Meal Prep: DIY Bagged Salad Mix

It can be hard when you are trying to eat healthier especially when the cost of the healthier foods can be so much higher than the junk food! Here is one way that we have found to save a little money and make our salads a bit more nutritious by being able to choose better varieties of green stuff to go in them:

 

img_7301

We cut all the lettuces, a mixture of iceberg and romaine, into bite-size pieces. (We also added a bit of baby spinach to the mix.)

img_7302

Then we washed everything and spun it dry in the salad spinner. (You want to make sure it is as dry as possible before bagging it.)

We layered a couple of big baggies with a paper towel and carefully placed our lettuce and spinach inside.

Then we squeezed out all the air and sealed them.

They have been in the fridge all week and still look pretty. (You will also want to change out the paper towel frequently.) 

The kids really enjoyed practicing some of the kitchen skills they’ve learned and it seems to make them more interested in trying out new things when they are involved in the process.

2019 Meal Plans

These are some of our most recent meal plans after converting some of our favorite recipes to be healthier with inspiration from Trim Healthy Mama. I find it easier to plan out my meals so I can make fewer trips to the grocery store. I always hate it when it’s almost dinner time and I have no idea what I should make. A little planning goes a long way to help me keep my sanity… well what’s left of it that is.

I also find it easier to go ahead and plan a day or time to prep some of the items ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute. I will boil eggs, cook chicken and ground beef, prep veggies and all ahead of time so that when it comes time to make dinner it seems to go so much easier.

When I have time I also try to make a couple of extra batches of our favorites so I can put some in the freezer for emergency or quick meals. I’ll try to include some tips and tricks along with the menu plans to make your life a little easier too.

Meal Plan: May 26 – June 1, 2019

Sensible Scrambled Eggs

I love eggs whether it be fried, boiled, deviled, egg salad, omelets, or even a scrambled egg sandwich. They are so easy to make and so good for you. Here is a quick and healthier version of the scrambled eggs that we eat on a regular basis.

I just made a couple of sandwiches for Mr. Awesome and myself yesterday when we were feeling a bit hangry in between meals and they certainly hit the spot. These would also be really good for a quick breakfast with some sausage or bacon and a side of Super Simple Sauteed Spinach. Continue reading “Sensible Scrambled Eggs”

Protein Power Pancakes (3 variations)

This is a variation from our regular pancake recipe that adds a little extra protein and good stuff to get your day started off on the right foot! You can add other yummies like blueberries, chocolate chips, or even some pureed pumpkin to make these even better. The variations are countless.

Below the first recipe is a recipe for sourdough pancakes and a ‘hybrid recipe’ too that we use on occasion when time is crunched. These can also be used to make waffles as well. We usually make these for breakfast and have enough leftover for lunch. Sometimes I will also make a couple batches and freeze them too.

Why don’t you give them a try with our favorite Blueberry Syrup (with healthier options) or Homemade Chocolate Syrup (with healthier options) and a little bit of whipped cream? Just because we are on a journey to healthier eating doesn’t mean we can’t still indulge in some of our favorites. We just need to look at them a little differently and change them a tad to make them work with our new way of eating. Continue reading “Protein Power Pancakes (3 variations)”

Super Simple Sauteed Spinach

This is such an easy and delicious way to get some greens into your diet. They are good served with any meal as well. I know I always wanted to eat my spinach so I could be strong like Popeye but most kids nowadays don’t know who Popeye is and they don’t want anything to do with green veggies. My kiddos love this stuff though! Continue reading “Super Simple Sauteed Spinach”