Meal Plan Monday: Week Two - Jan 13th

Last year we decided to make some big changes to our lifestyle and some of these including shedding some pounds and making a conscious effort to eat healthier. A year down the line and I have managed to lose three stones and so we want to continue with our new lifestyle and shed two more stone this year. So far, it has been really great and we all have been enjoying the nutritious meals that are jam packed full of fruit, veggies and lots of goodness. 


I’m always sharing my meals over on my Instagram and because so many of you have been asking about those recipes I thought that it was time I shared my meal plan with you. Before last year, I had never planned a meal in my life (unless choosing a wedding breakfast counts) but I would always choose to free ball it than stick to any kind of plan! But it was then that I would get stuck in the day to day repeating of several recipes, over and over and I can find it really tedious and boring which is why I would always reach for the sweet treats.

Meal planning saves me so much time and we have also been saving between £10-£20 a week. Everyone should give meal planning a go just for that reason. But not only will you save yourself a few quid meal planning can really help change the way you eat and change your food buying habits. So I want to share our meals from Monday 13th Jan on wards. 

Monday:: Chipotle Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti and Steamed Broccoli

Every week we love to buy a new herb or spice and last week it was Chipotle flakes and so we have been developing lots of tasty recipes that have a kick. These meatballs are a complete game changer for those who like a bit of spice and they are a simple meal to start your week, with a kick. The rich, flavourful sauce will make you think you have been cooking it for hours and hours. You will need to make your meatballs but that is probably the only work that you need to do, as the sauce is cooking away cook spaghetti and stream your broccoli. A rich meal cooked in less than 20 minutes and under 400 calories, what's not to love?

Tuesday :: Cheese & Onion Crispbakes, with sauteed vegetables and salad from Pinch of Nom Everyday Light

As a child along with both my brother and sister we loved those pancake crispbakes you could get. Can anyone remember those really cheesy ones? However, they were hardly great for those watching their calorie consumption and so we thought that we would add some slimming world friendly ones to our meal plan and they really didn't disappoint. These cheese and onion crispbakes are a great combination, paired with some creamy mash and crispy coating really makes the best comfort food. We decided to add some extra speed with sauteed veggies and salad, it was a very flavoursome and a filling meal. 


Wednesday :: Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa and Halloumi from Pinch of Nom Everyday Light

When we hear that word Halloumi, we get so happy. We love our cheese in this house, but being on slimming world you have to try and limit your intake. So saving our HEA for our evening meal was a must for you this delicious dish, and under 400 calories it's a must make dish. My husband isn't really keen on quinoa and as much as a I try to convince him that it's so good for you, he would never budge. That was until we dished it with Halloumi and veggies. This dish has really changed my husbands opinion on quinoa and it seems as if we shall be enjoyed the power food more in our healthy meals. 


Thursday :: Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

It has been so cold and what better way to warm you up than with a delicious slow cooked stew? That's why I love this time of year as it's so simple and easy to bung lots of veggies into a slow cooker and wait several hours. Zero effort meals are my kind of meals. This Beef and Sweet Potato Stew is so simple and easy to prepare and can be cooked in a slow cooker, on the hob or in the oven. It has been the best midweek meal.

Friday :: Southern Fried Burger in a Bowl, Paprika Chips and Salad. 

Who says a burger has to have bread? We are making an effort to try and limit our break intake during the week and swapping the bread out for something else as our HEB choice. This Southern Fried Burger in a bowl has juicy lean pork mince, with the southern fried sweet smokey taste and lots of fresh salad. If you’re starting out on a Slimming World plan or just want a lighter option one evening, then I recommend this being one of your first dishes. 

Saturday :: Ramen Bowls from Pinch of Nom Everyday Light. 

We have never ever tried a Ramen bowl before, I'm not entirely sure why it's taken us so long but we are full of regret. Noodles and soup are a match made in heaven and this delicious syn free chicken version is so good. This ramen noodle bowl is packed with loads of delicious fresh veg – bringing loads of different flavours and textures into the mix. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken stock for vegetable, and if you want to go vegan simply use egg-free noodles and remove the boiled eggs.


What do you think of our meal plan this week? Have we inspired you to try out some of these recipes? I would recommend that you get the Pinch of Nom recipes books, especially the Everyday Light. It has been so great cooking up some of their recipes. 

10 comments

  1. I think it’s too early in the morning for me to be drooling over dinner isn’t it?

    These all sound delicious, we are following SW too so it’s great to get some ideas. Thank you x

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  2. Wow, very well organised and really well described accounts of each day. Being veggie, none of these dishes would be for me, however, what this is really about is the fantastic job you're doing in pursuing your goals and how well you are covering that journey.

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  3. Some great ideas here. You've got a real mixture every day of the week, can't go wrong with this meal plan!

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  4. I have to say I have fallen off the meal planning wagon and really need to get back on it. I use recipes from A Pinch of Nom lots too!

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  5. Ooo these are some interesting ideas. I don't meal plan as such but I do buy weekly meals so we will eat whatever I buy. I've got to say, I have never put veg with spaghetti and meatballs but that's a great idea!

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  6. Those are gorgeous meals, they look so tasty! I meal plan every week, but we are stuck in a rut. I will definitely be trying the burger in a bowl!

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  7. We struggle with meal plans because we don't eat a large variety of foods because I'm picky. I wish we did better though.

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  8. That sounds like a yummy week ahead! Home made meatballs is one of our favourites too, and since my kids decided they actually like broccoli we throw that on top of everything.

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  9. The cheese and onion crisp bakes sound amazing

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  10. ooh these dishes look so delicious and healthy and congrats on the 3 stone weightloss

    Laura x

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