And nope, it’s not all just cookies and dessert!
One thing we really love about meal planning together is that it teaches the boys how to build a balanced meal- a skill they will take with them and use for the rest of their lives.
This weekend the boys even wanted to set up their own Chopped Jr competition (it’s a competitive cooking show on TV). They were given three secret ingredients (wild ready to eat salmon, black olives, and seasnax) and had to make a dish from it. Then the whole family ate lunch and picked which dish was the winner. They can’t wait to do it again, and we love that they are so involved in the kitchen! (Look at those excited faces!)
Follow us on Periscope if you want to see future “episodes” of Paleo Chopped Junior!
COMMENT BELOW to tell us what secret ingredients you want to see in their next episode!
This week the boys designed the meal plan entirely by themselves, from one of their most-loved cookbooks (the cookbook we wrote for them!), Eat Like a Dinosaur. These recipes represent some of our family favorites- ones we’ve been making since going Paleo many years ago. We hope your family loves them too!
Need even more inspiration? Find an archive of past meal plans HERE!
Now, on to this week’s kid-designed meal plan!
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Monday: Chicken Soup
—> Alright, this recipe isn’t in ELaD, but mommy was sick and this recipe from the blog was just what we needed! Make your own homemade broth for the base for a boost of super nutrients!
Tuesday: Beef and Broccoli and Fried Cauli-rice with Shrimp
—> Beef and Broccoli recipe from ELaD
—> Fried Cauli-rice with Shrimp recipe from ELaD
Huge servings of veggies in this meal! The boys don’t mind at all when the broccoli is served in a tasty sauce with beef in a great-tasting sauce, and the cauliflower is in the form of rice! Great tactics for non-veggie-loving kids!
Wednesday: Pulled Pork and Roasted Carrots
—> Pork Roast Recipe from ELaD
—> Carrot Rounds recipe from ELaD
We love using the Instant Pot to cook a pork roast until it’s falling apart! Then everyone uses their favorite sauces as toppings, usually barbecue or honey mustard. And roasted carrots are a great (super easy) side dish!
Thursday: Waffles and Eggs in a Nest
—> Frozen Waffles recipe from ELaD
—> Eggs in a nest from ELaD – sausage stuffed in the bottom of a muffin tin with an egg cracked on top and baked!
The boys love breakfast for dinner nights! Especially when it involves waffles and plenty of toppings like whipped cream (we make it at home, without sweeteners or preservatives, using this gadget), sliced bananas or strawberries, or jam.
Friday: Shepherd’s Pie
—> Shepherd’s Pie recipe from ELaD
What’s better than comfort food on a Friday night at home playing games and spending time together? Meat and veggies topped with creamy mashed cauliflower or potatoes is a winner every time!
Special Treat: Chocolate Chip Cookies
—> Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe from ELaD
Finn made these almost entirely by himself (and did a good job licking the bowl too!). These classic, pillowy chocolate chip cookies are a family-favorite.
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