Whole30 Meal Plan // Week of September 10

MONDAY

We have a few extra kids coming over before their first Young Life meeting tonight. I’m making a big batch of weeknight chili and putting out all the fixings (grated cheese, sour cream, corn bread). If you’re doing Whole30, scoop out some of the chili before adding the beans. I may stir in a cup of cooked rice cauliflower to give mine more bulk and vegetables. You can make the chili with either ground dark meat turkey or ground beef; or if you don’t like beans, double the meat and call it a day. Also make sure your bacon is sugar-free, Pederson’s makes a great Whole30 approved bacon.

TUESDAY

We have a relatively quiet night (if you don’t count homework) so I’d love to have a good dinner and linger at the table a little. Simple roasted salmon with ginger soy sauce on the side sounds perfect. Substitute coconut aminos and omit the sugar if you’re doing Whole30. My roasted salmon recipe has white wine in it; omit for Whole30 and instead add the same amount of water to help slightly poach the salmon. Spinach with sesame and garlic on the side (again omit the sugar, and use coconut aminos). I’m craving these simple roasted potatoes — they’re just too good!

WEDNESDAY

Upper school back to school night (and I’ve heard it’s a marathon). We need something ready early in the day, and I’m teaching a cooking class so won’t have much time for prep. Salsa Verde Chicken in the Instant Pot to the rescue! It takes all of 5 minutes to throw together and will stay warm until each family member is ready to eat. I’ll have mine in a taco bowl of cauliflower rice or salad greens, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños and cilantro. If you have time, make my favorite La Taqueria green sauce. Kids will have their chicken in tortillas with cheese and salsa. Double the salsa verde chicken recipe and use the leftovers for salads. I may cut some carrot sticks, celery, peppers and cucumber slices to put out with ranch as an after school snack. Capitalize on that “starving” moment when they’re fresh from school to get veggies in your kids.

THURSDAY

Excited for the Tidbits of Houston It Girls of Instagram party at Neiman Marcus tonight — if you haven’t voted, there’s still time! Join me from 6pm-8pm if you can make it. I’ll be knocking back Pellegrino and sneaking handfuls of almonds from my purse. I might have one of the Snap Kitchen Whole30 meals before heading out. My family will be coming in hot after a football game and field hockey practice. They’ll have one of my “emergency dinners”: Trader Joe’s Just Sauce Turkey Bolognese (I heat it in a pan and stir in frozen riced cauliflower and some spinach leaves). Or Cheese Tortellini Casserole. To assemble, cook the tortellini for one minute less than the package directions (frozen tortellini works great). Drain the cooked tortellini and layer it in a casserole dish with Rao’s Marinara and fresh basil or spinach leaves. Add another layer of tortellini, marinara, basil or spinach and top with grated mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve a green salad with super simple salad dressing on the side.

FRIDAY

I’m teaching a lunchtime class at Central Market from 11am-12:30pm today. Sign up if you can make it, there are still plenty of spots! We have a family girls trip to San Diego this weekend for a belated 75th birthday gathering for my mom (hi mom!). I’ll be trying to keep it as Whole30 as possible, and will be the most annoying hotel guest when ordering meals.