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

Episode 12 Weekly Meal Plan and Easy Appetizers

Title: Episode 12 Weekly Meal Plan and Easy Appetizers
Description:  It’s that time again!  Carve out some time to plan and prep your week!  A little time, even 20 minutes can help make your week so much smoother!  Little things make a big impact!  Get ready to impress your guests with easy appetizers and be the star of the show!
 
Weekly Meal Plan:
Sunday - Birthday party-bringing meatballs and spinach dip with carrots, celery and pita wedges
Meatballs- Favorite frozen meatballs (I like Costco)
½ bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
¼ can of pineapple tidbits with juice
Put in slow cooker on low for 4 hours.  In a rush you can do them in a pan
Spinach Dip- 1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
½ package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
3 Tbsp Epicure Spinach Dip seasoning or 1 packet Knorr Vegetable Dip
Monday - Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Tuesday-Christmas Dinner- but making Lazy lasagna for the kids
Wednesday- Thursday - Leaving for Yuma, AZ.  Dads in charge!- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Friday - Steak and Potatoes
Saturday - Homemade Hamburger Helper
 
Weekly Prep:
Cut up cantaloupe and watermelon
Cut carrots and celery into sticks
Appetizers- Spinach Dip and BBQ/Pineapple Meatballs
Homemade lunchables
Shred cheese
Cucumber salad
 
LINKS: 
DIY Instant Oatmeal Packs
 
5 Meal Method Steps
Take out your calendar and add all events and commitments
Plan your meals according to your schedule
Pick meals from your favorite 30 list or other recipes you want to try
Pencil the meals in your calendar.  Use quick meals on days you are strapped for time, and other meals when you have more time
Create a master categorized grocery list
Cross off what you have and add anything else you need
Create a digital list so you always have it
Go grocery shopping or place a click and collect order
Write your weekly meal plan on a calendar or whiteboard where everyone can see it
Cross off the meals you made throughout the week
 
Here’s what to do next:
 
Step #1: Follow me on facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

Episode 11 Meal Planning Like a Pro for the Holidays

Episode #11- Meal Planning Like a Pro for the Holidays
Description: 
Picture this - it's the season of joy, laughter, and of course...delicious food! The holiday spirit is in the air, and you're filled with excitement to host your loved ones for a festive feast. But as the days count down, the pressure starts to build. Your mind is buzzing with questions like, What should I cook? or How will I manage everything? Well, fear not, my friends! Today, I'm here to guide you on how to plan like a pro for the holidays. Prepare to dazzle your guests with ease and grace!
Summary:
Mastering the Art of Meal Planning for the holidays!
Step one: Setting the Stage
Before you dive into recipes and grocery lists, take a moment to envision what you want your holiday meal to look and feel like
Step two: Stay organized like a boss!
We're all about being efficient here, my friend. And that means creating a system to keep track of your menu, recipes, and grocery list
Step three: Make-ahead magic!
Ah, the secret weapon of every holiday pro: make-ahead dishes.
Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Holiday Gathering
Tip one: Embrace a potluck-style event
Tip two: Create a signature drink
Tip three: Set up a DIY food station
Recap of Episode:
Determine the number of meals you need to plan and set a budget.
Choose a theme or focus for your holiday meals. How do you want things to look and feel?
Select recipes that align with your chosen theme or focus. And that you are confident making
Create a meal schedule and assign recipes to specific days, and work backwards so your timing is great
Make a categorized grocery list based on the ingredients needed for your chosen recipes. This will make grocery shopping a breeze and get you in and out during the busy holiday rush
Shop for groceries, ensuring you have everything you need.
And I leave you with Food for thought:  The true hospitality is at the heart. It's about how people feel when they come into your space and how you make them feel. - Vicky Sanderson
 
Here’s what to do next:
Step #1: Follow me on Facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Step #3:  Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga
 

Episode 10 Weekly Meal Plan With Lunch and Breakfast Prep

Episode #10 Weekly Meal Plan With Lunch and Breakfast Prep
A little prep and setting us back on track from unhealthy lunches, from the week before.
It’s never too late to hit the reset button!
 
Ramen Asian Salad
https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/ramen-noodle-salad/
 
Egg Roll in a Bowl
https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/keto-egg-roll-in-a-bowl/
 
DIY Instant oatmeal packs
https://www.momables.com/diy-homemade-instant-oatmeal-packets-recipe/
 
Roger's jam bag
https://lanticrogers.com/en/products/jam-jelly-mix/
 
Weekly meal Plan
Sunday - Egg Roll In a bowl
Monday - Chicken Noodle Soup with biscuits
Tuesday - Fajitas
Wednesday - Garlicky Spaghetti parmesan carbonara
Thursday- Wings
Friday- Carstairs Crazy Christmas- out
Saturday- Santa parade- Chili and buns
 
Here’s what to do next:
Step #1: Follow me on facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

Episode 9 Be The Master Chef Of Your Wallet: 23 Kitchen Money Saving Hacks

Description: 
Cooking is not just an art form; it's an opportunity to welcome joy and mindfulness into your life. But guess what? It can also be your secret weapon for saving money! Today, I'm here to show you how to create magic in the kitchen while keeping your bank account intact. Get ready to unleash the savvy chef within you, because these 23 ways to save money in the kitchen are about to blow your mind!
 
Summary:
Assess your current spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back.
Create a realistic budget for your food expenses.
Plan your meals for the week based on what you already have in your pantry.
Make a shopping list and stick to it when you go grocery shopping.
Look for sales and use coupons to save money on your groceries.
Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers for future meals.
 
Here’s what to do next:
 
Step #1: Follow me on facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

Episode #8- Weekly Meal Plan and Bulk Buying Chicken Drumsticks

Title:  Episode #8 Weekly Meal Plan and Bulk Buying Chicken Drumsticks
Description: Let’s set ourselves up for success and plan our meals for the week, to reduce some stress. Snatch up a good deal and quickly and effortlessly create a number of meals for busy nights!
Give yourself a High 5!! You are doing an amazing job!
Marinade #1- Olive Garden Salad Dressing or any Italian dressing 
 
Marinade #2- Sweet and Sticky
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup of honey
½ cup of light brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
3 cloves minced garlic
8-12 drumsticks
Marinade #3- Lemon, Garlic and Dijon
 
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
4 Tbsp parsley
½ tsp pepper
3 Tbsp lemon juice
 
Smothered Southern Potatoes Recipe:https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/smothered-cabbage-and-potatoes/
How to air fry drumsticks? 400 degrees for 30-33 minutes, turning at about 15 mins
 
Weekly Meal Plan:
Sunday - Chicken Drumsticks, smothered southern potatoes and salad
Monday - Beef Stir Fry 
Tuesday-Make your own pizza on pita
Wednesday- Spaghetti with meat sauce
Thursday - Sweet and sour meatballs
Friday -Cheese quesadillas with veggies and dip
Saturday - Chicken burgers with Caesar salad
 
Weekly Prep: Boiled sweet potatoes and made it with brown sugar and marshmallows. Here is the recipe: https://thestayathomechef.com/marshmallow-sweet-potato-casserole/
-Sliced some grapefruits 
-Made the southern smoothened potatoes
 
Here’s what to do next:
Step #1: Follow me on Facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

Episode #7 Transforming The Way We Approach Meal Planning

Title: Episode #7 Transforming the Way We Approach Meal Planning
 
Description:  Are you tired of the never-ending cycle of stress and dread that comes with meal planning? It's time to shift our mindset and embrace this essential aspect of our lives. By changing our perspective, we can turn meal planning into an opportunity for growth, creativity, and nourishment. Get ready to redefine your relationship with food!
 
Summary:
Change your words from “I have to” to I get to”
Determine your dietary needs, preferences, and goals.
Choose the right meal planning method that works best for you.
Compile a collection of go-to recipes that you enjoy and are easy to prepare.
Create a weekly or monthly meal plan based on your preferences and schedule.
Make a detailed grocery list and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.
Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking and save time during the week.
Release any negative association with meal planning and open ourselves to new possibilities
 
Here’s what to do next:
 
Step #1: Follow me on facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga
 

Episode #6- Weekly Meal Plan in Under 30 mins

Sometimes you may not have time to prep, but I know you can find the time to PLAN.  All you need is less than 30 minutes. Planning is the most important step by far! This will help you set yourself up for some calm and less chaos throughout the week! Tune in as I share my weekly meal plan to inspire you and keep you in the meal planning game while you drink your morning java and I promise to do it in under 30 minutes!
 
Weekly Meal Plan:
Sunday: BBQ chicken breast with new BBQ sauce( got some new sauces from the Xmas market I had to try lol), corn on the cob ( I had some frozen), and coleslaw
 
Monday- Beef and Broccoli with noodles
 
Tuesday- Chicken and Rice Soup ( cooked a whole chicken with onion, carrots and celery to make broth- used half the meat for the soup and the other half for my chicken fettuccine Alfredo for tomorrow 
 
 Wednesday- is chicken fettuccine Alfredo with a cucumber salad ( I just make it with olive oil, vinegar, s &p, it's a very Macedonian dish lol( that's my heritage- and for those that don't where Macedonia is it borders Greece, Albania, Bulgaria.
 
Thursday- sausages with sliced potatoes and onions in the air fryer
 
Friday- were going to top gun- maverick jubilations theater…every so excited! ( see a free day!)
 
Saturday -fun night- Baby ribs from costco- mmmm yum have you ever had them? So good. And I do them in the air fryer and they come out crispy and delicious lol with mozzarella sticks and carrots sticks and the new dairy free ranch dressing I bought at the Xmas market!
 
Other tips to save time and energy:
Remember any bit of planning can make your week go 1000 times smoother! 
Pencil the meals in your calendar
Shop your pantry, fridge and freezer
Create a detailed shopping list
Delegate- get your family to help
 Let your gadgets do the hard work for you
 
Here’s what to do next:
Step #1: Follow me on facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a dm @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

Episode 5 How To Create A Flexible Meal Plan For Moms On The Go And Say Goodbye To Takeout For Good

Let me ask you this….Are you tired of relying on takeout meals because your hectic schedule makes it impossible to cook at home? Well, fear not gf!! ! I've got some game-changing tips and tricks that will help you create a flexible meal plan, allowing you to wave goodbye to take out for good. So, get ready to reclaim your time in the kitchen and nourish your family with delicious, home-cooked meals! Yay!! Who's excited!! I know I am!!
 
Summary:
To embrace maximum flexibility in your meal plan, introduce the Mix & Match method. Instead of rigidly sticking to pre-determined meals for each day, create a repertoire of nutritious ingredients that form the foundation of multiple dishes. This allows you to adapt effortlessly to spur-of-the-moment schedule changes or unexpected cravings.
 
Make your fridge a haven of pre-prepared, individually portioned ingredients like marinated grilled chicken, roasted veggies, whole grains, and vibrant sauces bursting with flavor. These building blocks offer endless possibilities for quick and nourishing meals, even on those days when time seems to be non- existent
 
Benefits of a Flexible Meal Plan:
1. Control over Nutritional Intake
Financial Savings
Time Efficiency
Healthier Lifestyle
How to Create a Flexible Meal Plan for Moms on the Go!
Embrace Batch Cooking
Opt for Freezer-friendly Meals
Plan Meals Around Your Schedule
Make Use of Kitchen Gadgets
Now that you have the tools to create a flexible meal plan, you can breeze through your busy days knowing that nourishing, homemade meals are ready to go. No more relying on takeout or feeling guilty about compromising on your family's health. Remember, you are a supermom, and with a bit of planning, your kitchen will become a hub of love and care for your family. So go ahead, embrace the power of meal planning, and savor the joy of delicious, home-cooked meals together! Bon appétit, fabulous mamas!!
Here’s what to do next:
 
Step #1: Follow me on Facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Cheers,
Xx Blaga
Busy Mama Meal Planning

E#1-Saving Time and Energy. Make Meal Planning A Breeze For Busy Working Moms

Description: 
Hey, beautiful Mama’s! Are you ready to reclaim your time and energy? As someone who understands the juggling act of being a working mom, I know that meal planning can be a real game-changer. It's all about finding simple strategies to save time, reduce stress, and ensure your family enjoys delicious meals without breaking a sweat. So, buckle up and get ready to save some time and energy in the kitchen
 
Summary:
By taking the time to plan out our meals in advance, we can save time, energy, and stress while still preparing quick, healthy and delicious meals for our families.
One of the main benefits of meal planning is that it allows us to take control of our schedule
Meal planning also helps us avoid the temptation of ordering takeout or grabbing fast food on our way home. By having a well-thought-out plan, we are more likely to stick to healthier options and avoid the pitfalls of convenience foods.
Not only does meal planning save time, but it also saves energy. 
By having a meal plan in place, we eliminate the mental strain of trying to come up with new meal ideas on the spot
Meal planning can help reduce the physical demands of cooking by allowing us to prepare meals in advance and freeze them for later use
So here are some Tips for Efficient Meal Planning
Step #1. Set aside dedicated time for meal planning: It's essential to allocate a specific time in our week to sit down and plan out our meals.
Step #2. Involve the whole family: Encourage involvement from the entire family when it comes to meal planning. Ask for their input on favorite dishes or ingredients they would like to try.
Step #3. Keep a well-stocked pantry and freezer: Maintaining a well-stocked pantry and freezer is key to efficient meal planning. 
Step #4. Batch cook and freeze: One powerful strategy for saving time and energy is batch cooking. By preparing large quantities of a particular dish (like spaghetti sauce), we can portion it into individual servings and freeze them for later use. This way, we always have a homemade meal ready to go, even on the busiest days.
Step #5. Make it fun: Meal planning doesn't have to be a tedious chore; it can be a fun and creative
So Let’s Embrace the Rewards of Meal Planning
Like…
Less complaining at the dinner table, because you have Considered  your family's preferences and dietary needs when choosing recipes 
A grocery list based on your meal plan to minimize waste and save money
Prepared ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and help you have healthier choices
Leftovers for lunch so you can reduce that “what am I having for lunch” decision or give you another homemade meal on another busy night throughout the week
And the ability to multi-task and Take advantage of time-saving kitchen tools and appliances like the instant pot or slow cooker to make cooking and prepping easier
And lastly ’ll leave you with a little food for thought…
“Time management is about life management.” - Author Unknown
Here’s what to do next:
Step #1: Follow me on Facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: https://linktr.ee/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

Episode 4 Weekly Plan and Prep Double Batching

Description: Weekly Plan and Prep- Double Batching
 
Summary:
-Do a little inventory, look in your pantry, fridge, freezer and see what you have and need to use up
-Grab your calendar and see what you have coming up this week
-Look at previous meal plan and see if any meal didn’t get made, and plan to add to this week
 
Weekly Meal Plan:
Sunday - (parents are coming) Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, Caesar salad and white chocolate pudding, cool whip and graham pie
Monday - Dumplings and Fried Rice
Tuesday- Instant pot mac and cheese
Recipe:  https://thesaltymarshmallow.com/instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/
Wednesday- Butter Chicken and Rice- just use Costco jarred butter chicken sauce
Thursday - Shepherds pie
Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/24202/shepherds-pie-vi/
Friday (Dirty Dancing- out for dinner) Dad will probably order pizza
Saturday - Burritos and taco salad
 
Instant pot hacks:
Put roast in an instant pot from frozen, rinse and sprinkle with seasoning salt.  Put on a trivet with 2 cups of beef broth and sliced onions.  On high for 1 hour and 40 minutes, and natural release for 45 minutes.  Perfect every time
Rice- 1 cup rice and 1 cup water, 3 minutes on high and 10 minutes natural release
Hard Boiled Eggs- 5-5-5 method.  Put eggs in a trivet with about 1 cup water.  High pressure for 5 minutes, Natural release for 5 minutes and Ice water bath 5 minutes.  Peel will literally slip off
 
Double Batch:
-Double mashed potatoes to make 2 meals.
Mashed potatoes and gravy with roast
Shepard's pie
-Double batched rice (about 3 ½ cups dry rice)
Fried rice with dumplings
Rice for butter chicken
-Double browned ground beef (2 lbs)
Shepherds pie
Burritos and taco salad
Weekly Prep:
-Lunchables- genoa salami, cheese and pickles
-chicken tenders and romaine lettuce for chicken Caesar salad
-rice pudding- milk, cinnamon, sugar and rice
-Brussel sprouts- olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and bake 400 degrees for 20 minutes
 
Other tips to save time and energy:
Carve out time to prep and plan
Double batch where you can. I.e.. double mashed potatoes, rice and ground beef
 Pantry fridge, freezer shop and use what you have
Didn’t make all your meals you planned-no biggie, make them this week
 Let your gadgets do the hard work for you
 Multi-task where you can
What are a couple simple things you can prep for breakfast, lunch even dinner
Keep a sink of soapy water to wash and rinse as you go-saves time on clean up
Here’s what to do next:
Step #1: Follow me on Facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @busymamamealplanning
 
Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It’s free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod
 
Come and see how we can work together!  I have something for everyone and every budget, from free guides, meal plans starting at $4.99 and personalized 1:1 meal planning sessions for $47 go to: 
https://bit.ly/busymamamealplanning
 
Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.
 
Again, thanks again for being here! I’m so grateful for you! And I’ll be waiting for you in my next episode!
 
Xx Blaga