Today, I have something extra special for you guys. A few weeks ago, I got a Facebook message from a friend asking me for some advice on constructing a meal plan that was both healthy and affordable and doable for someone in college. As soon as I read it I realized that many of us (myself included) struggle with ways to eat healthy while keeping the cost low so, I decided to create a little meal plan inspiration for all of us!
Each meal is jam-packed with healthy & delicious ingredients, and while I did put different recipes for each meal of the day/week many of these can be re-purposed as lunch the next day (and I mentioned this in a few of the descriptions). So go ahead, look through these ideas and here is to a healthy week that won’t break the bank, or your back!
Monday
- Breakfast: Green Detox Smoothie
What I love about this detox smoothie (aside from it’s gorgeous bright green color) is how seriously delicious it is! This is not one of those “plug-your-nose-while-drinking” kind of smoothies. This is scrape the bottom of the glass good and it takes all of 5 minutes to throw together! Perfect for your busy morning.
I love these gorgeous flautas because they are so simple to put together (essential for the weekday) but also packed with good-for-you ingredients that also serve to keep you full all day long!
- Dinner: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
This is one of my favorite “tried-and-true” recipes that I have served for guests and received nothing but rave reviews! These are so simple to make and make a wonderful next-day lunch!
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Avocado on Toast
Ok, avocado on toast is nothing new, but this is the perfect power breakfast for those of us who can’t bear the thought of waking up 20 minutes earlier to make breakfast (guilty)!
- Lunch: Mediterranean Salad
Start with this for lunch, then use the leftover ingredients to make the Rice Bowl below!
- Dinner: Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl
One of my favorite recipes, ever! Such a good dinner and perfect after a hard workout at the gym! To help cut down on prep-time, make the toppings beforehand and use them as dipping sauces for all sorts of veggies during the week!
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
This is the perfect for those mornings you know you will need a few extra minutes of zzz’s or if you have a big day ahead and don’t want to spend any time in the morning prepping breakfast. These oats are made 100% the night before, which means all you have to do it wake up and eat!
These wraps are so perfect to bring to work, simply cook the chicken the night before, assemble the wrap and you are good to go! I like to make 2 or 3 at a time to have on hand, just in case I get home from work and need a quick snack!
- Dinner: One Pot Creamy Spinach & Lentils (via Pinch Of Yum)
One-Pot-Creamy-Spinach-Lentils- via Pinch Of Yum
Thursday
- Breakfast: Green Monster Smoothie Bowl
- Lunch: Spicy Asian Chicken Salad
“This 5 min Spicy Asian Chicken Salad is gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, low carb, paleo friendly, and really, really good!!” I love anything that comes together so quickly, especially when it is also SO good for me! Via Linda Wagner
- Dinner: Chickpea Mediterranean Salad
Another recipe that I love to make for dinner then pack up for lunch the next day. Simply add some grilled chicken to make this a more filling/complete dinner option!
Friday
- Breakfast: Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
- Lunch: Rainbow Peanut Noodles via Gimme Some Oven
Not only do these look delicious (who doesn’t want to eat something that looks as colorful as a rainbow?) they are always incredibly yummy! Peanut sauce for the win!
- Dinner: Honey Chipotle Chicken and Quinoa Bowl via How Sweet Eats
If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a round of applause! Haha I know this is a seriously LONG post so thanks for making it all the way through! As a reward here are a few snack recipes for warding off those midday hunger attacks 🙂
Snacks:
Chocolate & Pistachio Power Bites
All of these look so great. Just reading this post makes me feel healthier!
Haha thanks, Karen! Sometimes we just need to look at something healthy 😉
I love this!! There’s so many awesome recipes and ideas!! 🙂
Thanks so much, Christina!!