Meal Planning for Busy Moms | Dinner Ideas, Quick, Delicious, Healthy, Easy Meal Prep

Blaga Goertzen | Podcast Host | Meal Planning Coach & Strategist
Meal Planning for Busy Moms | Dinner Ideas, Quick, Delicious, Healthy, Easy Meal Prep

Do you dread meal planning because it’s too complicated and cumbersome? Are you eating fast food and takeout multiple times a week because of your family’s busy schedule or trying to figure out dinner at 5:00 when everyone’s asking, “MOM? What’s for dinner”? Do you wish you had a step-by-step system so you could spend less time planning and meal prepping and more time enjoying quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meals with your family? I am so excited you are here! In this podcast, I will help you create easy, healthy and yummy meals that Will satisfy even the pickiest eaters! And you’ll only spend 15 minutes a week planning, because my weekly meal plans and other tips, tricks, and strategies will take the guesswork out of the process! Hey, I’m Blaga. A Mama of 4, wife, and a meal planning strategist obsessed with creating systems to make it as easy as possible for us mamas to answer the ‘what’s for dinner?’ dilemma without chaos! For many years, I was doing it all wrong- thinking about dinner by the seat of my pants, not planning, and resorting to takeout and mad dashes to the grocery store wasting my precious time and money. I finally realized if I was going to reduce the chaos, the overwhelm and pressure around the dinner time rush and meal planning, I needed a simple, effective and easy plan I could stick to no matter what was happening in our ever changing, busy lives. So I created a system that fit our family’s busy schedule. One that slipped seamlessly into my already jam-packed life, but I could actually stick with. An easy, simple, and sustainable plan for delicious meals that nourished my family!. And I’m ready to share it with you! If you are ready to find a simple meal planning system that is built for busy moms…. So you can create meals that are quick, healthy, and delicious Hold off on ordering that pizza, and grab your notebook, pen, and maybe a coffee - because we are about to dive in!

  1. JAN 22

    E124 From Meal Planning Pro To Holistic Harmony- Meal planning the Secret Weapon for Reducing Stress

    Hey, hey! Welcome to the very first episode of our new series, From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony! In this episode, I’m sharing how meal planning is so much more than just figuring out what’s for dinner—it’s a powerful tool for reducing stress and creating a sense of calm in your daily life. We’ll dive into: How meal planning reduces decision fatigue, creates predictability, and saves time Why it’s a game-changer for managing chaos in your week. A quick and easy strategy to create your own “fallback meal plan” for those hectic weeks.   This is also the start of an exciting new journey for the podcast, where we’ll expand from meal planning to explore strategies for reducing overwhelm, managing stress, and living a calm, holistic life. Don’t worry though—if you’re here for meal planning, I’ve still got you covered with Sunday episodes just for meal plans.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why meal planning is a powerful tool for reducing stress in your life. The three biggest benefits of meal planning: fewer decisions, more predictability, and saved time. How to create a “fallback meal plan” to simplify your week when life feels chaotic.   Call to Action: This episode marks the beginning of an exciting new direction for the podcast! While meal planning remains a cornerstone, I’m expanding the focus to include strategies for reducing overwhelm, managing stress, and creating a calm, balanced life. Your weekly meal plans will still be here every Sunday, but if you’re ready to explore holistic living and find more joy and calm in your days, tune in every Wednesday for new episodes. Have feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at [your email address]. Your input helps me create episodes that serve you best.   Next Week: Next Wednesday, join me for Episode 2: Simplify Your Life: Decluttering Your Schedule and Your Plate. We’ll talk about how cutting out what doesn’t serve you—both on your calendar and in your meals—can bring more clarity and calm to your life.   Thank you for tuning in, and I’m so excited to go on this new journey with you!   xx Blaga Your Stress-Reducing, Meal-Planning BFF

    5 min
  2. JAN 19

    Episode 123- From Meal Planning to Stress-Free Living: Exciting Changes Ahead

    Hey there, beautiful Mamas!   Today’s episode is extra special because I’m inviting you on a new and exciting journey. While meal planning will always be a part of this podcast, I’m expanding our focus to help you reduce overwhelm, manage stress, and create a life filled with calm, balance, and joy.   Sundays will remain dedicated to your weekly meal plans, but starting this Wednesday, I’ll be sharing new episodes that take a deeper dive into stress reduction and holistic living.   In this episode, I’m sharing: Why I’m shifting the focus of the podcast and what it means for you. Five-Minute Stress Busters you can use to find calm—even on your busiest days. This week’s meal plan with seven delicious, quick, and healthy recipes to keep your week running smoothly. Tune in to learn more about this new chapter and how it can help you create more peace in your life.   This Week’s Meal Plan: Monday: Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus and Baby Potatoes (a one-pan wonder for a busy night) Tuesday: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables (set it and forget it)   Want the full meal plan for the week? Sign up for my email list and get all the recipes delivered to your inbox!😉   5-Minute Stress Busters for Busy Moms: In today’s episode, I’m sharing five simple stress busters you can try starting today: The 5-5-5 Breathing Exercise The Two-Minute Declutter Gratitude on the Go A Fresh Air Reset Dance It Out These quick and effective strategies can help you reset and refocus, no matter how chaotic your day feels.   What’s Coming Next: This Wednesday, I’m kicking off a new series: From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony. In this five-part series, we’ll explore how meal planning fits into a bigger picture of reducing stress and creating a calmer, more joyful life.   Here’s what’s coming: Meal Planning: The Secret Weapon for Reducing Stress Simplify Your Life: Decluttering Your Schedule and Your Plate From Dinner Table to Mindfulness: Finding Balance in Everyday Moments Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind: The Food-Stress Connection The Bigger Picture: Meal Planning as Part of Holistic Living Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!   Let’s Connect: I’d love to hear from you! What’s one area of your life where you’d like to feel less chaos and more calm? DM me on Facebook @BlagaGoertzen or email me at blagagoertzen@yahoo.ca—I read every message, and your feedback helps me create content that truly serves you.   If you’re ready to go beyond meal planning and dive into creating a calmer, more balanced life, tune in on Wednesday for the first episode in our new series. And don’t forget to sign up for my email list to get the full meal plan and all the latest updates.   Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you back here on Sunday for more meal planning inspiration—and a little dose of calm!Cheers, Blaga

    7 min
  3. JAN 5

    Episode 122 Weekly Meal Plan and Seasonal Eats

    Hey, hey!   Happy New Year, my fabulous foodies! 🎉 Let’s kick off 2025 with a fresh start and some seriously delicious meals. In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of seasonal cooking—using what’s fresh, tasty, and budget-friendly to create meals your family will love. Plus, I’m sharing a cozy, seasonal weekly meal plan to make dinnertime stress-free. Grab your coffee (or that leftover holiday champagne) and tune in for all the juicy details!   This Week’s Meal Plan:   Monday: Butternut Squash Soup with Turkey Sausage – Creamy, comforting, and so easy in the Instant Pot.   Tuesday: Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Root Veggies – Juicy chicken paired with caramelized veggies for a one-pan win.   Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew – Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those midweek dinner blues.   Thursday: Pork Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Snap Peas – A quick, vibrant dish that’s better (and faster!) than takeout.   Friday: Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Kale – A fancy Friday night dinner made simple.   Saturday: Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Grilled Chicken – Kid-friendly, creamy, and so much fun to make.   Sunday: Rustic Vegetable Minestrone Soup – The coziest end to your week, packed with seasonal veggies and flavor.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The secret to making your meals tastier and cheaper with seasonal cooking. How to use simple sauces and spices to elevate your weeknight dinners. Tips for swapping seasonal ingredients without sacrificing flavor. It's a hilarious story about what happens when you buy too much of a good thing.   Why Listen?   Whether you’re feeling the post-holiday dinner slump or just want fresh ideas for the New Year, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and a whole lot of fun. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!   Call to Action:   Click play to get all the details, tips, and inspiration! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with your mom squad—it’s the perfect way to start the year together.Hope you enjoy!   xx Blaga

    6 min
  4. 12/29/2024

    Episode 121 Weekly Meal Plan & Starting Fresh: Easing into 2025 With What You Have

    Hey, hey my friend,   Welome to the final episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms for 2024! This week, we’re saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new with ease and simplicity. I’ll be sharing a pantry-friendly weekly meal plan that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for using what you already have. Plus, I’ll teach you how to reverse-engineer your week—starting with how many meals you actually need and building them around what’s in your pantry and fridge.   This episode is all about easing into the new year with stress-free meal planning that saves time, money, and your sanity. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s step into 2025 feeling prepared and confident. Happy New Year, friends!   What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   How to decide how many meals you actually need for the week.   The importance of using what you already have to save money and reduce waste.   Why cooking meals you know and love is the best way to ease into meal planning.   A pantry-friendly weekly meal plan to inspire your meals this week.   This Week’s Meal Plan:   Monday: Spaghetti with marinara sauce and garlic bread. Tuesday: Chicken stir-fry with rice. Wednesday: Bean and cheese quesadillas with salsa and sour cream. Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole. Friday: Baked potato bar with chilii Saturday: Breakfast-for-dinner with pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Sunday: Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.   Episode Highlights: The benefits of starting the year with pantry-friendly meals. Tips for reverse-engineering your meal plan to simplify the process. Why planning 3–5 meals is often all you need for a successful week.   Join the Meal Planning for Busy Moms community for more tips, meal plans, and inspiration.   Stay connected for exciting new content in 2025!   Thank you for tuning in to the last episode of the year! I’m so grateful for your support, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you in 2025. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe so you never miss an episode.   Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals. I’ll see you next year, friends!   Have a blessed and beautiful week, xx Blaga   P.s. Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more busy moms find us and join the meal-planning fun!

    5 min
  5. 12/22/2024

    Episode 120 Weekly Meal Plan and Christmas Prep Ideas

    Hey, hey beautiful Mamas,   Welcome to a very merry episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! With Christmas just days away, I’ve got a festive and practical weekly meal plan to take you from Christmas Eve all the way through the “in-between” week before New Year’s. Whether you’re planning a traditional Christmas dinner or looking for quick, healthy meals to keep everyone happy and fed, this episode has you covered.   We’ll also dive into my top tips for managing your holiday meal prep so you can spend more time making memories and less time stressing in the kitchen. And don’t worry—if you still need inspiration for your Christmas menu, I’ll point you to my Thanksgiving episodes packed with ideas for turkey and ham feasts.   Plus, I’m sharing some exciting news for 2025: starting in the new year, Meal Planning for Busy Moms will streamline to one episode every Sunday, giving you everything you need to master meal planning and tackle the “What’s for dinner?” question with ease.   This Week’s Meal Plan: Monday: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Tuesday (Christmas Eve): Charcuterie Board & Appetizers Wednesday (Christmas Day): The Big Feast (Turkey or Ham) Thursday: Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Sweet Potato Fries Friday: Instant Pot Beef Chili Saturday: Build Your Own Pizza (or order takeout) Sunday: Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes   In This Episode, You’ll Learn:   How to plan and prep for a stress-free Christmas dinner. Tips for making the most of Christmas leftovers. A festive weekly meal plan to carry you through the week after Christmas. Why simplifying your menu and delegating tasks is a game-changer. Exciting updates for the podcast in 2025!   Get My Book: Meal Prep Made Simple on Amazon by Blaga Goertzen   Thanksgiving Episodes for Christmas Inspiration:   Turkey Menu Ideas (Episode from October)   Ham Menu Ideas (Episode from November) Become an Insider: Sign up here to get all recipe links delivered straight to your inbox!   Join the Community: What’s for Dinner Mama’s Facebook Group   Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Be sure to join me next Sunday for more meal planning magic as we kick off 2025. Be blessed, my friends!   xx Blaga

    7 min
4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Do you dread meal planning because it’s too complicated and cumbersome? Are you eating fast food and takeout multiple times a week because of your family’s busy schedule or trying to figure out dinner at 5:00 when everyone’s asking, “MOM? What’s for dinner”? Do you wish you had a step-by-step system so you could spend less time planning and meal prepping and more time enjoying quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meals with your family? I am so excited you are here! In this podcast, I will help you create easy, healthy and yummy meals that Will satisfy even the pickiest eaters! And you’ll only spend 15 minutes a week planning, because my weekly meal plans and other tips, tricks, and strategies will take the guesswork out of the process! Hey, I’m Blaga. A Mama of 4, wife, and a meal planning strategist obsessed with creating systems to make it as easy as possible for us mamas to answer the ‘what’s for dinner?’ dilemma without chaos! For many years, I was doing it all wrong- thinking about dinner by the seat of my pants, not planning, and resorting to takeout and mad dashes to the grocery store wasting my precious time and money. I finally realized if I was going to reduce the chaos, the overwhelm and pressure around the dinner time rush and meal planning, I needed a simple, effective and easy plan I could stick to no matter what was happening in our ever changing, busy lives. So I created a system that fit our family’s busy schedule. One that slipped seamlessly into my already jam-packed life, but I could actually stick with. An easy, simple, and sustainable plan for delicious meals that nourished my family!. And I’m ready to share it with you! If you are ready to find a simple meal planning system that is built for busy moms…. So you can create meals that are quick, healthy, and delicious Hold off on ordering that pizza, and grab your notebook, pen, and maybe a coffee - because we are about to dive in!

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