10 days until school starts for us… Not that I’m counting.

I grocery shopped on Thursday and picked up a lot of staples for smoothies and mac n’ cheese- The two current food hyper focuses.

I’m trying hard to get the kids to increase their fiber and protein intake. I can tell the difference when they are filling up on both- if nothing else, it helps them sleep better.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature and Aisle, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101-style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites can be found here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. We eat lunch at home most days, and I pack snacks and water for us when we are out having summer adventures.

Dinner: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

• Sunday:  Sweet and Spicy Pork, Basmati Rice, Roasted Green Beans (any leftovers will be meal-prepped for lunches for the remainder of the week)
• Monday: Chicken Noodle Soup, Smoothies, garlic bread

• Tuesday: Mac n’ Cheese, Smoothies, chips

• Wednesday: Chicken Fajita Veggie Skillet, tortilla chips or cheese quesadillas (kids choice)

• Thursday: Breakfast egg bake (sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, veggies)

• Friday: Takeout night!
• Saturday: Leftover Palooza