At the end of a busy work day, having to come up with ideas for what to cook for dinner each night can be daunting. However, one simple strategy that can help is to create a weekly dinner theme plan.
It’s fun, and not as hard as it sounds!
This will give you a general framework for brainstorming ideas and finding recipes, making the decision-making process much more manageable.
There are many different ways that you can go about creating a dinner theme night plan. If you can spend a few minutes getting creative now, it sets you up for success for the whole week ahead.
This blog will help you to create a simple and Healthy Dinner Meal Plan.
Start here:
Choose a different cuisine for each night of the week. For example, Monday could be Italian night, Tuesday could be Mexican night, Wednesday could be Asian night, and so on.
Choose a different type of dish for each night of the week. For example, Monday could be pasta night, Tuesday could be soup night, Wednesday could be sandwich night, and so on.
Once you have decided on the framework for your dinner theme nights, you can begin planning your meals.
Sheet Pan Dinner Night
Toss the ingredients on a sheet pan and pop it in the oven. This not only saves time and effort but also turns out meals that are packed with flavor and nutrients. From chicken and potatoes to shrimp and veggies, the possibilities for creating delicious sheet pan dinners are endless, making the concept an ideal way for busy families to enjoy quick, easy, and healthy meals together.
Stir-fry Night
Stir-fry is a versatile cooking method that can be used to create a wide range of different dishes. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetables, there is sure to be a stir-fry option that will suit your tastes. This quick-cooking method allows you to get a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in minutes, and it also allows for plenty of creativity when it comes to choosing ingredients.
Soup + Salad Night
Soups and salads typically include vegetables, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help promote health and well-being. Cooking up big batches of soup or salad can be done in advance, so you don't have to spend hours over the stove.
Build a Bowl Night
Build your own bowl from wholesome ingredients like lean proteins, fresh veggies, and filling whole grains. With this simple yet delicious meal-planning approach, you can enjoy a healthy and satisfying dinner each week without fuss or hassle.
Slow Cooker Night
Toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and you have a warm, healthy, delicious dinner ready for you when you get home. This is another excellent way to get your veggie intake in for the day while not spending a lot of time in the kitchen preparing.
Breakfast for Dinner Night
Who doesn't love breakfast? It's a versatile, simple, healthy meal you can bring together in minutes. Try breakfast for dinner once a week, and get creative with your breakfast recipes.
Wild Card Night
Having one "wild card" night will leave room for flexibility. Use your wild card night for leftovers, takeout, or something you're craving that day.
Dinner doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious. By having themed nights, you can make dinner easy and fun. So next time you're stuck on what to make for dinner, try one of these themes and see how much fun themed dinners can be.
Once you have a series of meals you like, you can rinse and repeat every few weeks! I have some recipes below to help you get started, and if you want more- be sure to sign up to my Nutrition and Wellness Library for meal plans, healthy recipes and more healthy living resources.
