I am doing something a little bit different today in my series of Weight Watcher posts. One of the hardest parts of doing Weight Watchers (or any other avoiding-processed-food plan) is what to fix for dinner on busy days.
Sometimes life gets in the way of your good intentions to plan your meals out ahead of time and fix delicious balanced meals for your family. When that happens it is so easy to just order in a pizza or hit the closest fast food place. If you have a few staples that you keep on hand all the time, you can avoid that and still quickly feed the hungry hordes. I am not posting WW points here, because there are so many variables in the ingredients. This may also be a good time to use some of those extra bonus points to minimize your stress level. Here are a few suggestions (I have included what you need to have on hand):
Sometimes life gets in the way of your good intentions to plan your meals out ahead of time and fix delicious balanced meals for your family. When that happens it is so easy to just order in a pizza or hit the closest fast food place. If you have a few staples that you keep on hand all the time, you can avoid that and still quickly feed the hungry hordes. I am not posting WW points here, because there are so many variables in the ingredients. This may also be a good time to use some of those extra bonus points to minimize your stress level. Here are a few suggestions (I have included what you need to have on hand):
Fried burritos (flour tortillas, refried beans, cheese) These come together in literally five minutes' time and are surprisingly good. It is always a plus if you have some leftover cooked meat (my favorite is a crisp slice of bacon) to add to the filling, and salsa, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, sour cream, crumbled feta and/or shredded lettuce to top them with. If you need more info, click here.
Leftovers buffet bar - This was actually one of my kids' favorites when they were growing up. All the leftovers were put on the counter, and everyone got to select how much of what they wanted (first come, first served). Try to have plenty of raw veggies and/or fruit available to round out the meal.
Soup and sandwich (canned soup, sandwich makings) A traditional favorite is tomato soup and grilled cheese, but any kind of soup pairs well with a sandwich. You can also use tortillas, English muffins, biscuits or even crackers to make the sandwiches.
Snacky dinner (crackers or bread, cheese, cold meat, raw veggies, fruit) Set out an assortment of whatever you have on hand, and it is a plus if you add a dip. Try to make sure it is somewhat balanced with a grain, a protein, and fruits and/or veggies.
Feta Pesto Pasta (pasta, cooked chicken, feta or goat cheese, tomatoes of any kind, and pesto sauce). This comes together in about 15 minutes. For the recipe, click here.
Kayte's Motley Rice (uncooked rice, chicken broth or bouillon, veggies, salad dressing). If the veggies are raw, make sure they will cook in the same time as the rice. For the recipe, click here.
Homemade Ramen Soup (broth or bouillon, frozen mixed or leftover cooked veggies, oregano, ramen noodles or uncooked thin spaghetti, soy sauce) So much better than the packaged kind! For the recipe, click here.
Hamburger Gravy (ground beef or turkey, Cream of Whatever soup, and something to serve it over - bread, rice, potatoes, quinoa) It's a plus if you add veggies. For a recipe, click here.
Breakfast Tacos (tortillas, eggs, bacon, cheese - cheddar and/or feta, tomatoes, onions, lettuce or cabbage). I often eat this for a meal other than breakfast. I like to top mine with shredded cabbage instead of lettuce, but either one works. Sour cream is also a great addition. For the recipe, click here.
Clam spaghetti (spaghetti, butter, canned clams, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper) This makes a good meal for unexpected company or just a last minute meal for your family. The sauce is done in the time it takes for the pasta to cook. Don't skimp on the Parmesan cheese or the lemon pepper! For the recipe, click here.
Fried rice (cold cooked rice, veggies, egg, soy sauce) This is a great way to use up little bits of veggies and cooked meat if you have cold cooked rice on hand. The recipe (click here) is just guide since you can add just about anything.
Breakfast for dinner (eggs, bacon or sausage, bread, pancake mix, frozen waffles, French toast) This, too, was a family favorite when my kids were growing up. Let your imagination be your guide - even a bowl of cereal can work. Add some fruit to make it even more special.
Here are some previous posts in the Weight Watchers series:
Breakfast for dinner (eggs, bacon or sausage, bread, pancake mix, frozen waffles, French toast) This, too, was a family favorite when my kids were growing up. Let your imagination be your guide - even a bowl of cereal can work. Add some fruit to make it even more special.
Here are some previous posts in the Weight Watchers series:
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