The 2024 week 3 Menu plan is complete. This may be one of the easiest meal plans I have ever done. I featured recipes from JJ Virgin during week 2 and low and behold, there were so many leftovers that I have a week’s worth of eat once again offerings. What that means for me…very little time in the kitchen and extra time experimenting with sides and salads.
Breakfast
Breakfasts for the week are a complete repeat of last week’s menu. The ‘Ole Buckeye insisted on making his own oatmeal and soft boiled eggs each morning and since I normally fast, I welcomed the freedom. There was one change that I did make several mornings. I added a protein shake to my morning routine from a list of smoothies and shakes from a “Loaded Smoothie Guide” I downloaded from JJ Virgin. In my latest nutritional findings I have come to realize that we have not been getting enough protein and I am now concentrating on getting at least 30 grams of protein at every meal…minimal.
Cinnamon Almond Overnight Oats
Tex Mex Scrambled Eggs with Avocado and Salsa
Individually Baked Breakfast Frittatas
Blueberry Pecan Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
LUNCH
Soups continue to top the menu for the week.
Dinner
Along with the leftover meals from last week I will be trying 3 new recipes from her website. I am most excited about the Italian sausage recipe.
Italian Sausage, Butternut and Potato Bake
Healthy Lemon Thyme Slow Cooker Chicken
Hits and Misses
Most of the recipes on JJ Virgin’s website were labor intense…not my favorite thing. I would prefer not to spend an afternoon on a soup or Meatloaf. I love it when I can put a meal on the table in less than an hour. That being said, I am reaping the rewards of the labor this week since many of the meals are cook once/eat again.
Lunch
This red lentil soup was delicious and fed us several times. As most often happens with soup, it got better and better at each meal.
This chili is jammed packed with ingredients and flavor. We enjoyed it even more due to the cold temperatures outside…truly chili weather. I will admit however that I have other chili recipes that we enjoy more, but considering this is vegetarian…it is quite good.
Dinner
I must say that this casserole was a pleasant surprise. It definitely took more time than I’d like, but the flavor and texture combinations were not only interesting, but very enjoyable. The cranberries gave a definite pop of sweetness. An additional plus…there is enough for an additional meal.
Chicken and Butternut Squash Casserole
Between the red lentil soup and this vegan meatloaf I spent an entire afternoon of food prep. This loaf had good flavor but the mouth appeal was definitely not like having a real meatloaf. Once again, it made enough for additional meals, making the time in the kitchen more incensequencial. It would take a great deal of thought to determine if I would make it again.
JJ Virgin provides an easy and delicious salmon recipe. The ‘Ole Buckeye is not a “BLACKENED” fish fan, but I used a little less cayenne pepper in the rub and the result was perfectly cooked salmon with great flavor.
I have a tried and true recipe for Greek turkey buyers which we love. These burgers were simply seasoned. What truly makes them special is the salsa…combined with the burgers this was an outstanding meal. Now what do I do with the leftover salsa?
The Filet was great…the onion and fennel definitely not needed. I will add those to a salad later in the week.
Filet Mignon with Roasted Onion and Fennel
If I make this casserole in the future I will try to develop more flavor. We thought this was quite bland. I was surprised at how filling it was…no need for extra helpings…one was definitely enough.
Food for Thought
The menu plan last week and once again this week featured recipes from JJ Virgin. I am also sharing her discussion on Healthy sugar alternatives…allulose, sugar alcohols, and more. What a concise discussion on the correct sweetener dilemma JJ gives us. There are so many differing opinions out there, but this explains in a simple way exactly what my research has found.
Recap
The meals this week were quite different in flavor profiles and most took extra time to prepare, but all of them were filing and satisfying. There was no need for snacking between meals because we were full with no cravings. The pursuit of healthy nutrition and enjoyable meals continues. The information is constantly revised and changing. Bon Appetit!
