Helpful Dinner Ideas to Make Dinner-Time Easier

Happy Monday, even though as I sit here typing, it’s Sunday afternoon.  🙂  It’s softy snowing outside, and if the forecasts are accurate, between today and tomorrow we will get anywhere from 6 to 11 inches of snow…  We’ll see, the weather isn’t always predictable, but I know my youngest two would love it.  Since I homeschool them, they have plenty of time to play outside in the snow, when they can guilt talk me into going out with them.  😛  I’m sorry to say, I’m just not a fan of the freezing cold, wet and icy outdoors this time of year…  Though I have enjoyed watching the birds eat from the feeder my hubby keeps stocked during the winter.

As far as dinner time goes, I’ve started watching my calories this week because I have some wonderful motivation…Our oldest son got engaged last weekend, and he and his bride-to-be are planning a wedding for this summer!  We are excited for them, and it’s a great reason for me to get this extra weight off that I’ve accumulated over the last 18 years…  😛  My hubby helped me make up a printable to help keep track of my fitness goals, and I will be sharing it with you later this week!

I’m not doing any special diet, just trying to watch portions and calories, and focusing more on proteins and veggies, and going lighter on the carbs.  I don’t seem to do well if I get too strict with myself, so I’m striving for moderation.

So here are some protein filled dinner ideas for this week:

Vegetable beef soup
Grocery list:  Beef stew meat, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes, green beans, cabbage and beef broth

Herb & Garlic Butter Foil Baked Salmon from Creatively Homespun
Grocery list:  Salmon, lemon, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and fresh parsley

BBQ Chicken Salad
Grocery list: Mixed greens, hardboiled eggs, barbequed chicken, tomatoes, avocados, cheese and your choice of dressing

Crockpot Chicken and Artichoke with Pasta
Grocery list:  Chicken breast tenders, canned artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, Worcestershire sauce, cream of chicken soup and pasta

Pesto chicken salad sandwiches
Grocery list: Chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise and Italian bread
If you know me, you know I like anything with pesto!

For the dessert of the week, how about some lower calorie, but delicious DIY ice cream sandwiches?

With just some cool whip and graham crackers, you can make a light and tempting after dinner treat!
Click on the links below for breakfast and lunch inspiration:

Breakfast ideas

Lunch ideas

Have a great week!