Coming up with meals every night can be challenging and it can feel like the worst job in the universe sometimes. However, it doesn’t have to be! I’m a big believer of having the right tools to get the job done. I am an nutritional consultant, so I’m picky about where I choose my recipes from. I’ve bought a lot of different cookbooks over the years, but I have a number of cookbooks that I continue to go back to time and time again.
If you’ve never tried meal planning or have failed at it in the past, it is important to keep in mind that it takes time and PLANNING! I’d recommend scheduling time on your calendar each week to allow for this to happen. If you make it a priority, it will get done. You will experience less stress during the week when it comes to meal time. Also, if you double recipes, you can freeze half of the meal for another time. Before you know it, you will have a stock of frozen meals in your freezer for future use.
Below is a list of cookbooks that I recommend. I hope they inspire you to try new recipes and to start meal planning if you haven’t started already.
1. 100 Days of Real Food by Lisa Leake
I love this book! This cookbook was written by a mom who has a passion leaving out all processed food in her family’s diet. Her recipes are all whole foods based and easy! Her website is a great resource as well (www.100daysofrealfood.com). She has meal plans put together already and other resources to help in your journey of meal planning. Also, if you are not sure what kind of snacks to feed your kids, she has a lot of ideas around that as well.
2. Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
This cookbook is exactly how it sounds. All of the recipes in this cookbook are from real food using traditional cooking methods. Not only is this book good because it is educational, but it has so many different meals that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. This was one of the first cookbooks that I bought when I started going to school to obtain my Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education.
3. 52 New Foods Challenge by Jennifer Tyler Lee
Do you have picky eaters in your house? This cookbook is ideal for introducing new foods to your kids. The author teaches you how to get your kids involved with the process and how to make it a game along the way. The end goal is to get your kids to try many new different foods.
4. The Skinnytaste Cookbook by Gina Homolka
Do you like big flavor? if so, this cookbook is for you! There are some recipes that I alter a little bit by choosing cleaner ingredients, however, for the most part, this is a great cookbook. I’m often accused of making bland meals, so this allows me to impress my husband and kids.
5. The World’s Healthiest Goods by George Mateljan
Have you ever wondered how to cook a vegetable to optimize its nutritional value? This cookbook covers almost every type of produce available and gives you tips and tricks on how to cook it. It also includes recipes with each item.
6. Better Baby Food by Daina Kalnins
I can’t say enough about this cookbook. When I was a new mom, I wanted to feed my baby the best possible foods. This cookbook is not only great for babies, but also for toddlers and kids of all ages.
7. Recipe Collection II – Family Addition by Tracie Fountain
This book was put together locally by Tracie Fountain. Tracie’s philosophy is to eat a balanced meal. This cookbook is a collection of recipes that are family-friendly and balanced. This one goes with me to the grocery store every week.
8. From Asparagus to Zucchini by Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition
Summer is coming up and soon our CSA’s will start. This book gives you a recipe to try for all of the vegetables that are likely in your CSA box. There isn’t any reason to let your vegetables go to waste when you have a resource like this to help you.
9. Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfillippo, BS, NC
I do not necessarily follow a strict paleo diet, but this is a great cookbook for recipes It uses whole foods and quality ingredients. I use this book right along with my others. This cookbook is also educational which is helpful as well.
10. Superfood Snacks by Julie Morris
I love this cookbook because I love having over the top nutrient dense foods. This cookbook may not be part of your weekly meal planning, but if you are up for trying fun snacks that feed your body in a healthy way, this book is for you.
Additional Resources:
Here are three websites that I refer to as well.
- http://www.mommypotamus.com/recipes/
- http://foodbabe.com/recipe-rendezvous/
- http://www.yummysprout.com/p/recipe-index.html
