Let’s talk produce. I can’t be the only one who does groceries thinking she has lettuce or spinach in the fridge only to find out it’s now a slimy disintegrated mess! I even looked when I did my meal plan, but I guess the corner I peeked at was hiding the mess. We had to get creative with our wraps tonight.

Last week was a nightmare of low energy and extra commitments. My boys have completely taken over their lunches and I’m not sure they’re getting as many fruits and veggies as I would like. The flip side is, I haven’t wanted to fight the battle either… I feel like I’m constantly nagging and who has energy for that!? So they’ve been slipping when it comes to balanced lunches. The one boy is good at throwing something in – frozen mango seems to be the go-to, but has also been asking for pre-sliced apples. Neither is my ideal, but I count it as a convenient win.

So how do you make sure there is balance? How do you allow them responsibility and autonomy when it comes to food choices and still remind them to make wise choices without devolving into a battle of wills? This is where we’re at.

We discussed our meal plan as a family this week. My husband zones out for these conversations because he’s happy if he’s fed. The youngest won a meal for two in a costume contest and bent the rules a little. His night to cook involves eating out and we will forego date night this week. The oldest chose breakfast for dinner (which we ate last night), but is a win because he can prepare it and no one complains.

Here’s what our menu looks like for the week.

• Chicken Cucumber Wraps
• Dinner Out
• Quesadillas (instead of date night)
• Breakfast
• Soup & Grilled Cheese
• Flattened Chicken, Fresh Cut Fries, and Fresh Veggies
• Beef & Broccoli on Rice

Sounds great… works for me…