Rotating Theme Dinner Menu
Even prior to COVID, I had been hearing from clients and friends that “I just don’t know what to cook, anymore - I am so sick of the same meals over and over”. The never-ending “what do you want for dinner?” question arising between you and your partner, or the kids whining “what’s for dinner? Not again!”.
While it’s nice that many of us are able to work from home and spend more time preparing and sitting down with family, it can still feel monotonous. What I’ll say is this - we have to eat whether we like it or not. It doesn’t always have to be a perfectly balanced meal or a new recipe every night.
BUT, we can try to mix it up without making as many decisions! That’s why I’ve created this FREE rotating theme night dinner menu (woah, I just felt myself turning into an infomercial - help). I wanted to help you to take the decision making out of family dinners.
I am not the kind of dietitian that is going to give you a meal plan or list out exactly what you should be eating every day of the week. This meal planner is just a guideline for dinners, as a rotating theme menu can be a nice way to plan ahead. Pasta night? Awesome - there’s tortellini and chicken sausage in the freezer. Taco night? Always a people pleaser and so many different ways to do it. There are several variations of each theme that you can use to accommodate your family’s needs and also keep the rotation fresh - it doesn’t have to be the same exact thing every week. I’ve listed some ideas under the theme to help.
Here’s how to use it:
Each week day has a different theme
Have the kids or your partner help you decide on which variation you’d like that week
Find a recipe (if necessary)
Check the pantry/fridge/freezer for items you may already have
Create a grocery list of things you need
Grab the groceries (wear a mask!) and GO!
You’re set for dinners for the week. I’d recommend making extra of whatever you’re making so that you have lunch for the next day, if you’re a leftovers person, of course.
Make sure to check out the tips on the back side!
I know it’s been challenging to be stuck at home, to not be in our normal routine, but there are so many positives we can focus on instead of feeling frustrated. Family dinners are SO important for development, family bonding, and forming a healthy relationship with food. Use this time to build your recipe repertoire, to teach your kids how to cook or get them involved in the kitchen, and to form some healthy habits. Hopefully, this little planner can help you to find a little joy in cooking again!
Link to the menu is in the OFFERINGS tab. You do have to “check out” to receive it (no cc information required), but it is free and will come straight to your inbox in pdf form. Thank you for supporting my small business. Please feel free to share this meal planner with other people you think would benefit from it! I’d love to hear about what you’d like more of. Feel free to contact me directly at sammiegtherd@gmail.com or through any of my website contacts. Don’t forget to check out my offerings while you’re there!