Following a weekly meal plan is the best way to cook healthier for your family, and save time and money. Each week I share six easy, healthy, and family-friendly recipes to help you simplify feeding your family!
Well hello there. I’m on day ten of spring break and I am the most relaxed and content I’ve been in the longest time. Unfortunately, Monday is only two days away but I’m going to pretend like that’s a lifetime from now. I’ve seen the most amazing pictures from so many of you vacationing in the tropics, skiing, and living your best lives and I’m a wee bit jealous because my family literally stayed home all of the spring break. But there is an upside to being in your home with nothing to do for 12 days – the Duffys are rested, the house is clean and the linen closet and playroom are organized!
If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen where I plan to start a new diet this week. (Technically I said last week but diet + spring break don’t really go together) For the most part, meal planning helps to keep me on track but it can’t seem to stop me from eating the kid’s cookies, cheez-its, and whatever else we have on hand when I get home from work and before I go to bed. And it doesn’t help with the wine consumption. I’ve never been overly focused on what the scale says but I do take offense when my cute clothes begin to feel snug. And they are really snug.
After very little research (I read most of the book), I’ve decided to give the Dukan Diet a try. You can read all about it but basically, it’s a four-phased low carb, low sugar diet where you begin by only eating protein for a few days then quickly add in low-carb veggies and fruits. Each phase allows for more and more fruits and veggies until eventually get you to the stabilization phase where you are eating mostly what is on the meal plan now. The Dukan Diet produces quick results in the initial phase which I need to keep stay motivated. There are no counting calories or carbs or limits on how much you can eat – just restrictions on what foods are allowed.
What does this mean for the meal plan? Nada. I’m still meal planning for my family and in less than a week I’ll be back to eating what I’m planning with just a few simple adjustments. I’m happy to share all of those with you if you are interested. Just email me or shoot me a message on Instagram!
Meal Plan 4/24 – 4/29
Sunday, April 24th | Honey and Mustard Baked Chicken and Rice | Total Time: 45 minutes | Hands-on Time: 15 minutes | Chicken drumsticks, tossed in a simple honey mustard marinade and baked over basmati rice. One pan, kid-friendly flavors. A mom’s dream recipe. A few things – this is a British recipe so some of the measurements have to be converted. 330 grams of basmati = 1 1/4 cups. 500 ml of stock = 16 ounces.
Monday, April 25th | Skillet Cajun Spiced Fish with Tomatoes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Hands-on Time: 5 minutes | 7 simple ingredients come together in no time in this healthy, satisfying dish. Serve over rice or omit for low carb!
Tuesday, April 26th | Chicken “Nachos” Skillet | Total Time: 25 minutes | Hands-on Time: 12 minutes | AKA – Chicken tenders spiced and cooked then topped with nacho toppings sans chips. But still, yummy, and kids can top their “nachos” with their favorites! For example, Regs’ plate will be chicken topped with cheese and bacon.
Wednesday, April 27th | Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites: Roasted Sausage and Potato Supper | Total Time: 1 hour | Hands-on Time: 10 minutes | I have no clue who Mary Berry is but I’m guessing she’s a mom because this is a one-pan weeknight dream. Sausages roast with onions, peppers, and potatoes in a simple white wine and thyme sauce. Brilliant.
Thursday, April 28th | Easy Lean Chili Mac | Total Time: 40 minutes | Hands-on Time: 10 minutes | This is one of those recipes where you might actually get to sneak in some veggies without your kids really noticing!
Friday, April 29th | BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza | Total Time: 25 minutes | Hands-on Time: 10 minutes | Try these yummy French bread pizzas instead of ordering in! I love using French bread for the base of my pizzas – crunchy on the outside but soft in the center!
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