This Mom's Menu for the Week of June 4th, 2018

Happppppy Sunday!

You may notice that the my weekly menu format has changed.

I have been getting a TON of questions about what I will be feeding my kids this summer ever since I made it clear that I will not be bringing carby foods into the house. I thought that some of you might find it helpful if I shared a complete meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks.

Before you read the meal plan, here is a little bit more about my decision...

During the school year, my oldest boys eat lunch, and sometimes even breakfast, at school. While they are there, they eat pretty typical cafeteria fare - which is FULL of sugar and carbs. Up until recently I was also usually preparing a carb component at most suppers as well.

Well, those days are gone ...for the summer anyway

We have a yearly tradition of going out for ice cream on the last day of school. The boys are all smiles now, but little do they know, this is the last "real" ice cream they will get from me this summer!

My plan (which is very fluid btw) is to provide the kids with 4-5 options for breakfasts and lunches plus plenty of snacks. I will rotate these foods weekly and they can eat as much of these foods as they want.

I am including some lower carb fruit options, but will be buying a limited amount of these per week and when they are gone, they're gone.

When we go out to eat (which is SUPER rare) or the kids are with friends or family, they can eat what they want - I don't plan on saying anything to them about it at all.

My oldest son, Eli, is almost 15. He has his own money and often likes to spend it on junk food. I will continue to allow him to do this, since it is his money. However, I won't allow him to bring this food into the house.

My hope is that the kids will see how much better they feel when they eat less carbs and sugar - and that one day, they make make those changes themselves.

Probably wishful thinking, but worth a shot.

Also, I feel it's worth noting that I have had some people question my decision, particularly because of my 10 year old son Trenton's heart defects.

While I recognize that these concerns come from a place of love, I would encourage these folks to do some more research on the ketogenic diet and what has been show to really cause heart and liver disease (hint -- its the sweet stuff).

If you want more info on a Ketogenic diet START HERE.

Now that we've covered that, here's what's on the menu:

The only new recipe we are trying this week is the steak tips. We got some in our Butcher Box this month and I am excited to try this super simple recipe.

For the kids breakfasts and lunches, and snacks I am sticking to things the kids can cook themselves or that I can prep ahead of time.

You can find all the recipes I am using for this weeks menu on THIS Pinterest board. I update the board weekly, so if you aren't reading this in real time then you can search my Pinterest page to find the recipes, if you can't find them - they probably didn't make the cut.