Weekly Meal Plan (Oct 6-12)

Another delicious week of meals coming at ya…

You can scroll down for exactly what I’m making for dinner each night this week. Or, if you’re new here, I’ll explain a bit more about this whole “meal planning” thing.

Every weekend, I meal plan for myself and my family. I don’t cook any of these meals ahead of time, but this strategic approach to eating saves me time, money and allows me to eat healthy. Go figure – if you plan to eat healthy meals, you’ll actually eat healthy meals. Here is what I’ll be making for dinner this week. I will keep up with these posts all throughout the challenge.

WHAT IS MEAL PLANNING?

Meal planning is exactly as it sounds: planning your meals ahead of time. For me, I plan out all my dinners and then just think of some breakfast and snack options. 
I plan it out exactly as you’ll see below. I check what i have on hand and i’ll grocery shop for any necessary items.
 
LG EAT YOUR WAY LEAN MEAL PLAN: 
Many of the recipes that I will reference in these eating + meal planning posts can be found in my Meal Plan. As part of my meal plan, I send weekly cookbooks out each week of the challenge, so this is how I am incorporating those recipes into what I am eating this week.
I HIGHLY recommend this plan to those women who want to see results through food. It’s an easy-to-follow eating approach that teaches you macro combinations, portions + even optimal timing. Yet, you’ll still be eating your favorite foods like pizza, pasta, cookies, chips and chocolate (seriously!)
 
MY DINNER TRICK: I like to cook a fresh, different dinner each night. This approach is magic because…

• I actually get to enjoy a just-made delicious dinner (that’s quick to make, typical LG style) 
• my cravings kick in at night and having a delicious dinner helps curb my PM cravings + snacking
• I double the recipe so that I always have leftovers for the follow day’s lunch 

 
DINNER IDEAS:
Like I mentioned, I cook a fresh dinner each night. Here’s what I’ll be cooking this week. If you’re following my approach, don’t forget to double your serving while you cook to have a healthy, reheatable lunch option for the next day.
Just a reminder that recipes I reference below are found in this Meal Plan.
CHICKEN SAUSAGE + PLAN B MEAL – I did this last Sunday and I loved it because I didn’t feel pressured to make a full meal. Here’s what to do… cook 5-10 links of chicken sausage; just slice and cook in a pan (this will be a great protein option throughout the week). I am going to use what I call a “Plan B Meal” – this is anything you can pop in the oven or microwave and enjoy with serving of chicken sausage.
Examples: Trader Joes’s oven casseroles, Amy’s Organics meals, etc.
SAUSAGE + RICE CASSEROLE – fall = casseroles. I love beginning the week with a meal that can last throughout the week. This one tastes even better the next day!
recipe found in this week’s cookbook as part of the Meal Plan 

 
CHEESEBURGER SALAD – this meal comes together quickly and it always satisfies!
find the free recipe HERE

 
PUMPKIN ALFREDO – I am so excited to put this on the table this week! I know it’s delicious but I am excited for my family to obsess over it too! This is a vegetarian-friendly recipe, but I am going to use the remaining chicken sausage I prepped on Sunday in this!
recipe found in this week’s cookbook as part of the Meal Plan


SHEET PAN CHICKEN THIGHS + VEGGIES – I’m usually all about chicken breasts but lately, I’ve been mixing in some chicken thighs because they’re so flavorful. This dinner is super easy… you just plop in on a baking sheet + put it in the oven to cook!
recipe found in this week’s cookbook as part of the Meal Plan

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER – breakfast food is our favorite around here, so I’m going use a lot of what we have in the refrigerator for this meal (it’s also a good way to clear out food before you buy more).
Recipe:

• egg
• veggies (whatever you have on hand!)
• cheese, sprinkle a little bit on top
• toast/hashbrowns/bagels (again, whatever we have that I’m looking to clear out before the new week)

TREAT MEAL! I use Saturday night as a time to enjoy treats – go ahead and enjoy! Share what you’re indulging in on social and tag me because I am all about it haha.