Welcome back! Thanks for checking out this week's meal plan. For those of you who are new, the next few paragraphs are about my plans and some friendly reminders. You may want to check those out along with my tips for Pinterest meal planning and list-making on Google Keep. For those who have already read these reminders, scroll down for week eleven's fabulous recipes and grocery list!
You'll notice that many of my plans will include recipes that have similar ingredients or, better yet, make creative use of leftovers to help minimize your grocery list (aka save you money) and the amount of time you need to spend in the kitchen on those busy weeknights.
You'll also notice that I only have dinners planned for Monday through Friday. I'm a realist. I know that we're all busy and the chances of you actually getting to a home-cooked meal every weeknight are low. So feel free to rearrange plans and postpone as needed to fit your busy life. Go pick up take-out when you need to save your sanity and save one of these for the weekend. Managed to actually make each of these throughout the week? Great job! When you're at a loss for what to make over the weekend, go treat yourself to a dinner out - you earned it!
Final note. I don't know how big your family is. You're going to want to look through the recipes and adjust amounts as needed - make sure you adjust your grocery list accordingly. Keep in mind that for plans that call for leftovers, you'll want to make sure to make more than enough of the original recipe to create leftovers. Essentially, any time I'm doing something in a crock pot, I'm making at least twice what I need so I have leftovers.
Meal Planning on Pinterest
I typically plan out the menu for my week on Pinterest. I have a board called "This Week's Menu" and I update it over the weekend or sometime before I plan on doing my grocery shopping. By pinning all of the recipes in one place for the week, it's just a few clicks to get the ingredients added to my grocery list (I use Google Keep), and a quick click each day to find my dinner recipe.
Get a leg up on the holiday weight-gain with this week of easy, delicious and healthy dinners!
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You guys. IT'S MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR! Yup, the day after Halloween and I'm that person with Christmas music blaring and a cheery pep in her step. I already find myself in the rosy mood that only the holidays can bring and so stoked for the delicious food that's about to be consumed over the next two months.
With that being said, I'm also the person that lacks self control at the Thanksgiving dinner table and will gladly load a plate full and then still go back for seconds. Loose fitting pants are a holiday staple and I don't feel bad about taking a nap after housing copious amounts of stuffing and mashed potatoes. Whether you share my same shameless love of holiday grub or you practice a little more restraint, we all can benefit from a little pre-holiday health. Below is a meal plan with some of my favorite healthy dinners, and as always - grocery list is included!
The Menu
Monday: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Kristin over at Iowa Girl Eats nails it again with this (Really, Really Good) Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo Cred: Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats
Because I can't do a healthy gluten free meal plan without including a recipe from the fabulous Iowa Girl Eats blog! Her stuff is seriously so good and this one is no exception! I mean, it says it right in the blog title - "(Really, Really Good) Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet. The leftovers on this one are excellent so plan on making a double batch if needed to cover Wednesday's dinner!
Tuesday: Veggie Packed Turkey Burgers
Hop on over to our recipe page for this easy, healthy and delicious weeknight meal. Veggie packed and loaded with flavor, grilled turkey burgers are a guilt free way to get your burger fix!
Whether you are blessed with gorgeous weather and grill these suckers outside or need to use an indoor grill pan like me, these burgers are a great way to get that lean protein and veggies into your day! Serve it up topped with guacamole and a side of grilled asparagus (just drizzle with olive oil and season with salt & pepper).
Wednesday: Leftover Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet
An easy, delicious and healthy weeknight meal from our girl Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats!
Wednesday nights seem to always be busy. Heat up some delicious leftovers from Monday's dinner and enjoy the break.
Thursday: Sausage & Veggie Stir Fry Over Quinoa
A fall-like twist on your typical stir fry! Berly's Kitchen made our pre-holiday healthy meal plan with this hearty quinoa bowl.
Berly's Kitchen had us at easy and delicious. Definitely not what I think of when I think of stir fry but this healthier version does not disappoint! Another excellent one to make more than enough and enjoy leftovers over the weekend!
Friday: Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing
The flavors in this salad are out of this world! Check out Carlsbad Cravings for this and other delicious recipes!
Dive into the weekend on a fresh note with this AMAZING salad by Carlsbad Cravings. The recipe seems a little ingredient intensive but you likely have most of it in your pantry and refrigerator already so it's totally worth it!
The Grocery List
Staples (items you should always have on hand)
- Olive Oil
- Lime Juice
- Chicken Breasts
- Shallot or Onion
- Garlic
- Taco Seasoning
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sugar
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ketchup
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Mayonnaise
- 2- 15 oz cans black beans
- 4 oz can of diced green chiles
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- Quinoa
- Chicken Broth
Additional Items
- 1 Large Sweet Potato
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
- Romaine Lettuce
- Avocados
- Asparagus
- Cilantro
- GF Corn Tortillas
- GF Enchilada sauce
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- Finely Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Smoked Sausage
- Sweet Corn
- GF Tortilla Chips