Meal Ideas

Due to Covid, my son is on a waitlist for summer camp.

He's officially starting next week but I won't know if they have more availability until next week for the week after if that makes sense. So right now, he'll only be attending camp for 1 week.

His last day of school was June 4th. I'm sharing these details for timeline sake.

He's 12 and sits inside all day. Doesn't want to go outside..which I don't blame him because it's hot!! Refuses to go outside and play with his friends. All he wants to do is sit on his phone. I work from home but I am also in and out most days of the week.

Anyway,

Well he then starts eating everything up! Literally! He'll sometimes wait until I leave home and sneak snacks. He'll eat up the snacks like their meals instead actually making a meal or reheating leftovers (which he refuses to eat) and now we're out of snack foods. And when I make dinner, he'll ask for seconds knowing he's full but sits at the table after everyone has left just to turn around throw the food away instead of saving it until he's hungry again.

I am a single mother, so we're making it work with one income. And I just placed a deposit to build a house. So we're working in a tight budget. My grocery budget has been the same for years. But we hardly ever stay within it.

I understand he is a growing boy and will eat a lot. I'm not complaining about him eating. That isn't the issue. I want him to eat! I have 2 daughters ages 6 and 4, and when he's done eating up all of his food and snacks, you guessed it...He sneaks and eats their stuff. I allow a small amount in my budget to buy the kids whatever their favorite snacks and foods are. And now I'm like dude come on! 🤦‍♀️. I know a lot of it is bordem eating but I've already spent $410 this month on groceries. The freezer is packed with our usually foods but of course it has to be cooked.

I've tried talking to him and he's admitted to wanting something just because it's in there rather than actually being hungry for it. I don't badger or fuss at him but I have tried giving him examples on what to make and quick meals he's old enough to make on his own. It's like I'm speaking another language y'all.

Please share some cheap lunch and dinner recipes or ideas to help me. 😊

Thank You ♥️