November Club Fx-Approved Meal Plan
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.
November Club Fx-Approved Meal Plan
As soon as the calendar turns to November 1st, my mind goes straight to Thanksgiving, decorating, gift-giving, and, of course, how to unload all the leftover Halloween candy. Can you relate?
Let’s talk Thanksgiving. Yes, it’s one of the biggest food-centered celebrations of the year, but it’s really about counting our blessings.
I’ve been keeping a journal for over 20 years. Each day’s entry starts with a statement of gratitude for what’s going right, followed by (as painful as it can be) those things that are not going so well. Part of the process is sorting through my challenges and shifting my perspective to see them as opportunities. It involves giving thanks for the lessons they are teaching me and for the growth that eventually blossoms out of each one.
My role as Heinen’s dietitian is a blessing that’s made it into my journal more times than I can count. And it all has to do with you, my friend. I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with you and share my passion for “food as medicine” both in email and at the many Heinen’s Club Fx events held throughout the year. I hope that you leave each encounter with a tip or two that you can use to help you live your healthiest life.
Thank you for trusting me as one of the many resources you turn to for food and nutrition guidance. It is truly an honor that humbles me each day.
Now that I’ve properly given thanks to you, my friend, let’s dig into your November Fx-Approved meal plan!
Breakfast: Pumpkin Patch Smoothie + 2 Olyra Cinnamon Tahini Breakfast Biscuits
Total time: 5 minutes
Tucked inside this tasty, fall-inspired smoothie are two surprisingly undetectable Club Fx-friendly foods: cauliflower and white beans. The combination of sweet banana, pumpkin, spices, and vanilla protein powder shines bright in this delightful seasonal smoothie. Enjoy with a couple of ancient grain-baked breakfast biscuits for a crisp and satisfying source of whole grains!
Lunch: California Veggie Sandwich + 18 Chestnuts Butternut Squash Pear Soup
Total time: 15 minutes
Sandwiched between Silver Hills sprouted whole grain bread are crunchy cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and fan-favorite avocado—all stacked sky-high to create a salad-inspired meal without the salad bowl!
Dinner: Turkey and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash + Path of Life Mediterranean Quinoa
Total time: 60 minutes.
Hard squash is extremely versatile, loaded with nutrients and easily prepared in a variety of ways, but nothing beats a savory stuffed acorn squash. While you can fill it with just about any kind of ground meat, veggie, or grain, this recipe features ground turkey and nutritious kale. It’s an easy meal that everyone will love! To make it meatless, replace the turkey with chickpeas. Complete the meal with a side of heat-and-serve Path of Life Mediterranean Quinoa.
Snack: Realsy Chocolate Peanut Butter Dates
A nutritionally dense, delicious snack with just four simple ingredients. You’ll swear you are eating a candy bar!
