Eating healthy doesn't mean dinner has to be boring. This healthy meal plan comes with 30 delicious dinners and sides that are anything but dull.
Here’s Your Healthy Meal Plan for September
Updated on Dec. 19, 2023
1/29
Day 1: Turkey Medallions with Tomato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a quick-to-cook meal using turkey medallions with a crisp coating. The turkey is enhanced by the bright flavor of a simple tomato salad. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 351 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
2/29
Day 2: 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.
3/29
Day 3: Pork and Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serving this entree salad gives me hope that warmer days aren't too far off. If strawberries aren't in season yet, use thawed frozen in place of fresh. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 291 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/29
Day 4: Slow-Cooked Beef Burritos with Green Chilies
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe years ago, and it has become such a favorite that the wonderful aroma of it cooking makes my family instantly happy. It is hearty, flavorful and easy to prepare, and it uses the long, slow-cooking method that truly defines comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 355 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 499mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
5/29
Day 5: Tuscan Fish Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
6/29
Day 6: California Burger Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh flavors blend like a dream. It's a snap to throw the wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
7/29
Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes. —Iola Butler, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 444 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
8/29
Day 8: Vegetarian Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
9/29
Day 9: Baja Pork Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
10/29
Day 10: Crispy Dill Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
11/29
Day 11: One-Pan Chicken Rice Curry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
12/29
Day 12: Chicken Sausages with Polenta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get a kick out of serving this chicken sausage dish—everyone's always on time for dinner when they know it's on the menu. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup sausage mixture with 2 slices polenta: 212 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
13/29
Day 13: 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.
14/29
Day 14: Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 316 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
15/29
Day 15: Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 loaves (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Goes Great with: Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels Sprouts
16/29
Day 16: Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It’s a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. —Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 455 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/29
Day 17: 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.
Goes Great with: Roasted Tater Rounds with Green Onions & Tarragon
18/29
Day 18: The Ultimate Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/29
Day 19: Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When people try this dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend's home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It's a great way to use leftover turkey. —May Evans, Corinth, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
20/29
Day 20: Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
21/29
Chicken Chop Suey
Total Time
5 hours 50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a great way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty and traditional, and easy, too!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
22/29
Day 22: Spicy Sausage and Rice Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spicy sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 285 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
23/29
Day 23: Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicate dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you have an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 404 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
24/29
Day 24: Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 359 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/29
Day 25: Quickpea Curry
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 390 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 13g fiber), 13g protein.
26/29
Day 26: Pork Chops & Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe years ago, and I have used it ever since. My family loves the sweetness with a little kick.—Hilary Rigo, Wickenburg, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup mushrooms: 299 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/29
Day 28: Turkey-Thyme Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chloe, my 3-year-old, is a big fan of these healthy peppers, which have a wonderful thyme flavor. She likes to help mix the ingredients and make meals with me. —Jennifer Kent, Media, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 423 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
28/29
Day 29: 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.
29/29
Day 30: Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup pumpkin: 318 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
