Nourish Your Week: Healthy Meal Plan

Embark on a culinary journey this week with our carefully curated healthy meal plan, designed to navigate the unpredictable early spring weather with a delightful mix of comforting classics and vibrant, fresh flavors. This comprehensive plan features five easy-to-prepare dinners and a nourishing breakfast, providing you with a structured yet flexible approach to your weekly meals. We’ve also included essential resources like 21 Day Fix Container counts, Weight Watchers points, and a convenient meal planning spreadsheet to make healthy eating simple and enjoyable for everyone.

Your Ultimate Healthy Weekly Meal Plan: Easy Dinners, Spring Flavors & Smart Prep

Food photo collage with pink and black text on a white circle. Text says, "Healthy Meal Plan & Grocery List Week of 3/27/23" featuring a variety of wholesome dishes like chicken pot pie, quinoa salad, and shrimp tacos.

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Meal planning is an art, especially when the weather decides to be as unpredictable as early spring. One day might bless us with glorious sunshine, hinting at warmer days, while the next brings a sudden chill and rain. This ever-changing climate can make it challenging to decide what to cook, but our solution is simple: embrace both comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors! This week’s healthy meal plan is thoughtfully designed to offer the best of both worlds, ensuring every meal is both satisfying and perfectly suited to whatever the day brings.

Embrace Balance: Your Healthy Meal Plan Philosophy

Our philosophy for this week’s meal plan is all about balance and adaptability. We understand that cravings shift with the weather, and so should your meals. You’ll find delicious options like Quinoa and Black Bean Salad and Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos, bursting with bright, springtime flavors to energize you on sunny days. Then, for those colder, rainy afternoons, we’ve included heartwarming dishes such as the Healthy Chicken Pot Pie, providing the perfect comforting embrace. This blend ensures you have a delightful variety of meals that cater to both your taste buds and the day’s mood, making healthy eating a joy, not a chore.

Introducing Our Revolutionary Meal Planning App

We are thrilled to share some truly exciting news! For those who are part of our Ask the Fit Foodie group, you might already be aware that we’ve officially launched a Brand New Meal Planning App! This innovative tool is poised to completely transform the way you approach healthy eating. Imagine taking inspiration from our carefully crafted meal plans and then effortlessly customizing them to perfectly suit your preferences, dietary needs, and schedule. The app allows you to easily swap recipes, adjust serving sizes, and even generates a personalized grocery list based on your selections.

This isn’t just an app; it’s a game-changer for anyone committed to a healthy lifestyle. It removes the guesswork from meal preparation, saves you time at the grocery store, and ensures you’re always on track with your nutritional goals. Whether you follow the 21 Day Fix, Weight Watchers, or simply aim for balanced, whole foods, our app makes it simpler than ever to manage your weekly menu. And the best part? This week’s entire meal plan is already pre-loaded into the app, ready for you to tweak, personalize, and make entirely your own. Click here to learn more about its incredible features, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions – we’re here to help you make the most of this fantastic new resource!

About This Week’s Healthy Meal Plan

For those new to our weekly meal plans, or if you’re transitioning from full, detailed plans, here’s how this week is structured: we provide five delicious dinners and a hearty breakfast. The beauty of these weekly plans lies in their flexibility, allowing you to adapt them to your lifestyle while still adhering to healthy eating principles. Every meal is designed with portion control in mind, aligns with 21 Day Fix containers, and includes Weight Watchers points, making it ideal for anyone focused on prioritizing whole foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This approach empowers you to make informed choices without feeling constrained, giving you the freedom to enjoy your food while staying true to your health goals.

Lunch Ideas: Making the Most of Leftovers

This week, we’ve got some fantastic lunch suggestions that cleverly utilize leftovers and introduce fresh, exciting flavors. Our primary lunch idea is the savory Instant Pot Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps, a light yet satisfying option that comes together quickly. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of reheating! The Healthy Chicken Pot Pie from Monday’s dinner makes for an incredibly delicious and comforting lunch the next day. Reheated, it retains its rich flavors and creamy texture, making it a perfect mid-day meal. Utilizing leftovers not only saves you time and effort but also helps reduce food waste, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient kitchen routine. For even more inspiration, be sure to explore our popular post on 35+ High Protein Lunch Ideas to keep your lunch game strong throughout the week!

Streamline Your Week: Grocery List and Prep Tips

To ensure your week runs as smoothly as possible, we provide an invaluable grocery list and step-by-step prep tips, exclusively available to our email subscribers. These resources are designed to significantly cut down on your shopping time and make meal preparation a breeze. The comprehensive grocery list helps you gather all necessary ingredients efficiently, preventing multiple trips to the store. Meanwhile, our detailed prep tips guide you through tasks that can be completed in advance, such as chopping vegetables, pre-cooking grains, or preparing sauces. This strategic front-loading of work can dramatically reduce your daily cooking time, allowing for more relaxed weeknights and less stress in the kitchen.

Imagine coming home after a long day and having most of your meal components ready to go – that’s the power of effective meal prep! It’s never too late to gain access to these fantastic, time-saving resources. Becoming an email subscriber is completely free and unlocks a world of convenience for your healthy eating journey. Simply click here to sign up and start receiving your weekly grocery lists and invaluable prep tips directly in your inbox.

Tailored for Success: 21 Day Fix and Portion Fix Followers

For our dedicated 21 Day Fix and Portion Fix followers, this meal plan is specifically crafted with your container system in mind. All five dinners and the featured breakfast are meticulously calculated and pre-loaded into a user-friendly meal planning spreadsheet, which you can access here. This spreadsheet serves as your ultimate tracking tool, allowing you to visualize your daily container counts with ease. All you need to do is incorporate your preferred lunches and snacks, and make any personal adjustments to perfectly align with your specific calorie bracket and goals. To ensure the best experience, click the spreadsheet link, make a copy when prompted, and save it to your computer (note: it may not function optimally on a mobile phone).

If you prefer a more traditional approach with pen and paper, we’ve got you covered with these handy resources:

  • 21 Day Fix Meal Planner PDF: A printable PDF that allows for manual tracking of your meals and containers.
  • 2B Mindset spreadsheet tracking tool: A valuable resource for those following the 2B Mindset program, offering a different approach to tracking and portion control.

These tools are designed to provide maximum support, helping you stay consistent and achieve optimal results with your 21 Day Fix or Portion Fix journey.

Weight Watchers-Friendly Meals Simplified

For our wonderful Weight Watchers community, we understand the importance of tracking points accurately within the new WW points system. We are actively working to update every recipe on our site to reflect these latest changes, ensuring you have the most current information at your fingertips. While some recipes already feature a direct link to calculate your personal points, others explicitly list the points within the recipe card. In both instances, you will find all the necessary Weight Watchers points information conveniently located in the “notes” section of each recipe post. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we diligently adapt our extensive recipe library to this updated system, making your healthy eating journey as seamless as possible. Your commitment to a healthy lifestyle is inspiring, and we are dedicated to providing the resources you need to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

You can view the entire week’s healthy meal plan, including all five dinners and breakfast, neatly organized on our 3.27.23 Meal Plan at a Glance Spreadsheet. This overview helps you visualize your week and plan accordingly. For the best user experience, we recommend clicking the spreadsheet link, making a copy when prompted, and saving it directly to your computer. Please note that while accessible, the spreadsheet’s functionality may be limited on mobile phones.

What should I eat for lunch this week?

For a fresh and flavorful lunch option, we highly recommend our Instant Pot Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps, which are perfectly aligned with this week’s plan. Additionally, a fantastic way to enjoy your meals and minimize food waste is to utilize leftovers. The Healthy Chicken Pot Pie from Monday’s dinner reheats beautifully and makes for a wonderfully comforting midday meal. For a broader range of ideas to keep your lunches exciting and nutritious, explore our popular post: 35+ High Protein Lunch Ideas!

What about snacks?

When creating my meal plans, I always prioritize dinners first, then breakfast, and then lunch. Once these main meals are set, I fill in my snacks for the day. This strategic approach allows me to allocate my remaining macros, Weight Watchers points, or 21 Day Fix containers efficiently. To spark some inspiration for delicious and healthy snack options, check out our comprehensive post, Healthy Snack Ideas | 21 Day Fix Snacks. This resource is packed with ideas that will help you creatively fill in your remaining dietary allowances after planning your primary meals.

What about the weekend?

Maintaining a healthy eating routine throughout the weekend is crucial for achieving optimal results, especially when following programs like the 21 Day Fix. After enjoying this healthy weekly meal plan, you’ll likely have some delicious leftover meals and ingredients. To effectively minimize food waste and plan your weekend, we recommend taking a quick inventory of your fridge and pantry. This assessment will help you formulate a simple plan for Saturday and Sunday. Many individuals find it beneficial to enjoy healthy takeout one night, perhaps a vibrant salad with grilled protein or a slice of veggie pizza. For even more inspiration and guidance, our helpful post, Healthy Weekend Meals, offers excellent ideas to keep you on track without sacrificing enjoyment.

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

You’re in luck! If you’re looking for a more structured approach with every meal meticulously planned, we have an extensive collection of resources for you. We offer 16 FREE and FULL 21 Day Fix Meal Plans, thoughtfully designed for all calorie brackets. These comprehensive plans take the guesswork out of healthy eating, providing you with a complete daily menu from breakfast to dinner, along with snacks. They are ready to go, offering a seamless and fully guided healthy eating experience.

Can I swap ingredients if I have allergies or dietary preferences?

Absolutely! Our meal plans are designed to be flexible. While we provide specific recipes, we encourage you to make substitutions based on your dietary needs, allergies, or simply what you have on hand. For example, if a recipe calls for chicken, you can often swap it for turkey, fish, or a plant-based protein. Similarly, gluten-free options are frequently suggested, and dairy can often be replaced with dairy-free alternatives. Always check the recipe notes for specific substitution suggestions, and feel free to reach out if you need guidance on specific swaps.

How can I adapt this meal plan for a larger or smaller family?

Adapting this healthy meal plan for different family sizes is straightforward. Each recipe typically lists the number of servings it yields. If you need to cook for more people, simply double or triple the ingredients as needed. For smaller households, you can halve the recipe, or cook the full amount and enjoy the delicious leftovers for lunch or another dinner. Our Meal Planning App makes this even easier, allowing you to adjust serving sizes directly within the app, which then automatically updates your grocery list!

This Week’s Delightful Menu

Get ready for a week filled with incredible flavors and nourishing meals! From a quick and satisfying breakfast to comforting weeknight dinners and light, refreshing spring dishes, this menu has something for everyone. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, delicious, and aligned with your health goals, making mealtime a highlight of your day.

Breakfast: Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Bites

Cheesy bacon breakfast bites are the ultimate healthy and convenient start to your day. These fluffy, muffin-sized bites are packed with eggs, savory turkey bacon, and delicious cheese. Perfectly portioned and 21 Day Fix approved, they are an excellent option for meal prep, ensuring you have a flavorful and protein-rich breakfast ready to go all week long!

Groceries:

  • 8 eggs
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 8 slices turkey bacon
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup mushrooms diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or other cheese of your choice
  • Sea or Himalayan salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil spray

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Monday: Healthy Chicken Pot Pie

This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie is the epitome of comfort food, reimagined for a healthier lifestyle. Featuring a rich, creamy filling packed with lean chicken and tender, diced vegetables, it’s all topped with a light, gluten-free biscuit crust. Prepared in a single skillet, this homemade pot pie is dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a perfect cozy weeknight dinner that the entire family will adore.

Groceries:

For the Pot Pie

  • 3 teaspoons butter or vegan butter divided
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or tenderloins diced up small and seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup gluten free 1:1 baking flour
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock can sub veggie broth
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • Dash black pepper
  • Dash dried thyme
  • ½ cup frozen peas

For the Biscuit Topping

  • 1 cup gluten free 1:1 baking flour*
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter melted
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons almond or cashew milk

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Tuesday: Turkey Quinoa Taco Bake

This Turkey Quinoa Taco Bake is a cherished family favorite, cleverly hiding nutritious veggies within its delicious layers. Designed for speed and convenience, it utilizes pre-cooked quinoa, store-bought pico de gallo, and canned tomato sauce, ensuring that a flavorful and wholesome dinner can be on your table in record time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, comforting meal that also supports your healthy eating goals.

Groceries:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 1/2 cups diced onion, tomato and peppers **you can use premade fresh salsa or 2 cans of Rotel
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce use homemade or no sugar added to count as a GREEN!
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • 3 cloves garlic diced
  • 1/3 cup avocado diced or sliced, optional
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder + 2 tsp of cumin or 2T Salt Free Taco Seasoning
  • fresh cilantro optional garnish

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Wednesday: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets offer a deliciously easy and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, reminiscent of beloved homemade comfort food without the oily mess. You’ll achieve perfectly juicy chicken breasts encased in a satisfyingly crispy, golden-brown coating. These gluten-free chicken cutlets are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy them with pasta, in sandwiches, atop fresh salads, or as a standalone protein-packed main dish throughout your week!

Groceries:

  • 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts
  • 2 extra large egg whites or sub whole egg
  • 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs you can use seasoned or unseasoned and season yourself with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Olive or avocado oil spray

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Wednesday side: Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This protein-rich, incredibly filling, and hearty Black Beans and Quinoa recipe serves as the perfect vibrant side dish or a satisfying easy main course. Our Quinoa and Black Bean Salad bursts with an array of delicious veggies and an explosion of fresh flavors from ingredients like crisp cucumber, sweet grape tomatoes, juicy mangoes, colorful bell peppers, and pungent red onions, all brought together with a zesty homemade dressing. It’s a truly refreshing and nutritious addition to your mid-week meal.

Groceries:

For the Salad:

  • 1 ½ cups cold cooked quinoa
  • 1 ½ cups black beans 1 can
  • 1 cup cucumbers diced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes diced
  • 1 cup mango diced
  • 1 ½ cups bell peppers diced
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro optional
  • freshly diced jalapeno to taste
  • Optional add ins: avocado or feta cheese for some BLUE

For the Dressing:

  • Juice from 2 Limes you want around 2T of juice per lime, so grab extra in case your limes aren’t juicy
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2-4 teaspoon maple syrup or honey honey is not vegan
  • Sprinkle of salt

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Thursday: Healthy Vodka Sauce with leftover Chicken Cutlets, pasta, and broccoli

This Healthy Penne Vodka Sauce with Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s one of my absolute FAVORITE 21 Day Fix approved dinners, and my husband enthusiastically agrees! This flavorful dish combines a rich, creamy vodka sauce with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a side of fresh broccoli to create a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal. It’s an ideal choice for a weeknight when you crave a sophisticated yet healthy plate of pasta.

Groceries:

  • 4 slices turkey bacon nitrate-free
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium red onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon of vodka be sure it’s gluten free if you need
  • 4 tablespoons 2% plain Greek yogurt or sub 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and more for topping for dairy free, sub Violife or another dairy free parm
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
  • Sprinkle salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste (this is optional…feel free to leave out or add at the end to taste)
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts baked or grilled and cut into bite sized pieces
  • gluten free Penne Pasta or Zoodles

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Friday: Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Bursting with flavor and incredibly quick to prepare in just minutes, this Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Recipe has quickly become our new favorite for Taco Tuesday—or any day ending in ‘Y’! These vibrant tacos are especially delightful when paired with our refreshing Mexican Street Corn Salad, alongside creamy fresh avocado and sweet mango. Whether you wrap them in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or classic tortillas, these shrimp tacos offer a truly yummy and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for welcoming the weekend.

Groceries:

Shrimp:

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

Street Corn Salad:

  • 4 cups corn can be fresh off the cob, frozen, or canned
  • Cooking oil spray
  • 3 teaspoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño diced and seeded
  • 3 tablespoon minced cilantro
  • 1/3 cup Cotija cheese you can sub feta if you want
  • Chili powder
  • Salt

For the dressing:

  • 2 tablespoon mayo
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
  • Juice from one lime
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder

To Serve:

  • Bibb or Butter Lettuce Leaves and/or corn | flour tortillas
  • Sliced avocado
  • Diced mango
  • Extra cilantro

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We hope this healthy weekly meal plan brings ease, variety, and deliciousness to your kitchen. By combining seasonal freshness with comforting favorites, and providing the tools to support your health journey, we aim to make healthy eating an enjoyable and sustainable part of your life. Whether you’re customizing your meals with our new app, tracking your portions with our spreadsheets, or simply savoring each bite, we’re here to help you fuel your body and nourish your soul. Embrace the balance, enjoy the flavors, and look forward to a week of healthy, happy meals!