Critique my meal plan!

[PhotoGal]

Last year I wrote a year-long meal plan. But we found that many of the things didn't get made if they were new or the recipe wasn't right at hand. This year I am making a one-month plan that we can reuse over and over. If we get sick of something, hopefully that will motivate us to branch out! I'd love to get your feedback on it. What do you think there is too much of? What is there not enough of? What did we leave off (other than brussel sprouts!). :) Any way to make it a little healthier, while still kid-friendly? For example, I'd love to hear a way to make the pancakes more healthy. Can you put oats in them? Another grain or just whole wheat flour? Anyway here is the list:

 

BTW - I am vegetarian, dh doesn't eat dairy, the kids don't have any restrictions. We like recipes where people can choose their ingredients (stir fry, baked potato, pizza) for the flexibility.

 

 

1) Veg Chick patties, baked fries, baby carrots

2) Indian curry with garbanzo beans, cauliflower, naan

3) skillet supper (this is various beans, salsa, rice all mixed up)

4) vegan sloppy joes with corn and spinach salad

5) pita bread with hummus, falafel, cucumber

6) Japanese noodles with edamame or edamame salad with cabbage

7) tacos

8) gnocci with broccoli

9) pizza with salad

10) vegan chicken with garlic, lemon and green beans

11) lentil and vegetable soup with rolls or fresh bread

12) orange chicken and veg chicken with rice and green beans

13) grilled cheese and soup or salad

14) burritos or fajitas or quesadillas with green pepper

15) broccoli cheese rice

16) hot dogs and veg hot dogs with veg baked beans and baby carrots

17) stir fry with tofu, cabbage, broccoli, onions, garlic, etc.

18) open face cheese sandwiches with olives and onion

19) pita pockets with garbanzo beans, green peppers, lemon juice, sesame seeds, etc.

20) black bean soup with avocado

21) salmon / turkey / veggie burgers with sweet potato fries

22) tacos

23) dim sum (dumplings, spring rolls, shu mai)

24) honey or walnut lentils, salad

25) omelettes or pancakes/scrambled eggs, asparagus or green peppers

26) pizza with salad

27) yellow Thai curry with potatoes, garbanzo beans, tofu with rice, carrots

28) whole grain macaroni and cheese with broccoli

29) baked potatoes with veggie chili, broccoli

30) mozzarella, basil and tomato sandwiches

31) lasagna and salad

 

What do you think?

[LucyStoner]

 I would say that monthly is good because then it is easier to slip in some seasonal variations.  We do more entree salad and cold dinners in the summer and more soups in the fall etc.  It's cheaper and more healthful to eat with the seasons.  I would want to have more fish in my diet than that but of course that is a variable and personal thing.  

 

I find that when I meal plan, I only need to plan for about 4-5 dinners per week because that allows me to repurpose leftovers etc. That way everything I buy for the plan gets used up.