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your work week dinner game plan

3 · Aug 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment

5 quick and easy, balanced dinner ideas to get you (or your whole family!) through the work week!

work week dinner game plan // cait's plate

Back again with another 5 days of easy dinner ideas to inspire your eats this week!

If you want even more dinner inspiration – find all my Work Week Dinner Game Plans here!

MONDAY: Protein-packed summer farro salad

protein-packed summer farro salad // cait's plate

these easy meatless dinner comes together in just 15 minutes and is the perfect vehicle for using up your stack of zucchinis that are piling up!

  • Serves: 2-4
  • Done in: 15 minutes
  • Tips: Feel free to utilize any summer veggies you have! This would be great with zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, etc. Serve with a side salad for even more veggies!

TUESDAY: 15-minute pesto & broccoli shrimp pasta

shrimp and spinach walnut pesto over whole wheat penne - a hearty, satisfying meal that can be made in 15 minutes start to finish! // cait's plate
  • Serves: 2-3 (you’ll have extra pasta, so just increase the amount of shrimp as needed to serve more)
  • Done in: 15 minutes
  • Tips: The perfect weeknight meal. Multitask by making the pesto and the shrimp while the pasta and broccoli cook. If you’re not a shrimp fan, you can sub tofu, chicken or even steak in this dish!

WEDNESDAY: Black bean, corn & sweet potato and farro bowl with avocado yogurt sauce

black bean, corn, sweet potato and farro bowl (with avocado yogurt sauce) // cait's plate
  • Serves: 2-3
  • Done in: 30 minutes
  • Tips: Serve with corn chips and plenty of avocado yogurt sauce!

THURSDAY: Parmesan chicken tenders (+5 ways to serve them!)

parmesan chicken tenders (+5 ways to serve them!) // cait's plate

these easy parmesan chicken tenders can be prepped over the weekend then eaten in different ways all week long!

  • Serves: 4-6
  • Done in: 35 minutes
  • Tips: Prep these over the weekend then take your pick from the ideas I’ve provided or make up your own meal!

FRIDAY: One-pot summertime pasta

one-pot summertime pasta dish - done in under 30 minutes and you only have to dirty one dish! // cait's plate

this dish is perfect for friday – one pot and you’re done! minimal effort and cleanup so you can get to your weekend faster!

  • Serves: 4
  • Done in: 15 minutes
  • Tips: You’re getting protein from the whole grain pasta and the cheese but feel free to add some more to the dish if you want! You can also serve this with a side salad for even more veggies.
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i’m cait, a registered dietitian and mom. i believe in a realistic approach to wellness. on this site you'll find easy recipes, nutrition content, motherhood tips and more! read more →

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tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili
tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili this past week to make it meatless and it was 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ here’s how I did it:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 cup diced bell peppers (I used a mixture)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 tablespoons tomato paste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 1/2 cups veggie broth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 teaspoons chili powder (+/- as desired)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 teaspoon ground cumin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 teaspoon dried oregano⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1-2 sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2 inch cubes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Salt & pepper, to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2-4 tbsp. olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups cooked quinoa⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ place everything but the quinoa into a slow cooker & place on HIGH for 4 hours. Stir in cooked quinoa & add additional salt / pepper / spices to taste. top with your favorite toppings (I love cheese, avocado, yogurt & hot sauce).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ this chili is great right away (even better after a day to marinate in the fridge) and is an easy make-ahead meal you can enjoy all week!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #chilirecipe #vegetarianrecipe #vegetrianmeal #vegetarianmealprep #slowcooker #slowercookermeals #crockpotrecipes

what's a diet culture rule you've never quite unde
what's a diet culture rule you've never quite understood? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for me it was definitely the "don't eat after 6pm" rule 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ hunger and digestion are not run by the clock. there are so many factors that can go into why we feel hungry from one moment to the next, and that feeling of hunger is always valid and should be honored, regardless of the time of day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ similarly, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' times to eat a meal. breakfast, lunch and dinner are not bound to specific windows of time. each can be eaten whenever you & your body deem it appropriate. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ hope this reaches anyone who might need these reminders today ❤️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidietdietitian #mindsetmatters #allfoodsfit #edwarriors #rdchat #dietitiansofinstagram #healthateverysize #dietculturedropout #nondietdietitian #antidietculture #antidietrevolution #intuitiveeatingjourney

these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make f
these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make for a super simple weeknight meal.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm partial to serving them over some couscous or quinoa, slathering them in tzatziki sauce then adding some fresh cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes & pita bread.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ but you can really serve them up in whatever way you like best! done in 35 minutes and makes enough to eat for several meals 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ grab the recipe on @caitsplate (link in bio): https://caitsplate.com/greek-spinach-feta-turkey-meatballs/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #dinnerrecipes #dinnerathome #easydinner #easymeals #thefeedfeed #f52community #huffposttaste #recipeideas

just to add a little perspective around the messag
just to add a little perspective around the messaging that’s out there telling us all how to “lose the COVID 15...”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ let's reframe the fear mongering language around weight gain during this pandemic as a sign of privilege. having enough, at a time where so many have lost so much, should be looked at as nothing but a positive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ our bodies are meant to shift and change with different seasons of life. using food as one way to cope with hard emotions is completely common and part of a peaceful relationship with food.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ we are in unprecedented times. seeking self-comfort and care in whatever way works for you is OKAY. having gained weight during this pandemic is OKAY and not something you need to be jumping to 'fix' or 'correct.' and most importantly, it's okay to reframe comfort eating to something you can be grateful for, a coping skill you have the privilege and opportunity to enjoy, rather than berating yourself for it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ sending everyone a great big virtual hug today 🤍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #antidietculture #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuitiveeating #nondietdietitian #youareenough #youareworthy

another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ this veggie sushi grain bowl takes all your favorite flavors from a veggie sushi roll and deconstructs it into an easy lunch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ finished off with an Asian ginger vinaigrette, it will definitely be a meal you make time and time again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ here’s what you need: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for the grain bowl:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups cooked rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 cup steamed shelled edamame⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups carrots, peeled & cut into ribbons (you can also shredded or thinly slice them)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 avocado, sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Optional: black sesame seeds⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for the dressing (recipe from all recipes):⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled & minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3/4 cup olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/3 cup soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 tablespoons honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/3 cup rice vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/4 cup water⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ full recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/veggie-sushi-grain-bowl/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianrecipe #vegetarianeats #vegetarianlunch #huffposttaste #thefeedfeed #f52community #lunchtoday

a few monday morning reminders for anyone who need
a few monday morning reminders for anyone who needs them! ❤️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidiet #intuitiveeatingjourney #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #antidietculture #nondietdietitian


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