Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love and joy…but let’s be real, it can also be incredibly exhausting.
There are days when the thought of cooking a big meal feels overwhelming or impossible.
You need some simple and satisfying solutions that require minimal effort and use things you already have on hand. In this blog post, I've gathered five quick and easy meal ideas for those moments when you're too tired to cook but still need to feed yourself and your family. Let's dive in!
1. Build-Your-Own Salad:
Salads are versatile, customizable, and require minimal cooking. Prepared and pre-washed greens from the grocery store are your friend here. You can use a variety of fresh salad ingredients such as greens, chop up whatever vegetables you’ve got in the fridge, leftover or pre-cooked sliced proteins like chicken, beef, chickpeas or eggs and a selection of dressings. Arrange everything in separate containers and let each family member build their own salad according to their preferences. It's a healthy and refreshing option that requires minimal prep time.
2. Wrap It Up: Wraps are an excellent choice for quick and easy meals. Grab some flour or corn tortillas and fill them with your favorite ingredients. You can use leftover roasted chicken, sliced deli meats, cheese, fresh or roasted vegetables, and spreads like hummus or avocado. Roll them up, and you have a delicious and portable meal that can be enjoyed on the go or at home.
3. Sheet Pan Dinner:
Sheet pan dinners are a busy mom's best friend. Choose your protein (such as chicken thighs, salmon filets, shrimp, etc) and pair it with a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, onion and sweet potatoes. Toss everything in olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, and roast it all on a single sheet pan. It's a hands-off cooking method that results in a delicious and wholesome meal.
4. Breakfast-for-Dinner:
Breakfast foods are not limited to mornings! Whip up a hearty breakfast-for-dinner meal when you're too tired to cook a big meal. Scrambled eggs or omelets with veggies added in or on the side, a side of toast or English muffins, and some fresh fruit make for a simple and satisfying dinner option. If you have some pre-cooked bacon or sausage on hand, you can add that too. It's a comforting and quick meal that everyone enjoys.
5. Freezer Meal Rescue:
Having a stash of freezer meals can be a game-changer on exhausting days. Take advantage of those moments when you have more energy and motivation to cook and prepare freezer-friendly meals in advance. Lasagna, casseroles, soups, and stews are perfect options that can be portioned and frozen for later use. Simply reheat them when needed, and you'll have a homemade meal without the effort.
As a mom, there are days when you simply don't have the energy to cook a big meal.
However, it's essential to nourish yourself and your family with wholesome and satisfying food to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. These five quick and easy meal ideas are designed to save you time and effort while still providing nourishment.
Remember, it's okay to simplify and opt for effortless meals when needed. Embrace these ideas and enjoy stress-free cooking during those tired moments. You’ve got this!
Want 1:1 support with getting more nourishing food on the table?
Send me a message below and we can book a time to chat.
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