Menu Plan Monday - 10th August

If you're wondering how a family of six uses a Thermomix to save time and money on their food, read on!

This week I really need to use up things in the freezer, fridge and cupboards, as we're getting ready to move! I have so many veges in the fridge - mostly greens, carrots and capsicums - as last week was so busy I didn't get all the cooking done that I'd planned to do. This week is going to be just as busy, if not worse, so I'm going to try and keep it simple. I love cooking so much that sometimes I go a bit overboard with my plans, and end up spending most of the day in the kitchen... so this week I'm trying to implement the K.I.S.S. method - 'Keep It Simple, Stupid!'

I'm also trying to work on having more protein at breakfast and lunch, and more carbohydrates at dinner, as protein gives you energy and wakes you up, while carbohydrates make you sleepy (see Cyndi O'Meara's book "Changing Habits, Changing Lives" for more information). I really notice this when homeschooling my kids - the last thing I want is sleepy, floppy kids who can't concentrate on their work in the mornings, then wake up and go balistic at night when you're trying to get them to bed! So for breakfast we've been having things like fruit or fruit smoothies, and...

- mince (beef/turkey) in white sauce gravy (dairy free) on spelt toast;

- poached eggs and mince patties with toast;

- porridge with fruit and finely chopped nuts;

- boiled eggs chopped up in a white sauce (dairy free) on spelt scones;

- bean & vege patties;

- scrambled eggs on toast;

- wholegrain pancakes with pecans and apple sauce/pure maple syrup (I only have one or two with syrup - too sweet!) ...

This kind of breakfast keeps you going for a while, and gives you heaps more energy. This is how I was raised, and is the kind of breakfast I prefer - I've never liked sickly sweet breakfasts, or cereal out of a box - it makes me feel a bit ill, and my blood sugar sinks very low by about 9.30am if I eat like that. Try having a higher protein breakfast and lower protein dinner, and see if it helps your energy in the day, and sleeping patterns at night! (Note: I can't completely cut out protein at night or my husband would miss out on meat meals, so I'm cutting down on the meat and adding more carbs at night.)

Have fun cooking for your family, and remember, if you need inspiration, check our orgjunkie.com's Menu Plan Monday. You'll also get some great ideas from the recipe blogs at thermomix.com.au, and the thermomix forums. Have a great week!

(TMX) - prepared and/or cooked in Thermomix.

Monday: (lunch) Meatball & bean & vegetable soup (TMX); (dinner) Vegetable curry (TMX) on brown rice.

Tuesday: (lunch) Stir Fry veges & beans (TMX) with quinoa (TMX); (dinner) Marinated chicken wings (crockpot) with basmati rice and leftover stir fry veges (for the family - I'll be at a TMX demo).

Wednesday: (lunch) Scalloped eggs with broccoli (TMX); (dinner) Salmon patties (TMX), mashed potatoes (sweet & regular) (TMX), lots of steamed veges (TMX).

Thursday: (lunch) Savoury lentils (TMX) on rice (TMX) with raw vege sticks; (dinner) Crumbed steak, baked potatoes, steamed veges (TMX).

Friday: (lunch) Chilli Taco Salad (dairy free version); (dinner) Creamy vegetable soup (TMX) (dairy free).

Saturday: out for lunch (demo); (dinner) Potato wedges, dairy-free 'sour cream', tuna patties & veges.

Sunday: (lunch) Roast chicken & baked veges; (dinner) Soup (TMX) & spelt bread rolls (TMX) using this recipe.