Toddler Meal Planning

God love my foodie family, we spend so much time eating - some of our greatest memories are at the dinner table.  There is absolutely no question about who Lucy got her appetite from - her very proud Momma Bear, that's who!

Having a third mouth to feed has not been without it's challenges, though.  "Winging it" just doesn't cut it in this house, especially when trying to race out the door at 6:30 am.  That leads to tardy, hungry {and whiny} Sheltons.  So after several frustrating weeks, I ultimately had to increase the grocery budget, devise a separate shopping list and meal plan for daycare, and increase our trips to the grocery store from weekly to twice weekly - you know, to keep up the banana and milk supply.  Of course, tired and pregnant, my devotion to freezer friendly meals is still a top priority.  Here's a look at what we're eating these days:

Lucy's Breakfast Menu
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Oatmeal & Fruit	Pancake & Fruit	Yogurt & Fruit	Raisin Toast & Fruit	Waffle & Fruit
Lucy's Lunch Menu
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Ham & Cheese Roll Up	Breaded Chicken, Sweet Po & Veg	PB & J	Macaroni Cup	Naked Chicken, Sweet Po & Veg
Family Dinner Menu
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Chicken Tenders & Sweet Po Fries	Salmon & Couscous	Chicken & Dumplings	Turkey Burger & Sweet Po Fries	French Bread Pizza
Cheesy Chicky Casserole	Salmon & Couscous	Chicken Quesadillas & Refried Beans	Chicken BLT Club & Sweet Po Fries	Pigs in a Blanket
Turkey Meatloaf & Roasted Potatoes	Salmon & Couscous	Buffalo Chicken Wrap & Salad	Tuna Noodle or Melt & Lemon Broccoli	French Bread Pizza

*I don't bother meal planning on the weekends, because we're either dining out, visiting family, or cooking up a tasty new recipe.   
**I am aware that the amount of chicken breast and sweet potato we eat may seem absurd to some. 

Lucy's lunch menu varies on occasion, depending on what leftovers we have on hand; but I always have these meals in the freezer.  Her morning serving of fruit is always, always, always a half of banana; and she has a second serving of fruit at afternoon snack, usually some apple or melon slices.  Our other go-to snacks include: Puffs, Cheerios, cereal bars, veggie sticks (raw and baked), cheese and crackers, fruit leather, dried apple rings, Toddler Mum Mum, yogurt, and popsicles.  When all else fails, give the girl some carbs.

And, for those who may be wondering, a "Macaroni Cup" is elbow pasta with ground turkey, roasted squash and spinach, and a vegetable marinara sauce frozen in cupcake liners.  This can be done with many different pasta dishes.  Cupcake liners are great for storing individual portions - just remember to remove the foil before microwaving...   

As for Lulu's milk intake, it has tapered off substantially over the last two months.  For awhile it seemed like she constantly had a sippy cup in hand, and as soon as it was empty, she was ready for a refill.  She currently has 5 ounces of milk with breakfast and dinner, and as requested throughout the day; apple or grape juice with lunch; and 5 ounces of water with morning and afternoon snack.  Daddy may or may not allow her to bring her sippy into the bath tub, but Mommy thinks that's just silly. 

I think that about covers us.  Do you meal plan?  Do tell!  I always enjoy hearing new recipe ideas.  Does your daycare center provide the meals for your child or do you have to pack their breakfast and lunch each day?