How I create a reasonably, healthy(ish), balanced weekly meal plan for my family.

Hint: It's not that easy.

Disclaimer: It's tempting most nights to just order from Uber Eats or Menulog.

All that effort of shopping just for him to tell you that he no longer likes blueberries, right?

Ah the endless challenge of planning, purchasing, and then producing tasty meals absolutely every single night.

It takes a massive amount of patience and skill to navigate the multiple needs of the masses with their differing palates in my home.

I'm no food Nazi. So long as the kids are eating and there's some protein, some nutrition going in, it's a win, right?!

After many years of parenting (almost 21 years in this specific role) I am so over stressing about food. My approach is, so long as they eat some good stuff most of the time.

I feel sad seeing young mums on Tik Tok having mental breakdowns as their first baby doesn't like kale. I wanna hug the mama and tell her, it's not a huge deal, darling. Try again in a while. It's not personal. Small children love to assert their unique taste preferences and kale is usually not a firm favourite. Babies throughout history have displayed their utter revolt for healthy, green things. It's totally normal mama.

My kids range from nearly 21, 19, 13 and 9. So I'm thankfully over the food getting chucked in utter disgust at the family dog from the high chair. I did my time in that world!

It's definitely so much easier these days, although, I'm pretty sure our 9 year old would live on chicken nugget dino's every night. (To be fair - they are good!)

So here's what I do (or attempt to stick to) most weeks in our kitchen. I write a menu and I try to stick to it (despite my strong desire to hit the menu log/uber eats app)…

Baby unsure of the bagel texture. Warning: Dog may get it chucked at her doggy head soon.

Weekly Menu

Monday: Veggie soup or a stir fry. The aim here is to use up any left over vegetables. And no doubt after a busy weekend - the nutrition hidden in any veg is kinda needed! I chuck in any frozen veg too. Too easy.

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday. This is such an easy dinner. Think mince, taco spices, then make up taco's with toppings of - natural Greek yogurt on the side, lashings of grated cheese, crisp Kos lettuce, cucumber diced, avocado diced. Salsa optional too.

Wednesday: Indian Tikka or Korma Curry or Thai Massaman Curry are easy mid week options served with rice or noddle's. Sprinkle with crushed almonds or cashews nuts for more protein. *Obviously don't add nuts if someone is allergic to them.

Thursday: Fresh pasta (shop bought - let's be realistic with our time and energy!) made with a tomato based sauce and lots of garlic bread, or home made pizzas with rocket salad on the side. *Again, we just buy the pizza bases out the supermarket, chuck on the pizza base sauce and the pizza toppings of choice.

Friday: Spaghetti bolognese, meatballs or lasagna are elite end of the week meals. Which obviously pair well with a robust red wine!

Saturday: We usually spoil ourselves with a take out or meal out. Or sometimes a home made cheese board with lots some different cheeses, dips, chips, crackers, olives, meats etc...basically enough rich, high fat foods to knock over a medieval king!

Sunday: Beef stroganoff, chicken pasta bake, traditional roast dinner or beef cheeks in the slow cooker, with a sweet potato creamy mash is a fulfilling end to the week.

What's your go-to meal options for feeding yourself or your family?