My mother had a weekly menu too. A meat, a vegetable and a starch. Almost never had dessert, and usually did not have any bread unless it went with the meal (hush puppies with fried fish, for example, or buns for hot dogs and hamburgers). I don’t remember having salads but I do remember a selection of raw vegetables and olives for fiber (no dressings or dips). Small servings (compared to today), and nobody wanted a second serving. Benefit: No one in the household was overweight (we also didn’t each much snack food). All my mother’s set menus were tasty too.
...nobody wanted a second serving
_______________________
If I wait 20 minutes after finishing a normal plate/sides, I’m satisfied. Eating everything, including dessert and bread, within 30 minutes leaves me overstuffed and uncomfortable for the next 4-6 hours.