This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyWayToVeg #CollectiveBias

Unlock the Fun of Meatless Mondays with DIY Personalized Dinner Plates!

In the bustling world of family life, ensuring every meal is both nutritious and appealing to all, especially the pickiest eaters, can feel like a Herculean task. As a parent of six, I know this struggle intimately. There’s always that one child who views vegetables as their arch-nemesis, and for me, that has always been Robert. Getting him to embrace anything green often requires a theatrical performance and a hefty dose of creativity.

While our family isn’t strictly vegetarian, we’re not heavy meat-eaters either. To strike a healthy balance and introduce more plant-based meals, we decided to embrace the concept of Meatless Mondays. Initially, I braced myself for resistance, particularly from Robert. However, a delightful combination of convenient MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls (readily available at Walmart) and a fun, engaging craft activity—our very own DIY personalized dinner plates—transformed our approach to mealtime. This dynamic duo made Meatless Mondays not just possible, but enjoyable, even for my most discerning diner!

Embracing Meatless Mondays for a Healthier Family

Meatless Mondays are far more than just a trend; they’re a fantastic opportunity to introduce diverse, healthy meals into your weekly routine. The benefits extend beyond individual health, impacting the environment and even your grocery budget. Dedicating one day a week to plant-based eating can lead to a diet richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while potentially reducing the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol. For families like ours, it’s also a wonderful way to broaden culinary horizons and discover new, exciting flavors together.

Our journey to successful Meatless Mondays truly began when we discovered solutions that were both practical and appealing. For busy, working parents, spending hours in the kitchen every night isn’t always feasible. This is where the magic of convenience meets the desire for healthy, conscious eating. We needed something that was quick to prepare, nutritious, and most importantly, something all six kids—including Robert—would actually look forward to.

The Game-Changer: MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls

The solution arrived in the form of MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls. These bowls are a godsend for families with demanding schedules who are also committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They eliminate the guesswork and prep time often associated with plant-based cooking, making it incredibly simple to serve up a wholesome meal in minutes. Knowing we could rely on a delicious and satisfying option every Monday made the transition seamless.

Nutritional Powerhouse and Flavor Variety

What sets these veggie bowls apart is their impressive nutritional profile combined with an amazing array of flavors. For instance, many bowls feature 100% vegan Chik’n Strips, lightly seasoned and packed with 23 grams of protein, all for a mere 150 calories. This makes them an excellent, lean protein source that satisfies hunger without feeling heavy.

The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, preventing mealtime monotony. Our family favorites include:

• Chik’n Pot Pie: A comforting classic reimagined, it quickly became our go-to.
• Chik’n Tikka Masala: A flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish.
• Italian Sausage Bake: Robust and hearty, perfect for those craving a more traditional “meat” flavor.
• Japanese Soba Noodles: A light, flavorful, and satisfying option.
• Moroccan Medley: An exotic blend of spices and vegetables for an adventurous palate.

With such a diverse selection, it’s remarkably easy to swap out meat for veggies in a meal without compromising on taste or satisfaction. Meatless Mondays aren’t exclusive to vegetarians; anyone can benefit from incorporating a meat-free day into their week. Sometimes, it’s simply about making healthier, more conscious choices for ourselves and our families.

Sparking Joy at Mealtime: The DIY Personalized Dinner Plate

Beyond the delicious food, we also introduced a creative element to make Meatless Mondays truly special. Our family used to have a designated “celebration plate” for good grades or birthdays. Building on this tradition, I decided this year for the holidays, each child would create their own personalized dinner plate. These unique plates would then become our official Meatless Monday dinnerware—a wonderful way to celebrate healthy choices!

This craft serves a dual purpose: it’s a fantastic way to encourage kids to eat more vegetables by making mealtime an event, and it also fosters creativity and fine motor skills. Furthermore, these custom-made plates make heartwarming, thoughtful gifts for teachers, loved ones, or siblings. Imagine the delight of receiving a handmade plate adorned with a personal message or a festive design! It’s an activity that combines fun, functionality, and a touch of heartfelt sentiment. See the easy steps below to create your own!

Craft Your Own Personalized Dinner Plate: A Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need:

• Permanent markers or paint markers: For best results and easier control, I highly recommend using permanent markers designed for ceramics or glass.
• Alphabet and holiday stencils: These add a professional touch. If holiday-specific stencils are hard to find, don’t worry! Simple shapes like stars, leaves, or geometric patterns work beautifully and can be adapted for any season.
• A plate or bowl with a wide rim: Choose a sturdy, plain ceramic or glass plate or bowl. A wider rim provides ample space for creative designs and messages.

Easy Instructions to Create Your Masterpiece:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Materials

Gather all your materials. Ensure your plate is clean and dry. Lay out your markers and stencils so everything is within easy reach. A clean, flat surface is ideal for this project.

Step 2: Stencil and Decorate Your Plate

Carefully position your letter stencils on the rim of the plate. Using your permanent markers, meticulously color inside the stencil to create crisp, defined letters. Once your message or name is in place, let your imagination run wild! Decorate the remaining space with holiday themes, festive colors, or any designs that bring you joy. You can draw freehand shapes, add dots, stripes, or use other stencils to enhance your design. The more personalized, the better!

Step 3: Allow for Thorough Drying

Once you’re satisfied with your design, set the plate aside in a safe place to dry completely. Patience is key here! It’s crucial to allow the marker ink to fully cure before moving or touching the stencils, which typically takes several hours. Rushing this step could smudge your beautiful artwork.

Step 4: Reveal Your Masterpiece and Serve!

After the plate is fully dry, gently remove any stencils. You’ll be left with a beautifully custom-designed plate! Before its first use, give it a quick rinse to ensure it’s clean. Now, it’s ready to proudly hold your delicious Meatless Monday creations, like a steaming MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowl!

The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

These DIY personalized dinner plates are more than just craft projects; they are thoughtful and memorable gifts. Imagine gifting a teacher a plate with a heartfelt “Thank You” message, or surprising a sibling with a plate featuring an inside joke or a special quote. The possibilities for personalization are endless, making each plate a unique expression of love and appreciation. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, or just because!

Join the Meatless Monday Movement!

Have you embarked on your own Meatless Monday journey? Or perhaps you have a special tradition that encourages healthy eating in your family? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Sharing tips and tricks helps us all navigate the exciting world of plant-based meals.

Explore MorningStar Farms® and Connect!

Ready to simplify your Meatless Mondays and discover delicious, plant-based options? Explore the full MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls selection here. Stay connected and get inspired by following them on social media:

• Twitter: @MorningStrFarms
• Instagram: @morningstarfarms
• Facebook: MorningStar Farms
• Pinterest: MorningStar Farms (and you can follow my own culinary and craft inspirations here!)