Meal planning

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I am so excited to share today this list I’ve been working on for months! I personally have a huge aversion to dishes, a kiddo who’s not a super fan of most fresh veggies, and I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that has led me to focus on foods that keep my body and nutrition balanced. 

So, I’ve worked hard to prepare meals that my whole family loves, that limit the number of dishes required for preparing and serving, and that keep us all healthy! Here they are:

1. Caprese – This is the simplest fresh meal I can put together with just three ingredients: tomatoes, sliced tofu, and basil. Drizzle with high quality olive oil and balsamic, sea salt and tri-color pepper (I leave the pepper off of a few for my toddler).
2. Breakfast Mezza – My mom turned me on to this simple, decadent morning meal of cucumber spears, salted, and hummus. Drizzle some olive oil and lemon on the hummus, and fresh salt on the cucumbers. Amazing. (You can also add bell peppers, carrot slivers – prepared with a peeler, sliced mushrooms or any other veggies that you and your kids enjoy.)
3. Lentil dip and crackers – This one came from my brother. At Trader Joe’s (and also now Safeway), you can buy pre-cooked bags of lentils. Mix with a tub of bruschetta to make a savory, protein filled dip to serve alongside your favorite crackers or chips. This is a great to bring to a potluck. 
4. Sandwiches. Okay this is one is kind of obvious, but it gets me so much mileage I had to mention it. My go to is almond butter with cinnamon and jam or banana slices. My little one loves veggie slices (I like the ones made with white beans and kale (at Trader Joe’s) versus the soy based ones.), and Daiya Cream Cheese. I like to add tomatoes and cucumbers. Sprinkle on some nutritional yeast or your favorite spice blend. Perfect car snack, easy breakfast on the way to school, or add a fruit salad with cinnamon and lemon juice for picnics.
5. Burritos. Spread refried beans, sprinkle black beans, corn, shredded carrots, cabbage, and lettuce, and salsa. Add veg-based sauces and cheezy sprinkles as desired. 
Note: Depending on the tortilla you choose (whole wheat, sprouted grains), the wrap can crack when you fold it. Leaving it out on the counter to soften a bit helps, or – only slight cheat here on the no-cook theme – you could heat them on the stove top or in toaster oven for a few minutes before assembling. 

Okay that’s it. Hope you enjoy. I’ll add more as I come up with new ideas, and feel free to share in the comments if you have other favorites.