We used to eat all willy nilly -- whatever, whenever. We'd buy randoms at the store then each night we'd attempt to throw together some sort of tasty and nutritionally sound meal. I'd always make some sort of noodle dish, or stirfry and B-ill would invariably whip up some a one-pot rice and veggie meal. We got bored, you can imagine.
About two years or so ago I started making weekly menus. I sit down on Monday evening and pick 6 meals, sides are whatever fresh veggies are in season and/or on sale -- which are usually steamed or sauteed, a muffin for the week, and a desert or two. Then on Tuesday we hit whole foods and trader joe's and get just what we need. It's really seemed to make us eat better and have less waste. So, back by popular demand (I used to list it on the side bar on my old blog), and in case you're interested in what a vegan family eats on a regular basis (because I know you're picturing brown rice, cold blocks of tofu, and half steamed broccoli) --
this week's vegan eats:
Mains:
Zuchinni grinders
tofu pot pie
spinach enchaladas
chickpea-a-la-king
winter veggie chowder
Pesto linguini
Sides:
creamy coleslaw
broccoli
fennel and brussels
spinach
corn
Deserts and breads:
raisen bran muffins
keylime cheesecake
I am not a vegan or even a vegetarian but I am a chickpea fanatic! What's in chickpea-a-la king?
Posted by: Ramona at February 21, 2006 05:28 PMHEY--I really like half-steamed broccoli and brown rice, and I'm an evil meat-eater!
However...I was just going to ask you to give me some ideas of what you eat daily as vegan meals, so this is great timing! That block of cold tofu I bought at the co-op is just sitting in the fridge, and it asked me to ask you what to do with it. :grin
I need to do the menu thing (as soon as I have a working oven again). Lately we're doing too much take out and haphazard throw-together meals that suck. When I plan, we eat much better. Just need to teach myself to make plans and stick to them. Thanks for the kick in the pants to feed my family better!
Posted by: Carrie at February 21, 2006 06:54 PMyeah for the return of the menu! what your readers don't know is how kick ass all of the food you make is!
chickpea ala king is a menu standard here, too. do you really do a muffin a week? i make muffins almost every day, i wish i could get away with baking once a week!
no lotus root this week? i went looking for some today at whole foods, nada!
Posted by: kathleen at February 21, 2006 07:38 PMyeah for the return of the menu! what your readers don't know is how kick ass all of the food you make is!
chickpea ala king is a menu standard here, too. do you really do a muffin a week? i make muffins almost every day, i wish i could get away with baking once a week!
no lotus root this week? i went looking for some today at whole foods, nada!
Posted by: kathleen at February 21, 2006 07:39 PMI'll be right over. Your menu sounds like a dream. Nothing to put syrup on though!
Posted by: Diane at February 21, 2006 08:26 PMYeah!!!!
I use the same menu planning system! Doesn't it just make you feel extra tidy and organized when you go shopping with your fancy pre-planned grocery list?? I also find that it keeps us eating much healthier, more diverse foods, and we throw away less rotten produce!
In fact, tonight is my menu planning night... because tomorrow is the farmer's market! Gotta get me some info on Chickpea-a-la-king!!!
Speaking of you, and speaking of veganism... I got some take out from Garden Fresh for Musty and I this weekend... of course I thought of you and Bill!!! xo
I am very jealous of your lovely menu and food selection! I love your idea of planning weekly, though. I used to do that when I lived closer to the grocery store. Now I need to plan for a month at a time because that's as often as I get out of the north - this is much less inspiring to plan for. But maybe I'll be motivated to try it!
Posted by: Michele at February 22, 2006 03:30 PMOut of curiosity, have you raised your son as a vegan from birth? My vegan partner and I have been talking about adopting a child (though not for another couple years!) and we've been wondering how to blend our beliefs and eating habits with a baby's nutritional needs.
I like the menus! I think you should keep them as a weekly feature.
Posted by: Maura at February 22, 2006 08:23 PM