Why Meal Planning Matters: Because Wingin' It Won't Cut It
How many times have you stood in front of the fridge, waiting for dinner inspiration to hit, only to give up and call for takeout? It’s one of those “quick fixes” that feels like it’s solving the problem in the moment but usually just adds to the chaos. Enter meal planning—your not-so-secret weapon to cutting down on stress and keeping your family on track, especially with protein-packed meals.

We've all been there: that dreaded “What’s for dinner?” moment. It's stressful and draining, especially after a long day. But with meal planning, you have a game plan in place. No more last-minute pizza orders or throwing together random snacks and calling it dinner. Instead, you're serving balanced, protein-packed meals that keep everyone full and ready to handle whatever life throws at them.

Here’s why protein is the real MVP in meal planning: It keeps you satisfied longer, helps stabilize blood sugar, and keeps those mid-afternoon energy crashes at bay. Plus, protein helps with muscle repair and even boosts your metabolism. So, while you’re tackling everything on your to-do list, your body is getting the fuel it needs to keep going strong.

The real magic of meal planning? It takes the guesswork out of your evenings. Studies show that consistent meal planning leads to healthier food choices and less stress. When you already know what’s for dinner, you free up your mental space for more important things—like actually enjoying time with your family instead of scrambling in the kitchen.

So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to the daily dinner drama and simplify your life, grab a copy of my Easy Protein Recipes for Busy Families cookbook here. It's packed with easy, delicious meals that will keep your family happy and your stress levels low. Let meal planning be the solution that saves your sanity.
---
[^1]: Leidy, H. J., et al. (2015). *The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance*. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S–1329S.
[^2]: Paddon-Jones, D., et al. (2008). *Role of dietary protein in the sarcopenia of aging*. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87(5), 1562S–1566S.
[^3]: Fulkerson, J. A., et al. (2017). *Family meals: Perceptions, values, and behaviors among parents of 8- to 10-year-old children*. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 49(1), 7-14.e1.

0 Comments

Leave a Comment

Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Leah Negrin, M.S. Nutrition, CHHC, CPBN.