Weekly meal plan: Healthy eating has never been so tasty

MONDAY
Hearty chicken, barley and pancetta casserole is a winter warmer the whole family will love. This one pot wonder is one you’ll have on rotation well into the warmer months. Quick and easy to make, serve this dish still in the pan and let everybody help themselves.


TUESDAY
Only Jamie Oliver could turn stuffed Sicilian zucchinis into an Italian feast. This recipe is so easy to follow, simply stuff those zucchinis and let the oven do all the hard work as they slowly roast in that rich tomato sugo. Serve with a slice of sourdough to ensure all that sauce gets mopped up.

WEDNESDAY
Ramen need not be saved for date night anymore. This recipe makes recreating one of your favourite Japanese dishes at home so easy. Right down to the soft boiled egg. This beef ramen is sure to warm you up during the cooler months, and is perfect if you’re cooking for friends, your significant other, or even just for yourself.

THURSDAY
You do not, I repeat, do not, have to ditch pasta just because you’ve decided to eat healthier. It simply needs a slight adaptation. Take Jessica Sepel’s healthy chicken pesto pasta for example. Exempt from cream, and sugary tomato sauces, this recipe uses wholegrain pasta and fresh green vegetables to keep you full and satisfied. And because you’re cutting down on sugar and carbs, handfuls of grated parmasen cheese are totally allowed.

FRIDAY
Fish Fridays are making a comeback in the form of French-style seafood stew with tomato sugo. This recipe is perfect for feeding friends and family you’re keen to impress. If you’re not a fan of all types of seafood, omit and include whichever type you like. Hot tip: Make extra tomato sugo, you’ll thank yourself next week when you’re using it to whip up pasta or cooking stuffed zucchini again.

SATURDAY
Home-made pizzas are the easiest way to do healthy food at home, especially when there is no dough involved. Make these Middle Eastern beef and pine nut pizzas if you’re entertaining this weekend. They’ll be cooked in 20 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to socialise outside the kitchen. The nature of the home-made pizza means it is also the perfect recipe if you’re not entertaining and simply spending the night in with your cat. Which is fine, no judgement here.

SUNDAY
Ever fancied trying your hand a whole roast chicken? If so, this recipe is for you. This roast chicken with Peruvian passionfruit sauce is delicious and every bit as fancy as it sounds. Give this Sunday roast a go and I very much doubt you’ll miss the gravy and soggy peas you’re used too.