Back-to-school season is a hectic time. Use our healthy meal plan to keep you worry-free and on track all month.
Your August Healthy Meal Plan
Updated on May 05, 2024
1/29
Day 1: Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 0.500 starch.
2/29
Day 2: Martha’s Fish Tacos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We can’t get enough barbecued fish at our house. This recipe can be made ahead and served cold, or you can eat it hot off the grill. It’s fantastic either way! —Martha Benoit, Proctorsville, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 446 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
3/29
Day 4: Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker is our summertime go-to for cool kitchen cooking. After swim lessons and outdoor activities, it's so nice to come back to a tasty, light dinner. If you can't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but can work in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce cups: 271 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
4/29
Day 5: Salmon with Tomato-Goat Cheese Couscous
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich with goat cheese and tomato, this recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and can be easily adjusted to serve more people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup couscous mixture: 414 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/29
Day 6: Naked Fish Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after they've eaten this. I serve the dish with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
6/29
Day 7: Pork Chops with Nectarine Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make meals healthy and delicious. These juicy chops are fast, too. —Suellen Pineda, Victor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup sauce: 330 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
7/29
Day 8: Shrimp with Warm German-Style Coleslaw
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love anything that is tangy or has bacon. With fennel and tarragon, this is a super savory dish. I use the medley from Minute Rice if I don't have time to make my own. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
8/29
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
9/29
Day 10: Healthier-than-Egg Rolls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 451 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
10/29
Day 11: Black Bean Bulgur Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The only cooking in this easy bulgur salad is heating the broth and bulgur. You can adapt the recipe to your preference; if you want to add chopped cooked chicken, use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 402 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 16g protein.
11/29
Day 13: Beef and Beans
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously spicy steak and beans over rice will have family and friends asking for more. It's a favorite in my recipe collection. —Marie Leamon, Bethesda, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 185 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
12/29
Day 14: Quick Ginger Pork
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 216 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
13/29
Day 15: Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken roll-up with 2 tablespoons sauce: 253 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
14/29
Day 16: Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 305 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
15/29
Day 17: Fish Tacos with Guacamole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fish tacos are my new favorite thing—lighter and healthier than beef tacos smothered in cheese. Try adding tomatoes, green onions and chopped jalapeno on top. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 308 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
16/29
Day 18: Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 380 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
17/29
Day 19: Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/29
Day 20: Ricotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make healthy meals with produce from my latest farmers market trip. This pasta takes just 30 minutes from pantry to dinner table. You can easily make it a meat entree by adding cooked, shredded chicken. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat.
19/29
Day 21: Grecian Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The caper, tomato and olive flavors will whisk you away to the Greek isles. This easy skillet dish is perfect for hectic weeknights. —Jan Marler, Murchison, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/29
Day 22: Spicy Mongolian Beef Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light and loaded beef salad even satisfies my meat-loving husband. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 396 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
21/29
Day 23: Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don't have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stir-fry with 1/2 cup rice: 269 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/29
Day 24: Edamame Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright baby kale salad is packed with a little bit of everything: hearty greens, a nutty crunch, a zip of citrusy goodness and a big protein punch. It's pure bliss in a bowl. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 317 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 8g fiber), 13g protein.
23/29
Day 25: Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 274 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
24/29
Curry Shrimp Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Curry, cilantro and coconut milk make this dish an exciting change of pace. It's also good with Thai rice noodles or spaghetti. —Jana Rippee, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 406 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
25/29
Day 27: Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
26/29
Day 28: Asian Salmon Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 335 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
27/29
Day 29: Curried Chicken Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 367 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/29
Day 30: Scallops with Snow Peas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The vibrant, crisp pea pods in this dish are a nice contrast with the soft scallops. The dish looks and tastes bright and fresh. —Barb Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry with 3/4 cup rice: 378 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
29/29
Day 31: Cod and Asparagus Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 141 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
