MENU PLAN July Week 3

If I were to play a word association for “July”,  I would have to say independence, the beach, ice cream and definitely… cherries!  Cherries are at their peak and you don’t want to miss out.  I love the concept of food as medicine and cherries are just that.  The latest research conducted by the University of Michigan suggests that  a cherry-enriched diet may help lower body fat, total weight, inflammation and cholesterol. This makes cherries a wonderful choice for PCOS.  Cherries aren’t just for snacking.  I’ve included a few recipes that feature cherries in this week’s menu plan.  I’m just glad the InCYST “Nurition 101”  micronutrient of the week is Vitamin C.  It’s going to be a good week!

MEATLESS MONDAY Tomato Asparagus and Mozzarella Salad I will add some white cannellini beans to increase the protein in this salad. The red pepper, tomatoes and greens are all high in Vitamin C.

TUESDAY Flank Steak with Chimichurri with Grilled Corn, and Grilled Broccoli. If you have never tried chimichurri sauce you are in for a real treat.  It is traditionally made with oregano but I like cilantro better.  You can use this sauce for fish, pork and poultry too.  I like to add a little butter, lime juice, salt and a sprig of cilantro and wrap my peeled corn in some foil and then just put on the grill.  I blanch the broccoli and then marinate it in some Italian dressing and then toss on the grill as well.  The parsley in the sauce and broccoli are both high in Vitamin C

WEDNESDAY Pork Chops with Cherry Quinoa I’ll serve with a leafy green salad.  There is nothing like fresh lettuce picked from the garden.  It isn’t too late to grow your own lettuce this season.  If you don’t have a garden just plant some lettuce seeds in a window box or planter on your deck or patio.  The lettuce and cherries both have Vitamin C.

THURSDAY Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Summer Fruit Salsa with  Brown Rice Salad The summer fruits in the salsa and the herbs and veggies in the salad all have Vitamin C.

FRIDAY Cherry Chicken Salad – I love fruit in chicken salad.  To me, this is the perfect Alfresco dinner.  I will substitute some of the mayo for Greek yogurt.  Serve on a big bed of baby spinach which is high in Vitamin C.