Weekly Meal Planning is one of my favorite things to do. Call me a dork, I know.I am going to try this format and see how you like it this week.
I have a regular calendar print out from the internet, and I plan the month out…sometimes, three months in advance. I grab a few of my favorite cookbooks and my computer and figure out what looks good.
Now, I may not follow the meal plans 100% for the month. But weekly, I really try and use everything in our fridge before going to the store for more groceries. If I have something on the menu that I am just not feeling, I’ll see what else I can create using some of the same ingredients.
I hope that this weeks list can inspire you and your family to try something new, or at least to help get your brain thinking of meal ideas.
Monday: Paleo/Whole 30 Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash
These meatballs are my FAVORITE! You can make the gravy. I typically open some marina sauce and put the meatballs in the crockpot while we are at dance and dinner is ready once we get home. I also cook the Squash in the Instant Pot for a quick dinner. It can also be cooked in the oven.
Tuesday: Chicken and Kale Salad– If you don’t like Kale, try this salad just one time. I promise you, it is SO good. I think the key is to let the salad dressing sit on the kale for a little bit before eating. The acidity from the dressing helps soften and break down the kale, to not make it bitter.
Wednesday: Parsley Lemon Chicken- I rarely follow recipes completely. I love being creative in the kitchen. I was inspired by another Italian type dish for this recipe. But it is SIMPLE and delish, and something different than plain chicken. Lately, I have been loving, boneless, skinless chicken thighs from HEB. I think they are so juicy and flavorful. To get started, Chop the chicken, and chop up a handful of Flat Leaf Parley, a tablespoon of lemon juice, salt, and pepper and a little bit of whatever oil you have in the kitchen (avocado or coconut or olive oil). Let the chicken marinade for 4 hours – overnight. I have even done as little as 2 hours and it turned out great. After it marinates, Saute it. Serve with quinoa and your choice of vegetables.
A quick tip: Chop the entire package of thighs and marinade for the week and pull out when you need something. That way you are making one mess, and you have it for at least two meals.
Thursday: (National Taco Day): Keep it simple.Ground beef, season with your favorite taco seasoning. Serve with tortillas or make nachos.
Friday: Dinner out.
Saturday: Short Ribs- Against All Grain website and books are my go-to for Paleo recipes. She makes it possible for my kids and I to enjoy all the fun treats.
Sunday:Our go to for Sunday dinners are HEB pre-packaged burgers, like the bacon cheddar or the plain prime burgers. (not advertised, just my families favorites). and homemade fries or grab some pre-packaged to make dinner really easy.
I hope this helps make your life a little bit easier!
Let me know what you think.