Link to this Garlicky Spaghetti Squash Recipe is here.

Doing a Whole30 is a challenge. Doing a Whole30 with little kids in the house is more of a challenge. One standard tip is to remove non-compliant food from your house. We agree, this a great way to keep temptation at bay when you get started! But, there are a few moms here at Tessemae’s whose happy, wonderful and good little eaters LOVE their grains and dairy. Here are some strategies for full family meals from our Chef, Kristen.

"My general philosophy for feeding my 5-year-old was born out of necessity during my first Whole 30 when she was just 2.  How was I going to make this work!? She and I typically eat dinner together after work and school (about half the nights my husband joins us) and I did not want to get stuck making her an entirely separate dinner. I turned to Ellyn Satter Institute for and found a key piece of advice that clicked for me immediately: “Don’t try to please everyone with every food. Offer 1-2 Foods each eater generally enjoys. When introducing a new food, also offer something familiar that everyone can fill up on.” That’s it! I knew just what to do.

In Whole30 terms, this sometimes means Protein and Veg for the grown-ups + grain for the kiddo. But it can also mean Protein and Veg for all + favorite fruit for the kiddo… the options are really endless depending on your family. Below, I have listed some of my favorite Whole30 Family Meals with the Whole30 recipe fist, then a “+” that works for my little one and may be non- complaint. One extra tip: if making a grain, like steamed rice for example, I make more than one serving and save the leftovers to serve later in the week."

I really hope this helps some of you other moms out there! Happy Whole30! ;-)

Compliant Rotisserie Chicken & Balsamic Broccoli Salad + Steamed Rice and Parm

Pre-Made Pulled Pork, Slaw, Pickles + Cornbread

Ranch & Bacon Turkey Burgers, Lettuce “Buns,” + Bread Buns and Cucumber (for dipping!)

Turkey Meatballs & Greens in Brodo  + Buttered Egg Noodles

Meatloaf, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad + Sliced Apple or Pear

Chicken Gyro Lettuce Wraps + Pita and Fresh Berries

Sheet pan Crispy Chicken Thighs 1 or 2 with Salad + Couscous

Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs + Steamed Broccoli and Spaghetti pasta