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Menu Plan Monday: September 5, 2016

September 6, 2016

What’s been happening at Small Bites by Jessica, plus this week’s Menu Plan Monday, and links I loved over the past two weeks.

menu plan monday

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! I know for most of you with kids, school has started, but my girls have one more week off before their last year of nursery school begins. I’m definitely not one to rush away the summer, but it sure seems like they’ve been home for way too long!

I’m anxiously awaiting their school to begin for two main reasons: (1) This is the first year they will be in separate classes. While I’m excited for them to become more independent and have their own unique experiences, I’m nervous about the adjustment, especially socially. The trials and tribulations of being a #TwinMom. (2) While I’m prepared to pack them lunch everyday (surely you’ve seen my Healthy School Lunch Ideas post), it’s one more item to add to the to-do list, one which seems never-ending as it is.

There’s a little peek into some of what’s occupying my brain these days. In other news, have you started receiving my Nutritious Food, Delicious Life newsletter? If not, sign up now for weekly emails with my latest nutritious and delicious recipes, family-friendly nutrition tips, and more. You’ll never have to worry about missing a post here!

Nutritious Food, Delicious Life Newsletter @ Nutritioulicious

Now, onto this week’s Link Love and Menu Plan Monday. There are lots of great articles and recipes below since I missed posting last Monday, so be sure to look through and see what catches your eye. I can assure you you’ll find something you enjoy! As for this week’s menu, we’re having company Friday night, so it’s a bigger meal than usual. Trying to make the most of what’s left of the delicious summer produce!

Link Love Articles:

Healthy Kitchen Hacks #48 @ Teaspoon of Spice

⇒ This is my favorite in the series thus far. Just check out my comment on the blog post and on their FB post to see why!

11 Great Sources of Vegetarian Protein @ Bucket List Tummy

⇒ I have really embraced vegetarian meals, even beyond Meatless Monday. If you need some inspiration or are afraid of missing out on protein, check out this post. Thanks to Sarah for including my Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese! 🙂

How to Grocery Shop Like a Dietitian @ Rebecca Clyde, RD

⇒ Navigating the supermarket isn’t easy – even for RDs sometimes! Get some great tips from my friend and fellow RD Rebecca from Nourish Nutrition Co.

Is Carrageenan Safe to Eat? @ Balanced Pantry

⇒ This emulsifier/stabilizer ingredient is hard to pronounce, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid products with it. Find out more in this great post.

Tips to Avoid Freshman 15 @ Food, Pleasure, & Health

⇒ Excellent tips for avoiding the infamous weight gain that comes along with starting college. Check out what I have to say about navigating the all-you-can-eat cafeteria!

7 Healthy Eating Habits I’m Teaching My Kids @ Make Healthy Easy

⇒ Oh how I can relate to Jenna’s roller coaster ride trying to teach her boys healthy eating habits. Dietitians aren’t exempt from these struggles, but we do our best to get through them and hopefully these tips will help you with your kids!

100 Lunch Box Ideas @ Real Mom Nutrition

⇒ I don’t think parents can ever have enough ideas for filling the school lunchboxes! I love that Sally breaks down the ideas by food groups, snacks, and foods that go well in a thermos.

Why You Must Have Family Dinners @ Parenting Diabetes

⇒ This post is about so much more than the importance of family dinners. Check out the 7 ways to implement family meals (hint: it doesn’t have to be dinner!)

Meal Plan Monday Recipes:

Sweet Corn Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup @ Zestful Kitchen

⇒ Both components of this recipe look amazing. Can’t wait to try them together and separately!

Wild Blueberry Chia Breakfast Parfaits with Peanut Butter Granola @ Delish Knowledge

⇒ I love a grown up PB&J and this one looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it out!

Fresh Corn, Black Bean, and Avocado Tacos @ The Organic Kitchen

⇒ You know I love corn and black beans together! Just see here, here, and here! Can’t wait to make these tacos!

Healthy Greek Yogurt Brownies @ Joy. Food. Sunshine.

⇒ I love baking with Greek yogurt (have you seen my Chocolate Pear Bread?) and I’m excited for another use for almond flour too!

Artichoke Basil Pomodoro @ Flo & Grace

⇒ Need more recipe ideas for all those end-of-summer tomatoes? This recipe looks easy and delish!

15 Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad @ Dishing Out Health

⇒ This recipe will definitely be a hit for my girls’ school lunchboxes, and I’ll be making double to have at home too!

menu plan monday

Week of September 5, 2016

Monday: Labor Day

Tuesday: Pistachio-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potato Carrot Souffle and Roasted Broccoli

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Beet Butter Spaghetti and Peach Caprese Salad

Friday: Watermelon-Tomato Gazpacho, Soy-Marinated Steak (not with the tacos though), Farro Salad, and Corn, Tomato, Avocado Salad

How is back to school season going for you?

What’s on your menu this week?

Tweet me @JLevinsonRD with #DinnerTonight

Nutritioulicious Menu Plan Monday, week of September 5, 2016, including Beet Butter Spaghetti @rwallace4, Soy-Marinated Steak, Watermelon-Tomato Gazpacho, and Pistachio-Stuffed Chicken Breasts @jlevinsonrd.

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