Sometimes, we all reach a point where we run out of our own inspiration and have to reach out and grab it from somewhere else. We can’t be super fantastic meal makers all of the time, that’s just crazy talk! So, given that it’s mid-October and the darkness of November is trying to tip toe her gloominess in to our kitchens already, I figured it was time to shine my inspiration headlamp over to all you lovelies out there with your apron on and a stark look on your face, wondering what’s next on your meal docket. Don’t worry, I got you!
Before you make your way down to the goodness below, just a few reminders with regards to managing the weeknight meal madness:
You need not always be a Magical Beauty in the kitchen: It is totally ok to have a few go-to meals that are less than ideal when you are feeling run down and exhausted from all that you do in your life. The post-meal-planning-perfection-burn-out is not at all worth it. We are not perfect beings, we were never meant to be, so just breathe a deep sigh of relief and grab that takeout sushi for one night and put your feet up. You can pick back up your pace tomorrow!
Better Choice, grab’n-go-grocery-store-dinner ideas:
Pre-washed tub of mixed lettuces + quality salad dressing + can of chickpeas
Pre-made sushi
Frozen vegan burger patties + spelt buns + salad mix
Pre-made pizza crust + sauce + spinach, mushrooms, peppers, etc.
Jarred curry sauce to add to rice + a few veggies
Packaged Flavour of India, or another brand, re-heat curried lentils or spiced eggplant + rice.
Enlist the Help of Your Family: The meal madness can drag on and on for years when you are a parent and as your kids get a bit older it’s not only helpful, but essential, to get your kids helping you in the kitchen. Your kids will learn whatever you model for them, so show them that team work is important, that learning to cook is paramount to their survival down the road, and that helping around the house gives them sense of purpose & belonging, and teaches good work & collaboration ethics.
Any Amount of Prep will Make Your Life Easier: If you can grab a little time on the weekends to pre-make a few sauces, chop some veggies, juice some lemons, mince some garlic, etc, things will go a bit smoother at meal times. Some folks like to pre-wash & chop like mad on the weekends and others do little bits at a time. You do whatever works for you! Just remember that every little bit counts and a bit of forethought can really help you in the long-run. I like to do a little prep for the following day while making dinner, when I’m already in the kitchen and can multi-task. If I just stay a step or two ahead of myself with meals, that seems to be enough to keep things running smooth.
Mix It Up: If you have some standby meals that everyone loves and you can make with one arm tied behind your back, that’s super! But DO mix up your menu on the regular, even if it’s only 1 meal per week. New meal ideas & recipes help keep things interesting for you, as a cook, and for your family, as eaters. Rotating and varying the kinds of foods you eat, as well as the flavours, enhances your opportunity for nutrient exposure & variance, while also keeping things exciting & interesting in the kitchen and at the table. Encouraging positive experiences with food also encourages body positivity & intuitive eating practices, both of which play important roles in supporting digestion & a strong immune system. So if you are always reaching for broccoli & red peppers, this week, go for some cauliflower & tomatoes, and try those beautiful artichokes on sale. Find some new inspiration AND up your nutrient value!
Here are 5 of our favourite GO-TO dinners that tick off all the satisfaction boxes and can be whipped up in roughly half an hour, with no stress at all!
Healing Coconut Curry Stew
This stew is TOP DOG in our house, everyone loves it, it’s warming & soothing on a cold or rainy day, and wins all of the best meal requirements: nourishing, tasty, satiating, & immune boosting. You can also easily switch in or out some of the different veggies to come up with your own version.
Veggie Squash Chili
Loaded with beautiful orange squash & protein packed beans, this vegan chili may not have any meat or shredded cheese, but lacks not a single thing! Better a day or two later, this warming bowl of goodness with keep your belly satisfied AND feed a small army to boot!
Roasted Tomato & Black Bean Soup
A minimal ingredient, weeknight soup, that is a bit of a surprise with regards to just how easy this soup is and how much yum & satisfaction comes with it’s simplicity! Surprise! Wicked-yum soup is coming your way 😋
Warm Thai Noodle Bowl with Almond Butter Sauce
A noodle bowl with all your favourite Thai flavours AND the bonus of almond butter’s health benefits. This is definitely a noodle dish the whole family will love ♥️
Easy Mushroom Bean Burger
A weeknight burger that goes with anything and can be whipped up in just a few steps. This patty is so full of protein, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and flavour, you can enjoy it as a traditional burger or be creative and use it in many different ways: on salad, in a wrap, or as a taco filling. This is a great make-ahead meal that can easily be pulled out of the freezer for a super quick weeknight fix and be reheated from frozen!
Hope you find a meal or two here that you are willing to try! Planning ahead is truly the way to ease the load off your weeknight meal burden, so do try to make a few batches of stew, soup, or veggie patties, as well as a batch of yummy treats, on your weekend or days off, and freeze half for future weeks. If you’re interested in joining in on one of my BATCH COOKING ONLINE CLASSES, be sure to sign up for the Newsletter and don’t miss registration, this class fills fast. Our next class will be running in February, watch for it!