Weekly Meal Plan // December 15-20

Midterms, Send Help and Easy Recipes!!

At this point my body composition is 50% sugar. Fudge, peppermint bark, date squares and toffee have been my go to holiday pick-me-up. Not good. This week I need a healthy meal plan that’s quick and easy. My older two have midterms all week long, and my youngest has her own set of tests and quizzes. I feel their stress and anxiety in a real way. I’m trying to stay calm and not freak out, but like most moms I tend to mirror my kids’ emotions. One day, and one dinner, at a time.

SUNDAY

Picadillo with lean ground beef instead of pork. Serve over flavorful cauliflower rice to sneak in more veggies, or stuffed in roasted zucchini boats or squash.

MONDAY

The night before midterms and all through the house…Something healthy and easy that kids can eat at various times if our schedules aren’t in sync. That means a slow cooker dinner. I have a huge batch of veggie chili in the freezer that I can warm up with cornbread. I linked a homemade cornbread recipe, but I’m using the cornbread mix from Central Market because I have it in my pantry! Butter lettuce with super simple salad dressing on the side.

TUESDAY

Let’s make Skinnytaste’s lasagna soup. If you can’t find chicken Italian sausage, use turkey or pork. I’m adding some arugula leaves to the pot for extra greens. This is a hearty soup, but if you want to add a salad to the meal, try radicchio or shortcut caesar salad on the side.

WEDNESDAY

Midterms continue! For something super easy and quick, try salsa verde chicken, with either boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Everyone can make their own tacos or tostadas. It’s a five minute dinner which is perfect for a stressful week. Fill in with store bought guacamole, salsa and pickled jalapeños.

THURSDAY

We’re almost there! The last night before a break from studying, testing, carpooling and stressing. I’m making my kiddos a comforting tortellini casserole that’s a little similar in flavor to Tuesday night, but I know they’ll love it. I’ll probably omit the sausage tonight to lighten it up. A sheet pan of roasted broccoli with lemon and garlic on the side.

FRIDAY

Woohoo!!! Winter break starts now. Who needs dinner?! Just heat up leftovers and put your feet up, people! If you really need to cook, try my tomato confit pasta or check out Mark Bittman’s newsletter for inspiration.