One-Pot Plant-Powered Dinners: Simplifying Busy Weeknights

Somehow the time between when work ends and dinner has to be on the table goes by in a blur. Even if you aren't feeding tiny humans, you've got better things to do on the daily than slave away in the kitchen and spend your time washing a ton of dishes.

Enter the world of one-pot plant-powered dinners, where simplicity meets nourishment, and cleanup becomes a breeze. These recipes not only save time but also work on incorporating more plants, making your busy evenings a lot more manageable, delicious and packed with nutrients.

1. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew: This wholesome stew brings together earthy lentils, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a single pot. Let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and create a comforting meal that's both filling and nutritious.

2. Quinoa Primavera: Celebrate the season's bounty with quinoa primavera. Load up the pot with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite herbs. Quinoa adds a protein punch, making this dish both vibrant and satisfying.

3. Chickpea and Spinach Curry: Warm spices, tender chickpeas, and vibrant spinach come together in a rich curry that's as nourishing as it is flavorful. Serve it with a side of whole grain rice or naan for a complete meal.

4. Mushroom and Spinach Risotto: Creamy and comforting, a mushroom and spinach risotto is a true treat. The flavors of sautéed mushrooms and the creaminess of Arborio rice create a dish that's elegant enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili: Loaded with fiber and protein, sweet potato and black bean chili is the perfect cold-weather comfort food. Packed with spices, beans, and the goodness of sweet potatoes, this dish will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Bookmark this one for fall!

6. Tofu Stir-Fry with Brown Rice: A colorful tofu stir-fry is a quick way to get a nutritious meal on the table. Sauté your favorite vegetables, marinated tofu, and a flavorful sauce in a single pan. Serve it over brown rice for an energizing dinner. You can use any protein here if tofu isn't your jam.

7. Coconut Veggie Curry: Create a fragrant coconut veggie curry by simmering a variety of vegetables in a rich coconut milk-based sauce. With an array of textures and flavors, this dish showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

8. Ratatouille with Polenta: Let your pot transform into a canvas for a ratatouille masterpiece. This colorful medley of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes is served over creamy polenta for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Want even more inspiration? Check out my offerings in the shop, including my 7-Day Vegan one-pan meal plan. Not even interested in cooking? There's a no-cook summer meal plan with your name on it!

Healthy Plant-Based Lunch Ideas for Busy Weekdays

As a working parent, it's already hard enough to feed your family multiple times a day, let alone make sure you get something healthy to scarf down between meetings. But you are taking a break to eat mindfully right??? Check out my blog on the benefits of mindful eating (and getting OFF your phone while doing it) here -

You probably know a nutritious midday meal is essential to keep you energized, focused, and avoid that dreaded afternoon slump or sugar frenzy hackathon. Incorporating these plant-based meals, or adding your favorite protein will help you push past and be ready to handle whatever the post-work hustle until bedtime brings you.

1. Buddha Bowl Bliss:

Prepare a vibrant Buddha Bowl filled with an assortment of colorful veggies, grains, and plant-based proteins. This is so easily customized to whatever you have in the pantry or fridge. Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice, add roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado or any other veggies you have. Top it off with a sprinkle of chickpeas or your favorite protein and a drizzle of tahini dressing for a satisfying and nutrient-packed lunch.

2. Wraps with a Twist:

Swap traditional wraps with nutrient-rich collard green leaves or my favorite, sprouted tortillas. Fill them with hummus, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, a handful of leafy greens, some tofu or whatever you have around. Roll it up and enjoy a crunchy, flavorful wrap that's easy to take on the go.

3. Hearty Lentil Salad:

Combine cooked lentils (can get these pre-made and marinated for even more ease!) with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a refreshing and filling lunch option. Add some crumbled feta cheese or avocado for extra creaminess.

4. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto:

Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss them with a homemade basil pesto sauce. Include cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture. Make sure to add some kind of protein too to stabilize blood sugar.

5. Chickpea Tuna Salad:

Create a plant-based version of the classic tuna salad (or just use regular tuna) by mixing mashed chickpeas with diced celery, red onion, and capers. Season with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of seaweed flakes for that "tuna" flavor. Serve it in a sandwich of sprouted bread or on a bed of greens for a protein-packed lunch.

6. Protein-Packed Quinoa Salad:

Mix cooked quinoa with diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Drizzle with a tangy lime-cilantro dressing and toss in some diced mango for a tropical twist.

Remember, preparation is key! Spend some time on weekends to batch-cook ingredients and prep veggies to save time during the busy workweek. Want even more tips on meal-prepping and batch cooking? Check out my blog here.

These plant-based lunch ideas will not only nourish your body but also keep your energy up and sanity within reach. Happy lunching!

Hassle-Free Meal Prep: 10 Genius Grocery Store Hacks

I know you're here because you want to feed your kids and yourself, nutritious, balanced meals. How are you supposed to manage that on top of work, extracurricular activities, that pile of laundry on your bed, the constant mess your kids keep making and finding time to exist?

Well, I feel your struggle because I too am juggling all those things, and while I don't always nail it, there are a few things that I do to ensure save time and streamline our cooking and meal-prep process to make this easier on myself.

Here are my top grocery store hacks to save you time, money, and sanity when you're feeding your family.

1. Make a Meal Plan: I know it seems like a lot of work, but if you start here and plan what you'll be cooking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks you'll stay more organized. Write it somewhere you'll see it so you know what the week looks like, or if you are at a loss you can see what your options are for the week. Feel like this is overwhelming? Let me do the work for you - download some of my free resources or sign up for my weekly meal planning program to get a new plan emailed to you every week with everything you need to have a successful week.

2. Write a Grocery List: Based on your meal plan, write a detailed grocery list before heading to the store. Categorize items by sections (produce, pantry, dairy, etc.) to make shopping faster and more efficient, and avoid running to the store for random ingredients and losing your mind.

3. Shop Strategically: Choose a time to go grocery shopping when the store is less crowded to minimize wait times. Opt for larger supermarkets that offer a wide variety of ingredients in one place. If you have the ability and access, get grocery delivery and set it on a schedule so you don't have to go to the store.

4. Embrace Pre-Cut and Pre-Washed Produce: You are too busy to be chopping vegetables all day - save time by purchasing pre-cut and pre-washed fruits and vegetables. If you can afford it, it can significantly reduce meal prep time and make healthy eating more accessible.

5. Utilize Frozen Foods: Frozen fruits, vegetables, and proteins are convenient and just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts and mean when you can't think of anything to make or your fresh options have run out, you can always pull something out of the freezer and throw something together. Look for frozen pre-cooked grains, such as quinoa or rice, which can be heated in minutes in the microwave.

6. Prep in Batches: Set aside a designated time each week for meal prep. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and cook large batches of grains or soups. Portion meals into containers for easy grab-and-go options during the week.

7. Invest in Time-Saving Kitchen Appliances: Consider investing in time-saving kitchen appliances like a slow cooker, instant pot, or air fryer. These appliances can simplify cooking and drastically reduce hands-on prep time.

8. Opt for One-Pot or Sheet Pan Meals: These are some of my favorite meals to make because they are so easy. Look for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in one pot or on a sheet pan. This cuts down on the number of dishes to wash and saves valuable time.

9. Engage the Whole Family: Involve your children in meal prep tasks appropriate for their age, such as washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or assembling simple dishes. Not only does it save time, but it also teaches them valuable cooking skills, exposes them to the food, and increases the likelihood they will eat veggies and fruits since there is a lot less pressure than at the dinner table.

10. Prep Ahead for Lunches: Prepare school or work lunches the night before. Portion leftovers into individual containers or assemble sandwiches, salads, or wraps in advance. This eliminates the morning rush and ensures healthier choices are readily available.

Give these time-saving meal prep tips and grocery store hacks a try to provide your family with nutritious meals that make everyone happy and reclaim some of your valuable time because you've got more important stuff to do than be in the kitchen all day, or order takeout every night.