I am the only plant-based eater in my home. For the past year, I’ve been making two to three dishes for dinner each night. Unfortunately, I typically put the most energy and thought into my own dishes, and then just heat something up for the guys. Usually it is something highly processed and not good for anyone.

I want to make a change and help them find all of the flavors and variety I have come to love. I also want them to experience the same health benefits that I have.

I’ve been racking my brain on how to start this process. I cannot plan on making one dish and just expecting everyone to be on board. After some thought and seeing how the Esselstyns often prepare meals, I’m thinking buffet style is my best bet. At first this seems a bit daunting, preparing so many things each night, but I think if I plan smart, I can make this a more simple transition. I’m reminding myself that I don’t have to make the grains every night. I don’t have to make the sauces every night. I can plan out our meals and batch cook so some items can simply be warmed up.

To help me map out meals and make sure there is balance in what I am making, I have created a family menu board. This is a very rough draft and will evolve as this process gets underway, but it is a place to start. I will begin by selecting a type of cuisine that sounds good for the night. Then I will select my grain that will serve as a base. Veggies will be picked to support the style selected as well as a protein (meat option for my guys), sauce, and any extra accents to enhance the meal. At the bottom I put symbols for salt, fat, acid, and heat to remind me that these elements are important to consider to make a meal that is rich in flavor and fulfilling. Now, what the guys end up putting on their plate is their choice, but I’m hoping the access to these items will encourage them to try new things and maybe be surprised. A year ago, I could not imagine liking tofu, but now I love it. Same for cauliflower, eggplant, and so many other new foods to me. I’m also hoping to prevent food waste since I will be happy to eat these items as leftovers.

I’ve kind of worked backwards as I’ve made this board since I first considered some of my favorite dishes and thought about what made them. Here is an example of how this board can be used:

• Style: Thai
• Grain: Brown Rice Noodles
• Veggies: Edamame, Roasted Broccolo, Leafy Greens
• Protein: Sesame Tofu
• Sauces: Peanut Sauce
• Accents: Sesame Seeds, Green Onion, Cilantro

I will share out more as I keep working on this. Fingers crossed my guys don’t starve…