By Carleton Rivers, MS, RD, LD

NCHPAD has created a series of weekly meals specific for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). All meals have been designed to be rich in important nutrients, such as protein, which is necessary for maintaining muscle mass, fighting infections and preventing skin breakdown. The following recipes use basic ingredients and require only minimal preparation. Ingredients for all five meals should fit in one large reusable grocery bag, allowing for an easier grocery shopping experience. For more information on important nutrients for individuals with a SCI, as well as previous 5-Dinner Grocery Bags, visit http://www.nchpad.org/1318/6113/Five-Dinner~Grocery~Bag.

*To print the full article, including the Five-Dinner Grocery List and each of the recipes, simply click the "Print Article" icon on the final page.

The following ingredients are all you need to make all five separate meals:

Produce
☐ Head of garlic
☐ 1-1/2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms
☐ 3 roma tomatoes
☐ 2 lemons
☐ 2 medium zucchinis
☐ 8 oz. small red potatoes
☐ 2 parsnips
☐ 2 carrots
☐ Fresh thyme
☐ Fresh parsley
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Grains & Bread Products
☐ 4 oz. whole-wheat angel hair pasta
☐ Whole-wheat flour
☐ 2 Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice: Whole Grain Brown
☐ 1/2 cup whole wheat orzo

Canned Goods
☐ 1 can black beans
☐ 4-1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Meats
☐ 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
☐ 1 lb. pork tenderloin

Dairy Products
☐ 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Oils, Condiments & Spices
☐ 1/2 cup salsa
☐ Black pepper
☐ Salt
☐ Italian seasoning
☐ Dried thyme
☐ Dried dill
☐ Nonstick cooking spray
☐ Olive oil
☐ Dijon mustard
☐ Panko breadcrumbs

Frozen Items
☐ 1 package Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers: Broccoli Florets 12oz. bag
☐ 2 Frozen wild salmon fillets
☐ 14 oz. package of chopped mixed vegetables (frozen)
☐ 1 cup frozen spinach
☐ 1-1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

Additional Kitchen Supplies
☐ Aluminum foil