Meals I've Been Eating After Vacation
Coming home from vacation can make it so tempting to jump into an "all or nothing" mindset. You know the drill: cleanses, cutting out carbs, or trying to "make up" for all the fun you had.
Instead, I focus on getting back to the habits that make me feel good: prioritizing protein, adding fruits and veggies where I can, drinking plenty of water, and enjoying meals that are balanced, satisfying, and realistic enough to stick with!!
🌽 Street Corn Beef Bowls
One of my favorite high-protein dinners! Ground beef, sweet potatos, and all the street corn flavors make this one filling, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep.
🍌 Banana Bread Oats
An easy breakfast that's packed with protein and keeps me full all morning.
🥪 Kodiak Breakfast Sammy
A quick breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings. Protein-packed, delicious, and comes together in just a few minutes.
🍳 Savory Breakfast Plate
Sometimes simple is best. Eggs, turkey bacon, fruit, hashbrowns, or whatever I have on hand makes for an easy balanced breakfast.
🥗 Snack Plates
Lately I've been loving snack-style lunches. Think deli turkey, fresh fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers, or whatever sounds good. They're easy, customizable, and don't require much prep.
🍠 Sweet Potato Gnocchi Sheet Pan
One pan, minimal cleanup, and such a cozy weeknight dinner. Sweet potato gnocchi, chicken sausage, and roasted veggies are a combination I never get tired of!! This was originally inspired by Dash of Mandi on IG!
Ingredients
1 package Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi
4 chicken and apple sausages, sliced
Brussels sprouts, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
Garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread the gnocchi, chicken sausage, and Brussels sprouts evenly on a sheet pan.
Roast for 22–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the gnocchi is lightly crisp and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
Serve and enjoy!
🌶️ Chick-fil-A Spicy Filet Hack
When we're on the go, this is one of my favorite fast food orders for a quick protein snack. It's satisfying, protein-forward, and proves you don't have to avoid convenience foods to stay balanced.
🧀 Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi
Another easy freezer staple that comes together quickly for busy weeknights. Pair it with a rotisserie chicken and spinach and mushrooms for a super satisfying meal. I just saute the veggies and then cook the gnocchi according to directions. Once its all done, mix together and enjoy! The gnocchi is from Trader Joe’s!
🥪 Jersey Mike's Chicken Salad
One of my favorite lighter lunches when I want something quick. Filling, loaded with protein, and so easy to customize. I sometimes do the bowl too!
🍎 Snickers Salad Bowl
My current obsession. It tastes like a treat while sneaking in plenty of protein, making it the perfect way to end the day.
Macro-Friendly Snickers Salad
Ingredients:
½ cup fat free Greek yogurt
½ scoop protein powder (i use snickerdoodle!)
1 teaspoon sugar-free instant pudding mix (cheesecake flavor)
½ cup CocoWhip
½ green apple, diced
½ BUILT Cookie Dough Bar, chopped
Mix together the Greek yogurt, protein powder, and pudding mix until smooth. Fold in a spoonful of CocoWhip, then top with sliced apple and chopped Built Bar.
🍦 Ice Cream With My Son
Because balance also means making memories. Sometimes dessert is a high-protein bowl... and sometimes it's sharing ice cream with Hudson. Both fit :)
At the end of the day, healthy eating isn't about perfection, it's about consistency. Vacation was full of incredible food, drinks, and memories, and now I'm simply back to the meals that help me feel energized and my best. That's what balance looks like.
