This is the one thing that I really suck at...thinking of full meals for everyone that are balanced and within our budget.


Here's how I guess I should do it - figure out the main course (meat, casserole, etc) ... and then figure out the ingredients needed for the main and the side-dishes ... and then go through what I do have in the cabinet to see what I really need to buy...Does that sound like a plan?

Usually I do these main things:

shish-kabobs
pork tenderloin
hamburger
roast beef & cheese sandwiches
lasagna or some type of pasta
hot-dogs
steak
sloppy joe

and, often, I serve just some tossed, canned veggies with it - I don't know much about fixing things with fresh veggies...which is where I'll be experimenting.

So - fresh veggie wise - what would be good to go alone with some of these main-dishes?

What about things like tatertot hotdish, chicken and rice, grilled things like chicken, steak, ect.

you can always serve salads for a side! they have those express salads that have everything in the bag that u need! also you can opt for frozen veggies instead of canned. they have those new ones where all you do is throw the whole bag of veggies in the microwave. i love those! and dont forget about baked potatoes!

I dont know much about serving fresh veggies also, but I plan on getting those new zip lock bags for microwaving fresh veggies and meats. I figured I would get different fresh veggies, season with some mrs dash and try that. I am trying to limit pasta to once a week. and watch my bread intake as well.