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.
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[^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.
Looking for a quick, nutritious lunch that even your picky eaters will love? This Broccoli, Edamame & Chickpea Pasta Salad is packed with plant-based protein and fresh veggies, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy days. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or need a healthy side dish, this salad has you covered—wholesome, satisfying, and ready in minutes!
Ingredients:
- 4 ozs Chickpea Pasta (dry)
- 1 cup Broccoli (cut into florets)
- 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Hemp Seeds
- 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 cup Frozen Edamame (thawed)
- 1/2 Cucumber (medium, sliced)
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (I did not measure how much garlic powder I used, just use as much as you'd like!)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Add the broccoli for the two last minutes of cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add the pasta and broccoli and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Enjoy!
As much as we wish we could snap back to feeling 100% overnight, the truth is, your body just went through a lot and recovery takes time. From hormones balancing out to your body adjusting physically, postpartum healing is a journey. It’s not something we can (or should!) rush through.
I get it.... you’re probably feeling the pressure to “bounce back” and get back to your pre-baby self. Whether it’s your energy, your body, or even your mindset, there’s this invisible (and sometimes very visible) expectation to hurry up and recover.
But let’s stop and think about what your body has just accomplished. You’ve just grown and brought life into the world. That’s no small feat, and it’s going to take some time for your body to adjust to this new chapter.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
If you’re feeling all over the place emotionally, you’re not alone. After giving birth, your hormones are trying to recalibrate. This hormonal shift can bring on a whirlwind of emotions—from happy to tears to overwhelm—all within the span of an hour. Be kind to yourself through this transition. It’s totally normal to feel this way, and the last thing you need is to feel guilty about it.
Physical Recovery
Beyond the emotional rollercoaster, your body is healing physically. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section, your body is working hard to repair itself. From healing tissues to regaining strength, this doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself permission to rest, listen to your body, and not feel like you need to be doing all the things just yet.
Give Yourself Grace
The most important thing you can do during this time is to give yourself grace. Healing is not linear, and it looks different for everyone. Some days you might feel like you’re on top of the world, and other days, even brushing your teeth feels like a win. And that’s okay. Take it one day at a time, and remind yourself that you’re doing amazing.
Your body is incredible for what it’s just done, and it deserves all the love and patience in the world. Recovery is not a race, and there’s no gold medal for who heals the fastest. What’s most important is taking care of yourself so you can be the best version of you—for both yourself and your new little one.
Take your time, mama. You’ve got this.
Whenever I think of this supplement I think of myself as a warrior going in and fighting those germs that have taken up residence in my body. 💪
This happens, we're human and around others that have germs in them too.
There are so many different thoughts around germ theory and how that actually is for our body, but alas we're not going to go down that road.
Germs, like bacteria and viruses, enter the body through the skin, mouth, or respiratory system, where they can multiply and cause infections. The immune system recognizes these harmful invaders and responds by producing white blood cells and antibodies to attack and destroy them.
Through this defense mechanism, the immune system helps keep the body healthy by neutralizing the germs and preventing illness. In order to support my immune system I love to pop some Inner Defense and help those white blood cells and antibodies do their job 👏 as it strengthens the body’s natural defenses, supports healthy respiratory function, and provides immune support with the powerful combination of essential oils like Oregano, Thyme, and Thieves.
You can absolutely go looking for some more in-depth information around the oils that are present in the Thieves blend (in fact I encourage it as there are so many fun studies that discuss how each can help your body systems. You can do that by clicking here!
Before learning about Inner Defense (or even other supplements that can help your immune system) I thought that Emergen-C thing was a good thing to take, to help my body fight off the germs. However, not the case! In fact, this little packet (that you can find at the gas station, which might be your first clue to quality) has things like Fructose, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid and Malic Acid!
1. **Fructose**: Excessive consumption of fructose, especially from processed foods, can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to the development of fatty liver disease and metabolic disorders.
2. **Maltodextrin**: This highly processed carbohydrate has a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes.
3. **Citric Acid**: While naturally occurring in fruits, synthetic citric acid used in processed foods can sometimes cause digestive discomfort or trigger inflammation in individuals sensitive to it.
4. **Malic Acid**: In large amounts, malic acid, often used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods, may cause digestive issues like stomach irritation or upset, especially for sensitive individuals.
Once that sweet little baby enters your world, everything shifts. Your Friday nights that were once about Netflix or going out look a lot more like cuddles, diapers, and early bedtimes. The clothes you used to rock? They’ve likely been traded for something a bit more... mom-friendly (hello, leggings).
But you know what hasn’t changed for me? My love for food. 🍲
I’ve always had this passion for nourishing my body and finding joy in the kitchen. And now, as a mom, that love has only deepened. I realize more than ever how important it is to fuel my body with nutritious, wholesome foods. After all, I need the energy to keep up with my little guy!
What’s even more special is that I get to share this love for food with him. Cooking together has become one of our favorite activities. Sure, it’s messy, and sometimes things don’t go as planned (I’ve learned that toddlers and flour don’t always mix well). But it’s fun, it’s bonding, and we both enjoy it.
We love trying new recipes, from simple breakfasts to creative snacks, and I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to watch him get excited about food. There’s something magical about teaching your child the importance of nourishing their body—watching them explore new flavors and textures while building memories together in the kitchen.
So, while motherhood has changed nearly everything about my life, my love for food has stayed constant. And now, I get to experience that joy in a new way—through the eyes of my little one. Whether we’re making a homemade smoothie or baking our favorite protein snacks, these moments are some of my favorites.
Motherhood changes you, but it also adds so many beautiful layers. And for me, one of those layers is sharing my love for good food with the little person I love most.
