Smart Eating This Week October 14

Optimize Your Fall Wellness: The Ultimate Healthy Weekly Meal Plan (10/14/24)

Embark on a delicious journey to a healthier you with our **Healthy Weekly Meal Plan**, thoughtfully crafted for the week of October 14, 2024. This plan embraces the cozy flavors of fall, featuring an array of pumpkin recipes – both wonderfully sweet and surprisingly savory. We’ve laid out your breakfast, lunch, and five delightful dinner ideas to ensure a week of effortless, yummy, and nutritious eating! Plus, for those following specific programs, you’ll find guidance for 21 Day Fix Containers and Weight Watchers points, along with a handy meal planning spreadsheet to streamline your preparation.

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Your Weekly Healthy Meal Plan

This week, we’re diving deep into the delightful world of **fall pumpkin recipes**, exploring both their sweet and savory potential. The star of our savory lineup is the incredible Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Sausage – a seasonal must-try that consistently ranks as a fan favorite! It’s the perfect comfort food as the weather starts to cool, offering a rich and creamy flavor profile that’s truly unique. While the climate might still be a mix of warm and chilly days, this meal plan is designed to transition you smoothly into the heart of autumn. Prepare your taste buds for an abundance of wholesome fall-inspired dishes!

For your midday fuel, our Stuffed Acorn Squash is not just incredibly tasty but also makes for the BEST lunch option! This recipe yields four generous servings, making it ideal for meal prepping several lunches in advance. If you find yourself needing an extra lunch idea for Friday, simply assess your delicious leftovers from the week to create a new, exciting meal. We’re dedicated to helping you enjoy a week filled with nourishing and utterly yummy meals!

Introducing the Fit Healthy Meal Plans App

To revolutionize your meal planning experience, we proudly launched our dedicated Meal Planning App called Fit Healthy Meal Plans! This innovative app is truly a game-changer for anyone passionate about healthy eating and efficient meal prep. It takes the inspiration from our weekly meal plans and empowers you to fully customize YOUR personal eating schedule and generate a tailored grocery list with unparalleled ease. Imagine effortlessly swapping recipes, adjusting serving sizes, and having your shopping list automatically updated – it’s all possible within the app, simplifying your healthy lifestyle significantly.

Click here to explore more about our Fit Healthy Meal Plans app and discover how it can transform your approach to healthy eating. We believe in continuous improvement, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. We’re always here to help you get the most out of your meal planning journey!

Calling All App Users! We’d love to hear from you. What are your absolute favorite fall recipes or seasonal ingredients that you’d like to see featured and integrated into the app? Your input helps us curate the best content for our community. Find endless meal plan inspiration and helpful tools directly on the Fit Healthy Meal Plans app!

Understanding This Meal Plan’s Structure

If you’re new to our weekly meal plans, or transitioning from our full, more rigid plans, you’ll find this format offers a perfect balance of structure and flexibility. Each week, our plan meticulously outlines five dinner recipes and one breakfast idea, complemented by a versatile lunch suggestion. This approach ensures you have a solid foundation for your week’s healthy eating, while still allowing ample room for personalization.

Our commitment to comprehensive healthy living means this plan is designed to be inclusive and adaptable. It diligently follows the well-established 21 Day Fix container system, making portion control intuitive and effective. Additionally, we integrate Weight Watchers points for each recipe, catering to those who utilize that specific program for tracking. This meal plan is an ideal resource for anyone dedicated to healthy eating, mastering portion control, prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods, and cultivating a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. It’s more than just a list of recipes; it’s a guide to mindful eating and wellness.

Essential Grocery List & Smart Prep Tips

Planning your meals is just the first step; successful execution hinges on efficient grocery shopping and smart preparation. That’s why your detailed grocery list and invaluable prep tips are exclusively available in my weekly email for all our dedicated email subscribers! These printable prep tips are meticulously designed to make your week flow SO much smoother, transforming meal prep from a chore into an enjoyable part of your routine. Imagine having all your vegetables chopped, grains pre-cooked, and sauces ready to go, significantly cutting down on daily cooking time.

It’s never too late to enhance your meal planning efficiency! If you’re not yet an email subscriber, now is the perfect time to join our community and gain access to these essential resources. The grocery list helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures you have every ingredient needed, while the prep tips guide you through making the most of your time in the kitchen. Just click the link to sign up – it’s completely FREE, and you’ll immediately start receiving these invaluable tools directly to your inbox!

Guidance for 21 Day FIX | Portion Fix Followers

For those committed to the 21 Day Fix or Portion Fix programs, our meal plan is designed to make your journey straightforward and successful. All five dinners and the featured breakfast are conveniently pre-loaded into a dedicated meal planning spreadsheet available right here. This eliminates guesswork and ensures you’re staying on track with your container counts.

To fully customize your week, simply add in your preferred lunches and snacks, making any necessary adjustments to fit your personal calorie bracket and preferences. **Important Note:** When accessing the spreadsheet, click the link, follow the prompt to “make a copy,” and save it to your computer for optimal functionality. Please be aware that performance may not be as smooth on a mobile device.

If you prefer a more traditional approach to planning, with pen and paper, we have you covered with these helpful printable resources:

  • 21 Day Fix Meal Planner PDF: A printable template for manual tracking.
  • 2B Mindset spreadsheet tracking tool: For those integrating 2B Mindset principles.

These tools are designed to empower you with the structure needed to adhere to your healthy eating goals effectively and enjoyably.

Guidance for Weight Watchers Meal Plan Followers

For our valued Weight Watchers (WW) members, we understand the importance of accurate points tracking for your success. We are diligently working to convert every recipe on our site to align with the newest WW points system. This ongoing process ensures that you have the most up-to-date information to plan your meals effectively.

You’ll find the Weight Watchers points information conveniently located within the “notes” section of the recipe card on each individual blog post. Some recipes may still provide a link to help you calculate your personal points, while others will have the points clearly listed. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to adapt all our recipes to the updated system. Our goal is to provide you with seamless, reliable guidance to support your Weight Watchers journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I see this week at a glance?

To get a comprehensive overview of how all your meals fit together for the week, we’ve created a convenient 10.14.24 Meal Plan at a Glance Spreadsheet. This tool allows you to visualize your entire week’s menu and plan your grocery shopping and prep accordingly. For the best user experience and full functionality, please click the spreadsheet link, make a copy when prompted, and save it directly to your computer. While it can be viewed on a phone, editing and comprehensive use are optimized for a desktop environment.

What should I eat for lunch this week?

This week, we highly recommend our delicious Stuffed Acorn Squash, which makes the BEST lunch! The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings, giving you a head start on meal prep for multiple days. If you anticipate needing an additional lunch idea for Friday, we encourage you to get creative with any delicious leftovers from your dinners earlier in the week. For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our popular post: 35+ High Protein Lunch Ideas, packed with diverse and satisfying options.

What about snacks?

When creating a comprehensive meal plan, I always follow a strategic order to ensure balance and prevent overeating. I begin by planning all my dinners, which are often the most complex meals. Next, I plan breakfast, followed by lunch. Finally, with the main meals set, I fill in my snacks for the day, utilizing any remaining macros, points, or containers. This method helps optimize your nutritional intake. For a wealth of creative and healthy snack ideas, consult our popular post: Healthy Snack Ideas | 21 Day Fix Snacks. It’s an excellent resource for finding delicious options that fit perfectly with your leftover containers, points, or macro targets after planning the rest of your day!

What about the weekend?

Maintaining your healthy eating habits through the weekend is crucial for achieving optimal and consistent results, especially when following programs like the 21 Day Fix. After diligently adhering to this healthy weekly meal plan, you will likely have some delicious leftover meals and various ingredients remaining. To minimize food waste and ensure continued healthy eating, we recommend taking inventory of your fridge and pantry at the end of the week. Based on what you have, create a flexible plan for your Saturday and Sunday meals. Many people enjoy the flexibility of a healthy takeout meal one night – think vibrant salads with grilled protein or a satisfying slice of veggie pizza. For even more inspiration and practical advice, our helpful Healthy Weekend Meals post is here to guide you!

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

You are in luck! We understand that sometimes you need a complete, done-for-you solution. That’s why we’ve compiled 20 FREE and FULL 21 Day Fix Meal Plans, each meticulously planned for all calorie brackets. These comprehensive plans take the guesswork out of every meal, providing a complete roadmap for your healthy eating journey. They are ready to download and implement, offering a fantastic resource for anyone seeking a fully structured approach.

Your Detailed Meal Plan for This Week

Breakfast: Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread

Start your day with a delightful and wholesome treat! This Healthy Banana Bread gets a festive fall twist with pumpkin, making it a perfect autumn breakfast. Our 21 Day Fix-approved Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread is not only dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free, but it’s also packed with beneficial fiber. It’s quickly become our family’s new favorite pumpkin-flavored indulgence!

Groceries:

  • 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 small or 1 1/2 large ripe bananas
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or sub whatever milk you have on hand
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips optional

Get Recipe

Lunch: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Spinach, and Feta

Discover a perfectly portioned and incredibly satisfying fall meal! This 21 Day Fix-approved Stuffed Acorn Squash, brimming with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy feta, is as delicious as it is visually appealing. Its versatility is a huge bonus – feel free to swap in your favorite protein, seasonal vegetables, or cheese to create endless delightful variations!

Groceries:

  • 2 acorn squash
  • 1 lb sweet or spicy poultry sausage mine was chicken with feta and spinach
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1/2 onion diced (i used sweet yellow, but I bet red would be yummy, too)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups spinach chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese or sub your favorite cheese
  • 2 tablespoons pecorino romano
  • Sea or Himalayan salt

Get Recipe

Monday: Balsamic Chicken and Zucchini Skewers with Brown Rice

These delectable Balsamic Chicken and Zucchini Skewers offer a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful grilled dinner option. They are a healthy, 21 Day Fix-approved meal that’s perfectly suited for utilizing an abundance of garden zucchini! Serve them alongside wholesome brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Groceries:

For the Marinade

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil WW can sub 1 Tbsp
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Other Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pound chicken breast cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion cut into chunks
  • 2 large zucchini cut into chunks
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese
  • Wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning

Get Recipe

Tuesday: Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Simplify your weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy, one-pot Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe! You’ll enjoy all the beloved flavors of your favorite enchilada dinner without the fuss of rolling tortillas or turning on the oven. This dish features delicious layers of tortillas, tender shredded chicken, and cheesy goodness that your entire family will wholeheartedly adore.

Groceries:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • ¾ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt plus more for chicken
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast
  • 2 cups diced green bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 6 thin corn tortillas I use Mission brand – 3 for 1 yellow
  • 1 cup black beans
  • ⅔ – 1 1/3 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings

  • plain Greek yogurt, cilantro, fresh pico de gallo, diced avocado

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Wednesday: Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Sausage

Embrace the flavors of autumn with this incredibly satisfying 21 Day Fix Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Sausage – the perfect family dinner for a crisp fall evening! If you’re new to savory pumpkin dishes, this creamy, rich, and utterly delicious pasta is an outstanding introduction to the seasonal ingredient.

Groceries:

  • 2 teaspoons vegan or clarified butter
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb spicy Italian turkey or chicken sausage or use thisrecipe to make your own
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk I love So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup good quality parmesan or pecorino romano
  • 3 cups cooked gluten free or whole grain pasta 2 cups raw for IP

Get Recipe

Thursday: Easy IP Chicken Curry and Rice with a side of green beans

Prepare to enjoy a meal that tastes just like your favorite takeout, but made simply and healthily at home! This Instant Pot Chicken Curry Recipe with Rice is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and sneakily packed with nutrients from hidden veggies, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or an efficient meal prep option.

Groceries:

  • 2 teaspoons avocado or coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons ginger
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder or more to taste
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 1/4 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 2 cups frozen butternut squash
  • 1 lb boneless chicken tenders or chicken thighs diced
  • 1/3 cup Coconut milk
  • Salt
  • Garnish with green onion + cilantro if you have them I didn’t!

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Friday: IP Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps

These Healthy Instant Pot Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps offer a vibrant, flavorful alternative to takeout, and are even more delicious served over rice or with stir-fried veggies! Not only are they 21 Day Fix approved, but they are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly, making them a versatile and healthy choice for your Friday dinner.

Groceries:

  • 1 1/2 lb flank steak trimmed of any fat and sliced thin – about 1/2 inch strips (on a budget? This is amazing with lean ground beef, too! Just brown your meat first!)
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil can sub olive or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
  • 2 teaspoons gluten free flour sub arrowroot or tapioca for paleo
  • Matchstick carrots and/or thinly sliced red cabbage
  • Cilantro and/or green onions for garnish
  • Boston or Bibb lettuce

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