This month, we've pulled together a delicious dinner plan for every single day. Get ready for recipes like grilled buttermilk chicken and spicy Mongolian beef salad. Healthy eating couldn't get any easier!
Your Healthy April Meal Plan
Updated on May 24, 2024
1/27
Day 1: 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.
2/27
How to Grill Chicken Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
3/27
Day 3: Spicy Pork Tenderloin Salad
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend served this curry-flavored salad at a luncheon, and I tweaked it to fit our tastes. Since it's a meal in one, it's perfect for weeknights, and the presentation makes it ideal for entertaining.
—Pat Sellon of Monticello, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
4/27
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.
5/27
Day 5: Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet Pan Supper
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Most nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 516 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
6/27
Day 7: Herbed Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
7/27
Day 8: 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.
8/27
Day 9: Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/27
Day 11: Tilapia with Lemon Caper Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always trying to increase the amount of fish in our diet. This recipe is fast, easy and enjoyable, even for non-fish lovers. —Catherine Jensen, Blytheville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 tablespoon sauce: 207 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/27
Chicken Foil Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 175 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
11/27
Day 13: Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Primavera
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting makes veggies an irresistible part of this light but filling dinner. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 410 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
12/27
Day 14: Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This easy-peasy meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup rice: 500 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
13/27
Day 15: Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
14/27
Day 16: Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup spinach: 310 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
15/27
Apple Pork Loin
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 290 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
16/27
Day 18: Bulgur Jambalaya
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like making this dish because it allows me to stay on track for my weight loss without giving up foods I love. —Nicholas Monfre, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/27
Day 19: Chicken Provolone
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 236 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
18/27
Day 20: Tuna Teriyaki Kabobs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 tuna kabob and 1 vegetable kabob: 389 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
19/27
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.
20/27
Day 23: 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.
21/27
Day 24: Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with 1/2 cup corn mixture: 297 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
22/27
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.
23/27
Day 26: Greek Fish Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a military spouse living overseas, I got the chance to try many styles of cooking. Here's a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that we still love today. —Stacey Boyd, Springfield, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with toppings: 246 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/27
Day 27: Southern Pork & Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1-1/4 cups rice mixture: 484 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/27
Day 28: Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my absolute favorite meals to eat anytime is lamb chops! My girls, Hanna and Amani, love watching me make my delicious chops, but they love eating them even more. —Nareman Dietz, Beverly Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 290 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
26/27
Day 29: White Wine Garlic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This garlic chicken is fantastic over cooked brown rice or your favorite pasta. Don't forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese too. —Heather Esposito, Rome, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup mushroom mixture: 243 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
27/27
Day 30: Portobello Polenta Stacks
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I have recently started growing portobello mushrooms from kits we found at a farmers market. We love to try new recipes—like this one—with our harvest. —Breanne Heath, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 219 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
