These two weeks we just had, have always been my favorite two weeks of the year! The first week filled with the holiday season and the second week filled with nothing but down time. I hate seeing the kids going back to school tomorrow. I just love having them home and in the house. Yet, I crave routine and I look forward to getting back into one! And that of course means getting back to my weekly meal plans!
Usually around this time of year, I try to come up with a clean eating plan. In fact, I have a whole post from last year dedicated to one, complete with downloadable dinner plans. Simply click here for it. However, this year I am just diving into January with a committed workout plan and a promise to be mostly alcohol free other than a few special occasions this month!
New Year’s Cleaning Tip
Besides getting back into meal planning, I also like to take a look at my pantry right about now and clean house! I unload everything on the counter and vacuum out and wipe down all shelves. Then I take a look at any canned goods I have not used as well as other random packaged items like Pop Tarts and Granola bars that have not been eaten. I gather those things up and drop them off at my local food pantry. Finally, I try to come up with additional storage solutions for more space and better organized (and prettier!) shelves. I love heading to the Container Store for cereal dispensers, grain canisters, pasta containers and glass jars. They also used to carry this five piece module set that has performed well. It is available on Amazon!
Weekly Meal Plan, Vol. 6
For Link To All Recipes Click HERE
Monday
Rotisserie Chicken Ramen I want my kids to come home from school tomorrow and be excited for dinner. You can never go wrong with a combination of heart warming soup and Ramen!
Tuesday
Homemade Falafel w/ Hummus, Pickled Onions and Naan The boys head to the Blackhawks Game which means I can be a little more creative in the kitchen! Madeline loves falafel and I usually grab it to go at our local grocery for her, but I came across this recipe and thought I would give it a try! The picked onion recipe is also linked within this one!
Wednesday
Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken & Rice Pilaf Busy nights mean the slow cooker comes out! This is a one and done dinner!
Thursday
Roasted Chickpeas Gyros I probably will have left over chicken to throw into a gyros but as a vegetarian option, I love any excuse to use roasted chickpeas!
Sunday
Crockpot Balsamic Pork My favorite day of the week. I like to meal plan, grocery shop and then relax most of the day if I can. That’s why a crockpot recipe is always a good idea here! I will simply serve with a salad or roasted veggie or potato!
Salad of the Week
Buddha Bowl w/ Kale, Avocado, Orange & Wild Rice Cannot wait to make this! This screams the best of winter heartiness and goodness while still having tones of satisfying nutrients!
Appetizer of the Week
Rosemary Cashews Maybe more like a snack then an appetizer but can work for either one! I always have leftover herbs from the week and I want to start utilizing them more versus having them go to waste!
Buon Appetit!
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Thanks for stopping by!
L, M