Weekly meal planner: Monday 17 March - Sunday 23 March

I aim to keep my midweek meals as healthy yet exciting as I can, so I love to try recipes from a variety of cuisines and always cook from scratch using fresh ingredients. But when the weekend comes, I like a little indulgence - especially if I'm celebrating a special occasion!

Click on the arrows to the right of each image to reveal the menu I've put together for the week ahead

There’s nothing nicer on Monday back at work than knowing you have a delicious dinner to look forward to! This Slow cooker beef goulash recipe is ideal as I can get everything prepared the night before and leave it to cook while I’m out – then when I get home all I need to do is cook the pasta.

I go to a fairly late Zumba class every Tuesday night and I prefer to eat my dinner a couple of hours before I leave for the gym. Although I try to eat something light (because no one likes a stitch!), I make sure that it is substantial enough for an intense workout. This Chicken and quinoa salad is perfect as it’s packed full of protein but has a good balance of veggies, too. 

Trying to lose weight while still enjoying hearty, flavoursome meals can seem impossible, but it really isn’t. I keep track of my daily calories and it’s usually in the middle of the week that I end up eating something bad for me if I haven’t planned my meals. These Low-fat lentil and beef burgers are really lovely served with a side salad and even a few home-made potato wedges – my flatmates can eat them, too, without feeling like they’re eating diet food. 

I love trying foods from different cuisines but sometimes you just can’t beat a traditional British dish. Sausage and mash was one of my favourite meals as a child, and cooking it now brings a real sense of nostalgia!

For many people Friday night is takeaway-night but if you’re on a tight budget, even the local Chinese can be a stretch. I like to keep hold of my pennies and make this Chicken satay noodles dish, instead. It is packed full of flavour and really doesn’t take long to make – and once it’s ready you can put your feet up in front of the TV and enjoy it with a glass of wine! 

Celebrating a friend’s birthday at the weekend means one thing and one thing only… cake! This gorgeous Red velvet cake looks amazing but is quick to prepare – so I've got extra time to get ready to party! 

It’s the morning after the night before and, if you’re anything like me, all you want is some breakfast and a gossip with the girls. Everyone can lend a hand making these Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup; they’re super tasty and so easy to do!