it’s been a couple of weeks since the last meal plan was published…and quite honestly, as i started to think about writing this one, i wondered if i even should. i had thoughts down about how much has been going on with us over the last couple of weeks, but it just felt so…unimportant. friends, there’s a lot of major things going on in the world and i don’t want anyone to think that i don’t see it or feel it. deeply.

i’ve seen so many parents post about the heaviness and the responsibilities that don’t stop when things are hurting in the world. there are LEGO towers to enthusiastically build and snacks to deliver and laundry to do and homework to check and, and, and. so, while a meal plan feels incredibly mundane and not helpful or important in this moment…if for someone this helps you make one less decision one night this week, or just makes you feel like there’s someone else out there juggling the hurt and the hope, putting this together is worth it. (note: i also want you to know that doing this – putting together these plans – makes me feel a small sense of control when much feels out of control. this isn’t an ad, there’s no financial incentive for me in sharing this, these are the dinners our family is eating. this is just me – a mom – trying to help.)

this week, we’re trying some new recipes that have tried-and-true bases that i know my family will eat…and will still get them the balance they need.

monday, 1.26.26: chicken parmesan burgers / salad / baked potatoes

tuesday, 1.27.26: slow cooker salsa chicken with black beans + corn / brown rice with avocado + cilantro

wednesday, 1.28.26: air fryer meatball subs / sauteed green beans with almonds / fruit

thursday, 1.29.26: chicken scarpariello with protein pasta

friday, 1.30.26: dinner out

saturday, 1.31.26: dinner out

sunday, 2.1.26: turkey meatloaf / garlic mashed potatoes / steamed corn

wherever you are – physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally – right now, please take care of you.