July Meal Plan

Man oh man it’s hot.  And I got fat while I was on vacation.  I have big lifestyle plans once the kids go back to school, but this meal plan is just going to get me through until then (or close to it).

Parmesan Tilapia — working on having a protein source and vegetables at dinner.  Possibly some fruit because it is SO hot.  This one fits the ticket, and everyone loves it!

Chicken Florentine — we actually just had this and I had cheers all around.  I never add enough spinach to the pan, my kids would eat more.  SUPER EASY AND FAST.  I highly recommend!  I also just use chicken strips as no one at this house will eat a full breast.  Also, take the spinach out as it’s just starting to wilt– it will wilt the rest of the way in the bowl you rest it in, and not be over-soggy or slimy that way.

Lemon Caper Chicken — another favorites, my kids love capers.  I might add a baked potato for them with this, or they can just have a piece of bread or something {I don’t like restricting my kids carbs when I’m restricting my own at night}.  The sweet potato puree is tasty, but too hot and heavy for the summer.  Did I mention it’s hot?

Mexican Lasagna — Not every meal will be the protein plan, but this will have plenty of beans to fill us up!  My recipe isn’t just like this, mine uses chicken.  I’ll probably just wing it — the recipe is just an inspiration for what goes in!

Mini Meatloaves — I try to go hamburger in our meals once a week.  Great iron source for kids, and any time hamburger is mixed with some cheese I’m happy.  Too happy. 🙂  Again, this is an inspiration recipe.  Mine will have Worcestershire, cheese, plenty of salt and pepper, an egg, parmesean (I started using parm instead of breadcrumbs when my mom was here once and it’s TASTY).  I may top with some ketchup….

Chicken and Rice Salad — this is an oldie but a goodie.  I don’t use a recipe (to my husband’s frustration).  It’s rice, halved grapes, cooked chicken, celery, and salt to taste.  Great for hot summers.  My husband LOVES rice (he went to Korea on his mission) so this one kept him and the kids happy (I was gone that night).

Anyway, that’s what’s on the docket.

Now it’s your turn.  I’m looking for protein-rich main dishes that can keep me on track once school starts.  My plan is to eat a hearty breakfast, and decent lunch (hoping to have a salad more often than not), and then protein dinner.  If anyone has any great books on lifestyle changes, please let me know.  It’s time to get back into shape. 🙂