Quick & Easy Anti-Inflammatory Dinners (Weekly Plan & Shopping List!)

Mouthwatering recipes that can help protect you from chronic diseases all week long!

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Whether cooking feels like a chore or your favorite way to wind down, everyone can benefit from easy and quick dinners. With this weekly plan, you'll have dinner on the table in just 25 minutes or less. And better yet, these dishes are packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that may help quell pesky symptoms from chronic inflammation. Enjoy!

Your Meal Plan

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach
Diana Chistruga

Over the last few years, inflammation has been getting lots of buzz. And the market is full of products and supplements claiming to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. And while not all inflammation is bad—actually, short-term inflammation is essential to healing—low-grade, long-term inflammation can increase the risk of disease. Lack of sleep, living with chronic stress, smoking and a diet low in nutrients are all factors that increase inflammation. And while not all can be easily managed, we can start by choosing more nutritious foods, especially those with anti-inflammatory benefits.

It's true what they say, "You eat first with your eyes," and for me, it's all about the colors. Friday's Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach is a bright, colorful dinner that is deliciously appealing. This recipe is ready in 25 minutes, plus comes together in a single skillet for easy cleanup on busy weeknights. Added bonus: the spinach, peppers and garlic in the recipe are rich in vitamins C and K and quercetin, all anti-inflammatory nutrients that can protect you from chronic diseases. For a well-rounded meal, I'll serve this dish with farro, which amps up the content of protein and fiber—two nutrients that also support disease prevention.

Sunday: Old Bay Salmon with Lemony Mashed Peas with a side of Simple Cabbage Salad
Monday: Kale & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressingpaired with whole-wheat sourdough bread
Tuesday: Seared Halibut Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Wednesday: One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
Thursday: 25-Minute Sweet Potato & Bean Enchiladas with a side of Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad
Friday: Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach with a side of farro

Something to Sip On

a recipe photo of the Grapefruit Soda
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Sparkling water is one of my favorite drinks of all time, whether it's with some lime juice and salt (what we call a "suero" in Mexico) or fruity-flavored. And this Grapefruit Soda has been my favorite since it was published in April. The grapefruit juice adds a delicious tart flavor and beautiful orange color, plus, along with the lemon juice, some vitamin C. And the agave syrup makes it a perfectly balanced drink. Garnish with some grapefruit peel and bring on the summer vibes with a refreshing sip.

Get the Recipe: Grapefruit Soda

What's Inspiring Me This Week

a photo of Ina Garten
Andrew Toth/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Memorial Day is not traditionally celebrated in Mexico, though we have national holidays to remember our deceased heroes, like el Día de los Niños Héroes. However, my husband and I decided to celebrate it this year and host a small gathering with friends. And Ina's Memorial Day menu sounds about right. From a crunchy iceberg salad to baked potatoes with whipped feta cheese, I can't wait to start cooking!

Find Out More: Ina Garten Just Revealed Her Favorite Memorial Day Menu

I wish you all a great week, and if you have any questions or requests for future newsletters, please let me know by emailing ThePrep@eatingwell.com! Don't forget to add a recipe review if you try one.

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