Moving and a Menu Formula

We are in the process of moving, and while many of our possessions have made their way to the new place, the furniture and kitchen items have not, and we are still packing, cleaning and trying to otherwise arrange ourselves in a new home. As such, this week, I am not making a meal plan. Our plan is to eat what is in the refrigerator and freezer as much as possible, and we will probably end up eating out some too.

Instead of a Menu today, I am going to share with you our new (more general) plan, which I have been loosly following since I read about this idea on Amanda’s blog.  When I first attempted to simplify our meals in to a rotation, I noticed that I have a lot of meals that I like to switch up, and having a plan for a a few weeks or so and then repeating left me feeling constrained.  Following Amanda’s Food Formula idea allows me the flexibility I desire with some structure so we aren’t eating rice every night.  I plan to adjust it some with the seasons, but here is our current formula.

Fall/Winter Food Formula

Monday: Leftovers. I tend to cook a lot on the weekend, as it is my relaxation, so come Monday, we need to eat what is left.

Tuesday: Mexican/Tex-Mex. There are so many good (and easy for my husband to make) ideas, and we never tire of enchiladas, tacos and fajitas, because we mix up the ingredients so often.

Wednesday:  Sandwiches. Wednesdays are a little crazy in our home– to the point where I am considering switching my telework day to Wednesday just to help calm things down!  At least through my marathon, this will be sandwich night so I can get TB fed and still make it to the track in time for practice (my practice that is!). Sometimes I whip up a homemade tomato soup to go with the sandwich, and sometimes he chooses leftover. I am ok with however this night happens.

Thursday: Stir-Fry/Saute. Usually this will include rice, but I have been doing this more and more over quinoa to pack a protein punch.

Friday: Leftovers or “nuggets.”  We tend to eat leftovers twice a week, because I struggle to cook just enough for three.  Sometimes though, we’ll make something simple like fish nuggets, chicken strips, or chicken nuggets, steam a veggie, and call it good.

Saturday:  Soup. I love soups, and I have to admit, sometimes I will make two in a week, which is fine too. There are a million options available.  I also use Saturday (and Sunday) to get the ingredients and foods lined up for the week, make a big/hearty breakfast, and bake.

Sunday:  Try something new day. I am not saying I won’t be trying something new any other time or that every Sunday will be something new, but Sunday is the day I usually have time to really make something new to our family. If it is a flop, there’s always take out. LOL!

I might need to change this in a few weeks when our CSA ends, but for now, we’re going with this.