If you’ve found yourself stuck in what to make for dinner, lunch, or even breakfast – girl, me too.
With having two little girls that pull my attention and energy every which way, having little time to figure out what to make or even knowing what I want to eat, these are the recipes I have on repeat that have helped me to stay on track, stay full, and feel satisfied.
They’re nothing extravagant, but they’re buildable and can be customized to your liking – which is why I love them. They’re stupid easy and quick to throw together.
Greek Yogurt Tiramisu
This’ll make four batches.
- 1 C Greek yogurt
- 1 C Cottage cheese
- Splash of Vanilla
- 4 Tbsp-ish real Maple Syrup
- Shortbread Cookies
- Double shot of Espresso (instant)
Blend together the first four ingredients. You want it to be slightly runnier than what greek yogurt typically is.
Dip your shortbread cookies, I use two cookies in each jar, in the espresso, and place them into whatever 8-oz jars or containers you desire to use.
After finishing with the shortbread, spoon however much extra espresso you want into the jars as well. I use a regular tablespoon to move around my shortbread cookies from the espresso to jars, so I use that same tablespoon to add two spoons of extra espresso into my jars.
Divide the Greek yogurt mixture equally among the four jars.
Refridge overnight. They keep well for a week. Maybe longer – but I wouldn’t know cause I finish them in 3-4 days.
Meal prepping breakfast has been saving my mornings as a mom. I’ve also been in a funk with breakfast lately, but these…. SO good. Like a desert, but won’t break your blood sugar terribly.
Mac n Cheese
PROTEIN Mac N Cheese, to be specific. This doesn’t really call for a recipe because I just use the Goodles Mac N Cheese, add a desired protein and a fiber, and BOOM easy, yummy dinner or lunch. Bonus – my girls will eat the Mac N Cheese, and I feel good about serving this brand because it’s higher in nutrients and protein! They’re also organic and non-GMO.
While they don’t hold the Certification for non-GMO or Organic, their website states that they 3rd party test their products for pesticides and contaminants, and source their ingredients from Organic and non-GMO vegetables. PSA – some of their noodles DO contain wheat flour, which (I can not find) is more than likely NOT non-GMO or Organic.
Either way, I much prefer these noodles over standard noodles for myself and my girls.
Steak
This one’s always easy. Steak! A nice medium-rare steak cooked in the air fryer. Just pair with anything! Rice, noodles, kimchi, avocado, berries, sourdough toast, you name it.
I freeze mine first. It has to be frozen solid in order to cook it this way.
Place in the air fryer, salt to taste, air fry at 390 for five minutes, flip, salt again, air fry again for 4-5 minutes, depending on how thick it is.
I buy the thick-cut ribeyes from Costco, so this time and method work perfectly to get a medium-rare steak. If it’s thicker, you’ll probably want to do 6 minutes on each side.
Then just pair it with whatever you have on hand that sounds yummy! Don’t overcomplicate this.
Pan Fried Hamburger
Love love love a good crispy hamburger. Essentially as easy as a steak dinner/lunch. Pair with whatever you have on hand. This plate was rice, sourkraut, fetta cheese, avocado dressing, and pickled red onions. It’s just what I had on hand that sounded delicious together! And I was right.
Pan fry on medium heat (from frozen). Just stick straight on the pan, no oil needed because the burger is fatty enough. Let it cook for about 4 minutes on one side and salt the top. Flip and fry for another 4-5 minutes and salt again.
It comes out crispy, cooked to medium, salty and just plain delicious.
You can pair it with fruit, salad, green beans, edamame, or make a hamburger bowl, whatever you desire!
Scrambled Eggs
If I’m feeling up to actually making breakfast, I’ll do some kind of eggs with siracha and sometimes ketchup.
Here I have scrambled eggs, siracha, ketchup, avocado, sourdough toast with cottage cheese, blueberries, and cinnamon.
A breakfast like this hasn’t been happening lately, because I just can’t be bothered in the mornings currently. I haven’t been super hungry in the morning, which is why I started making the Tarimisu Greek Yogurts. They’re lighter, smaller, and ready to eat, which is why I love them so much. Also tastes like a dessert. Haha!
But this is also a great breakfast if you’re super hungry in the morning and want a nutritious, filling breakfast to start your day off right.
Starting the day off right!
Part of starting your day off right starts with a GOOD, nutritious, high-protein breakfast. Some of y’all aren’t eating enough protein, especially not first thing in the morning.
Now – I’m not here to shame you, because I struggle too. Especially as of late. It’s hard with two girls that I feel like I have to feed first, who are typically up before I am, constantly asking me for things or help. It’s hard to prioritize yourself to nurture yourself so you are set up well to nurture them.
I’m only here to give you tips, tricks, and encouragement. I’m here to bring like-minded women together so we can share in the world of motherhood and not feel alone, or like it’s “just me” who is struggling.
Starting your day off with around 30g of protein first thing in the morning is SO important for blood sugar and energy stabilization, improved mood, resiliency, and weight loss.
🔬 1. Blood Sugar Stabilization
Eating a high-protein breakfast helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates, which:
- Reduces blood sugar spikes after eating
- Prevents the energy crashes that often follow high-carb, low-protein breakfasts
- Promotes more stable insulin levels, which is especially important for people with insulin resistance, PCOS, or prediabetes
Why it matters: Stable blood sugar = fewer cravings, more sustained energy, and better hormonal balance throughout the day.
⚡ 2. Sustained Energy Levels
Protein digests more slowly than carbs, which:
- Keeps you fuller for longer
- Prevents that mid-morning energy slump
- Helps maintain mental clarity and focus
Compared to something like cereal or a bagel, a protein-rich meal will fuel you longer without a crash. Especially if you’re chasing kids around, running errands with them, having a play date at the park, or going for a mid-morning workout!
😌 3. Improved Mood & Mental Resilience
Protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of neurotransmitters like:
- Serotonin (mood regulation)
- Dopamine (motivation and focus)
- GABA (calmness and relaxation)
Skipping protein can leave you more emotionally reactive, anxious, or fatigued. For those of us struggling with PPD, PPA, or PPR, it’s HIGHLY important to fuel your body WELL so you can handle the kids kindly, lovingly, and wisely. Hunger fuels anxiety, because it can release your stress hormones, putting you in fight or flight – tricking your body into thinking you gotta survive against your kids. When really, they’re just being kids.
Say it with me, “They’re just being kids. They are not threatening me. I am Ok and safe.”
🧬 4. Supports Weight Loss & Metabolism
Getting ~30g of protein early in the day helps:
- Curb cravings and reduce overall daily calorie intake
- Preserve lean muscle mass while losing fat
- Boost thermogenesis (your body burns more calories digesting protein than fat or carbs)
Eating a high-protein breakfast may reduce evening snacking by stabilizing hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (fullness).
⏰ Why First Thing in the Morning Matters
Eating protein within 30–60 minutes of waking:
- Kickstarts metabolism
- Helps entrain circadian rhythm (especially when paired with natural sunlight)
- Sets the tone for more stable eating patterns throughout the day
We want to support good habits for ourselves and our bodies. By focusing on high-protein breakfasts, you can set up your day to maintain better food choices to support your weight-loss goals.
✅ What 30g of Protein Looks Like:
A couple more examples of what this could look like for you:
- 3 eggs + ½ cup cottage cheese + berries
- 1 scoop protein powder + Greek yogurt + nut butter
- Chicken sausage + avocado + greens
We don’t have to overcomplicate it. Especially with the busy lives with littles that we already have. Stick to basics, and stick to stuff that satisfies you and nourishes you.
If you need a good workout program to help get you started on your new health journey, including a community of like-minded Mamas going through the same struggles, I’m here for you. Click here, and we can get you started.
As always – Thank you for reading and ILY <3.