Welcome! For those of you who are new to Meal Planning, go to my “Meal Planning” tab here to help you out while you are getting started – lots of great resources.
You will see a few repeats from last week, I did a lot of “Go-To Meals” and leftovers, no need to cook as much!
In an effort to be a little healthier, I am trying to be more conscious about upping our fiber intake, and cutting back a little on so much dairy and meat products. Don’t get me wrong I love my meat and cheese, but it gives us the opportunity to get more legumes, whole grains and vegetables/fruits into our diet. While I feel we do fairly well, I have been reading this great book a reader gave me called The Full Plate Diet. I am not a dieter, never have been, but I like the concepts of upping fiber intake to aid in so many areas to promote health.
So, I am trying to add even more fruits and veggies, along higher frequencies of beans, while cutting back on so much meats (Mostly pork, b/c it is very hard for the body to digest.) Now, don’t think I am going vegetarian or anything on you! I would never do that, just altering our quantities is all.
What about you, any great insights or experiences in helping keep your family healthy? Great recipes I could use for beans and whole grains? I would love your input.
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Meal Plan for the week of October 12th:
Sunday:
(Lunch) Scrambled eggs, whole wheat waffles and apple slices
(Dinner) Our 6 year ANNIVERSARY! Out to dinner!
Monday: Homemade Spaghetti, green salad and garlic cheese toast
Tuesday: Southwest Rollups, green garden salad
Wednesday: Savory Pinto Beans, whole grain rice and ground turkey in corn tortillas w/ salsa (w/ green chili peppers and diced tomatoes)
Thursday: Baked Lemon Tilapia, lemon spaghetti and steamed broccoli with whole wheat rolls
Friday: Ground Turkey and Black Bean Taco Salad with chips,salsa and guacamole (FREE from freezer)
Saturday: Birthday Party for Dinner (Happy Birthday Mac!)
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Lunches:
Turkey Sandwiches
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, sliced apples
PB&J, sliced apples
Venison bologna sandwiches
Leftovers – southwest rollups, tacos, quesadillas, spaghetti
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Breakfast:
freezer waffles w/ frozen strawberries
strawberry smoothie, whole wheat toast w/ peanut butter
cereal, whole wheat toast w/ jelly
breakfast burrito (egg, cheese, & salsa)
egg sandwich w/ cheese, fruit
oatmeal, whole wheat toast, sliced apples
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Snacks:
homemade popcorn or mini-pouches
smoothies
apples w/ peanut butter
applesauce
go-gurts
string cheese
cheese slices on crackers
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:: Check out more menu planning ideas here.
What meals are you planning this week? Any tips on how to easily meal plan? Whether or not you posted your meal plan for the week, please take a moment to leave your ideas in a comment. Let’s help each other out in sticking to our budgets!
Prunes are great, candy like and wonderful topping for jello or ginger bread when whipped with cool whip. Another fruit with extra fiber.
you asked for input w/ whole grains/veggies:
one of my favorite go to snacks/lunches is hummus roll ups. Get whole grain tortillas, and spread hummus in it, add turkey, roll it up. my kids love it! or I put hummus, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, roll it up. so easy!
I would love to have some of your smoothie recipes, are they listed anywhere???
thanks!
My mother-in-law’s chili recipe is a great way to get some beans and Vitamin C into your diet, plus it’s super easy! Just remember…2 cans of everything! Two cans of each of the following: Kroger Spicy Chili Beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, plus 1 or 2 lbs meat (I use 1 lb. ground turkey breast), a small chopped red onion and green pepper (optional) and a Tablespoon of Chili Powder. Put a small amount of water (about 1/2 cup) in the bottom of a pot. Add the meat until the pink is gone. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for half an hour on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve with shredded cheddar on top and cornbread. Mmmmmm…..Even better the next day. Serves 4-6.
I just want to say, I didn’t mean to offend with my comments above… nothing wrong at all with vegetarian, in fact I believe it is much healthier. I am just a real meat and potatoes girl, and as much as I would like to, will never be able to be a vegetarian. I so admire those of you who enjoy and are able to do it!
I just want to say, I didn’t mean to offend with my comments above… nothing wrong at all with vegetarian, in fact I believe it is much healthier. I am just a real meat and potatoes girl, and as much as I would like to, will never be able to be a vegetarian. I so admire those of you who enjoy and are able to do it!
Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post!
You have some great content and recipes on this site! I’ve become a regular reader. I also have a nutrition blog and would love to know what you think of my site: http://www.shar-on-nutrition.com
Feel free to leave a comment 🙂
Hi Kelly,
Glad you are enjoying The Full Plate Diet. Looks like it’s a perfect fit for helping you reach your goals–more fiber, healthier food, less meat and dairy. Check out our website for some delicious whole grain and bean recipes.
Regards,
Diana Fleming, PhD, LDN
Co-author of The Full Plate Diet