Healthy Eating Help for a Stressed Out Mama...

[slvsquared]

Life is absolutely nuts right now, to put it mildly We're in the middle of an across town move, DH just started working 60 hour weeks (mandatory), and I work from home around 25 hours per week plus babysit a few days a week. I have an 18 month old and a high, high needs 3 year old.

This means I have a lot of trouble fixing myself healthy food. I don't like the same things the kids like, so for breakfast, as an example, I make them eggs and fruit. I might eat some of the fruit and a cup of tea. Then I often end up not being able to stop or sit down to eat until 1 or 2, by which point I've got a migraine and am a grumpy, unhappy mama.

I'm working on getting my days more organized and planning out a routine a little better, but for now I'm sort of in survival mode. I need ideas for healthy, inexpensive meals and snacks that are pretty quick to prepare (yeah, I'm not asking much, right? ) I don't eat eggs (by themselves - they're ok in baked goods and such) or onions, but that's about it - no food allergies.

We're working with a budget of $125-150/week, with the only meat we have to buy being chicken and fish, we get venison and beef from family. We live in a pretty low cost of living area - I'm just totally out of ideas.

[calebsmommy25]

Breakfast: Oatmeal, healthy muffins, homemade pancakes, yogurt, granola and fresh fruit make up all of our breakfasts. Occasionally some eggs, or an egg casserole.

Lunch and snacks: I find it best if I can have some veggies such as: celery, carrots, cukes, peppers, etc. prepped in the fridge to easily grab to dip in hummus (homemade is more cost effective), or veggie dip. I also like to keep pitas or homemade bread on hand to dip in, or make a quick sandwich of hummus, cukes and maybe a piece of cheese. Pasta salads are an easy go-to. You can make them super healthy, and they keep in the fridge very well. Last week I made rotini with spinach, garlic, and pesto for dinner. It was good hot for dinner, and perfect for a cold salad the next day. We always keep a plate of fresh fruit on the table (bananas are always cheap). I usually buy whatever is most cost-effective for the season and for the week.

Dinners: Homemade pizza is quick and can be very affordable. Make up a big batch of dough at the beg. of the week to use for bread, pizza, breadsticks etc. throughout the week. Big batches of soup are very economical, and can be made very healthy. Plus, you can freeze some and take out as needed. Big batches of sauce and pasta. Big entree size salads can be quick and easy. One pot or pan dinners including protein, pasta, rice, potatoes, veggies, some cheese and add a salad or additional veggie on the side to round things out. Mexican nights--enchiladas, burritos, taco salads, taco soups, rice, beans, guacamole, etc. can be made up to feed an army for a week. Great warmed up and can be mixed and match a million ways.

I have to say that for me the best way to do be organized enough to make up some stuff at the beg. of the week to use throughout the week. It makes life so much easier. Hang in there Mama. Hope you get to destress soon.

[Magelet]

subbing.