Itz Holistically Wholesome

Sometimes the best meals come from moments of spontaneity. You walk into the kitchen with a blank slate and let creativity take over with whatever ingredients are on hand. I find joy in the surprise element of this approach—it keeps cooking fun and dynamic!

I’ll admit, my cooking moods fluctuate. There are days when I want to whip up something elaborate, and others when simplicity reigns. Regardless of the approach, one constant thought is ensuring my family, especially my children, are getting a well-balanced diet. As parents, we know that kids can be unpredictable eaters. One day, they’ll barely touch their plates, and the next, they’ll seem insatiable. It’s all about riding the waves and making the best of it.

I don’t meal plan yet (though it’s a goal), but for now, freestyling works for us. My family loves fresh food, and we’re not fans of prepped meals sitting in the fridge for too long—after a day or two, the appeal is gone. So, cooking fresh, as needed, suits our style.

Recently, I’ve been steering my family towards a more wholesome way of eating. We now focus on one home-cooked meal a day—dinner—while keeping other meals light and fresh with fruits, smoothies, juices, and homemade granola. A a result, I aim to have a wider variety to make our meal both filling and nutritious.

Here are three simple and delicious plant-based meals we love:

Meal #1: Vibrant Quinoa Delight

Ingredients:

• Quinoa
• Chickpeas
• Oven-baked fries
• Fresh tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, and olives
• Homemade tahini dressing

This vibrant dish is colorful, hearty, and packed with nutrients. The creamy tahini dressing ties everything together beautifully.

Meal #2: Baked Ziti with a Twist & Collard Green-Cabbage Mix

If you’re a fan of baked ziti, this plant-based version will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• Wholegrain pasta
• Homemade cashew cheese sauce
• Pasta sauce
• Finely chopped mushrooms for a “mince crumble” texture

Cashew Cheese Sauce:
Soak cashews and blend them with onion, garlic, allspice, nutritional yeast flakes (optional), and sea salt.

Mushroom Crumbles:
Finely mince mushrooms, season with salt, cumin, and plant-based bouillon cubes, marinate, then sauté. Add pasta sauce.

Combine the pasta with the cashew cheese and mushrooms, then cook on stove top to perfection! You can bake in oven for a few minutes as well. Enjoy with a side of steamed collard green and cabbage mix.

Meal #3: Steamed Cabbage and Jasmine Brown Rice

This dish reminds me of my sister, Stephanie, who loves steamed cabbage. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Jasmine brown rice
• Steamed cabbage

You can check out a full video demonstration of this dish on my YouTube channel: @LifeOfTomikaChance.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re freestyling or preparing a planned meal, the key is nourishing your family with love and wholesome ingredients. May you find inspiration from these meal ideas as we thrive toward better health. Also, let me know if you try any of these recipes or share your own plant-based favorites!

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” – 3 John 1:2 (KJV)

God bless!