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MEAL PLAN: February 18th

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Today I turn 35 years old! In some ways it feels strange since I never feel that different year to year (outside of the fact that I can’t stay up late like I used to) but in most ways it feels so right. I love getting older. Every year is a chance to learn about myself and the world around me.  To hopefully grow in love, in wisdom and in hope. It’s such a privilege to be alive and I want to keep this in mind as I make choices daily to love and honor the life and the body I have been given. Tonight I’m blessed to have a dear friend make me dinner but I’ll be back at it the rest of the week. Cheers to another trip around the sun!

TUESDAY: Shrimp Tacos With Watermelon Radish & Jicama Slaw

Because I need to make some Tacos again! I’ve been slacking!

WEDNESDAY: Ginger Scallion Pork Lettuce Wraps with Mango & Cucumber 

This recipe comes from The New Food Collective website using their pastured raised pork sausages found at Whole Foods Market.

THURSDAY: Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup looks super easy to make and it’s packed with so much flavor! Zucchini Noodles are a great way to get in more veggies but you could also add rice noodles as well.

FRIDAY: Sprialized Mushroom Turnip Risotto With Dijon Honey Salmon

A little something fancy for Friday! And I love Ali’s creative recipes using veggies are the rice. You can also leave out the parm to keep it dairy free.

 

MEAL PLAN: February 11th

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This month is flying by and I hope along with it winter. Winters are tough in the Midwest and having a week of delicious meals to look forward to makes it more tolerable. Another fun way to add some warmth is seeking out recipes from warner regions of the planet and this week I was definitely inspired by Latin flavors.  If you’ve never experienced a Jibarito then you’re in for a treat! They do take a little more time to make but it’s totally worth the little extra work.

MONDAY: Skirt Steak Jibarito Sandwiches 

The Jibarito is a sandwich made with green plantains instead of bread and it is a very popular meal in the Puerto Rican and Cuban community in Chicago. The recipe calls for chicken but I’m going to use skirt steak for our sandwiches. You can pile them with whatever your family enjoys.

TUESDAY: Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken

This recipe looks so good! Citrus Salsa, Potatoes, and chicken…you can’t go wrong.

THURSDAY: Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli 

It’s Valentines Day and Nathan has been asking me for crab cakes and these look super delicious.

FRIDAY: Dill Pickle Wings

I’ve been wanting to try this recipe for a couple weeks now and I also have an empty jar of pickles full of brine to marinade these wings. Just a heads up to plan ahead with these so that the wings get lots of time to marinade.

MEAL PLAN: February 4th

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It’s February! Today was my first day post Whole30 and I decided what I really wanted was a square of chocolate after lunch and you know what, it was delicious. I plan on having some celebratory tacos this weekend at some point but I want to stick to a Paleo template this year because I know that I feel my best when I eat this way. When I eat out I usually keep things gluten free with the occasional croissant when they look especially good.  I’m going to be keeping the meal plan Whole30 friendly because my husband wants to keep going and these are the actual meals I make for dinner. As always let me know if there is anything you are looking for that you’d like me to add. Happy love month!

MONDAY: Thai Panang Chicken Curry 

I can’t believe that I went through the entire month of January with making curry! If you can’t find kaffir limes leaves you can sub in lime zest. Serve with rice, caulirice, rice noodles or zucchini noodles.

TUESDAY: Chicken Enchilada Soup

This looks crazy good! And soup season is in full swing.

THURSDAY: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs 

If you’ve never made ribs in the instant pot you’ve got to change that! These are so simple and delicious. Pair with your favorite bbq sauce. My new favorite Paleo BBQ sauce is from The New Primal. I’ll probably serve this with a creamy cabbage slaw.

FRIDAY: Sheet Pan Salmon with Blueberries & Brussels 

I’ve made this recipe a few times and its so good and easy to prepare.

MEAL PLAN: January 28th

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This month has flown by! And yet again I am so glad that I chose to do another January Whole30. Every year has its own unique ups and downs but this year was particularly good. Outside of getting the dreadful stomach bug the second week in I have been feeling really good and not deprived. Food freedom is possible and as this program is a great way to get there. As we head into February I will continue to make the meal plans compliant because my husband has decided to keep going for 90 days. I am really proud of him for prioritizing his health this year and I am more than happy to supply all the nutrient rich delicious food for him and our family. If you are on your last week or continuing for a while longer I hope you feel encouraged and armed with the tools and recipes to feel good and feed you and your family. Cheers to health!

MONDAY: Lamb Meatballs with Tahini Sauce 

I love this recipe and many of you have told me how much you love it too! You can always sub half beef or all beef if you aren’t a lamb lover.

TUESDAY: Crispy Salmon, Blood Orange, Sweet Potato & Avocado Salad

This is pretty much a salad of all my favorite things!

THURSDAY: Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken & Vegetables

The ladies at The Modern Proper are always posting new recipes that look killer and this is no exception.

FRIDAY: Chili Chicken Burger Bowls with Avocado Pesto

You had me at Avocado Pesto!

 

MEAL PLAN: January 21st

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Well this week flew by! We are officially more than half way through our Whole30 and still feeling great. Yes, it does takes some time to plan and make meals but I’m always amazed how delicious real food without gluten, grains, diary, soy, legumes and sugar can be. It’s tempting to look at the list of things that are eliminated and think well what’s left? But the reality is you can still enjoy so many awesome recipes from all over the globe either because they are naturally free of these things or they are easily adaptable. I thrive on trying new recipes and I hope these meal plans inspire you to try some new flavors and have anything but a boring Whole30!

MONDAY: Pork Cabbage Dumplins 

As soon as Alex posted these last week I knew I wanted to make them!

WEDNESDAY: Paleo Pad Thai Noodles 

I love ChihYu and her recipes and this spaghetti squash Pad Thai looks like the perfect takeout fake out.

THURSDAY: Arabic Meatball Soup

I love meatballs and these flavors of mint and turmeric are calling my name!

FRIDAY: Garlicky Chicken with Lemon Anchovy Sauce 

This recipe is from The New York Times and is highly rates and look flat out delicious.