This affordable weekly menu for 2 people includes ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can substitute different vegetables if you don’t like the ones I’ve selected. Also, if you don’t like some of the spices found in the recipes substitute them for ones you do like.
All recipes are suggestions. I can’t remember the last time I followed a recipe exactly how it is written. I use what I have in my pantry to keep cost down. For example if I don’t have black beans but I have pinto beans I will use the pinto.
The very best way to save money is to make a larger batch of something you are already cooking and eat it two or three times in a week. Andrew and I really enjoy leftovers and as a bonus we don’t need to cook every night.
Menu for the week
Sunday
Snack
- 1/2 Apple
- Unsalted Nuts
- 1/8 cup
Monday
Breakfast
- Eggs with vegetables
- Pineapple and Blueberries
Tuesday
Breakfast
- Eggs with vegetables
- Cranberry compote
Lunch
- Black Bean Bulgur Salad
Snack
- 1/2 Apple
- Unsalted Nuts
- 1/8 cup
Wednesday
Breakfast
- Eggs with vegetables
- Cranberry compote
Lunch
- Black Bean Bulgur Salad
Snack
- 1/2 Apple
- Unsalted Nuts
- 1/8 cup
Thursday
Breakfast
- Eggs with vegetables
- Cranberry compote
Lunch
- Black Bean Bulgur Salad
Snack
- 1/2 Apple
- Unsalted Nuts
- 1/8 cup
Friday
Breakfast
- Eggs with vegetables
- Cranberry compote
Lunch
- Black Bean Bulgur Salad
Snack
- 1/2 Apple
- Unsalted Nuts
- 1/8 cup
Saturday
Breakfast
- Eggs with vegetables
- Cranberry compote
Lunch
- Black Bean Bulgur Salad
Snack
- 1/2 Apple
- Unsalted Nuts
- 1/8 cup
Prep the week!
I like to gather my storage containers before I start my prep. I love the look of the table with all of the containers and as I make progress the containers disappear leaving me with a sense of accomplishment and encouragement to keep going. This picture is an example of one of my prep weeks.
Storage containers needed:
I like to use a sticky note or paper with a piece of tape to label my prep containers with the name of the meals.
- 1 cup; sliced onion (Saucy Pork Chops)
- 2 cups; 1 small onion, 1 small green pepper (Italian Hot Dish)
- 3 cups; 1 med onion, 1 med green pepper and celery (Mexican Beans & Rice)
- ¼ cup container; green onions (Mexican Beans & Rice)
- 2 cups; brown rice (Mexican Beans & Rice)
- 4 cups; green beans (Side)
- 6 cups; chopped broccoli (Side)
Let's start prepping!
I like to use a vegetable chopper to speed up the food prep process.
Sides
- Trim the green beans. Do not wash; refrigerate.
- Chop broccoli into bite size pieces. Do not wash; refrigerate.
Saucy Pork Chops
- Slice 1 small onion; refrigerate.
Italian Hot Dish
- Chop 1 small onion and place in a 2 cup container and set aside.
- Chop 1 green pepper and add to the 2 cup container with onion; refrigerate.
Mexican Beans & Rice
- Cook 1 cup of long grain brown rice to package directions using either a pot or rice cooker.
- Dice 1 medium onion and place in a 3 cup container and set aside.
- Dice 1 medium green pepper and add to the 3 cup container with onion; set aside.
- Thinly slice 2 celery ribs and add to the 3 cup container with onion and green pepper; refrigerate.
- Chop 2 green onions; refrigerate.
Tips and tricks for weekly meals to go flawlessly!
Always start by reading the recipe all the way through then read my tips. Doing this before you start will help prevent “surprises” along the way.
If I’ve posted it then I have eaten it and called it good. Also, I know that the portions should work because I have done it. No guess work here. Measuring out your portion might be new for you and still leave you hungry after the meal. This is normal and it will take your body time to adjust. Try these tips:
- Don’t miss your afternoon snack because being ravenous at dinner time will lead to over eating.
- Drink 8 ounces of water before you begin your meal and after you end your meal.
- Eat a salad or raw vegetables with your meal.
- Eat a piece of fruit after a meal like an apple, pear, orange, etc. This will subside your sweet tooth and it’s good for you.
- Wait 1 hour after your meal and if you are still hungry make a healthy snack.
