Did you watch the big game yesterday? If you enjoyed some chips, dips and treats you do not need a “reset” today! That’s diet culture pressure, guilt, and shame you into feelings you don’t need. If you simply want ideas for a nutrient-dense meal plan that also includes Valentine’s menu? We’ve got you! This week’s meal plan will have you feeling good and ready to celebrate LOVE this weekend.
In our family, making food and connection over a meal is one of the top ways we show love for ourselves and each other in our house. I remember when the boys were just toddlers learning to cook, they said “I’m putting my love into it for you, to taste good!” That about sums it up.
There’s truly something magical when you take a bite of food that a loved one poured their hard work and love into. It sets off a connection to your mind and body! And what better way to fuel that connection than nutrient dense foods which shower your body, gut, and soul with real LOVE!
Meal Plan for the Week of February 8th, 2021
Total unique veggie count for this week’s meal plan, just for dinners: 35! Add a green smoothie, salad for lunch, or snack on some fruit to get you even more! We build our plans to have a variety of proteins and diversity of fruits & veggies. You’ll get even more variety in your breakfast and lunches, exceeding the goal for optimum gut health diversity of 30 servings per week.
SUNDAY
- Sloppy Joes!
- Sweet potato fries (homemade, just slice and roast with oil and salt)
You asked and we finally delivered! We went down comfort food memory lane, and landed in Lunch Lady Land! Not a soul was disappointed by these stacked hot sandwiches. I don’t think you will be either.
Unique fruit & veggie varieties – 9: sweet onions, carrots, celery, yellow onion, baby bella mushrooms, beets, butternut squash, sweet potato, butter lettuce
Protein type: beef
MONDAY
- Broccoli “Cheddar” Soup
- top with bacon or serve leftover protein, something easy from the freezer, or a rotisserie chicken – Mondays are hard, give yourself grace!
You know me and my soups. This one is just too easy to not have on a current rotation on our meal plan. I highly recommend freezing and storing individual portions. That way you can just have one ready at any time!
Unique fruit & veggie varieties – 2: broccoli, garlic
Protein type: pork, chicken, or seafood
TUESDAY
We passed over taco tuesday but this casserole didn’t leave us feeling like we missed out! Always delivers and we’re able to pack veggies in without worry.
Unique fruit & veggie varieties – 8: red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, lime, olives, collard greens, tomato, cilantro
Protein type: beef
WEDNESDAY
One pot meal? YES please! When you want something fun, creative but not all of the work, try this recipe out. It’s an oldie but goodie around here. You’ll be wrestling for leftovers. If you want super simple, grab the Sweet Kale Salad from the store. But honestly, our homemade version is just as good and without hydrogenated oils. It comes together quickly while the chicken cooks!
Unique fruit & veggie varieties – 7: green cabbage, gala apples, granny smith apples, cranberries, sunflower seeds, curly kale, poppy seeds
Protein type: poultry
THURSDAY
- Leftovers!
FRIDAY
- Creamy Roasted Mushroom Soup from Peace Love and Low Carb
- Baked Fish and Wild Rice
Simple roasted fish can be paired with so many things! We love to buy filets frozen from Trader Joes and Costco then just bake them with olive oil or ghee and spices. We add a side of wild rice cooked in broth and then a creamy soup really brings the flavors all together.
Unique fruit & veggie varieties – 5: oyster, blue oyster, and shittake mushrooms, parsley and thyme
Protein type: seafood
SATURDAY – VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT IN!
You can read more about creating the perfect date night menu at home here. A perfect way to indulge for Valentine’s weekend that uses ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Unique fruit & veggie varieties – 4: lemon, pumpkin seeds, romaine, potato
Protein type: seafood, beef
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About our weekly menu
You are not alone in your struggle to put healthy meals on the table without spending all day in the kitchen. Trying to get in a variety of fruits, veggies, and protein while using local, seasonal ingredients, not to mention a variety of proteins and healthy fats, while not spending all day in the kitchen. Work, virtual school, parenting, maintaining social relationship in a time of quarantine… life is hard enough without the additional stress of what to meal plan and cook. But that’s why we’re here!
You can read about how we meal plan to do your own, or you can use each weekly post as your own menu or just for inspiration. Not every meal, every week will work for you and your family. But, I hope at least I can recommend some new, fun things and provide inspiration for your family to plan ahead in a way that works for you. We hope your whole family enjoys!
Read the original post about how we make it work for us and factors we consider here
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