30 Plants: Family Style

Hi there! I’m Jen — wife, mum of three (two teens aged 16 and 14, and a spirited 9-year-old who has very specific views of what foods she is willing to eat), and chief meal planner in a household that rarely slows down.

Over the past few months, I’ve quietly started a little experiment: eating 30 different plant foods each week. I stumbled across the idea while reading about gut health and was drawn in by how much sense it made — and how it’s actually backed by science. Research shows that a more diverse range of plant foods can boost your gut microbiome, which in turn supports digestion, immunity, energy, and more.

And no, this doesn’t mean eating nothing but kale. The “30 plants” approach includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. It’s about variety — not restriction.

How It’s Been Going (So Far)

Honestly? I’ve loved it. I’ve tried new ingredients, tested different cooking methods, and cleared out half my pantry (I polished off a container of hemp seeds that I’d bought and only used once and several cans of different legumes came in handy when I was stuck at the 27 or 28 plant number as the week drew to a close). Some things I didn’t enjoy, but many I did — and I’ve felt better for it. More energy, fewer tummy issues, and meals that feel genuinely nourishing.

Plus, to my surprise, it’s also made cooking more fun.

Now, I’m ready to get the rest of my family eating this way as well. Beyond the health benefits I also like the idea of making my children more comfortable eating new and interesting foods.

Why Start This Blog?

This blog is a space to share our journey as a family of five trying to eat 30 different plant foods a week — together.

Here’s what you’ll find:

How I plan meals around the challenge (without losing my mind)
How we track our plant count (even for the fussy eater)
What works and what doesn’t — especially with teens who are rarely home and a younger child who’s not a fan of veggies
Easy, family-friendly recipes and lunchbox ideas
How to keep eating well during “unusual times” travel, exams etc
Clever ways to sneak in extra plants without anyone noticing

This isn’t about perfection. Some weeks we’ll hit 30, some we won’t. Some meals will be a hit, others will spark full-blown rebellion over lentils. That’s real life — and that’s okay.

So, What Does “30 Plants” Actually Mean?

Just to clarify: this isn’t a vegan or vegetarian blog (though many meals may lean that way). The goal is diversity, not restriction.

We’ll still eat meat, fish, and dairy — just with a greater focus on plant variety. I’m also using the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating as a foundation, aiming for balance across all food groups while boosting our plant count.

What to Expect

I’ll be posting updates on:

What we ate (and what the kids actually liked)
How everyone’s feeling
Simple recipes that work for real families
Tips for managing busy schedules while eating well
Honest reflections, because parenting and food are messy

Whether you’re curious about the 30 plants challenge or looking for inspiration to feed your own family better — I’m glad you’re here.

Let’s grow a little healthier, one plant at a time.