Nourish Your Week Healthy

Healthy Weekly Meal Plan: Delicious Fall Recipes, Easy Prep & Diet-Friendly Options (21 Day Fix & WW)

Embark on a culinary journey into fall with this **Healthy Weekly Meal Plan**! Featuring a collection of yummy, wholesome dishes, this plan makes transitioning your kitchen to the cozy flavors of autumn both easy and enjoyable. We’ve meticulously planned out breakfast, lunch, and five satisfying dinner ideas to ensure your week runs smoothly and deliciously. As a bonus, this comprehensive guide includes 21 Day Fix Container counts, Weight Watchers points, and a convenient meal planning spreadsheet to streamline your healthy eating goals. Get ready to nourish your body with fantastic meals that celebrate the season!

Food photo collage with pink and black text on a white circle. Text says, "Healthy Meal Plan & Grocery List 9/18/23"

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Embracing the Season with a Healthy Meal Plan

As the leaves begin to hint at changing colors and a crispness enters the air, our bodies often crave comforting, warm meals. This week’s healthy meal plan is designed to help you gently transition into the fall season with dishes that are both hearty and nutritious. While it might still be warm where you are, the culinary shift towards autumn is always welcome, bringing with it a desire for cozy, flavorful ingredients. And let’s be honest, who isn’t ready for all the delicious soups that fall ushers in?

We understand that this time of year can also bring about its challenges, whether it’s the annual surge of seasonal allergies or the inevitable appearance of early-season sniffles. Many of us are playing the “is it a cold or allergies?” game, and prioritizing healthy, immune-boosting meals becomes even more vital. This plan is crafted to support your well-being while delighting your taste buds.

One recipe we are especially excited to reintroduce is the Salsa Verde Chicken Soup – a personal favorite and a standout new recipe from last year! Its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth make it an ideal choice for fall. My personal strategy is to double the batch to ensure I have some ready for a couple of lunches during the week, and to freeze any extra for those busy days when a quick, healthy meal is a lifesaver. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is your sign!

Prepare for a delicious and nourishing week ahead with this carefully curated selection of healthy, wholesome meals!

Introducing the Fit Healthy Meal Plans App

For those who love the inspiration from our weekly meal plans but crave more personalization and flexibility, we have exciting news! We recently launched our innovative **Brand New Meal Planning App** called Fit Healthy Meal Plans! This cutting-edge application is a game-changer for anyone committed to healthy eating and efficient meal preparation.

The Fit Healthy Meal Plans app allows you to take our expertly crafted meal ideas and completely customize them to fit your specific needs, preferences, and dietary requirements. Not only does it provide a vast library of healthy recipes, but it also generates a personalized grocery list based on your selections, making shopping a breeze. Imagine having the power to adjust portion sizes, swap ingredients, and discover new favorites, all while staying perfectly aligned with your health goals.

This app truly revolutionizes how you approach meal planning, transforming it from a chore into an effortless and enjoyable part of your routine. We believe it’s an indispensable tool for all our meal planning enthusiasts!

Click here to learn more about the Fit Healthy Meal Plans app and explore its incredible features. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team – we’re here to help you get the most out of your healthy eating journey!

Calling all App Users! We want to know: What Fall Favorites are you hoping to see integrated into the app? Your feedback helps us continue to expand and refine our offerings. You can find tons of meal plan inspiration and start customizing your perfect week right now on the Fit Healthy Meal Plans app!

Understanding This Flexible Meal Plan

Welcome to our weekly meal planning community! If you’re accustomed to following full, detailed plans and are new to our flexible weekly meal plans, here’s a quick overview: each week, we thoughtfully lay out five delicious dinner ideas, a wholesome breakfast suggestion, and a versatile lunch option. This structure is designed to give you ample guidance without overwhelming you with a rigid, hour-by-hour schedule.

Our weekly plans are intentionally designed to offer more flexibility, empowering you to adapt meals to your schedule and preferences while still adhering to key healthy eating principles. Every meal in this plan aligns with the widely recognized 21 Day Fix container system, making it incredibly easy for followers to track their portions and macronutrients. Additionally, we provide precise Weight Watchers points, ensuring that members of the WW community can seamlessly integrate these healthy recipes into their program.

This meal plan is thoughtfully crafted to be perfect for anyone dedicated to **healthy eating**, committed to **portion control**, focused on incorporating **whole foods** into their diet, and striving to live a generally **healthy lifestyle**. It’s more than just a list of recipes; it’s a framework for sustainable, enjoyable healthy living, providing the tools and inspiration you need to make nutritious choices throughout your week.

Essential Grocery List & Smart Prep Tips for a Smooth Week

To ensure your healthy eating journey is as effortless as possible, we provide invaluable resources to help you stay organized and efficient. The detailed **grocery list** for this week’s meal plan, meticulously compiled with every ingredient you’ll need, is exclusively available in my weekly email for email subscribers. This comprehensive list takes the guesswork out of shopping, allowing you to hit the grocery store with confidence and precision, saving you time and preventing impulse buys.

Beyond the shopping list, our weekly email also includes printable **prep tips**. These tips are truly a game-changer, transforming the often daunting task of meal prep into an enjoyable and incredibly smooth process. By dedicating a little time to preparation at the beginning of the week, you can significantly reduce daily cooking stress, ensure healthy meals are always at hand, and prevent those last-minute unhealthy choices.

If you’re looking to simplify your weekly routine, minimize food waste, and make healthy eating an ingrained habit, these resources are for you. It’s never too late to enhance your meal planning strategy! Become an email subscriber today to gain instant access to these invaluable tools. Simply click the link to sign up – it’s completely FREE and will revolutionize your healthy kitchen endeavors!

Guidance for 21 Day FIX | Portion Fix Meal Plan Followers

For our dedicated 21 Day Fix and Portion Fix community, we’ve made tracking your containers incredibly simple. All five delicious dinners and the suggested breakfast for this week are already conveniently pre-loaded into a comprehensive meal planning spreadsheet, which you can access here. This ready-to-use spreadsheet eliminates the tedious task of manually calculating containers for these meals, allowing you to focus on enjoying your food and sticking to your plan with ease.

Once you’ve utilized this foundation, you simply need to add in your planned lunches and snacks, and then make any minor adjustments to fit your specific calorie bracket and daily container allowances. Remember, flexibility within the framework is key to sustainable success! **Important Note:** To get the best experience from the spreadsheet, please click the provided link, make a copy when prompted, and save it directly to your computer. Functionality may be limited or suboptimal when trying to use it on a mobile phone directly.

If you prefer the classic approach of planning with pen and paper, we’ve got you covered too. These printable resources are perfect for those who enjoy the tactile process of writing out their meals and tracking their progress offline:

  • Download our user-friendly 21 Day Fix Meal Planner PDF to easily jot down your daily meals and container counts.
  • For those following the 2B Mindset program, our specialized 2B Mindset spreadsheet tracking tool is available to help you keep track of your “plate it!” principles and water intake.

Support for Weight Watchers Meal Plan Followers

We are fully committed to supporting our Weight Watchers members in their journey towards healthier eating. Our team is diligently working to update every single recipe on our site to reflect the most current WW points system. We understand that adapting to new systems can take time, and we appreciate your patience as we make these essential conversions to provide you with the most accurate information.

In the meantime, you’ll find that some of our recipes still offer a convenient link that allows you to calculate your personal points, ensuring you can tailor the meal to your individual plan. For other recipes, the updated WW points are already clearly listed for your convenience. In both scenarios, the crucial Weight Watchers points information is located within the “notes” section of the recipe card on each blog post. This ensures you have easy access to the details you need to track your meals effectively.

We are dedicated to making healthy meal planning accessible and straightforward for everyone, and your understanding during this transition is greatly valued. Thank you for bearing with us as we continue to adapt and provide the best possible resources for your Weight Watchers journey!

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Meal Plan

Where can I see this week’s meal plan at a glance?

To get a clear, comprehensive overview of your entire week’s meal plan, we highly recommend utilizing our special 9.18.23 Meal Plan at a Glance Spreadsheet. This invaluable tool allows you to visualize all your planned breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, making it easier to prepare your grocery list and organize your week efficiently. For the best user experience and to ensure full functionality, please follow these steps: click the spreadsheet link, make a copy when prompted, and save it to your personal computer. While it offers some functionality on a phone, it won’t work quite as smoothly or provide the same level of detail as on a desktop or laptop device. Planning your week visually can significantly reduce stress and improve consistency with your healthy eating goals!

What should I eat for lunch this week?

This week, we’re bringing back some absolute favorites for lunch to keep things exciting and delicious. I personally feel like I didn’t get enough of the refreshing Greek Pasta Salad over the summer, so it’s making a prominent appearance. I’ll be alternating it with the comforting Salsa Verde Soup, which is also featured as a dinner this week. The Greek Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile; I love topping it with either tuna for an easy protein boost or shredded chicken. For a super quick shortcut, consider picking up a rotisserie chicken this week – it’s perfect for adding to your salads! And if you happen to be buying extra shrimp for Friday’s dinner, it’s surprisingly delicious with the pasta salad too.

For even more inspiration and variety, be sure to check out our incredibly popular post, which offers a fantastic array of choices: 35+ High Protein Lunch Ideas! This resource is packed with creative and satisfying options that will keep you full and energized throughout your day.

What about snacks?

When it comes to crafting a successful meal plan, my personal strategy always begins with the most substantial meals. First, I plan all my dinners for the week, as they often require the most prep and consideration. Next, I move on to breakfast, followed by lunch. Only after these primary meals are established do I meticulously fill in my snacks for the day. This approach ensures that I have a solid foundation for my nutrition and can then strategically use my remaining macros, points, or containers to integrate satisfying and healthy snacks.

Finding the right snacks can make all the difference in staying on track with your healthy eating goals. For a wealth of fantastic ideas tailored to your specific needs, our Healthy Snack Ideas | 21 Day Fix Snacks post is an excellent resource. It’s packed with creative, delicious, and nutritious options that perfectly align with your container counts, points, or macros, helping you make smart choices after you’ve planned the rest of your day’s meals. Don’t let your snack choices derail your progress – make them count!

What about the weekend?

Maintaining your healthy eating habits on Saturdays and Sundays is just as important as during the weekdays for achieving optimal and consistent results with programs like the 21 Day Fix. While this healthy weekly meal plan focuses on your five weekdays, you’ll likely find that you have some delicious leftover meals and various ingredients remaining in your fridge and pantry by the time the weekend rolls around. To minimize food waste and keep your healthy momentum going, we recommend taking a quick inventory of your leftovers and pantry staples at the end of the week. This will help you formulate a simple, effective plan for your weekend meals.

Many people enjoy the flexibility of healthy takeout one night on the weekend – think vibrant salads topped with grilled protein, or a satisfying slice of veggie pizza, enjoyed mindfully. To further assist you in making smart choices and enjoying your weekend without derailing your progress, we’ve created a helpful resource: our Healthy Weekend Meals post. It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure your Saturday and Sunday meals are as nutritious and enjoyable as those during the week, helping you stay consistent with your healthy lifestyle goals.

I need more help. Where can I find a plan with every meal planned out for me?

You’re in luck! We understand that sometimes, you need a complete, done-for-you solution. That’s why we’ve put together an extensive collection of full meal plans. We currently offer **17 FREE and FULL 21 Day Fix Meal Plans** that are meticulously crafted for all calorie brackets. These comprehensive plans take all the guesswork out of healthy eating by providing every meal – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks – all perfectly calculated and ready for you to follow. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a shake-up in your routine, these full plans are an excellent resource to ensure you stay on track and achieve your health and fitness goals with ease. Simply choose the plan that matches your calorie needs, and you’re ready to go!

This Week’s Delicious & Healthy Meal Lineup

Get ready for a week of flavorful and wholesome eating with our carefully curated meal plan. Each dish is designed to be easy to prepare, delicious, and perfectly aligned with your healthy lifestyle goals. From a power-packed breakfast to satisfying dinners, we’ve got your week covered.

Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with Berries and Optional Homemade Granola

Start your day right with a protein-packed breakfast! Enjoy creamy Greek yogurt paired with fresh, antioxidant-rich berries. For an extra satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy carbs, consider topping your yogurt and berries with our delicious homemade granola, especially if you have a yellow container to utilize. This simple yet wholesome breakfast will keep you full and energized, making it the perfect kick-off to any busy morning.

Groceries for Granola (Optional):

  • 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup brown rice cereal
  • 2/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1-2 tablespoons seeds – I used chia hemp and flax Pumpkin and sunflower would also be awesome for added nutrients!
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • **optional add in – dried cranberries! You can have 1/2 cup up to three times a week to count as a purple!

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Lunch: Greek Pasta Salad topped with rotisserie chicken

This vibrant Greek Pasta Salad is not only incredibly satisfying but also bursting with a medley of fresh vegetables, ensuring you stay full and happy throughout your day. It’s truly the best pasta salad recipe, perfect for meal prepping for lunches, bringing to BBQs, potlucks, and picnics. Enjoy it on its own for a fantastic vegetarian option, or elevate it with your favorite protein like tuna, grilled chicken, or even a convenient rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy boost!

Groceries:

  • 3 cups cooked whole wheat or GF pasta
  • 2 cups diced cucumber
  • 2 cups broccoli florets cut up small for best texture
  • 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes cut in half or left whole
  • 1/4 red onion sliced (TIP: soak your red onion in water while your pasta is boiling to reduce its sharp “bite.”)
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
  • 20 olives I used kalamata for rich flavor
  • 1/2 lemon for fresh juice

Dressing

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1-2 tablespoons water
  • Sprinkle salt and fresh pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp dried oregano for convenience
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Sprinkle garlic powder
  • Juice from 1 lemon

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Monday: Instant Pot Sausage & Broccoli Pasta

This **Instant Pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta** is the quintessential quick and delicious dinner, perfect for your busiest weeknights! It’s an incredibly flavorful one-pot meal that comes together with just two minutes of cook time in your Instant Pot. The magic of pressure cooking not only infuses every bite with robust flavor but also ensures super easy cleanup, making it a stress-free addition to your healthy meal plan. Enjoy tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh broccoli all in one harmonious dish.

Groceries:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 lb spicy or sweet Italian poultry sausage removed from casing for easier browning
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked gluten free pasta or whole wheat pasta
  • 2-4 cups fresh broccoli florets adjust to your preference
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock
  • Crushed red pepper to taste, for a hint of heat
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese can omit for WW or use a dairy-free alternative

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Tuesday: Salsa Verde Chicken Soup

This **Easy Salsa Verde Chicken Soup** recipe is a burst of freshness and flavor, loaded with wholesome veggies! It’s the ultimate warm and comforting weeknight meal that your entire family will absolutely adore. The best part? It comes together incredibly fast, whether you choose your pressure cooker for speed, your slow cooker for convenience, or a classic stovetop preparation. Get ready for a delicious, hearty soup that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in a fraction of the time.

Groceries:

  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil WW followers can substitute cooking spray
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or tenderloins your choice of lean protein
  • 2 Tbsp salt free taco seasoning
  • 2 cups salsa verde
  • 4-6 cups low sodium chicken broth start with 4 and add more for a brothier soup
  • 1 cup white beans, drained (black beans would also be delicious if preferred, for non-21DF followers use the whole can!)
  • 1 cup frozen corn or substitute with more beans or other veggies
  • 3 cups frozen cauliflower rice adds volume and nutrients without extra carbs
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed from one lime for bright flavor
  • 2 cups chopped kale if using pre-chopped, remove tough stems (zucchini is a great alternative)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves and stems, finely chopped (optional but highly recommended!)
  • salt, optional to taste
  • Optional toppings: corn tortillas made into tortilla strips, chopped avocado, plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, and fresh green onions for garnish.

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Wednesday: Quick Italian Chicken Skillet

This **Italian Chicken Skillet** is the definition of a simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal. As a fantastic one-pan dish, it’s designed for busy evenings, promising a quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup. It tastes wonderfully reminiscent of a healthier, lighter version of classic chicken Parmesan, packed with robust Italian flavors. Pair it with a side of brown rice and your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced dinner that feels indulgent yet keeps you on track with your healthy eating goals.

Groceries:

  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts approximately 1 lb, for quick cooking
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 3 cloves garlic diced for aromatic depth
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes use 2 cups if serving with zoodles or pasta for extra sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, adjust to preference
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2B Mindset followers can opt for low-fat mozzarella
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami finish

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Wednesday Sides: Brown Rice and your favorite veggie

For a perfectly balanced meal to accompany your Quick Italian Chicken Skillet, we suggest a serving of nutritious brown rice along with your favorite steamed or roasted vegetable. **Making a multi-serving batch of this Freezer Friendly Instant Pot Brown Rice could not be easier!** By following our simple step-by-step instructions, you can cut your meal prep time in half, ensuring you always have a healthy whole grain ready. Adding a vibrant veggie completes this wholesome and satisfying dinner, providing essential fiber and nutrients.

Groceries:

  • Cooking oil spray
  • equal parts rice and water for perfect Instant Pot brown rice

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Thursday: Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli with Brown Rice

Craving your favorite takeout dish but want a healthier version? This delicious **Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli** is exactly what you need! It’s a fantastic, healthier spin on the beloved take-out classic, delivering all the rich, savory flavors without the guilt. Best of all, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and proudly 21 Day Fix approved, making it a perfect fit for a variety of dietary needs. The magic of the Instant Pot ensures it’s incredibly easy to make, delivering tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli in a delectable sauce, ready to be served over fluffy brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Groceries:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak sliced very thin against the grain for tenderness
  • 1/2 cup diced shallots approximately one whole shallot for a milder onion flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger adds a vibrant, aromatic kick
  • 2/3 cup beef stock or substitute with water for a lighter option
  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos or substitute with low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors
  • 3 1/2 cups broccoli florets fresh is best for crispness
  • 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot or your favorite thickener/flour cornstarch also works effectively for thickening the sauce
  • Scallions for garnish and a mild onion flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • Crushed red pepper optional, for a hint of spice

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Friday: Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Kick off your weekend with a fiesta of flavors! This **Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Recipe** is our new absolute favorite for a reason: it’s incredibly flavorful, ready in minutes, and perfectly crispy thanks to the air fryer. These tacos are a culinary delight, especially when thoughtfully paired with our sensational Mexican Street Corn Salad and fresh, creamy avocado and sweet mango. Whether you choose to wrap them in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option or traditional corn/flour tortillas, you’re in for a truly yummy and unforgettable dinner that’s both healthy and exciting!

Groceries:

Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large wild caught shrimp peeled and deveined for convenience
  • 2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoon salt free taco seasoning
  • ¼-½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • Zest of one lime for bright citrus notes

Street Corn Salad:

  • 4 cups corn can be fresh off the cob, frozen, or canned for convenience
  • Cooking oil spray
  • 3 teaspoons butter or a dairy-free alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño diced and seeded for mild heat
  • 3 tablespoon minced cilantro
  • 1/3 cup Cotija cheese you can substitute with crumbled feta for a similar salty tang
  • Chili powder to taste
  • Salt to taste

For the dressing:

  • 2 tablespoon mayo light or regular
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang
  • Juice from one lime freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder

To Serve:

  • Bibb or Butter Lettuce Leaves and/or corn | flour tortillas for wrapping
  • Sliced avocado for creamy richness
  • Diced mango adds a sweet and tropical counterpoint
  • Extra cilantro for fresh garnish

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