Free Weekly Meal Planner

by Jen on May 20, 2013

Do you want to save time and stress in the kitchen?

Do you want to save money at the grocery store?

Do you want to cook healthy recipes for your family?

Do you want to lose weight and feel great?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then this free weekly meal planner is for you.  Making a meal plan is crucial if you want to make healthy choices, save time, and save money.  All of the recipes have been tested and approved by my husband and 3 young boys.

Click on the links to see the full recipe.  Enjoy!

weekly meal plan10 Free Weekly Meal Planner

 

Monday: Healthy Beef Noodle Salad

Tuesday: Pear & Spinach Quesadillas

Wednesday: Strawberry Balsamic Pizza and Salad

Thursday: Apricot Chicken Stir-Fry

Friday: Out for dinner OR Breakfast for dinner

Saturday: Lemony Asian Chicken Skewers, Quinoa Caprese Salad, and Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Sunday: Spicy Caprese Lasagna and Fresh Veggies

angel food cake 300x207 Free Weekly Meal Planner

 

Treat of the Week: Angel Food Cake with Orange Cream Sauce

 

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Quinoa Caprese Salad

by Jen on May 17, 2013

Another caprese recipe!  Maybe you think I’m crazy, but I honestly love caprese anything, don’t you?  I’m pretty sure it’s the fresh mozzarella that does it!

I’m sure you have all tried Caprese Salad at least once.  But I wanted to try making this Quinoa Caprese Salad.  I love quinoa because of it’s high protein.  As someone who can’t eat eggs, I rely a lot on plant based proteins.  Some other benefits of quinoa:

  • contains 9 essential amino acids
  • has a ton of fiber per serving
  • helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
  • is gluten-free

Mix this amazing grain with some baby tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic vinegar, and you’ve got a protein-packed, nutrient-dense salad.

pin it button Quinoa Caprese Salad

quinoa caprese salad4 picm Quinoa Caprese Salad

 

This salad is so simple yet so delicious.  And your whole family will like it because it doesn’t have a strong flavor…and what kid doesn’t like cheese?!  I paired this salad with some grilled chicken and green beans.

quinoa caprese salad3 text Quinoa Caprese Salad

 

This would be a perfect salad for a backyard BBQ party, just double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you are serving.  Now that herb growing season is in full effect, try growing your own fresh basil.  It’s a must for this salad, but also makes a great Lemon-Basil Pesto for many other dishes.

quinoa caprese salad6 text Quinoa Caprese Salad

 

I know you are going to love this Quinoa Caprese Salad!  If you try it, I would love to know what you think.  Let me know here.

Quinoa Caprese Salad

51

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 5 cups

Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
  • 2 Tbsp minced shallot
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, scrape into a serving bowl. Add tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. In a separate small bowl, whisk together minced red onion, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Pour over quinoa and toss to coat. Sprinkle with some fresh ground black pepper. Best served at room temperature.

Notes

Cal: 177 Protein: 10g Carbs: 15g Fat: 8g Fiber: 2g Sodium: 56mg

Weight Watchers Points+: 4

http://thefithousewife.com/2013/05/quinoa-caprese-salad.html/

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Slow Down to Lose Weight

May 13, 2013

You’re probably thinking why I would say “slow down” to lose weight.  When I say “slow down,” I’m not talking about physical exercise, because to lose weight, you definitely need to move more.  What I am talking about is slowing down while eating! Are you one of those people who rush around in the morning, trying to [...]

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Healthy Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day

May 10, 2013

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I thought I would give you some healthy gift ideas you can get your mom…or maybe you want to give these ideas to your kids (or hubby) to get you this Mother’s Day! Gift certificates: Does your mom have a favorite hobby?  Perhaps she has a favorite store? [...]

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Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bread

May 8, 2013

Now that my boys are getting a little older and more involved in sports activities, I want to make sure they are eating nutritious food that is going to provide them with the energy they need.  I find that when I bring a store-bought packaged snacks to their activities, they are hungry 10 minutes later, [...]

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Free Weekly Meal Planner

May 6, 2013

Do you want to save time and stress in the kitchen? Do you want to save money at the grocery store? Do you want to cook healthy recipes for your family? Do you want to lose weight and feel great? If you answered yes to any of the following, then this free weekly meal planner [...]

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Is Coffee Bad For Weight Loss?

May 3, 2013

I know you are probably thinking, “Jen, I can’t go without my daily java fix!”  Well, there is good news, I’m not asking you to give up coffee completely.  PHEW.  But I am asking you to carefully consider some of the popular blended coffee drinks that you may enjoy occasionally…or perhaps every day.  Surprisingly, even harmless [...]

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Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Rolls

May 1, 2013

I personally love lasagna rolls because they are nicely portioned and easy to make.  I think I’ve mentioned before that I don’t make whole lasagna because most of it doesn’t get eaten…my 3 little boys aren’t eating that much…yet! We enjoy the Skinny Mini Lasagna, but I also wanted to have a vegetarian option for [...]

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Free Weekly Meal Planner

April 29, 2013

Do you want to save time and stress in the kitchen? Do you want to save money at the grocery store? Do you want to cook healthy recipes for your family? Do you want to lose weight and feel great? If you answered yes to any of the following, then this free weekly meal planner [...]

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My Body Beast Results

April 26, 2013

If you’ve been following my Facebook page, then you have probably seen me post a few pictures of my Body Beast results.  To be honest, I was skeptical about Body Beast because it was intended for men to pump iron and get big muscles.  I knew I wouldn’t get HUGE muscles from the program because, [...]

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