Many modern families meet the goal of eating at home with a rotation of three go-to chicken dishes, a chili night, and a fend-for-yourself "taco bowl night." And that's fine if it hits the spot for your family. That said, eating nutritious and exciting home-cooked meals doesn't have to be an oxymoron.
Food boredom is real and understandable. Today's families don't have the time they'd like to explore and try new foods. When they find a dish their family enjoys that provides ample nutrition, they add it to their routine, and it sticks. In fact, one study shows that the average family only has about nine meals in their dinner night rotation.
So, if you find yourself reluctantly writing "baked chicken and steamed broccoli" on your meal planning list for yet another week, here are some ways to fight off food boredom and keep your family dinners fresh, exciting and healthy!
Pair a protein with one complex carbohydrate and a vegetable.
You may not believe it, but this formula makes for endless possibilities. Rotate grilled chicken breast, turkey, chicken sausage, or steak. Add potato or pasta and then, toss in your choice of roasted veggie or salad. You'll have dozens of simple, fresh pairings to add to your dinner night rotation to mix things up!
Try new flavor profiles.
If you find yourself opting for black pepper and garlic salt yet again, give brand-new and unique spice blends like this Asian-inspired profile with garlic, coriander, ginger, and soy sauce a try. Or, go Thai-inspired with spices like lemongrass, garlic powder, cardamom, and basil! Be sure to have various spice blends on hand and try them out on foods you'd like to spice up a bit.
View food as an experience not an end-goal.
Schedules may be chaotic, but reserving time in the evenings to connect with your family and invite them into the meal-prepping process can change your day. If you have younger children, allow them to use these plastic salad and vegetable knives to help prepare the fresh ingredients. Older children and teens can take the lead in prepping fresh vegetables and mixing spice blends while preparing the meal's meat portion.
Make time to create and explore one food item at a time.
If you're getting bored with your go-to meals, overhauling your recipe repertoire in one week can feel overwhelming and nearly impossible. Instead, make it your goal to try one new food item a week. When shopping at the grocery store, peruse the produce section and select something new you'd like to try.
Experimenting allows you to engage your entire family in the mealtime process. If you have multiple children, let one pick a new food to try each week on a special night! By doing this, you are more likely to nurture adventurous eaters and create fond, lifetime memories with your family.
Make room for new foods, delivered to you!
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Feel like trying new recipes this week? Give these superfoods a taste test, or try making one of our favorite corn salsa recipes during your weekly taco or burrito night!
Focus on adding, not overhauling!
Stepping out of your routine and livening up your menu doesn't have to be stressful. Add a new vegetable to your plate, a new spice, or a new side item to your baked chicken breast. And? When you're eager to add even more ingenuity to your table, try adding personal chef services to your list too!