Meal Plan 2.5 - 2.11

So, one thing you will quickly learn is that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my CrockPot and use it pretty much year round (and I actually own two of them, and yes, sometimes both are going simultaneously - otherwise, why own two???) This week actually ended up being a pretty heavy slow cooker recipe week but I'm not complaining - and hopefully you won't either :) Enjoy!!!

Also, you will often find modifications to the recipes I am making. Mostly because I am trying to reduce fat and sodium (and no, I do not place these things above the overall taste - but if I can make the changes without hurting the flavor, I will). And a good rule of thumb when using your slow cooker is to always spray with a think coat of cooking spray - makes clean up soooo much easier.


Sunday: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas with Spanish Brown Rice
(Modifications for the Fajitas: I do not put the veggies in to the slow cooker as I prefer them more crisp and saute them separately. As for seasonings, I also use 1/2 tsp each: onion powder, paprika, oregano, and Mrs. Dash Fajita seasoning; I omit the seasoning salt).






Monday: Grilled Chicken Tenderloins - Without the Grill and Broiled Potatoes











Tuesday: Slow Cooker Lasagna
(Modifications: Omit the Alfredo Sauce and use 2 cups reduced fat Mozzarella cheese and 1 container low fat Ricotta. For the sauce, combine 1 lb hamburger with 1 (26 oz) jar spaghetti sauce).



Wednesday: Taco Pizza
(Modifications: After baking pizza crust, I apply a thin layer of salsa as the "sauce." Then pour taco meat and shredded cheese on top; bake until cheese is melted. For toppings, we like chopped fresh lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream (I use plain greek yogurt) - but use what you like on your tacos!)


 



Thursday: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
(Modifications: 1 bottle BBq sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar (I use Splenda), 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 cup fat free Zesty Italian; omit Worcestershire sauce, corn starch, and chicken broth).








Friday: Zuppa Tuscana
(Modifcations: Depending on how spicy you like it, I'd reduce the red pepper flakes to half what's called for or none at all).









Saturday: Crescent Roll Calzones
(Modifications: We like to add chopped green pepper to ours and double up on the pepperoni and cheese. This really isn't making it much healther, but definitely makes them a lot more filling :)