~What's for Dinner?~ A Healthy & Nutritious Way to Get It On The Table In No Time

"What's for dinner?" How many times do us mother's hear this between 5 and 6 o clock? I'm constantly wanting to try new recipes that are healthy, easy and low budget, but for some reason I'm still in the same situation making mac n' cheese and pancakes! Here is an easy "schedule." I like schedules. You can change it up to meet your and your family's needs.

First, here are the basics of a healthy dinner: 1 lean protein (lean white meat poultry, lean beef or pork or fish) 1 healthy carb (whole wheat pasta, brown rice, whole wheat couscous or potatoes) 2 servings of veggies (1 cup of veggies or 1/2 cup, plus a small salad)

Monday: Plan and shop. Write down four family favorite meals, you could make in a jiff if you had everything on hand. Make sure at least one is something that freezes well. Then make a shopping list of everything you'll need for those meals and head to the store. One tip is to use more perishable ingredients at the beginning of the week, and those with a longer shelf life later.

Tuesday: Cook once, eat twice. You'll be eating the meal you make tonight on Saturday, so make something that freezes easily, like soup, meatloaf or chili. Double it and freeze half.

Wednesday: Keep it fresh. Focus on foods with a short life like poultry, meat, fish and some veggies. Use them in easy to make meals like a stir- fry with rice or turkey burgers with a side salad.

Thursday: Take it easy. Get out your crock-pot in the morning and make a pot roast, or chicken. If you don't have a slow-cooker, get a ready made pizza crust, add low-fat cheese, veggies and tomato sauce. Easy. For tons of slow-cooker recipes, click here.

Friday: Get some help from the pantry. Now is the time to use your less perishable food items. Make a pasta with heartier veggies like zucchini and green beans.

Saturday: Defrost and enjoy! Thaw out the dinner you made Tuesday, and serve with frozen veggies. Woot Woot!

Here are some healthy dinner ideas:

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry over brown rice.

Turkey meat loaf with roasted potatoes and carrots.

Chicken fajitas with skinless chicken breast and sauteed red, yellow and green peppers, with whole wheat tortillas and a side of black beans.

Roast pork tenderloin with baked sweet potatoes, and microwaved frozen peas.

Whole wheat pasta with scallops, olive oil and diced tomatoes; small spinach salad.

Baked honey-mustard chicken over couscous with asparagus.

Here are a few ways to sneak that produce on the table:

Put out a veggie and fruit plate for everyone to snack on before dinner.

Start your meal with your favorite cup of tomato, asparagus, squash or split-pea soup. (This also helps you eat less for dinner)

Saute sliced apples and serve with chicken or pork.

Cut up fresh raw veggies like red and yellow peppers, grape tomatoes, baby carrots and snap peas. Toss with your favorite dressing and serve as a side dish.

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