Menu Plan {September 17th – 23rd} with Make Ahead Tips, and Some Other SMK Updates

Well it has been a LONG while since I posted a menu plan. Actually, as I look back through my posts the last SMK menu plan was posted on June 24^th. Time sure does fly when life is crazy busy.

This past summer I found it really difficult to keep a structured menu plan. I had a “loose” plan that gave us some structure. However, with the heat and always being on the go it was hard to write out, in a blog post, what we were eating weekly.

Also, you may remember, a couple months ago I had the idea of providing structured SMK menu plans every two weeks. Well, over the summer, I was working hard putting recipes together, testing menus, and writing up plans – but then realized that was ALL I WAS DOING! I had very little time (or energy) leftover to create other content for this blog. That did not make me happy. This blog is my happy place and when I get stressed about it I try to take a few steps back and refocus. Right now, I am a one woman show running things over here in my corner of cyberland. Also, I work full-time so my time is very limited on when I can work on it. Maybe someday that will change but for now that is how it is.

Therefore, instead of going crazy trying to put these structured menu plans together, that may or may not meet everyone’s needs, my focus will continue to be providing my readers (that’s you) with quality recipes, posts, and resources to assist you in creating a healthy lifestyle that works for your family.  I will post my personal weekly menu plan because many of you have told me that you like seeing them for ideas and inspiration.

However, those of you that were really looking forward to a structured menu plan I don’t want to leave you in the dust. Over the last month I have been researching and testing out different menu planning services (free and paid). I have been pleasantly surprised, even as a self-proclaimed menu planning extraordinaire, how much I like them. I find myself referring to them every week and I do see the benefit in subscribing to these very affordable services. They have all proven to be a great resource, especially for busy parents that might not have the time to put together their own menu plans.  In addition, to these services, I am also starting to compile a list of other menu planning resources and articles to help you if you would rather create your own menu plan.

Basically, what I am finding is there are already so many wonderful resources out there. So instead of reinventing the wheel I have decided to create a stand alone page on Skinny Mom’s Kitchen that will highlight and share all of the resources that these woman (mostly moms) work so hard to create. You can view the page here. I am still adding to it so make sure to bookmark for future reference.

Ok now let’s get to my menu plan for the week.

Menu Plan {September 17^th – 23^rd}

With school and dance in full swing I need simplicity. I am trying not to let my freezer get bare, so every other week I am stocking my freezer with meal starters, complete meals, and other items to make meal planning during the week as easy as possible.

Nutritional information is provided for recipes found at Skinny Mom’s Kitchen. If the link is to another website and they do not provide the nutritional information it can be calculated using My Fitness Pal. **Please note some of the recipes I am using this week may come from the menu planning services I use. If it is a paid service then the full recipe may only be available to members.

Breakfast

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burritos

Yogurt Pancakes

Make Ahead Tips

• I usually will have breakfast items prepared on Sunday. However, time got away from me so Monday night we will do “breakfast for dinner” night. This way I can just make extra and get my freezer stocked with breakfast food.

Lunch

Chiptole Turkey Burritos

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Make Ahead Tips

• Both of these meals were made a couple weeks ago and are in my freezer.

Dinner

Breakfast for Dinner (Pancakes and Burritos)

Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin – Emeals clean eating recipe. I will serve this with corn and rice.

Linguini and Clam Sauce

Tacos

Tortellini with Artichoke and Goat Cheese Sauce – new recipe

Shrimp Risotto – new recipe

Leftover and pantry meals

Make Ahead Instructions

• I have the pork tenderloin and marinade in the freezer. That was easy to put together so I did that on Friday. Rice and corn are both in the freezer.
• Clam sauce and tacos were made a couple weeks ago and put in the freezer.
• Artichoke and goat cheese sauce is easy to make and will be put together the night of.
• Risotto will be a weekend meal

Skinny Mom’s Kitchen Menu Plan will participate in The Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday.