. Breakfast ideas for the kids are really hard for me to come up with!

Keli said...

great menu! I think my kids would LOVE grilled pizza sandwiches.

I have issues with side dishes too. My kids used to eat the veggies and not the "main dish" Now, my 5 YO eats the meat, I have to "force" hom to eat his veggies. My 2 YO just doesn't eat. And, I feel like we have corn 5 out of 7 nights. :(

Julie said...

Try "Popcorn Cauliflower" - great way to disguise a veggie without your kids knowing it's good for you! Cut up two cauliflower heads and throw them in a big ziplock bag. Spray with pam (or drizzle oil if you prefer). Add 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. (If you don't like any of those spices, you can try whole wheat bread crumbs instead). Shake bag until cauliflower is evenly coated. Spread evenly on a covered baking tray (with parchment paper or non-stick foil). Bake 30-35 minutes at 450. Let me know if they like it!