Kimberley Kasper Health, Wellness, Fitness

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What's For Dinner Mom? Week of August 12, 2019

It’s the last week of summer vacation in our house and the kids are already gearing up for another great year. Two-a-day football practices, wrapping up that summer reading, math, and history, and getting those backpacks ready while enjoying time with friends is what this week is all about. Dinners this week are super simple, tried and true, crowd pleasers. So whether, like us, you’re expecting a few extra people for dinner as the kids soak up the final days or it’s a more intimate group, these recipes won’t steer you wrong.

As with all of my weekly meal plans, proteins can be swapped out if you don’t like the protein in the recipe. I’m a pescatarian so if we’re having pork or chicken, I will usually substitute it for some white fish. Eat the protein you like. A meal plan will only work long term (and any fitness or wellness program) if you like the foods you’re eating. So take this and adjust as necessary to fit your macros.

Let me know what you’ll be eating this week! And if you make anything from this post, tag me on Instagram so I can share it with my followers (@kimberleykasper).

Monday

Image: SkinnyTaste

It’s another low carb day and we’ll be enjoying these Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. This is one of the simplest recipes to make - it literally has one step - and delivers a big bang. Don’t like lettuce wraps? Serve this over brown rice or quinoa for those not watching carbs. If you are watching your carbs, you can serve this over cauliflower rice or wrapped in a low-carb tortilla. This comes in at roughly 5 net carbs.

Tuesday

Image: What’s Gaby Cooking

For our second low carb day this week, we’ll be enjoying Salmon Tacos. This is another super simple dinner that has a big impact. If you’re not watching your carbs, include a little sliced mango. And make sure you add some red cabbage for crunch and the avocado - it makes this dish. I top this with a drizzle of Sriracha Ranch to finish it off. Including the low carb tortilla, these come in at 2 net carbs! Delicious!

Wednesday

Image: Half Baked Harvest

Wednesday night I will grill some chicken. I like to marinate the chicken overnight in some olive oil, lemon, and herbs de Provence to allow those flavors time to soak into the chicken. Simply grill the chicken, slice and serve with this amazing Watermelon Feta Salad. This is one of my favorite summer salads and again, is super simple to make.

Thursday

My clients in my six-week program will be doing a 24-hour water fast today and when they break their fast at dinner, they will be focused on having a balanced meal that’s not too heavy. One of the best choices is an acai bowl. I’m not talking about the kind with tons of added sugars from juices and yogurts. I am talking about using good-for-you, healthy ingredients and toppings that deliver the right nutrients without the added sugar. In the recipe I’ve linked, omit the apple juice - it’s not needed. Instead I add coconut water or almond milk . Make sure you top yours with bananas, chia, flax, and blueberries for an added antioxidant kick!

Friday

Image: What’s Gaby Cooking

What would Friday be without some pizza? This week’s pizza is the Chicken Caesar Salad pizza. I will use either a cauliflower crust or gluten-free dough and will omit the cheese from this pizza - it’s not really needed. This is a stunning pizza with amazing flavors you will love!

Saturday

Image: Whats Gaby Cooking

The final Saturday night before the new school year starts calls for a little something special. So Saturday we’ll enjoy this Santa Maria Tri Tip. Make sure you do the rub (I double the recipe) because it adds so much flavor. We’ll do this with the tomato salad, some freshly picked corn on the cob, and a big green salad. Don’t worry if you have leftovers. This is amazing on a low carb day (minus the sides) or will make excellent sandwiches the following day.