With our little girl’s due date just 7 weeks away (feels like it will be an eternity and the blink of an eye at the same time!) I’m doing some serious planning ahead. I’ve never been the master of transitions and with this being our first child I know its going to be a big one. While I can’t prepare for everything, there are simple things I can have planned to make the transition a bit easier, including nourishing meals stocked in the freezer and a list of recipes that are manageable once we get the hang of things.
I’ve been compiling this list for months. Every time we have a meal that requires only a few ingredients and can be made quickly I add it to my spreadsheet. I plan to create a few weeks worth of meal plans using these recipes and corresponding grocery lists so that after family has left and we settle into our new life its one less thing I need to think about for a few weeks.
However, you don’t need to be having a baby to benefit. You may have children buzzing around you and need inspiration for healthy meals that take no time or maybe your work schedule has you walking in the door too exhausted to give much thought to cooking. These quick and easy meals are for you! Even the freezer meal ideas. I have enjoyed having meals ready in the freezer long before pregnancy since we all have those crazy busy weeks.
Quick & Easy Meals
- Mexican Quinoa Salad with Orange Lime Dressing
- BBQ Cauliflower Salad with Zesty Ranch Dressing
- Spicy Red Lentil Curry
- Eggplant, Tomato, and Chickpea Curry
- Spicy Taco Quinoa Bowl
- Black Bean & Quinoa Taco Wraps
- Taco Chili with Nacho Cheeze Sauce
- Enlightened Miso Power Bowl from Oh She Glows, page 177
- Energizing Broccoli Dal from the Oh She Glows app
- Creamy Broccoli & Red Pepper Macaroni from Yum Universe, page 236
- Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Sometimes I make this recipe, but most of the time I put the sweet potatoes in the crockpot (no need to poke with a fork or add water, just toss them in!) and we add whatever toppings are on hand – black beans, diced tomato, salsa, green onions, avocado or guacamole.
- Engine2 Pizza Crust topped with all our favorite veggies (spinach, mushrooms, olives, broccoli, diced cherry tomatoes). I’m currently on the hunt for a gluten-free crust without all the junk that can either be purchased or made ahead and frozen, so I’d love to know if anyone has recommendations!
Stock Your Freezer
Meals
- Taco Chili and guacamole from Trader Joe’s or CostCo, which can also be frozen. All you have to do is add the toppings to a bed of greens for a nice taco salad.
- My Favorite Vegan Chili
- Engine2 Veggie Burgers – I love the Poblano Black Bean as well as Tuscan White Bean. Toss some sliced sweet potatoes in the oven for a side of fries and you’re good to go!
- Lentil Sloppy Joes served with sweet potato fries and a salad.
- Italian Bean Balls served over zucchini noodles or our new favorite Edamame and Mung Bean Noodles for some serious protein.
- Simple 5 Ingredient Baked Falafel – Make a double batch to get more meals! Reheat in the oven for approximately 10 minutes and enjoy over a salad or in a wrap.
Snacks/Breakfast
- Toasted Super Seed Bread – Bake, allow to cool completely, slice, and store in small resealable bags. I love having this as a side to any dish or toasting and topping with smashed avocado, tomato slices, and a touch of salt and pepper.
- Maple Pecan Granola from Everyday Detox, page 54.
- Cinnamon Raisin Snack Bars from Everyday Detox, page 67.
- Chocolate Banana Power Bars were a freezer staple for my sister when her children were born. She made them without the chocolate frosting and I plan to whip these up using coconut butter in place of coconut oil.
- Peanut Butter Cacao Energy Balls
Do you have meals that were a lifesaver during exceptionally busy seasons? I’d love to hear from you!