Meal Planning for Busy Moms | Simplify Mealtime, Reduce Stress, and Create More Balance and Joy in Your Life
This podcast started with one mission: help busy moms get quick, healthy, and delicious meals on the table in under 30 minutes. And with over 10,000 downloads, it’s clear that meal planning has been a game-changer for so many of you. But here’s what I’ve heard loud and clear—meal planning alone isn’t enough. The real challenge isn’t just figuring out what’s for dinner—it’s managing the mental load, reducing stress, and creating a life that feels simpler, calmer, and more joyful. That’s why Meal Planning for Busy Moms is evolving. I’m Blaga—mom of four, meal planning strategist, and your go-to guide for simplifying meals and everyday routines so you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. For years, I thought if I could just master meal planning, everything else would fall into place. But I realized true balance comes from simplifying all aspects of life—not just dinner. Now, this podcast is your weekly dose of simplicity, stress relief, and balance. ✔️ Every Sunday → You’ll get a done-for-you meal plan with quick, healthy, and delicious meals your family will love. ✔️ Every Wednesday → We’ll go beyond mealtime and dive into stress-reducing strategies, time-saving tips, and mindfulness practices to help you feel more at ease in your daily life. If you’re ready to simplify mealtime, reduce stress, and create more balance and joy, you’re in the right place. Hit follow or subscribe, and let’s make life feel lighter—one meal (and one mindset shift) at a time.
Episodes

Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Hey, busy mama! This week’s episode is packed with goodness to make your life easier in the kitchen.
✔ A brand-new weekly meal plan with 7 quick, healthy, and delicious meals using different cooking methods to keep things interesting and kid-approved!
✔ The ultimate 5-minute breakfast meal prep hack that will save your mornings (and keep you from scavenging your kids’ leftovers for breakfast).
✔ Recipe links for Monday & Tuesday’s meals are waiting for you below! Want the full meal plan with ALL the recipe links? Become a Meal Planning Insider and get it delivered straight to your inbox every single week!
🔗 Grab Monday & Tuesday’s recipes here:
👉 Sheet Pan Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
👉 Instant Pot Turkey Taco Bowls
💌 Want the full meal plan every week? Become a Meal Planning Insider and get all the recipe links delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up here.
📆 Need more than just meal planning help? If you’re looking for support in reducing stress, finding balance, and living a more joyful, holistic life, tune in to our Wednesday episodes, where we dive into all that goodness beyond the kitchen!
🎧 Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review so more busy moms can meal plan with ease!
📲 Let’s connect!
Instagram: @blaga.goertzen
Until next time, have a beautiful, blessed week! 💕
xx Blaga

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Hey, hey!
Meal planning isn’t just about food—it’s about creating balance, reducing stress, and making your life easier. In this final episode of the From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony series, we’re bringing everything together and showing you how meal planning fits into a holistic, calm, and intentional life.
✨ In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why meal planning is a powerful form of self-care
✅ How aligning your meals with your mind, body & spirit reduces stress
✅ Simple rhythms and routines that bring balance to your days
✅ How to make meal planning feel supportive, not stressful
✅ Your next step to create a meal planning system that works for you
📌 Resources & Freebies:
Grab the ‘Balanced Meal Planning Guide’ – A simple framework to make meal planning easier & more aligned with your life. [Insert link]
💡 Next Episode Teaser: We’re kicking off a brand-new chapter next week! Stay tuned! Don't forget your weekly meal plan that drops on Sunday!
🎧 Tune in now & let’s create a calmer, more balanced life together!
xx Blaga

Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
As food costs continue to rise, making the most of your groceries, especially produce, is more important than ever. This week on Meal Planning for Busy Moms, we not only bring you a variety of quick, healthy, and delicious meals but also share essential tips on how to extend the life of your fruits and vegetables.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Innovative storage solutions to prevent spoilage
✔️ Tips on buying in bulk and storing properly
✔️ Creative ways to use produce before it goes bad
✔️ This week’s meal plan features mixed proteins and diverse cooking methods to keep mealtime exciting and economical
🎧 Tune in now to grab this week’s recipes and discover practical hacks to keep your produce fresh longer!
Sneak Peak of this Week’s Meal Plan:
Monday – Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Glaze and Steamed Green Beans Savor the tenderness of pork loin cooked slowly in a flavorful apple cider glaze. Perfectly paired with steamed green beans for a healthy, hearty start to your week. [Get the recipe here](Link to Monday’s recipe)
Tuesday – Instant Pot Chickpea and Spinach Curry over Basmati Rice Dive into the convenience and flavor of this nutrient-packed curry, ready in minutes thanks to your Instant Pot. It's a vegetarian delight that promises satisfaction without the fuss. [Get the recipe here](Link to Tuesday’s recipe)
🔗 Want access to the full meal plan and all the recipe links? Join our Meal Plan Insiders email list! By becoming an insider, you’ll receive complete meal plans and links to each recipe directly in your inbox, plus tips and tricks to help you reduce stress and overwhelm in your daily life.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Thank You for Tuning In!
Cheers,
xx Blaga

Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
If you’ve ever felt constantly hungry, low on energy, or stuck in an endless cycle of snacking, protein might be the missing piece in your meals! This week on Meal Planning for Busy Moms, we’re diving into the power of high-potein meals—why they matter, how they keep you fuller longer, and simple ways to sneak more protein into your daily routine.
Plus, I’m bringing you a brand-new weekly meal plan packed with quick, delicious, and protein-rich recipes to help you fuel your body, stay energized, and keep your family happy at mealtime!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why protein is essential for feeling full and keeping your energy levels stable✔️ Easy ways to add more protein to your meals without overhauling your diet✔️ A 7-day meal plan featuring protein-packed recipes like Greek Chicken Pita Wraps, Cottage Cheese Pancakes, and Slow Cooker Beef & Lentil Stew✔️ A sneak peek at Wednesday’s episode, where we’ll explore meal planning as part of holistic living
If you’re ready to simplify mealtime while making sure you and your family stay full, satisfied, and energized, this episode is for you!
🎧 Tune in now, grab this week’s recipes, and start fueling your body with delicious, high-protein meals!
📌 Here's a sneak peak of the recipes:
🥩 Monday – Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Veggies & Quinoa
🍳 Tuesday – Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Peppers with a Side Salad
📩 Want the full meal plan with links to all the recipes? Join my insider list here and get it delivered straight to your inbox!
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! See you back here for Wednesday's Episode! ‘The Bigger Picture: Meal Planning as Part of Holistic Living’ → How meal planning can create more balance & ease in your life. for even more stress-free meal planning strategies.
Have a blessed and beautiful week,
xx Blaga

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Hey, hey!
Ever wonder why some days you feel exhausted before lunch, while other days you’re cool, calm, and collected? It might have less to do with your to-do list and more to do with what’s on your plate. In this episode, we’re diving into how food directly impacts your stress levels, mood, and energy—and how simple changes to your meals can help you feel more grounded, focused, and calm.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ How the foods you eat can either increase or decrease stress
✅ The connection between gut health and mood (it’s a real thing!)
✅ 10 stress-reducing foods to add to your meals
✅ Quick and easy meal swaps for better energy and balance
✅ How to create a stress-reducing grocery list for next week
Resources & Freebies:
📌 Become an insider to get all the goods, including a weekly meal plan with recipe links delivered right to your inbox.
📌 Download your ‘Stress-Reducing Food Guide’ – Grab the printable guide to help you make simple, nourishing swaps
📌 Don’t forget! Your weekly meal plan drops on Sunday—check back on the podcast for easy, delicious meal ideas!
We’re wrapping up this series next Wednesday with The Bigger Picture—Meal Planning as Part of Holistic Living! We’ll pull together everything we’ve talked about—meal planning, mindfulness, simplifying routines—and show how they all work together for a stress-free, balanced life. Don’t miss it!
🎧 Tune in now & let’s nourish our bodies and minds together!
Cheers,
xx Blaga

Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Hey, hey,
Welcome to this week’s episode of Weekly Meal Plan & The 5-Minute Meal Prep Shortcut! I'm super excited to share another week of easy, delicious, and nutritious recipes that are perfect for those hectic days. Plus, I’ll introduce you to a revolutionary meal prep shortcut that'll slash your kitchen time dramatically.
📌 This Week’s Meal Plan:
🍝 Monday – One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet
🍲 Tuesday – Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
🔗 Want the full meal plan with all 7 recipes and direct links? Join the Meal Plan Insiders email list! You'll get everything sent straight to your inbox each week, plus exclusive tips and tricks to make meal planning a breeze.
🎙 Don’t Miss Wednesday’s Episode! ‘Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind: The Food-Stress Connection’ – Discover how the right foods can help you feel less stressed and more energized.
💬 Let’s Connect: Got a meal prep hack or a favorite quick meal tip? Share it with me—I'd love to hear from you!
Have a blessed and beautiful week,
xx Blaga

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Hey, hey!
Are your meals just another chaotic part of your day? What if I told you they could actually become a moment of peace instead of stress? In today’s episode, we’re diving into mindfulness at mealtime—how to slow down, enjoy your food, and create a calmer, more connected dinner experience.
This is the third episode in the From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony series, where we’re going beyond meal planning and talking about ways to reduce stress and bring more balance into your life.
So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s talk about how to bring more mindfulness to mealtime and beyond!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why mindfulness at mealtime is about more than just what’s on your plate
✔️ How slowing down and engaging your senses can actually improve digestion and reduce stress
✔️ Three super simple ways to bring mindfulness into your daily routine—without adding extra time
✔️ The challenge: Try one mindful meal this week and see how it changes your energy
📌 Looking for quick, easy meal ideas? Don’t forget to grab my weekly meal plan, dropping every Sunday! Sign up here to get the whole meal plan with recipe links delivered straight to your inbox.
✨ What’s one mindful habit you’ll try this week? Let me know! Reply to this email or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!
✨ Loving the podcast? Leave a review and help more busy mamas find their calm!
🎧 Next Up: The Food-Stress Connection – How What You Eat Affects How You Feel (Episode drops Wednesday!)
Don’t forget to tune in Sunday for your weekly meal plan episode!xx Blaga

Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Hey, hey,
Welcome to this week’s episode of Weekly Meal Plan & The 10-Minute Dinner Hack! I’m thrilled to bring you another round of quick, healthy, and delectable recipes that are perfect for busy families. Plus, I’ve got a game-changing dinner hack that will save your evenings when you’re just too spent to cook.
Here’s what’s cooking this week:
What’s on the Menu?
Monday: Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken & Roasted Veggies
Tuesday: Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
Want the full meal plan with all 7 recipes and direct links? Subscribe and become a Meal Plan Insider! You’ll receive the complete meal plan directly to your inbox each week, along with exclusive meal prep hacks and inspiration to keep mealtime smooth and stress-free.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to whip up a balanced meal in just 10 minutes with our no-fuss dinner hack.
Mix-and-match meal components to keep dinner fresh, fast, and flexible.
The benefits of pre-planning your meals to save time and reduce stress throughout the week.
Ready to transform your dinner routine? Don’t miss out! Subscribe now to become a Meal Plan Insider and gain access to all the recipes, weekly meal plans, and exclusive tips to make dinnertime more effortless than ever.
Let’s tackle dinner together, one simple hack at a time. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you in the next episode!
Until next time,
xx Blaga

Wednesday Jan 29, 2025

Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Hey, hey,
Welcome to this week’s episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! I’m so excited to share another family-friendly weekly meal plan with you—featuring quick, delicious recipes that make dinnertime a breeze. Plus, I’m throwing in some Lunch Box Life Savers to repurpose leftovers and make packing lunches fun and stress-free.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s cooking this week:
What’s on the Menu?
Monday: Mini Meatloaves with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Tuesday: Taco Quesadillas
Want the full meal plan with all 7 recipes and direct links? Subscribe and become a Meal Planning Insider! You’ll get the full meal plan delivered straight to your inbox every week, along with exclusive tips, tricks, and inspiration to make your mealtime stress-free.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to repurpose dinner leftovers into creative, kid-friendly lunches.
A fun bento box hack to level up your lunch-packing game.
Why planning meals that work double-duty saves time and reduces waste.
Ready to get the entire weekly meal plan? Don’t miss out! Subscribe now to become a Meal Planning Insider and get access to all the recipes, meal plans, and exclusive tips to make dinnertime easier than ever.
Let’s simplify dinner together, one meal at a time. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
Until next time,
xx Blaga