Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like a balancing act, especially with the demands of a busy schedule. But by embracing whole foods and simple, nutritious recipes, you can enjoy family-friendly, nourishing meals.

Join me on a culinary journey through a week of Biblically clean eating. From a comforting Shepherd’s Pie to a sweet slice of Almond Flour Honey Cake, each recipe is thoughtfully crafted with clean, nourishing ingredients. Whether it’s a hearty lentil stew or a vibrant Mediterranean chickpea salad, these meals are designed to make healthy living both practical and enjoyable for the entire family.

Sunday: Shepherd’s Pie

Main: A comforting Shepherd’s Pie made with organic, lean ground beef and mixed vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply cook the ground beef with chopped onion, mix in a bag of vegetables, and top with homemade mashed potatoes. Assemble the potatoes over the meat mixture and bake until golden brown. It’s a perfect way to kick off the week with a hearty, home-cooked meal that emphasizes wholesome ingredients and healthy eating habits.

Side: The classic side of potatoes is baked right into this one-pot meal!

Vegetable: Mixed vegetables are incorporated into the Shepherd’s pie filling, ensuring you get a variety of fresh vegetables, supporting healthy living.

Monday: Grilled White-Wine Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Sautéed Vegetables

Main: Grilled chicken breasts marinated in 2 tablespoons of white wine, a quarter cup of olive oil, garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs. This meal is perfect for a busy day, offering delicious food that’s both easy to prepare and healthy.

Side: Fluffy quinoa cooked in vegetable broth, which pairs well with the chicken and adds a wholesome grain to your diet, making healthy food accessible.

Vegetable: Sautéed zucchini and onion with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, adding a smoky veggie side to complement the grilled chicken for a complete wholesome meal.

Tuesday: Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Fresh-Milled Bread

Main: A hearty lentil stew with tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, seasoned with cumin and paprika. This dish is a great example of how whole ingredients can be used to create delicious meals. See the “Easy Hearty Lentil Stew Recipe” under the Easy Recipes to Try! section at the end of this article.

Side: Homemade bread made with freshly milled flour is perfect for soaking up the flavorful stew, adding a nutritious and satisfying element to your weekly menu. Freshly milled whole grains elevate the bread’s nutritional value, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. For easy weeknight baking, use tools like the Kitchen Aid Grain Mill Attachment to grind wheat berries into flour, and the Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine to simplify the process—just add the ingredients, select the program, and enjoy fresh-baked bread! The machine includes recipes for various types of bread, making it versatile and convenient.

Vegetable: A fresh mixed greens salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette, adding more fresh vegetables to your diet for a healthier lifestyle.

Wednesday: Andouille Sausage and Peppers over Brown Rice

Main: This quick and nutritious meal showcases how simple ingredients can come together for a flavorful dish. Andouille sausage from Azure Standard, is sautéed with onions and bell peppers, then simmered in diced tomatoes with a tablespoon of chili powder, a tablespoon of Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of chili pepper flakes, and salt & pepper to taste.

Side: Brown rice provides a healthy whole grain base for the Andouille Sausage Skillet, perfect for a healthier lifestyle.

Vegetable: Stir-fried vegetables are included in the main dish, ensuring you get plenty of nutrients in your diet.

Thursday: Sheet Pan Coconut Aminos & Curry Salmon with Roasted Veggies over Millet & Brown Rice Ramen

Main: Baked salmon fillets splashed with coconut aminos, generously seasoned with curry powder, salt, pepper, and sesame seeds, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile. The salmon is baked alongside the vegetables, making it a quick and healthy option.

Side: For a nutritious twist on traditional ramen, try Lotus Millet & Brown Rice Ramen, available at Azure Standard.

Vegetable: A medley of vegetables—broccoli florets, bell peppers, and carrots—are roasted on the same sheet pan as the salmon, seasoned with the same coconut aminos and curry powder. This method allows the flavors to meld while keeping the meal simple and wholesome. Both the salmon and veggies bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, making for an easy, flavorful sheet pan meal.

Friday: Sabbath Evening Dinner – Yaffa’s Chicken Soup to Treasure, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, and Challah Bread

Main: Yaffa’s Chicken Soup to Treasure, a flavorful and comforting dish from the Sephardic Balabusta Shares Tasteful Treasures Recipes from the Jewish Communities of the Mediterranean cookbook by Yafa Turgeman. This soup delivers warmth and nourishment, making it a perfect choice for your Shabbat dinner.

Side: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, a refreshing and nutritious option that can be doubled for Saturday’s potluck. This salad is full of fresh ingredients and makes for a convenient meal when you’re looking for less time in the kitchen. Full Recipe under the Easy Recipes to Try! section at the end of this article.

Bread: Homemade or store-bought challah bread, complementing the roasted chicken perfectly, adding a wholesome touch to your home-cooked meals.

Consider this Challah Bread Recipe: A Delicious Tradition for Every Occasion

Saturday: Fellowship Potluck

Potluck Meal: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – This salad, made on Friday, is easy to transport and serve, fitting perfectly into your busy weekend.

Potluck Dessert: Almond Flour Honey Cake – A slightly dense, heartier cake made with a blend of almond flour and all-purpose flour, naturally sweetened with honey, offering a delightful and clean dessert option. With a texture reminiscent of sweet cornbread, it’s the perfect companion to soups and salads. Find the full recipe under the Easy Recipes to Try! section at the end of this article.

Practical Tips for Healthy Eating Habits

Plan Ahead: By preparing meals ahead of time, you save yourself time during the week and ensure you have clean, healthy options ready to go. This approach makes it easier to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Use Whole Ingredients: Focus on whole foods and fresh ingredients to make your meals as nutritious as possible, supporting healthy eating habits and providing delicious food for the whole family.

Stay Hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping a water bottle handy can help you stay on track and maintain your health.

Incorporate Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Add fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals or as snacks to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

By following this meal plan and incorporating these practical tips, you can enjoy delicious, clean meals that support a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Whether you’re cooking at home or preparing for a potluck, these recipes will help you maintain healthy eating habits and enjoy nutritious, flavorful food.

Easy Recipe to Try!

Hearty Lentil Stew Recipe

This hearty lentil stew is perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal option for a busy day. Prepared similarly to beef stew, this recipe substitutes lentils for meat. For a richer flavor, use beef broth, or opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 6 cups beef broth (I used Azure Standard Dehydrated Beef Broth Powder) or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 8 small creamer potatoes, quartered

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add Seasonings, Lentils, and Potatoes:

• Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
• Pour in the broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Simmer the Stew:

• If using an Instant Pot or similar, set it to “Soup/Stew” and cook until ready to vent. For stovetop cooking, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
• Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

4. Finish and Serve:

• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tip: This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

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Simple Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• 1. Mix the Ingredients:
  • Combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the parsley and oregano over the top.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 2. Serve Cold:
  • Toss everything together until well combined and serve chilled.

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Almond Flour Honey Cake

A slightly dense, heartier cake made with almond flour and naturally sweetened with honey. This delightful dessert has a texture reminiscent of sweet cornbread, making it the perfect companion to soups and salads.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (Azure Market Organics All Purpose Flour Unbleached is highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Butter a 9-inch round cake pan (Happiels non-toxic brand pans are a great choice).

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
• Add the honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
• Smooth the top with a spatula. If using sliced almonds, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

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These recipes are designed to make healthy, flavorful eating both practical and enjoyable. Enjoy these dishes as part of your weekly meal plan or share them with friends and family!

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