We also truly, truly do not want any friends or family to bring us meals after Ellie is born. *GASP!!* No, I'm really serious! To me- it would honestly be considered a burden. Do not take that the wrong way. Though we would of course be thankful for the gesture- there are several reasons why we prefer our friends and family do not, please, bring us meals. (How "un-southern belle" of me, I know.)
Main Reason: We live a very healthy lifestyle-we eat very healthy meals on a daily basis (except for when we go on dates, of course.) It is important to me for my heart health, healthy breastfeeding, and getting back to running quickly and staying in healthy shape. I have maintained this lifestyle since late college and it is a lifestyle I love as I only want the best for my body and for my family's bodies. It's not about dieting AT ALL- it is about being healthy and honoring the bodies God gave us by fueling them with healthy nutrients. And being a southern belle- I know what delicious and delightful carby starchy loaded foods would be brought over. And while I love those- I feel more energized and happy and like "me" when I am eating clean and healthy! Though again- this is not to offend anyone; we certainly appreciate all gestures of love through food. But love for our family post-partum would be most appreciated by simply visiting when we are ready for visitors. Thank you friends, for understanding. Also- I don't have to worry about keeping up with anybody's dishes- and y'all can save your time and money with cooking. Again- thank you for understanding and respecting our wishes! That means so much!!
And without further-ado- our meal plan which I of course gave a name: "Gladden Grub: Frozen Meal Planning Post Partum"
So- I planned 32 dinners. Typically when I cook- it is enough for a family of 4-6. This is because we like leftovers and it is cost/time efficient for our busy lifestyles. Therefore, 32 dinners will most definitely last more than 32 nights for us.
The meals planned were prepared as so they would be easily thawed, dumped in a crock- pot or oven dish, then easily just "cooked!" I planned and prepared the usual meals our family eats. Some will be repetitive - but again- Eric and I can eat the same thing without getting sick of it. If your family is more picky- simply prepare 32 different meals- or however many works for you.
I began this prep by first selecting my menu. I typed out each night's dinner and what groceries would be required, and typed brief instructions on how to cook it once thawed. My lists are all minimal as these are meals I make and prepare currently on a weekly basis - but for those who've already asked I share- should you find any you like and need more details- I shall be happy to share further detail! Just leave a comment with your question! :)
Once the menu was prepared and typed for each night- I organized it by printing it and placing it in a 3 ring binder for easy reference and search.
My initial plan was to prepare and freeze 7 nights worth of meals a week until 32 nights were fully prepared. However; Eric and I also wanted to have some new floors installed throughout the entire house before Ellie arrived. The contractors cut in on my kitchen access- therefore, I began making 2 weeks worth of meals each week before they came to do the work so that it would be knocked out sooner rather than later. Therefore, this took 3 different days total spread out across 3 weeks. This process may certainly vary for those moms who already have children and many other commitments and crazy schedules! Shape your meal planning as you need to with your schedule. Do not over do it- plan ahead for the time you will need. This is meant to be practical and efficient!
In the freezer- I separated the meals by nightly numeric order and by week. Each freezer bag was labeled with the night# and the meal it contained. This way everything remains organized and I can simply look to my binder as to what needs to be done with each particular meal - toss it either in the crock pot or oven and go on with playing with Ellie!
Meal planning is something I do for my family regularly in normal daily living as it is such a time and cost efficient way to have healthy delicious meals planned. This eliminates the question of, "What are we going to eat?", it eliminates the, "I'll just grab a pizza or swing by the drive -thru on the way home from work." It saves $$$, eliminates stress in many ways, and gives you more time with your family and all that is on your weekly calendar. This has worked for me when Eric and I were both working and of course even now as I stay home. It fits all lifestyles. Give it a try, I guarantee you will love what it does for your family, wallet, stomach & body, and time!
I plan to write a follow-up as to how long the meals lasted and etc. once all have been happily and hungrily consumed! I hope this post is helpful and gives inspiration for healthy lifestyles and allows you more time with your family- even it is just two of you! I know I love every second I get to spend with my best friend, aka- husband! Again, if you have any questions, just comment! Thank y'all- and again to close friends and family- thank you for understanding we would value your time much more than meals! We love y'all! God bless!
**Many friends have requested I post the recipes. Please remember- they are not very detailed as I originally typed the list for me. Should you have questions, need more info, or want recipes I cook that I did not include in this plan- please just leave a comment and I will get you your answer! Enjoy! Here they are:
Gladden Dinner
Meal Plan – Post-Partum- 1st Month
Night 1- Chicken Taco Soup CP
Ingredients:
Diced chicken breast x2
Kidney Beans
Black
Beans
Corn
Chick peas
Chopped
onion
Spices:
Cumin, Paprika, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper
To Cook: Dump in Crock pot on Medium (no water necessary) then serve in bowls.
To Cook: Dump in Crock pot on Medium (no water necessary) then serve in bowls.
Night 2- (If no
leftovers) –Chicken Quinoa Veggie Bowl CP
Ingredients:
Diced chicken breast x2
2 cups dry quinoa
Broccoli, carrots, green peas-
vegetable mix
Chopped onion
Spices: Pepper, Mrs. Dash original
To Cook: Dump in Crock pot on Med.– Add 2.5 cups of water – serve in bowls.
To Cook: Dump in Crock pot on Med.– Add 2.5 cups of water – serve in bowls.
Night 3- (If no
leftovers)- Zucchini Spaghetti Casserole CP
Ingredients: Spiralized Zucchini
Ingredients: Spiralized Zucchini
Diced tomatoes (2 cans)
Low sodium tomato sauce
Ground
Turkey (2 lbs)
Shredded Cheese
Spices: Italian Seasoning
To
Cook: Dump in CP on Med- stir well- serve
Night 4 – (If No Leftovers) - Brown rice Chicken &
Broccoli Casserole OVE N
Ingredients:
Diced Chicken breast x2 & Brown Rice
Minced mushrooms
Chopped onion
Shredded Cheese
Frozen Broccoli
Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups)
Spices: Mrs. Dash orig.
To Cook: Spray Casserole dish – Dump into dish –Bake for 40 mins at 375 – Golden slightly crusty
To Cook: Spray Casserole dish – Dump into dish –Bake for 40 mins at 375 – Golden slightly crusty
Night 5- (If No
Leftovers)- Balsamic Chicken in CP & Diced Sweet Potatoes in OVEN
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts in CP topped with a smidgeon of Olive oil and then coated w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts in CP topped with a smidgeon of Olive oil and then coated w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Diced
Sweet potatoes seasoned with garlic salt and chili powder
Green
Beans
To Cook: Dump Chicken into crockpot and add ¾ cup of water- cook on Med. – lightly coat Small casserole dish with olive oil –Dump potatoes in dish- rub in oil- bake in oven 35 mins at 425 or until soft and a little crisp.
To Cook: Dump Chicken into crockpot and add ¾ cup of water- cook on Med. – lightly coat Small casserole dish with olive oil –Dump potatoes in dish- rub in oil- bake in oven 35 mins at 425 or until soft and a little crisp.
Green Beans need to be cooked over stove top 5
mins before serving dinner.
Night 6 – (If No Leftovers)-
Spaghetti Squash Casserole OVEN
Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash
Diced tomatoes
Chopped Onion
Spinach
Shredded Cheese
Chicken Breast diced, x1
To Cook: Spray a dish- Dump in dish/ mixed well- Bake 40 mins at 375- Golden brown
To Cook: Spray a dish- Dump in dish/ mixed well- Bake 40 mins at 375- Golden brown
Night 7 – (If No
Leftovers)- Italian chicken CP
Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breasts
Italian Dressing
Green Beans
To Cook: Dump chicken into CP on Med. – Before serving, cook green beans on stove top
To Cook: Dump chicken into CP on Med. – Before serving, cook green beans on stove top
Night 8- (If No
Leftovers) – Fake Japanese CP
Ingredients:
Brown Rice 2 cups
Diced Chicken Breasts x2
Cut Zucchini
Cut squash
Cut onion
Spices: Sesame Seed, salt and pepper
To
Cook: Dump in CP on Med. Stir well- serve in bowl
Night 9- (If No
Leftovers) – Vegetable Soup CP
Ingredients:
Ground turkey
Chopped Carrots
Chopped celery
Chopped onion
Diced tomatoes
Kidney Beans
Black Beans
Diced Sweet potatoes
Seasonings: Bay leaf; Oregano, Pepper,
Cayenne pepper
To
Cook: Dump in Crock pot- add 3 cups of water- or until full- Medium Heat
Night 10 – (If No
Leftovers) – Chicken Fajitas CP
Ingredients:
Shredded chicken breasts x2
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 sliced onion
Medium Salsa
To
Cook: Dump in CP on Med- stir well – Serve in bowl
Night 11- (If no
leftovers)- Chicken & Veggies CP
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts x2
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts x2
Sliced Zucchini
Sliced Squash
Diced tomatoes
Chopped onion
Olive oil
Mrs. Dash
To Cook: Dump into Crock Pot on Med – Mix up well
To Cook: Dump into Crock Pot on Med – Mix up well
Night 12 – (If no
leftovers) – Balsamic Roast & Veggies CP
Ingredients:
2 lb top round roast
1 large yellow onion
½ cup balsamic vinaigrette
2 tbsp. olive oil
Diced red potatoes
Baby Carrots
Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder,
onion powder, paprika
To Cook: Dump in CP on Med –add the ½ cup water- serve
To Cook: Dump in CP on Med –add the ½ cup water- serve
Night 13 –(If No
Leftovers)- Turkey Loaf OVEN
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground turkey
2 eggs
Almonds crushed in food processor
Shredded Parmesan
Chopped Celery
Chopped onions
Ketchup
½ cup almond milk
Spinach chopped in food processor
finely
Seasonings: Onion powder, Garlic
powder, pepper, oregano, basil, minced garlic
To Cook: Spray loaf pan- Dump mixed well combination in pan- Bake 50-60 mins at 375. Or until Done through and through – let sit out of oven for 10 mins.
To Cook: Spray loaf pan- Dump mixed well combination in pan- Bake 50-60 mins at 375. Or until Done through and through – let sit out of oven for 10 mins.
Night 14 – (If no
leftovers) – Broccoli Zucchini Chicken Fake Alfredo
Ingredients:
Spiralized Zucchini
Frozen Broccoli
Shredded Chicken Breast
Greek yogurt Plain
Parsley and pepper
To Cook: Dump in CP well mixed with a tsp of olive oil on Med – serve
To Cook: Dump in CP well mixed with a tsp of olive oil on Med – serve
Night 15- (If no
leftovers) – Brown Rice Broccoli and Chicken casserole OVEN
Ingredients: Diced Chicken breast x2
Ingredients: Diced Chicken breast x2
Brown Rice
Minced mushrooms
Chopped onion
Frozen Broccoli
Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups)
Spices: Mrs. Dash orig.
To Cook: Spray Casserole dish – Dump into dish –Bake for 40 mins at 375 – Golden slightly crusty
To Cook: Spray Casserole dish – Dump into dish –Bake for 40 mins at 375 – Golden slightly crusty
Night 16 – (If no
leftovers) – Buffalo Chicken Taco Chili CP
Ingredients: Shredded Chicken Breast x2
Ingredients: Shredded Chicken Breast x2
Buffalo sauce
Kidney beans
Black beans
Chopped Celery
Corn
Chick peas
Spices: Cumin, cayenne, paprika, chili
powder, pepper, parsley
To Cook: Dump into CP on Med, mix well. Serve.
To Cook: Dump into CP on Med, mix well. Serve.
Night 17 – ( If no leftovers) – Ranch
Chicken and veggies
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts x2
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts x2
Ranch seasoning packet
Green beans
Diced sweet potatoes
To Cook: Dump in CP on Med. Cook green beans on stove top before serving.
To Cook: Dump in CP on Med. Cook green beans on stove top before serving.
Night 18 – If no
leftovers – Zucchini pasta with Avocado pesto
Ingredients:
Spiralized Zucchini x 2
Sauce:
2 Avocados/ basil/ minced garlic/ 2 tbsp lemon juice/ 3 tbsp olive oil/
¼ cup pine nuts/ salt and pepper:
throw in food processor. Then mix with zoodles.
To Cook: Spray a casserole dish – throw zoodles in and bake for 30 mins on 375. Serve.
To Cook: Spray a casserole dish – throw zoodles in and bake for 30 mins on 375. Serve.
Night 19 – (If no
leftovers) - Chicken Parmesan Casserole OVEN
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts diced
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts diced
Healthy marinara sauce
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped almonds and spinach in food
processor
Seasoning: Italian and pepper
To Cook: Spray dish and dump into dish. Bake for 40 mins at 375. Serve.
To Cook: Spray dish and dump into dish. Bake for 40 mins at 375. Serve.
Night 20 – (If no
leftovers) – Mexican Casserole OVEN
Ingredients: 2 shredded chicken breasts
Ingredients: 2 shredded chicken breasts
Black beans
Salsa
Green bell pepper
Onion
Shredded Cheese
Spices: Cayenne, Chili powder,
paprika, Cumin
To Cook: Spray Dish- dump into dish- Bake for 40 mins at 375. Serve
To Cook: Spray Dish- dump into dish- Bake for 40 mins at 375. Serve
Night 21 – (If no
leftovers) – Vegetable Soup CP
Ingredients: Ground turkey
Ingredients: Ground turkey
Chopped Carrots
Chopped celery
Chopped onion
Diced tomatoes
Kidney Beans
Black Beans
Diced Sweet potatoes
Seasonings: Bay leaf; Oregano, Pepper,
Cayenne pepper
To Cook: Dump in Crock pot- add 3 cups of water- or until full- Medium Heat
To Cook: Dump in Crock pot- add 3 cups of water- or until full- Medium Heat
Night 22 – (If no
leftovers) – Roast and Veggies CP
Ingredients: 2 lb top round roast
Ingredients: 2 lb top round roast
1 large yellow onion
½ cup balsamic vinaigrette
2 tbsp. olive oil
Diced red potatoes
Baby Carrots
Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder,
onion powder, paprika
To Cook: Dump in CP on Med –add the ½ cup water- serve
To Cook: Dump in CP on Med –add the ½ cup water- serve
Night 23- (If no
leftovers) – Chicken and Veggies CP
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts
Italian Seasoning
Green Beans
To Cook: Dump chicken into CP on Med. – Before serving, cook green beans on stove top
To Cook: Dump chicken into CP on Med. – Before serving, cook green beans on stove top
Night 24 – (If no
leftovers) – Chicken wraps
Ingredients:
Shredded Chicken breasts x 2
Black beans
0% Fat/ plain Greek yogurt with
cayenne and chili powder
Diced tomatoes
Shredded Cheese
Chopped onion
Spinach
Whole Wheat wraps
To cook: They are pre-assembled- just spray a casserole dish and then place in dish- bake 30 mins at 325- or until chicken is cooked through.
To cook: They are pre-assembled- just spray a casserole dish and then place in dish- bake 30 mins at 325- or until chicken is cooked through.
Night 25- (If no
leftovers) – Zucchini Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
Spiralized Zucchini
Diced tomatoes
Low sodium tomato sauce
Ground Turkey (2 lbs)
Shredded Cheese
Spices: Italian Seasoning
To
Cook: Dump in CP on Med- stir well- serve
Night 26 – (If no
leftovers) – Chicken Taco Soup CP
Ingredients: Diced chicken breast x2
Ingredients: Diced chicken breast x2
Kidney Beans
Black
Beans
Corn
Chick peas
Chopped
onion
Spices: Cumin,
Paprika, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper
To
Cook: Dump in Crock pot on Medium (no water necessary); serve in bowls.
Night 27 – (If no
leftovers) – Turkey Loaf OVEN
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground turkey
2 eggs
Almonds crushed in food processor
Shredded Parmesan
Chopped Celery
Chopped onions
Ketchup
½ cup almond milk
Spinach chopped in food processor
finely
Seasonings: Onion powder, Garlic
powder, pepper, oregano, basil, minced garlic
To Cook: Spray loaf pan- Dump mixed well combination in pan- Bake 50-60 mins at 375. Or until done through and through – let sit out of oven for 10 mins.
To Cook: Spray loaf pan- Dump mixed well combination in pan- Bake 50-60 mins at 375. Or until done through and through – let sit out of oven for 10 mins.
Night 28 – (If no
leftovers) – Mexican Casserole OVEN
Ingredients: 2 shredded chicken breasts
Ingredients: 2 shredded chicken breasts
Black beans
Salsa
Green bell pepper
Onion
Shredded Cheese
Spices: Cayenne, Chili powder,
paprika, Cumin
To
Cook: Spray Dish- dump into dish- Bake for 40 mins at 375. Serve
Night 29 - (If no leftovers) – Balsamic Chicken and
roasted potatoes
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts in CP topped with a smidgeon of Olive oil then coated w/
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts in CP topped with a smidgeon of Olive oil then coated w/
Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Diced Sweet potatoes seasoned with
garlic salt and chili powder
Green Beans
To Cook: Dump Chicken into crockpot and add ¾ cup of water- cook on Med. – lightly coat a Small casserole dish with olive oil –Dump potatoes in dish- rub in oil- bake in oven 35 mins at 425 or until soft and a little crisp.
Green Beans need to be cooked over stove top 5 mins before serving dinner.
To Cook: Dump Chicken into crockpot and add ¾ cup of water- cook on Med. – lightly coat a Small casserole dish with olive oil –Dump potatoes in dish- rub in oil- bake in oven 35 mins at 425 or until soft and a little crisp.
Green Beans need to be cooked over stove top 5 mins before serving dinner.
Night 30 –( If no leftovers)- Buffalo Chicken Veggie Bowls
Ingredients: Shredded Chicken Breast x2
Ingredients: Shredded Chicken Breast x2
Buffalo sauce
Kidney beans
Black beans
Chopped Celery
Corn
Chick peas
Spices: Cumin, cayenne, paprika, chili
powder, pepper, parsley
To Cook: Dump into CP on Med, mix well. Serve.
To Cook: Dump into CP on Med, mix well. Serve.
Night 31 – (If no
leftovers) – Turkey Patty Foil Packs with potatoes
Ingredients: Ground turkey 1 lb.
Ingredients: Ground turkey 1 lb.
Season with Worcestershire and pepper
Thinly sliced red potatoes with garlic
salt
Form burger patty- place potatoes on top- Wrap in tinfoil
To
Cook: Place foil packs in oven for 35
mins at 425
Night 32- (If no
leftovers) – Brown Rice Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Ingredients: Diced Chicken breast x2 & Brown Rice
Ingredients: Diced Chicken breast x2 & Brown Rice
Minced mushrooms
Chopped onion
Shredded Cheese
Frozen Broccoli
Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups)
Spices: Mrs. Dash orig.
To Cook:
Spray Casserole dish – Dump into dish –Bake for 40 mins at 375 – Golden
slightly crusty
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1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. therefore, honor God with your bodies."
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