Ever get that feeling that although you’re super busy, nothing ever seems to get done? Sure, you’ve changed baby’s diaper at least 10 times today (and probably done just as many loads of laundry because of it), sat down for so many feedings you’ve lost count (hey, there’s an app for that), and if you’re lucky you managed to squeeze a shower in there somewhere, but probably not. And now you’re left wondering how it’s already time to make dinner. Whether you’re too busy, too tired, or both, we’re working to take meal planning off your plate. These meals for moms don’t take much prep and will fuel your busy days—from breakfast through dinner.
Breakfast Ideas
Overnight Oats
The trick to this recipe from @cleanplatemama is that you make it ahead of time. Stick it in the fridge before bed and wake up to a filling breakfast that appears like magic.
Perfect Scrambled Eggs
Whip up a simple scrambled egg in under five minutes—@cookwithnabeela will show you how. Once you’ve perfected it, throw in veggies, cheeses, and herbs to flavor them the way you like. Our favorite is with French thyme.
Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookie
Cookies for breakfast? Registered Dietician @preventionrd gives the green light to these that include apples, carrots, and oatmeal. Make a batch to get you through the week (and beyond).
Smashed Avocado & Poached Eggs
Avocado toast is always an easy one for breakfast or lunch, and this version created by @foodandhomesa fits the bill. The frozen peas add a little pop that’s unexpected, and although this recipe includes homemade spinach soda bread, we’re here to tell you it’ll taste just as good on whatever bread you’ve got.
Acai Bowl
The great thing about acai bowls is that you can top them with just about anything you’d like. Bananas, granola, and honey are pretty standard, but feel free to scoop in a nut-butter for extra protein or heap on the fresh fruit when it’s in season. Find out how to make this one @chelseasmessyapron.
Lunch Ideas
Celery Soup
This simple soup from @atasteofmadness1 can be made in under 30 minutes with just six ingredients (we’re betting most are already in your fridge). Our tip? If you’re not into transferring hot liquid into your blender, use an immersion blender instead.
Mango Spinach Smoothie
If you’ve got a blender, you can whip up one of our favorite easy meals for moms—a mango spinach smoothie from @cleanplatemama. It’s loaded with 20 grams of protein and healthy fats (from the avocado) all new moms need to get through the day.
Obsessively Good Avocado Cucumber Salad
A few fresh ingredients and the time to chop them all up is what it takes to make @smittenkitchen‘s avocado cucumber salad (and yes, it’s obsessively good). We love that you can use the leftover avocado to make it for lunch the next day, too.
Spaghetti Salad
Make this tasty salad created by @theveiwfromgreatisland for yourself for lunch and you’ll have plenty leftover for dinner. It combines crave-worthy carbs with tons of fresh veggies—a great excuse to hit the farmer’s market in the summer.
Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese
If you didn’t get too many of these during your pregnancy cravings, you’ll love them on this inventive grilled cheese sandwich @pitchforkfoodie dreamed up. Really, you could top this grilled cheese with just about anything and it would be good.
Dinner Ideas
Beef Lettuce Wraps
What should every mom’s go-to dinner include? Something quick and something healthy. That’s what we love about these beef lettuce wraps from @momsdish. Putting them together is as simple as browning your protein (ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even tofu are simple substitutes to make) and assembling the rest of the ingredients atop a fresh bib lettuce leaf. Roll and enjoy.
Vegetable Pancakes
What’s not to love about this simple way to use up leftover veggies from @tiffy.cooks? Take a deep dive in the fridge (yep, all the way to the back) hunting for half-finished carrots, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes—whatever is taking up space. Shred, squeeze, and pan fry them before topping with a tasty sauce.
Greek-Inspired Hump Day Salad
It doesn’t have to be Wednesday to make this Hump Day dish we found @easy_salad_recipes, but it doesn’t hurt. Open a bag of lettuce, toss on the toppings, and you’ve got yourself a healthy meal in minutes. Hint: pickle red onion on your countertop by placing sliced red onions in vinegar, then adding a bit of salt and sugar. They should be ready in about 30 minutes.
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Pick up a pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts from the store (or pull them from the freezer in the morning) to make this meal for moms from @themediterraneandish. Season them, drizzle some olive oil on top, then throw it in the oven. If you’re feeling really fancy, add a bag salad to this meal.
Chipotle Chicken Tostadas
Ground chicken is the base for this easy-to-assemble recipe from @preventionrd, but you can easily sub ground turkey if it’s easier to find. The avocado and pineapple salsa add a little something extra—a tropical flair that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
Who doesn’t love a meal you can start around lunch time and enjoy five hours later for dinner? This simple white chicken chili by @damn_delicious takes about 10 minutes to put together. The rest is up to your crock pot. Note: if you’re nursing or just want to avoid spicy foods, cut down on the green chilies.
Squash & Chickpea Moroccan Stew
Dicing the potatoes is probably the heaviest lift in this hearty recipe from @smittenkitchen, but the rest of the ingredients don’t involve too much prep. Serve it over couscous or not—it’s up to you. Either way, you’ll have leftovers to enjoy the next day.
