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 simple, healthy, and family-friendly recipes to help you simplify feeding your family.
I need a serious lifestyle reset and not just from coming off of the holidays. My issues started WAY back in COVID times. I’ve had periods, over the past few years, when I’ve been really good about taking care of myself but for the most part, my health has taken a back seat. Like the old school facing backward in the station wagon backseat when your parents forget you are even in the car. Yep – that’s how I’ve been managing my health – like it doesn’t even exist!
A week into the New Year, I have started to put in place a few changes I hope I can stick with; I’m trying to cut out weeknight drinking, completely, which has a direct correlation to my weeknight snacking; I committed to exercising for an hour a day, six days a week, and the most important component – eating healthier.
So, to kick off 2023, I’m going back to basics – more protein and vegetables, fewer carbs! Of course, Sunday supper doesn’t count – everyone needs a comforting meal to start the week. Make sure to comment here or email me to let me know what you want to see more or less of!! Cheers.
Meal Plan 1/8 – 1/13
Sunday, January 8th | Orecchiette with Baked Mini Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Cream Sauce | Total Time: 55 minutes | If your family doesn’t ask for seconds of this recipe, I’ll be shocked. I’m serious but also kidding because my Regan will most certainly not be asking for seconds as she is not a pasta fan. Outside of the Regan’s in the world, I promise your fam will love this recipe. Tip: Use frozen meatballs to make this in under 25 minutes.
Monday, January 9th | Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic | Total Time: 22 minutes | If you are looking to fill your body with good stuff, fish is the best place to start. Fish is rich in calcium and phosphorus and a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also quick and easy to cook, perfect for a busy Monday. Serve with your favorite vegetable and roasted potatoes for the kids!
Tuesday, January 10th | Thai Beef Salad | Total Time: 23 minutes | The “thai” flavors in this response are all in the marinade with ginger, lime, brown sugar, a little sriracha, and fish sauce so it’s really family-friendly. Kid Tip: lose the sriracha if you are worried about the spice then serve the steak with some of the salad ingredients and leftover roasted potatoes from the night before! Prep Tip: prep the marinade and salad ingredients ahead of time!
Wednesday, January 11th | 30-Minute Ground Beef and Mushroom Skillet | Total Time: 30 minutes | A quick and easy ground beef recipe. Saute beef with onions then add in mushrooms, garlic and spinach for a filling and healthy dish. Kid Tip: Most kids aren’t crazy for mushrooms, I get it, but you can easily turn this into a kid-friendly recipe. Remove some of the cooked beef/onion mixture, stuff it into a hoagie, then top with cheese and broil.
Thursday, January 12th | Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies | Total Time: 45 minutes | No Dinner With The Duffys meal plan is complete without a sheet pan recipe and this is one of my favorites. Sheet pan recipes are perfect for picky families because they are already deconstructed! Don’t skip adding in the dijon mustard and fresh basil!
Friday, January 13th | 5-Minute Lemon, Parmesan Lettuce Salad with Citrus Dijon Chicken | Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes (marinade time is 1 hour) If you haven’t eaten a crisp lettuce salad topped with lemon, parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, you have not lived. I’m not sure how something so simple can taste so damn good, but trust me, it does. Top with this yummy citrus, dijon chicken or a proten of your liking!!
Lunch This Week: Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
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