I'm all about menu planning. I like not having to guess what's for dinner on any given night of the week. I like knowing exactly what groceries I need to purchase at the store, to limit excessive and unnecessary purchases.
There are lots of different ways to go about this, and a wealth of apps and websites to help. But, I made a very simple template that I just print and fill out each week.
So, I thought I'd share it: download template here
I use a full page, utilizing the top half for my and the hubby's menu and the bottom half for the little one's menu. Soon enough, they'll be completely merged, but until they are, it's helpful having the two separate menus on the same page.
Here's an example of what it looks like (mind you, this week's menu is pretty sloppy, but you get the picture):
I've been asked a few times lately about what I'm feeding my little one these days. I decided to share a few of the menu options I have in place at this time.
With breakfast, snacks, and dinner I give 4 ounces of milk. For lunch, I offer water - as well as sips of water throughout the day as wanted.
Breakfast options:
- Oatmeal
- No sugar, banana/blueberry muffin
- Scrambled egg
- Toast (with a bit of butter)
- 1/4 Cup of cereal
- Chopped fruit (strawberries, bananas, oranges, peaches, cantaloupe, etc)
- Bagel (with cream cheese)
Snack options:
- Organic animal crackers
- Organic fruit/veggie squeeze pouch
- Mango and sweet potato chunks (1/4 cup of each)
- Steamed carrots with a bit of ranch
- 1/2 Cinnamon toast
- 1/2 Banana
- Grapes
- String cheese
- Puffs/yogurt melts (on occasion)
- 1/8 Cup yogurt
Lunch options:
- 1/2 Sandwich (variety: turkey/cheese, strawberry/cream cheese, sloppy joe, PB&J)
- 1/4 Cup vegetable (green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potato, etc.)
- 1/8 Cup organic applesauce
- 1/8 Cup tomato soup
- 1/2 grilled cheese
- Zucchini bread
- Cheese
Dinner options:
- Pasta (with tomato sauce)
- Cheese ravioli
- 1/4 cup chicken/fish
- 1/8 cup vegetable
- 1/8 cup fruit
- Black/pinto/white beans (cooked and cut in half)
My 1-year-old's eating schedule is:
8:15am - Milk, Breakfast
11:15am - Milk, Snack
1:15pm - Water, Lunch
3:45pm - Milk, Snack
6:30pm - Milk, Dinner
Anyway, just a few ideas of things to feed your little ones :)
