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5 Reasons Why I Love To Roast Vegetables + 19 Roasted Vegetable Recipes

5 reasons to roast vegetables

Why do I love roasting vegetables?

1. It makes the house smell awesome.

2. It brings out the best flavor of the vegetable-complicated and caramelized deliciousness!

3. It is a great way to use up produce that would otherwise go to waste.

4. My kids like the flavor of roasted vegetables and eat them up.

5. It is easy!

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4 things you need for perfect roasted vegetables:

1. High heat.  I find the best roasting temperature of most vegetables is 425 degrees.

2. Surface space – do not pile the veggies on.  Spread them out evenly onto the pan giving each piece enough surface space to get all nice and brown and caramelized.

3. Vegetables cut in similar sizes.  This helps them all cook at the same rate.

3. Oil, salt & pepper.  Simple ingredients let the veggies themselves shine!

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Oils I use:

1. Unrefined Coconut Oil ~ Refined has more health benefits, but unrefined is still plenty good for you and does not have the coconut flavor.

2. Olive Oil ~ This is a commonly used oil for roasted vegetables.

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What you are looking & listening for:

Cooking times are going to vary with each vegetable.  You are listening for a sizzle as the natural moisture is released from the veggies.  You are looking for a nice browning effect on the bottom of the vegetables.  Most vegetables are done when fork tender.

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Here are some awesome sounding roasted vegetable recipes from my Vegetables Pinterest Board.  

Keep in mind, simple salt, pepper and oil let the veggies shine, but for a little extra special something, try these recipes!

 

Roasted Parmeasean Green Beans

 

Butter & Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts

 

Honey Balsamic Carrots

 

Easy Roasted Tomatoes

 

Roasted Fall Vegetables with Lentils

 

Lemon Rosemary Roasted Asparagus

 

Parmesan Roasted Brussels, Butternut Squash & Kale

 

Roasted Broccoli-Pinner says “Best Broccoli of Your Life”

 

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Asparagus: Leave whole; peel if necessary.

Bell peppers: If not roasting over an open flame, cut these into 1-inch chunks.
Broccoli: Cut into 1- to 1½-inch diameter individual florets, the tips of which get charred beautifully crisp. Peel, then halve or quarter thick stems (which are delicious!).
Brussels sprouts: Halve them.
Cauliflower: Treat like broccoli.
Corn: Cut into kernels; will cook very quickly and you may only want to brown one side.
Carrots: Cut a 1-inch chunk off the top end at a 45-degree angle. Roll the carrot a quarter turn and repeat. This weird oblique shape gives you lots of surface area to caramelize its abundant sugars. ½-inch coins or half-moons also work well.
Eggplant: Cut into 1½-inch chunks.
Fennel: Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Green / string beans: Really! They’re great. Just make sure they’re tender; old, tough ones get tougher in the oven. Leave whole, stems removed.
Onions: Cut into 1½-inch wedges, and break apart into individual layers.
Parsnips: Treat like carrots.
Radishes: Leave whole if small, about 1 inch in diameter; otherwise cut in 1-inch pieces.
Sweet potatoes: Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Tomatoes: Cut 1-inch-wide wedges or ½-inch slices. They won’t really brown well but can have a nice concentrated flavor.
Turnips: Cut into 1-inch chunks.
Zucchini / summer squash: Cut into 1-inch chunks, or oblique-cut like carrots.
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Here’s more roasted goodness from past New Nostalgia Posts:

New Nostalgia: Roasted Strawberries

New Nostalgia: How To Roast/Steam Corn On The Cob In The Oven …

 
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What about YOU?  

Do you have any roasted vegetable tips to share?  
What is your favorite vegetable
to roast?

 

6
HEALTH/ Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

The Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Oil + Ways To Use It Topically & In Recipes

Nutiva coconut oil

I am a HUGE fan of coconut oil, for many reasons.  I LOVE IT!
The main way I started using coconut oil was topically.  This was because I read about how so many body lotions contain parabens and chemicals, and with my cancer history, I am being very purposeful about getting rid of as many toxins in this house and on my body as possible! 
Its been all over the news that they are finding parabens in the breast cancer survivors breast tissue.  My ears perked up with this because I have been in the beauty business for years as a cosmetologist, and parabans seem to be in EVERY beauty product.  I have also met way too many young hairstylists that also battled breast cancer, and it has made us all say “hmm.”
Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, including underarm deodorants. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood.
Measurable concentrations of six different parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors (Darbre, 2004). The particular parabens were found in relative concentrations that closely parallel their use in the synthesis of cosmetic products (Rastogi, 1995). Parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults (Ye, 2006a).
Parabens are estrogen mimickers, with the potency of the agonistic response being related to the chemical structure (Darbre, 2008). They can bind to the cellular estrogen receptor (Routledge, 1998). They also increase the expression of many genes that are usually regulated by estradiol and cause human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) to grow and proliferate in vitro (Byford, 2002; Pugazhendhi, 2007). Nevertheless, parabens as a class do not fully mimic estradiol in the changes in cellular gene expression nor are the effects of all parabens identical (Sadler, 2009).
    “Parabens are estrogen mimickers.”  This really made me pause, as my cancer and the majority of breast cancers are fed by hormones.  I had symptoms of estrogen dominance for years and I often wonder if this contributed to my diagnosis.
    As I have been trying to avoid parabens, I have been on a kick of making my own beauty products. There are some wonderful healthy organic body products out there, but they usually end up costing “an arm and a leg,” so have been quite motivated to make my own or to figure out a simple, inexpensive & healthy alternative.

    Coconut oil used for shaving

    My Favorite Pre-Shave & Post-Shave For The Softest Legs

    homemade natural lip balm

    Homemade Natural Lip Balm 

    homemade coconut lime sugar scrub

    Homemade Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

    I’ve also used coconut oil as my main cooking and baking oil for a couple of years now.  The below recipe has been viewed over 632,238 times! It is one of the most popular recipes here at New Nostalgia, and for good reason.  It is delicious. Funny how my most popular recipe was created by a mess up!
    chocolate recipe

    The Best Recipe I’ve Ever Messed Up

    oatmeal whole wheat quick bread

    Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread

    The above Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread is a great recipe to have on hand.  It takes just minutes to throw together and it is good for you.  I often make it when we are having pasta and I need a quick bread to dip in the sauce.

    nutiva coconut oil

    –I buy a large container on Amazon, I love the Nutiva brand.  It is organic and wonderful.  Trader Joes also started carrying coconut oil.  Yay!
    –Coconut oil is very unique.  It is a solid up to I think 76 degrees, then becomes a liquid.  So depending on the temperature of your house, you will either be scooping the oil if solid, or pouring it if liquid.  
    — For beauty purposes, I scoop some out and store in a small 8 oz mason jar.  I love the Elite series glass jars.  They have a nice wide mouth and are a cute shape.  I also keep coconut oil in a small 4oz jar to throw into my gym bag.

    benefits of using Coconut Oil
    –From Lindsey @ Passionate Homemaking-
    Part 1 & Part 2 – detailing the best oil choices being coconut oil & olive oil
    –From Kitchen Stewardship-
    A great post about the controversy surrounding coconut oil

    Have you ever tried coconut oil?
    What are ways you use coconut oil?

    12
    Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

    6 Reasons To Replace Sugar With Coconut Palm Sugar

    banner

    coconut palm sugar

    I am new to Coconut Palm Sugar, and have quickly become a big fan.  I use it in my coffee, on my oatmeal and have even tried it in a Wholegrain Blueberry Coffee Cake recipe (which came out fantastic, I will post the recipe soon).

    I was first introduced to coconut palm sugar when I visited my friend Karen in California.  She is a sister survivor that I met through this blog (read more of our story here).  We are both now very dedicated to health, and seeking out ways to improve our nutrient intake.  Karen wrote a bit about coconut palm sugar on her blog, I Choose Hope.  She uses it in her Choose Hope Chai Latte.

    This pretty bag of organic coconut palm sugar caught my eye recently at our local health food store.  I  have wanted to try coconut palm sugar, and I’m a sucker for pretty packaging!  The price was much higher than what I wanted to pay, $6.99 for 16oz! Next time I will order from Amazon, it is $2 bucks cheaper!

    replace sugar with coconut palm sugar


    Despite the crazy price, I have really enjoyed using coconut palm sugar.  It DOES NOT have a coconut taste.  It is sweet, with just a slight hint of caramel-ly flavor. It is “pure coconut flower blossom nectar.”  It does wonders for my bowl of oatmeal in the morning.  Delicious!

    What sold me on this product was that it is a sweetener that also has nutrient benefits for the body.  It is naturally nutrient-rich.  You use it just as you would normally use sugar, it is a perfect 1:1 ratio.  It is unrefined, vegan & gluten free.

    Here are 6 reasons to replace sugar with coconut palm sugar:

    1. Magnesium & Nitrogen
    Regulated blood sugar levels and blood pressure.  Helps prevent and manage hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

    2. Zinc
    Called the “nutrient of intelligence” and is necessary for mental development.

    3. Low Glycemic*
    Slow absorption into the bloodstream, which means a happier and healthier body. No “sugar crash” like other sweeteners give you.

    4. Potassium
    Electrolytes help with muscular strength, cramps, diabetes maintenance and brain function.

    5. Calcium 
    Builds strong bones, reduces high blood pressure and kidney stones, and aids in weight management.

    6.  Amino Acids
    Coconut sugar contains 16 vital amino acids, the building blocks for all life.


    *These statements have not been approved by the FDA.  Those with sugar related illness and disease should consult with a doctor before consuming any sweetener.

    7
    Brunch/ Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

    13 Favorite Ways To Eat Chia – A Mega Energy Food

    13 Ways To Eat Chia Seeds- A Mega Energy Food!

    A little bit about the superfood Chia.  The word “Chia” is actually a Mayan word for “strength.”  The seeds were used by ancient cultures as mega-energy food.  Especially for their running messengers.  Chia has been called “Indian Running Food” and is knows in the world of super marathon runners as a staple for sustained energy.

    {click here to buy on Amazon}

     
    Chia seeds and I are like best friends. I try to enjoy them everyday.
      Why?

    ~the are jammed packed with protein and minerals and healthy fats and fiber
    ~they provide more plant based Omega 3’s than any other food, even FLAX
    ~5 times the calcium of milk, plus boran which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium to bones
    ~8 times the omega 3’s found in salmon
    ~3 times more iron than spinach
    ~2 times the amount of potassium than bananas
    ~more antioxidants than found in blueberries
    ~they have 5 GRAMS of fiber PER TABLESPOON!
    ~the are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids
    ~can be stored for years without deterioration of flavor or color
    ~they are flavorless and dissolve in juice, soups, stews, shakes etc..

    ~they are low calorie way to get super FULL!

    ________________

    Here are a few of my favorite ways to eat Chia:

    Chia oats

    Chia Oats

    This is a no cook way to eat your oats.  Many call them “overnight” oats, as you make them the night before and let them sit overnight. My daughter begs me to make these and often eats them as a super healthy afternoon snack!

    Chewy no bake granola bars

    Chewy, No Bake Granola Bars

    These are super delicious and a great way to get fiber in!

    Anytime chia oats

    Anytime Chia Oats

    The same as above, but they do not need to sit out overnight.  Just throw the ingredients into a blender. It makes a textured banana oat chia pudding.

    chocolate peanut butter chia pudding

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

    A great and healthy way to satisfy those chocolate cravings!

    Green smoothie

    My Everyday Green Smoothie

    Sometimes I add chia, sometimes I don’t.  This is a GREAT go-to green smoothie!

    peanut butter banana chia seed roll up

    Peanut Butter Banana Chia Seed Roll Up

    These make a good after school snack.  It gets those Omega’s into your kids.

    chocolate almond chia oats/ apple dip

    Chocolate Almond Chia Oats / Apple Dip

    Another favorite after school snack.  My 9 year old daughter likes to whip this up all by herself.

    blueberry banana chia oat smoothie

    Blueberry Banana Chia Oat Smoothie

    Super filling and full of antioxidants!

    strawberry banana breakfast chia oats

    Strawberry Banana Breakfast Chia Oats

    This is one of my favorite ways to eat Chia Oats.

    ziplock smoothie freezer packs

    Ziplock Smoothie Freezer Packs

    I often put a spoonful of chia seeds into our smoothies made from these Ziplock Freezer Packs.

    Rips big bowl for breakfast

    Rips Big Bowl For Breakfast

    I love to sprinkle chia seeds on our cold breakfast cereal.  This one is a fav around here.

    orange almond polenta cake with strawberries

    Orange Almond Polenta Cake With Strawberries

    This cake is super refreshing, and uses what is called a “Chia egg.”  A chia egg is an egg substitute.  Great for vegans or if you just happen to run out of eggs!

    ___________________

    GT's chia kombucha

    GT’s Chia Kombucha

    I LOVE these drinks.  Kombucha is fermented and great for your gut.  It has a bit of “fizz” which makes me feel like I am drinking a soda.  These Kombucha’s with chia are filling & make a great snack.  Buy them at your local health food store.

    ___________________

    How To Make A Chia Egg Substitute

    1 Tbls Chia to 3 Tbls water–mix and let sit until a gel like consistency, about 10 minutes.

    ___________________

    One of the most common ways to eat chia is to first soak the seeds.  They can very rapidly absorb a large amount of liquid- between 9-12 times their value, in under 10 minutes.

    Basic Chia Gel

    To make a basic chia gel, simply add 1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water.  Stir the mixture well, to avoid clumping, then leave it in your fridge, in a sealed mason jar.  This will yield around 17 oz of chia gel.  You can begin to eat the gel almost immediately if you like.  Just 10 minutes is enough time for the get to be formed.  More of the nutrients will be easily accessible after a few hours however, so many people alike to make up a batch like this and leave it in the fridge.  It will stay good for about three weeks.  You will have ready-made gel whenever you need it.  You can add to smoothies, mix it with salad dressings, puddings or granola, or simply take it by the spoonful.

    ____________________

    You can buy Chia seeds at Trader Joes, health food stores, and many grocery stores in the health food section.  You can also click here to order them from Amazon.  Amazon has a great deal, and I will get a small percentage of your purchase if you use this link!

     

    9
    GF, Vegan & Raw/ HEALTH/ Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

    Steps To Healthy Living — A Request From My Sister

    mother and daughter
    {My sister & niece. Oh how I love them!}

    My lil’ sis of Beauty Divine Design has been asking me all kinds of questions about how we eat, as they are wanting to eat a more plant strong diet.

    Here is a Facebook chat we recently had:

    Think I overwhelmed her with my crazy run-on sentences and gazillion suggestions?  Yep, I did.  She then sent a message with some more specific questions she had, and I have decided to tackle all of her questions, little by little, on this blog.  

    I know she sent these messages without thinking that I would share them publicly.  I left all our typos, casual language and misspellings to keep things ‘authentic.’ Tee hee.  

    Questions for eating plant-based

    Okay a ton of questions but you don’t have to get to them all immediately… whenever.

    What can you use instead of milk for cooking- does almond and soy milk work the same? Which one tastes the best for adding to cereal? 

    You can use almond milk and coconut milk for cooking.  Plain almond milk is what we use.  We use almond milk exclusively, I can’t have soy and I don’t trust soy anyway.  You could also try rice milk or coconut milk.  We like almond milk, especially on cereal. There was an adjustment period, my kids grumbled at first, but when it was the only thing in the house they gave in and ate it, now we are so used to it that none of us can stand the taste of cow milk.  I think the kind that you can get in the cold milk section tastes the best.

    What do u use instead of butter, whipping cream, cheese etc. does any of it actually taste good? Lol

    I use soy free Earth Balance. It is a super popular butter substitute with vegans. It tastes good. If you use real butter at least make sure it is organic. There are vegan cheeses but I think they are nasty and made up of way too many ingredients…processed.  If we eat cheese, it is organic.  This makes it expensive so we eat very, very little cheese.  Even on tacos or pizza I use about 1/4 of what we used to use, and I pick it off my finished piece completely.  Lots of vegans soak cashews, then put them in a food processor which makes a creamy, cheesy like sauce.  I have done this a couple times and liked it but want to experiment more.   I don’t use whipping cream unless we are making a special occasion dessert and if so we use the real thing because it is so rare.  I buy organic cream cheese for the girls and their whole wheat bagels, but I’ve noticed they only put a super thin layer on.  I think they are losing their taste for this, which keeps happening with animal products. They just have slowly stopped wanting them. It is kinda crazy!

    Which oils to avoid? Is olive oil ok?

    Some, like Rip E in the below video don’t use oil at all.  Happy Herbivore is another plant based eater that rarely uses oil…her recipes are great. I use small amounts of olive oil for marinades, pestos & homemade salad dressings.  It has a low smoke point so it is ok to cook with as long as the heat is med or lower.  I use coconut oil for high heat cooking/frying/sauteing.  I also use coconut oil for baking.  I believe coconut oil is very good for you…see this post for more on coconut oil. There are two types, one that tastes and smells like coconut and one that doesn’t.    I often use applesauce in place of oil in baking recipes.

    Is soy good or bad? I feel like I’ve heard both.

    Most of the soy in the US is genetically modified and I don’t trust it.  My Oncologist wants me to stay away from it because my caner was estrogen positive.  They do eat soy in lots of Asian countries where cancer rates are low, but they mostly eat it fermented and as more of a condiment or seasoning, less as a main dish as many vegans in the US do.  There is controversy with soy, but following my Oncologist orders makes it easy for me to just stay away from it.  Plus, most vegan soy foods are highly processed…not whole foods.  I’m not a fan of companies turning soy into something that is supposed to taste and feel like meat.  Blech. So fake.

    Are any animal products better than others? Can I sneak some chicken in every once in awhile haha

    Sure you can.  It does not have to be all or nothing.  I call myself a “plant eater sometimes cheater” and I eat fish and eggs at times. I was willing to make meat for my family a couple times a week, but they have all lost their taste for meat for the most part.  They can eat it if it is in something, like a casserole (which I don’t make anymore)  but the texture of chicken and red meat is a bit off- putting to them now.  I was surprised this happened.  I now have 3 little bean- eating girls with vegetarian palates! Never thought I would see the day!  It has just slowly happened.  If you do eat meat, stay away from red meat as much as possible, and buy your chicken organic.  It is more expensive but worth it.  

    What are your go- to meals each week?  Top 5 regulars maybe? 

    ~Chili No Meat
    ~Tacos made with beans–I love the crockpot beans in this post, we’ve also made the homemade tortillas in the same post and they were AMAZING.
    ~Spaghetti, homemade tomato sauce, no meat.  I use this recipe sometimes, too.
    ~Soups–we love French Lentil Soup & Vegan Creamy Broccoli soup.
    ~Breakfast for dinner–whole grain pancakes, organic eggs

    I will write a more detailed post about this.


    Replacement snacks/desserts that are sweet but not loaded up with ickies? 
    I will write a post about this, in the meantime, read this post titled, Healthy Snack Ideas For Kids


    New Nostalgia

    How do u know if something is processed? Like our whole wheat bread has like 27 ingredients but it is whole wheat and my homemade bread tastes like cardboard.  

    Lol!  Cardboard?!  You need to try this recipe…we love it. I just made it tonight to go with our spaghetti dinner and my Teagan said “Mom this bread is the best!” It does get more dry by day 3 or 4, but then it makes the BEST toast.  Here is a post I wrote about store bought bread.  Look for no high fructose corn syrup, 3-4 grams of fiber per serving & make sure it says 100% whole wheat bread.  My rule is try to eat food as close to whole as possible.  This post on my Favorite Food Rules might be helpful, these simple suggestions really helped me in my journey of eating clean.

    Meal ideas for kids cuz Little Man only likes PB and J or chicken nuggets right now as a main course. Sometimes pizza or Mac n cheese but won’t even try anything else. He does good with fruits and veggies as a side.

    This is hard.  Kids are picky, but eventually he would get hungry enough to eat something new.  Keep trying new things more than once.  If they get used to seeing it around, they are more likely to eat it.  I wish I was more tough with my kids when they were little and didn’t give in so much to what they wanted instead of what they needed. Keep up the fruits and veggies, try making them the main dish.  I will write more about this another time.  Hopefully my readers will chime in on this one!

    lime and sparkling water

    How to break pop addiction?! I’m seriously an addict!
    Ha!  Is it the caffeine or the bubbly sweet that you love?  If it is the bubbly sweet, then mixing juice with sparkling water is a good substitute.  I love this Fresh Lime Soda & also this Lemonade Spritzer. If it is a caffeine thing, cut down slowly and replace with herbal teas.  Even black coffee is better than pop.  Diet has aspartame and regular has HFCS.  Even the “healthy” pops have loads of sugar.  The best way to break this is to know what it is that you are putting in your body, when I learned how sugar affects the body, it made me want it less. Read about lemon water and why it is good for you…drink it every morning for a week and I bet you will be hooked on water…you will start becoming very thirsty and nothing will quench that thirst but water.  


    Here is a bit more inspiration for you:
    Steps To Healthy Living

    And short and great video on eating plant strong:

    There ya go my sis! Browse the links, watch the video, and let me know your thoughts.  I love your questions!
    //
    Readers, I would love your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.  

    2
    Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

    Eating Healthy On Vacation–Or At Least Trying To!

    It is interesting trying to eat healthy while on vacation.  We have been gone a week. 3 days at Florida’s St. Pete’s Beach and now we are doing the Disney thing. We are having a blast, and eating is a big part of that fun. Really, it has been much easier to find healthy foods than I thought it would be.

    Now, don’t get me wrong–I have had my fill of sugar and treats that I normally would not eat, after all, we ARE at Disney.  Here is a sampling of some of the desserts we have had.  Oh. My. Yum.

    But, my body is used to getting an abundance of plants and is now at the point where I crave them if I don’t get them.  Fortunately, I have been able to eat some type of green everyday.  We have been blessed to be able to eat at a sit down type restaurant at least once each day, and when we do, I make sure I order something leafy and green as part of my meal.  I also always get a side of vegetables.  I have been eating a lot of fish while vacationing.  No beef.  No chicken.  No pork.

    Fast food and airport food has been a little harder, but I’ve been able to get creative.  Breakfast at the airport one day was grapes and a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and sliced bananas on it.

    Fast food lunch & airport lunch have been wraps and rice with vegetables. I also had a bean burrito.

    We were at a water park the other day and there was not a thing for vegetarians.  I got a chicken Caesar wrap and picked out the chicken.  Thank goodness it had quite a bit of greens in it.  I got hungry quickly after that but fortunately we had an amazing dinner that night–I ordered Roasted Carrot Ravioli–Carrot Silk, Fava Beans, Chanterelles,  Pinot Noir Syrup and Lemon Dill Foam.

    It was one of the BEST meals I have ever eaten! It was a dark restaurant, so the photo does not do it justice, but it was delish & so pretty!

    I ended the meal with Bananas & Caramel–Crispy Baked Phyllo Squares Layered with Banana, Mascarpone Mousse, and Caramelized Banana.  Yes, it made me feel sick due to the milk products in it, but it was SOOO worth it!

    Breakfast is easy.  We have stayed in a room that has a little kitchenette, so we hit up a grocery store for breakfast foods and snacks on our first day.  The girls have enjoyed whole grain bagels because I bought cinnamon cream cheese, something they are not used to eating.  That has been a treat for them.  I also made sure they get plenty of fruit for breakfast–bananas, clementines, grapes and apples.  We also have oatmeal topped with dried cranberries & cereal with almond milk.  Eating breakfast in our room has saved us a ton of money!

    Snacks at the parks are not to great, so we load our backpack with some healthier snacks.  Here are some of our favorites:

    ~Sabra Hummus Dip with Pretzels
    ~Clementines
    ~Bananas
    ~Grapes
    ~Apples

    ~Cliff Bars
    In the parks, I have been happy to see that they have these Edy’s Strawberry Bars.  They are high sugar, but they do not contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors.  They are strawberries & sugar.  They are colored with beet juice & turmeric. Much better than all the crazy colored Micky ice cream bars out there!  
    What are your favorite ways to eat healthy on vacation?  Any snack ideas for me?

    3
    HOME/ How-Tos/ Meals/ Organizing/ RECIPES

    School Lunch Plan-No More Baggies & A Free Weekly Lunch Plan Printable

    Like I said in this post, I am on a mission this year to make school lunches something my kids look forward to.  I also want to feel good about the food I am serving them.  By the end of last year, if they had to eat one more peanut butter and jelly sandwich (which they had in their lunch every day) my girls would look at me like I was asking them to eat dirt.  Thankfully, over the summer their taste for pb & j has returned, and I want to keep it that way.
    I also wanted to get rid of baggies.  I hated spending the money on zip baggies, not to mention the waste!  I started early on my search for the perfect lunch bag & containers, and after using them for almost a week, I can say I am super excited about how smoothly packing school lunches has been going.  
    The lunch bags I found are Nike brand.  I found them at Shopko, but you can also order them here on Amazon.  These are perfect.  They have 2 pockets, and are deep enough to fit the water bottle inside with the lunch.  I love that I can fit the sandwich size container in the front pocket, which leaves the large back pocket open for water bottle & whatever else I want to fit in there.  The zippers are heavy duty and the bag is really well made.  I also found the BPA free water bottles at Shopko, my girls LOVE these. They are also Aladdin brand and they unscrew on the top like a regular water bottle, but they also unscrew further down to fit ice in if desired.

    The blue containers are Aladdin brand and are AWESOME.  I found them at Target, but they can also be purchased here.  The sandwich size container is deep and comes with a removable ice pack…love that! The smaller blue container also has a removable ice pack.  The little green containers are from Rubbermaid also from Target.  They are perfect for a single cookie, nuts, dips, dried apricots, etc.  I bought each girl one large sandwich container, one side container, and two small green lid containers.  It has worked perfectly for lunches so far.
    I was concerned about washing them out every night, but it really is not a big deal.  Usually we just wipe them out, but if the food is messy, we throw them in the dishwasher.  The girls empty their lunch bags as part of their afternoon routine, and they know that filling their water bottles and putting them in the refrigerator, putting their ice packs in the freezer, and emptying their containers are all part of their chart.  

    Click Here To Download Free Printable
    So how am I keeping this all organized and easy peasy?  With the help of our sponsor, Clean Mama.  She makes beautiful printables that keep ones home running smoothly, and she made free Weekly Lunch Plan for us!  I just love it!  It has definitely helped in keeping my mind less frazzled in trying to remember what to serve for lunch.  I especially like the area for ideas, it reminds me of food that might otherwise sit in the refrigerator and go to waste.  If you love the above printable, make sure you check out Clean Mama’s shop, which is full of more!

    Here is what is on our idea list this week:
    Main
    Turkey Sandwich
    PB & J Sandwich
    Cheese Tortellini
    Bean Burrito
    Fruits
    Apples
    Peaches
    Kiwi
    Frozen Berries (thawed perfectly by lunch)
    Veggies
    Shredded carrots
    Spinach Salad
    Pepper strips
    Protein & Dairy
    I skip these because we don’t eat dairy in our home, or at least very little.  
    Beverages
    My girls drink water every day.  I believe juice is just too expensive and full of sugar.  Even 100 percent juice has natural sugars in it that can spike blood sugar levels since the fiber is removed from it. I can’t tell you how much money we save by just being water drinkers in our home!
    Treats
    Whole grain bars
    Chocolate bars
    Dried cranberries
    Nuts
    Popcorn
    Chips
    Dried apricots
    ______________
    Here is our lunch plan for this week:

    Monday
    No School
    Tuesday
    Turkey Sandwich
    Chips
    Peach
    Carrots
    Cookie
    Wednesday
    Cheese Tortellini
    Bread Cubes
    Italian Dressing for both
    Whole Grain Bar
    Kiwi
    Dried Cranberries
    Thursday
    Pb & Jelly Sandwich
    Popcorn
    Apple 
    Granola bar
    Dried Apricots

    Friday
    Bean Tacos
    Chips & Salsa
    Apples
    Granola Bar
    _____________

    I also bought them each a new thermos, same Alladin brand.  I will save that and my ideas for another post!

    Need MORE School Lunch Food Ideas?  Click here.

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