5 Easy and Delicious Health Meal Plans for Busy Weekdays

5 Easy and Delicious Healthy Meal Plans for Busy Weekdays

As a busy professional, meal planning can be a challenge. Finding time to cook healthy meals amidst work, family, and social commitments can seem like an impossible task. However, with a little planning, it’s possible to eat nutritious and tasty meals every day of the week. In this article, we’ll cover five easy and delicious healthy meal plans for busy weekdays.

Meal Plan 1: Slow Cooker Chicken

The slow cooker is a lifesaver for busy professionals. For this meal plan, you’ll need:

– 4 chicken breasts
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed

Combine the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Add the sweet potatoes and green beans to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 1-2 hours until everything is tender and cooked through.

Meal Plan 2: Grilled Salmon

Fish is a great source of lean protein and heart-healthy fats. For this meal plan, you’ll need:

– 4 salmon fillets
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Meanwhile, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve with the grilled salmon.

Meal Plan 3: Vegetable Stir Fry

Stir fry is a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of vegetables. For this meal plan, you’ll need:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 cup snow peas
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snow peas, and mushrooms and stir fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir until the vegetables are coated and the sauce is thickened.

Meal Plan 4: Taco Salad

Salad can be a satisfying and healthy meal, especially when loaded with protein and healthy fats. For this meal plan, you’ll need:

– 1 pound ground turkey or beef
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese
– 1/4 cup salsa
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned and cooked through. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Meanwhile, arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or bowl. Top with the cooked taco meat, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Meal Plan 5: Lentil Soup

Soup is a comforting and healthy meal option, perfect for chilly days. For this meal plan, you’ll need:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, green lentils, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the lentils are cooked through and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Conclusion

Meal planning doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With a little bit of planning and the right ingredients, you can eat healthy and delicious meals every day of the week. Try these five easy and delicious healthy meal plans for busy weekdays and see how meal planning can simplify your life and improve your health.