Winter is always a busy season in our household. Between work, school, My daughters dance schedule, and my sons skating and hockey schedule, food needs to be simple, filling, and realistic. Over the years I have learned that consistency does not come from chasing perfect meals. It comes from choosing a few go to options that are easy to prepare, easy to repeat, and that everyone in the house will actually eat. Every person is different so accommodating different food palettes is key.
At CrossFit Actis, we talk a lot about showing up and doing the basics well. Nutrition is no different. Right now, our family relies on a small rotation of winter meals that make weekly food prep easier and reduce decision fatigue. These meals are not fancy, but they work, and that is the point.
Beanless Chili for High Protein and Simplicity
One of our staples during the colder months is a beanless chili. I choose to leave out the beans not because they are bad foods, but because at my current activity level I do not need the extra carbohydrates they bring. This version lets me keep protein high while still having a hearty and comforting meal.
It is easy to make in a large batch, it reheats well, and it can cover multiple lunches or dinners during the week. We often pack a thermos with chilli for the kids lunches. For me, that reliability matters more than having a ton of variety. When food is ready and available, making good choices becomes automatic. I always say that people rarely eat out if your fridge is full of delicious food.
Chicken Curry That the Whole Family Buys Into
Another regular meal is a chicken curry mix with red and yellow peppers and onion. This one is especially important because my daughter loves it, which makes dinner a lot smoother. When kids enjoy a meal, it removes friction and stress around eating.
To keep it interesting, I recreate it every other week and make small variations so it does not feel repetitive. The base stays the same, but slight changes in seasoning or cooking style keep it fresh. That balance between familiarity and novelty has worked well for our family.
Shake and Bake Chicken Legs for the Picky Eaters
A third common meal in our current rotation is shake and bake chicken legs. While breading is not my ideal choice and I usually prefer grilled meat, this is a compromise that works for our two sons. The crunch makes it more appealing for them, and they are much more likely to eat it without resistance. We stopped at a KFC place this summer during a summer vacation and I was able to fool them into thinking shake and back was the same thing.
Sometimes consistency means meeting people where they are. In this case, adding a texture they enjoy helps ensure they get enough protein, and that matters more than chasing perfection. I find getting protein options for kids can be especially tough.
Why This Works for Us
These meals are not about following a strict plan or eating the same way forever. If we stick to options they like every other week that seems to work well for us as a family. By rotating a few reliable options, we save time, reduce stress, and stay consistent without overthinking every meal.
That same approach applies to training and health. Something simple done consistently will always beat something perfect done occasionally. If this gives you a few ideas to simplify your own winter meals, then it has done its job.
Consistency is built one repeatable choice at a time. If you want to chat more please reach out and click here.