Keep your New Year's resolution going through February with this healthy meal plan! From chicken bakes to crusted salmon, we found a healthy main and side dish for every day of the month.
The Ultimate Healthy Meal Plan for February
Updated on Jul. 19, 2022
1/26
Cheeseburger Bowl
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can try a version of the dressing with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups salad mixture with 2 tablespoons dressing: 374 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
2/26
Day 2: Walnut and Oat-Crusted Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I think this recipe gives you the most omega-3 fatty acid bang for your buck! —Cristen Dutcher, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 484 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
3/26
Day 3: Chicken Avocado Wraps
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Goes Great With: Roasted Tater Rounds with Green Onions & Tarragon
4/26
Day 4: Light & Lemony Scampi
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without cheese): 378 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
5/26
Day 5: Comforting Beef and Barley Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather outside is nippy, we want a bowl of soup that’s chock-full of beef, barley and veggies. It's the most delicious way to warm up. —Sue Jurack, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 198 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/26
Day 6: Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
7/26
Day 7: Butternut and Portobello Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 252 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
8/26
Day 8: Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It’s easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 336 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 56g protein.
9/26
Day 9: Buffalo Turkey Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Celery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve the burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 312 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/26
Day 10: Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/26
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops & Potatoes
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a meal that feels homey and Sunday-special. When my sister gave me this recipe, it was for a casserole baked in the oven, but I’ve adapted it to make slow-cooker pork chops and potatoes, as well as a stovetop version. Everyone who tastes it seems to love it. —Elizabeth Johnston, Glendale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 372 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
12/26
Day 13: Sausage Orecchiette Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this orecchiette pasta recipe to be like my favorite Italian restaurant version, only lighter—and tastier. I often use spicy sausage and broccoli rabe. —Melanie Tritten, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 363 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
13/26
Day 14: Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/26
Day 15: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 308 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
15/26
Day 16: Feta Chicken Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with 1 tablespoon sauce: 356 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/26
Day 17: Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 195 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/26
Day 18: Horseradish-Crusted Turkey Tenderloins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a low-carb entree ideal for company? Consider this specialty. It won a local recipe contest and was featured on a restaurant's menu. The creamy sauce adds a flavor punch. —Ellen Cross, Hubbardsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
18/26
Day 19: Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork with 2 tablespoons gravy (calculated without egg noodles): 289 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
19/26
Day 20: Breaded Mustard & Sage Pork Cutlets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After attending my daughter's back to school night and receiving a complimentary package of instant potatoes, I had to make something with them. I created these pork cutlets and they were fantastic. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 pork cutlets: 328 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
20/26
Day 21: Spicy Sweet Potato Kale Cannellini Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This cross between a soup and a stew fits the meatless Monday bill quite nicely. It warms you right up, and satisfies without leaving you overstuffed.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
21/26
Day 22: Lemon Feta Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright, Greek-inspired chicken has only five ingredients—it’s a busy-day lifesaver! My husband and I prepare the dish often, and it’s a hit every time. —Ann Cain, Morrill, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 143 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
22/26
Day 23: Salmon with Root Vegetables
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
23/26
Day 24: Greek Sloppy Joes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Feta is one of my favorite kinds of cheese. It's delish in a burger, but it truly shines in this Mediterranean-style sloppy joe. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 337 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Goes Great With: Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
24/26
Day 25: Honey-Roasted Chicken & Root Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my whole family comes over for dinner, I make a big platter of roast chicken with sweet potatoes, carrots and fennel. My dad leads the fan club. —Kelly Ferguson, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 432 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
25/26
Day 26: Wintertime Braised Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy beef stew is incredibly rich. Since it's even better a day or two later, you may want to make a double batch. —Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/26
Day 28: Chickpea & Potato Curry
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chickpea mixture: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
