Is it like pulling teeth to get your family to eat healthy meals? I've got the solution for you! It's not a new idea, but you may have forgotten its power. Let me re-introduce you to "the bar" – home style.
This is perfect for people searching for:
Healthy family dinners on a budget
Heathy dinner ideas for family of 6 (or more or less!)
Healthy family meals for weight loss
Healthy dinner ideas for kids
Why does it work? Because kids of all ages love to have a hand in building their meals. Just ask the makers of Lunchables.
This idea re-introduced itself on our most recent camping trip. Tired of trying to please my husband, daughter, mother and myself, all in one meal, I decided to break the fixings down for our avocado toast and it worked so perfectly we decided to do a Facebook live about it.
The key is to only offer healthy options and to encourage the family to choose at least three healthy toppings. Bonus points for each color!
Sticking with a theme can also be fun. Such as Asian soup bar, Mexican baked potato etc. Sometimes finding recipes and deconstructing the ingredients can make it easier.
Once dinner is over, pack up your leftover, prepped ingredients to use for another meal. This saves time, money and waste.
Here are TEN ideas to get you started:
1. Avocado Toast Bar
Gluten free toast or whole wheat toast
Avocado
Red onion
Cucumber
Nutritional Yeast
Sea salt
Seasonings – Toasted Onion, Island Spice, Garlic etc.
2. Oatmeal Bar
Oatmeal
Maple Cinnamon
Raisins
Bananas
Non-dairy milks
Nut butter
Sea Salt
3. Baked Potato Bar
Russet potato or sweet potato
Cashew sour cream
Black beans
Salsa
Guacamole
Lettuce
Non-dairy cheese or butter
Curry powder
Coconut oil
Seasonings – Garlic Herb, Greek
4. Soup Bar
Brothy or pureed vegetable base
Fresh cilantro or other herbs
Cashew sour cream
Non-dairy cheese
Toasted bread
Coconut bacon
5. Salad Bar
Romaine, arugula, wilted kale or other greens
Sunflower seeds
Raisins
Tomatoes
Onions
Edamame or other legumes
Variety of dressings
Fresh herbs
Nuts
Coconut bacon
6. Taco Bar
Crunchy corn or soft tacos
Fresh salsa (we love black bean and corn)
Cashew sour cream
Rice
Black beans
Lettuce
7. Pasta or Noodle Bar
Whole grain, rice, quinoa pasta or even spiralized zucchini
Tomato sauce
Pesto
Fresh herbs
Roasted veggies
Olives
Sun dried tomato
8. Pizza Bar
Cauliflower, chickpea naan, polenta or traditional base
Caramelized onions
Hummus
Wilted kale
Balsamic drizzle
Fresh tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes
Non-dairy cheese
Cashew sour cream
Tomato sauce
Pesto
Sun dried tomato
9. Burger Bar
Black bean burger or veggie burger
Fresh salsa
Seasonings – Greek, Indian, Southwest, Chinese Five Spice, Garlic
Red onion
Coconut bacon
Avocado
Cashew sour cream
Green onions
Spinach
10. Banana Ice Cream Bar
Variety of nuts
Fresh fruit
Maple syrup
Your turn:
What’s your favorite type of “bar” and toppings? Leave a comment below!
p.s. Check out my FREE mini course below. 3-days, 3-ways to add more plant foods to your diet! Super easy!
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