January Meal Plan Week 4

1/25-1/31

Breakfast.......................... Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

I missed out on doing January, but I am happy to announce my son was born! If this month hadn't gotten away from me, I would have focused on healthy foods. I mean it's January and everyone is trying to diet and start off the year right, and I need to loose my pregnancy weight so I will use this last week for that.

M Oatmeal / Tuna stuffed avocado/ Pumpkin Veggie Burger/ Apple Chips

T Spinach, Mushroom, Feta, Omlet/ Left over burgers /Sweet Potato Sheppard's Pie/ Banana and Peanut Butter

W Orange smoothie / left over Sweet Potato Sheppard's Pie/ Spaghetti Squash Chow Mien w/ Chicken /Carrots and Hummus

Th Whole Wheat Waffle w/ Almond Butter and Jelly/Quinoa Pizza Bites/ Hummus Wrap with Ground Beef/ Cantaloupe

F Rice Crispies and Banana/ Minestrone Soup and Crackers / Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Chicken, in a Whole Wheat Wrap/ Applsauce

S Fun Fetti Pancakes and Turkey Bacon /Chickpea, Sweet Potato, Apple, Farro, Salad/Greek Yogurt

U Breakfast with Nana /Chicken and Quinoa Enchilada Bake / Orange

Recipes

This week I bought chicken and ground beef, I plan on making my beef stretch by mixing it with other ingredients, because it is expensive.

Pumpkin Veggie Burger

http://peasandcrayons.com/2015/10/chipotle-pumpkin-veggie-burgers.html

INGREDIENTS

1 TBSP ground flax seed

3 TBSP water

1 cup cannellini beans

1 cup pumpkin puree or squash

1 clove garlic, smashed/minced

½ cup chopped green onion

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt-free Italian seasoning blend

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 TBSP oil

1.5 cups oat flour

1-2 cups salad greens and/or micro greens

4 toasted buns [optional]

AVOCADO SMASH:

1 ripe avocado

⅛ tsp paprika

a pinch of salt

Spaghetti Squash Chow Mien

http://littlebitsof.com/2014/10/spaghetti-squash-chow-mein/

INGREDIENTS

( I am adding chicken to mine)

1 large spaghetti squash

cooked chicken

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 stalks celery, sliced diagonally

2 cups cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

Sweet Potato Sheppard's Pie

http://www.veganinsanity.com/recipes/sweet-potato-shepherds-pie/#.VqZ3bvkrLIU

( I am adding ground beef to mine, mixed in with the lentils)

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & chopped into small pieces

ground beef

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

½ cup diced celery

½ cup diced onions

1 large garlic clove, minced

½ cup diced carrots

4½ cups cooked lentils

2 cups diced tomatoes

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp milk

Salt & pepper to taste

paprika & fresh parsley, for garnish

Quinoa Pizza Bites

http://www.livewellbakeoften.com/2015/04/13/quinoa-pizza-bites/

INGREDIENTS

1 and ½ cups cooked quinoa

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup mini pepperonis (can substitute for sausage, or veggies)

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Humus Wrap

http://www.pancakewarriors.com/hummus-wrap/

INGREDIENTS

(I am adding ground beef to mine, mixed in with the quinoa)

2 collard green leaves (1 big and 1 small), large part of stem removed (or lettuce of your choice)

2 tbs. hummus

2 tbs. cooked quinoa

5-6 slices cucumber

¼ avocado, sliced

4-5 slices bell pepper

1 small beet, sliced thin

Black Bean and Sweat Potato Taco

http://spoonuniversity.com/cook/black-bean-and-butternut-squash-tacos/?utm_source=delish&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=content-partnerships

INGREDIENTS

( I am adding chicken to mine)

2 cups cubed butternut squash or sweet potatoes

1 cup black beans

1/3 package of Taco Mix Seasoning (or 1 teaspoon each cumin, cayenne, and paprika)

4 Whole Wheat tortillas

½ large tomato

1/3 avocado, cubed

1/2 lime (optional)

¼ cup cilantro (optional)

Salsa (optional)

Hot sauce (optional)

Chickpea, Sweet Potato, Apple, Farro, Salad

http://spoonuniversity.com/cook/chickpea-sweet-potato-and-apple-farro-salad/?utm_source=delish&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=content-partnerships
INGREDIENTS

( I am adding chicken to mine)

1 cup farro

1 cup peeled, cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash

1 cup arugula

1/2 large apple, chopped

½ cup chickpeas

2-3 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon cumin, cayenne, paprika, or taco seasoning (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken and Quinoa Enchilada Bake

http://theartofcomfortbaking.blogspot.com/2015/05/chicken-and-quinoa-enchilada-bake.html
INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa

1 cup cooked and shredded chicken

1 1/4 cup Homemade Enchilada Sauce (or 1 (10 oz) can store bought sauce)

1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained

1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)

1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese

1 Roma tomato

Tuna Stuffed Avacado

http://www.thestayathomechef.com/2015/04/healthy-tuna-stuffed-avocado.html

Minestrone Soup

http://www.littlespicejar.com/homemade-minestrone-soup-slow-cooker/

Apple Chips

http://deliciouslysprinkled.com/baked-apple-chips/

Week 4... December Meal Planning

December Meal Plan

12/21-12/27Breakfast..........................  Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

I hope you have started to notice a pattern in a lot of these meals. I a making foods that are wrapped! We've done tamalles, stuffed cabbage, this week we are doing two different stuffed chickens, and beef wellington. I hope you are continuing to enjoy wrapping up these meals with me. 

 12/21-12/27

M   Tree Oatmeal/ Grilled Cheese Gingerbread Cut Outs/  Eggplant Rollatini / Melted Snowman Yogurt

T   Snowman Boiled Eggs / Left over Eggplant /Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Thighs/ Cheese Stick Snowman

W  Joe's Yogurt O's candy cane/Fish Sticks / Pork Sheppard's Pie / Snowman Kabobs

Th Snowman Waffle /Wreath Pizza/ Christmas Eve Dinner at Grandmas 

F   Cookies (it's our tradition, to eat Christmas cookies)/ Left over Sheppard's Pie/ Christmas Day Dinner

S Candy Cane pancake / Go out or order in (after the holidays take a day off even if it's just Chinese take out) /  Grinch Kabobs

U Breakfast with Nana /Spicy Thai Peanuts Wraps/ Applesauce

Recipes

This week I plan to buy chicken breasts, bacon, and some form of beef. Beef is expensive, so I am not going to be picky, I usually look for the manager specials and work with that.

Eggplant Rollatini 

INGREDIENTS

1 Eggplant

Breadcrumbs

Ricotta Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

Tomato Sauce

Italian Spices (oregano, basil, thyme)

Directions: Peel the eggplant and slice length wise. Dip eggplant into an egg wash (milk and eggs) and into the breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 F on a cookie sheet. Mix the ricotta with an egg and Italian seasoning, butter the eggplant and roll it up. Place in a cooking dish, cover with sauce and mozzarella cheese, put back into the oven till the cheese is melted.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Thighs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638376018899/

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

2 large cloves garlic, peeled and very thinly sliced

1 package or bundle fresh rosemary

8 pieces good quality boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 thin slices prosciutto 

2 lemons, cut into thin wedges

Drizzle balsamic vinegar

Pork Sheppard's Pie 
http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/food/recipes/a9515/shepherds-pie-recipe-0311/

INGREDIENTS

4 ½ lbs pork shoulder
3 tbsp salt
5 carrots, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
4 celery ribs, cleaned and diced (about 2 cups)
4 small yellow onions, peeled and diced (about 2 ½ cups)
4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
8 whole black peppercorns
5 tbsp tomato paste
9 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 lbs)
12 tbsp (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter (cut into 12 pieces while still cold)
1 ½ to 2 pints heavy cream
ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ cups frozen peas, defrosted

Spicy Thai Peanuts Wraps

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168603579776946980/

INGREDIENTS 

FOR THE PEANUT SAUCE:
½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut milk (canned)
1½ Tbsp soy sauce
1½ Tbsp tamari
1½ Tbsp brown sugar
1½ Tbsp minced fresh ginger
2 Tbsp lime juice1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp red curry paste
1 small shallot, peeled and finely minced
FOR THE WRAPS:
Flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro

 Chicken Breast

Shredded purple cabbage
Shredded carrots
Birds Eye Protein Blend (California variety)

Tree Oatmeal
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Holiday-Food-Art-36208202#photo-36208217

Melted Snowman Yogurt (I plan to use pretzels instead of chocolate)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9499849189952098/

Joe's Yogurt O's candy cane
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638374249223/

Snowman Boiled Eggs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/540713498985889000/

Candy Cane pancake
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Holiday-Food-Art-36208202#photo-36208229

Wreath Pizza
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/145241156708823319/

Cheese stick snowman
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/358880664030530264/

Grinch Kabobs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/342906959102301001/

Week 3...December Meal Planning

December Meal Plan

Breakfast..........................  Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

I hope you have started to notice a pattern in a lot of these meals. I a making foods that are wrapped! We've done tamalles, stuffed cabbage, this week we are doing two different stuffed chickens, and beef wellington. I hope you are continuing to enjoy wrapping up these meals with me. 

 12/14-12/20

M   Eggnog Oatmeal / Red and Green Deviled Eggs/  Burrito Bowl/ Trail Mix

T   Scrambled Eggs and Fruit Salad / Left over Burrito Bowl (in a tortilla) /Beef Wellington/ Popcorn Snowman 

W  Smoothie/ Macaroni and Cheese / Stuffed Chicken Breast and baked Sweet Potatoes / Dried Fruit

Th Cereal/Candy Cane Pizza/ Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles/ Pomegranate and String Cheese

F Snow man Mini bagel with cream cheese blueberries and orange slice / Left over Stroganoff/ Coconut Chicken over Rice/  Whole Wheat Graham Crackers and Milk

S Gingerbread Pancakes / Bacon Wrapped Guacamole Stuffed Chicken/  Apple and Cheddar Cheese

U Breakfast with Nana /Quiche / Yogurt and Granola

Recipes

This week I plan to buy chicken breasts, bacon, and some form of beef. Beef is expensive, so I am not going to be picky, I usually look for the manager specials and work with that.

Burrito Bowl

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/154529830939687288/

INGREDIENTS

1 cup uncooked rice or quinoa
1/2 cup salsa (restaurant-style, or your favorite store-bought brand)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 roma tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups corn (I used frozen corn, thawed)
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Creamy chipotle sauce
Other additions: onion, green onion, bell pepper, avocado, cilantro

Beef Wellington
http://www.notquitenigella.com/2010/11/18/easy-individual-beef-wellingtons/

INGREDIENTS

Your choice of beef

3/4 C mushrooms 
1/2 onion, cut into quarters
a pinch of thyme leaves
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic oil
1/4 cup red wine
2 sheets puff pastry 
1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons milk

Stuffed chicken

INGREDIENTS

1lb. Chicken breast cut thin or pounded out

Bread crumbs (optional)

3Tbs butter

1 clove garlic

1/4 C cheddar cheese

Filling

Then mix together:

1 Bar cream cheese (you can use Neufchtel or cottage cheese if your trying watch calories)

1/2 Bar cheddar cheese (use feta or Parmesan if watching calories)

Seasoning (a little salt and pepper or whatever you want I usually buy mixed seasonings)

1 tsp garlic

2 C steamed broccoli or spinach

Directions:

First preheat your oven to 350F.

Then, butter the chicken generously with the mixture and roll the chicken up. 

Next coat with an egg wash (I just mix an egg and milk together), then toss in bread crumbs till completely covered (if you are looking to cut calories you can skip this step).

After place in a pan, once have finished rolling and breading, drizzle with melted butter and garlic, and into the oven for 20min.

Last step, after your 20 min, sprinkle more cheese on top, and put back in till melted about 10 min.

Beef Stroganoff 

http://www.eazypeazymealz.com/crock-pot-beef-stroganoff/

INGREDIENTS 

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 4 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 large onion
• 1 package egg noodles

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms

Coconut Chicken

INGREDIENTS 

One chicken (cubed)

Coconut milk, 12oz

Tomatoes (chopped), 3

Onions (sliced), 2

Cloves of garlic (minced), 2

Ginger root (grated), 2 tsp

Coconut oil (for frying)

Salt

Pepper

Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Grated lemon zest, 1 tsp

Cayenne pepper

Preparation:

In a large bowl, place the chicken with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and zest, let it marinate for a few hours.

 Heat oil in a wok and fry the onions and garlic until the onion is soft, add the chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is browned all sides.

reduce the heat and add the tomatoes and the ginger, stir for a few minutes before adding the coconut milk.Allow simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce becomes thick.

Serve over rice.

Bacon Wrapped Guacamole Stuffed Chicken

http://www.closetcooking.com/2015/07/bacon-wrapped-guacamole-stuffed-chicken.html

INGREDIENTS
4 (6 ounce) chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded thin
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup guacamole
8 slices bacon

Quiche

http://www.chobani.com/culture/recipes 

INGREDIENTS

1 C non-fat plain Greek yogurt

1 9-inch pie crust

1 small yellow onion

1 T olive oil

1 10 oz package thawed frozen spinach, water squeezed out (broccoli is good too)

8oz cheese ( they call for Gruyere, but cheddar works or Parmesan for a healthy choice)

4 large eggs

1/4 C milk

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp nutmeg

(I add bacon to mine)

Eggnog Oatmeal

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/284008320227431530/ 

Snow man Mini bagel with cream cheese blueberries and orange slice https://www.pinterest.com/pin/44332377553444225/

Red and Green Deviled Eggs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638375958622/

Gingerbread pancakes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129056345547800017/

http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Holiday-Food-Art-36208202#photo-36208227

Candy Cane Pizza

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2322237283510453/

Popcorn snowman 

http://www.creativekidsnacks.com/2012/12/10/snowman-popcorn-cups/