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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
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
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
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
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
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
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
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!
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
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
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Welcome to Episode 118 of Meal Planning for Busy Moms!
The holiday season is here, and with all the chaos, who has time to think about dinner? Don’t worry, Busy Mamas—I’ve got you covered! This week, we’re diving into a festive, family-friendly meal plan that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, I’m sharing a special recipe for Overnight French Toast that will make your Christmas morning stress-free and magical.
In this episode, I’ll be covering:
A 7-day meal plan featuring comforting favorites like Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken, Beef Tacos, and Cheesy Ham & Rice Casserole.
A fun and relatable holiday story about how I learned to simplify Christmas morning.
Step-by-step instructions for the ultimate Overnight French Toast recipe that you can make ahead of time.
How to join our What’s for Dinner Mamas Facebook group to connect with a community of meal-planning moms.
Why you need to grab my book, Meal Prep Made Simple, to streamline your holiday season.
This Week’s Meal Plan, Here’s what’s on the menu:
Monday: Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken with Veggies
Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday: Beef Tacos
Thursday: Grilled Cheese and Homemade Tomato Soup with Veggies and Dip
Friday: Beef Dip with Caesar Salad
Saturday: Cheesy Ham and Rice Casserole
Sunday: Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Featured Recipe: Overnight French Toast
Make Christmas morning extra special with this easy, make-ahead recipe. Prep it the night before and enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast without the stress.
Ingredients and step-by-step instructions are shared in the episode. Don’t miss it!
Get all the recipe links sent right to your inbox by becoming an insider here.
Resources and Links Mentioned
Get the Book Meal Prep Made Simple – Your Guide to Stress-free Meal Planning, especially during the holiday season. You can buy it on Amazon here.
Join the Facebook Group: What’s for Dinner Mamas – Connect with a community of moms sharing tips, tricks, and inspiration here.
Subscribe & Share
If you loved this episode, be sure to:
Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Leave a review—it helps other moms find the show and join the meal-planning fun.
Share this episode with your friends or family who could use a little holiday meal-planning help!
Thanks for tuning in, Beautiful Mamas! Wishing you a blessed and beautiful week. See you Wednesday for more meal-planning inspiration!
xx Blaga
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Hey, hey beautiful mama,
Welcome to Meal Planning for Busy Moms! This week, we’re tackling dinner chaos with a brand-new weekly meal plan filled with quick, delicious recipes that will save your sanity during the holiday rush. Plus, we’re diving into the 12 Days of Christmas Meals and Traditions, packed with festive ideas and family activities to keep your holidays merry and bright. Let’s make this season magical and manageable!
This Week's Meal Plan
Here’s your weekly menu, complete with recipe links to help you get dinner on the table fast:
Monday: Baked Greek Chicken Breasts with Herbed Couscous and Cucumber-Tomato Salad
Tuesday: Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Served Over Steamed Rice
Wednesday: Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Thursday: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Friday: Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw and Lime Crema
Saturday: Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Garlic Bread and Caesar Salad
Soupy Sunday—One-Pot Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup
The 12 Days of Christmas Meals and Traditions
Quick Festive Dinners
"Buy What You Want" Night
Sprinkle in Family Traditions
Mix and Match
Keep It Stress-Free:
Spread the 12 days out across the month and lean on shortcuts like pre-made gingerbread kits or store-bought cookie dough.
Let’s Connect:
Grab my book: Meal Prep Made Simple, which is available now on Amazon!
Become a Meal Planning Insider: Get recipe links and bonus resources delivered straight to your inbox. You can sign up here.
Join our “What’s for Dinner Mamas” Facebook community: A fun, supportive space for meal inspiration and holiday tips here.
Thank you for tuning in! Have a blessed and beautiful week,
xx Blaga
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Hey, Hey!
It’s December 1st, and I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by! This month, I’m bringing you fabulous holiday tips, stress-free brunch ideas, and hacks to make holiday meal planning seamless. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a brand-new weekly meal plan featuring quick, delicious, and family-friendly recipes to keep your dinners stress-free during this busy season.
Plus, I’ll introduce my Pantry Power-Up Hack—a simple yet game-changing way to organize your pantry so you can breeze through the holidays like the rockstar you are. Whether you’re juggling holiday shopping, school events, or family gatherings, this episode has everything you need to stay ahead of the mealtime madness.
This Week’s Meal Plan:
Monday: BBQ Chicken Skewers with Veggies
Tuesday: Instant Pot Stroganoff
Wednesday: Sheet Pan Haddock with Broccoli
Thursday: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice
Friday: Instant Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Saturday: Crispy Chicken Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa
Sunday: Hearty Beef Stew in the Instant Pot
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to tackle a busy week with a simple, efficient meal plan.
My Pantry Power-Up Hack to keep your pantry organized and ready for action.
A sneak peek into upcoming episodes filled with holiday tips, brunch ideas, and more!
Resources Mentioned:
Grab my book Meal Prep Made Simple for time-saving hacks and delicious recipes: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DNVH97R9
Become a Meal Planning Insider for exclusive recipes and tips: https://busymamamealplanning.com/landing/insider
Join our What’s for Dinner Mamas Facebook community to swap ideas, share wins, and connect with other moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatsfordinnermamas
Thank You for Listening!
Thanks so much for tuning in to episode 114 of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! If you loved this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps so much! And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. See you next Sunday for more holiday-inspired tips and meal planning magic!
Have a blessed and beautiful week,
xx Blaga
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Hey, hey!
Welcome to another episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! 🎉 This week, I’m sharing how to Meal Plan Like a Black Friday Boss. Whether you’re braving the crowds or shopping from the comfort of your couch, these tips and recipes will help you stay fueled and stress-free on the biggest shopping day of the year.
Plus, BIG NEWS—I just published my first book, Meal Prep Made Simple: Reclaim Your Time, Save Your Sanity, and Make Dinner Effortless! It’s now available on Amazon, and it’s your ultimate guide to conquering dinner chaos with fun, fast, and fabulous strategies. 🎉
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to prep quick, grab-and-go breakfasts for an early shopping start.
The magic of slow cooker meals that cook themselves while you shop.
Freezer-friendly dinner ideas that make post-shopping meals effortless.
Easy snack options to keep you energized and avoid “hangry” shopping decisions.
How to reinvent leftovers for a quick, no-cook dinner after a long day.
Grab My Book, Meal Prep Made Simple!
If dinner time feels overwhelming, my book is here to save the day! Inside, you’ll find:
Flexible, foolproof meal planning strategies.
Tips for using tools like the air fryer and Instant Pot to save time.
Creative ways to transform leftovers into new meals.
Resources like the 15-Minute Meal Plan System and my Troubleshooting Guide to Cooking Mishaps.
It’s perfect for busy moms like you, whether you’re a kitchen pro or just starting out. Grab your copy on Amazon here and make dinner effortless—for yourself or as a gift for a friend!
Links and Resources:
Get Meal Prep Made Simple on Amazon
Join our What's for Dinner Mama's Facebook Community to get daily dinner inspiration, here.
Stay Connected:
Thank you for tuning in! If you loved this episode, please leave a review, share it with a friend, or tag me on social media. Your support means the world!
Have a beautiful, blessed week, and happy Black Friday shopping! I’ll see you on Sunday where I drop your weekly meal plan!
Bye for now,
xx Blaga