Meal Planning for Busy Moms | Simplify Mealtime, Reduce Stress, and Create More Balance and Joy in Your Life

Episode 112 Weekly Meal Plan & Bonus American Thanksgiving Menu

Hey, hey!
 
Welcome to this week’s episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! We’re diving into a fresh meal plan packed with quick, family-approved recipes, a genius 30-second hack to make life easier in the kitchen, and a bonus Thanksgiving menu for my American friends. Whether you’re hosting the big day or just bringing a dish, I’ve got you covered! Also I have a new guide LIVE on Amazon!  (Check it out below!)
 
This Week’s Meal Plan:
Here’s what’s cooking this week:
Monday: Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Sheet Pan)
 
Tuesday: Beef and Bean Chili (Slow Cooker)
 
Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo Bake (Oven)
 
Thursday: Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos
 
Friday: Stuffed Bell Peppers (Air Fryer)
 
Saturday: Crispy Chicken Tenders with Waffle Fries (Air Fryer)
 
Sunday: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (Slow Cooker)
 
Bonus Thanksgiving Menu:
For my American listeners, here’s a cozy ham-centered menu to make your holiday stress-free:
 
Main: Glazed Ham
 
Sides:
Scalloped Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Cranberry-Orange Relish
Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Desserts:
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Chocolate Pecan Pie
 
If turkey is more your style, here is my other (Canadian) Thanksgiving Menu for inspiration:
 
Herb Roasted Turkey (with plenty of butter, of course!)
 
Classic Stuffing – because Thanksgiving isn’t the same without it.
 
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes – a little extra sweetness never hurt anyone.
 
Green Bean Almondine – simple but so good!
 
Cranberry Sauce – homemade or store-bought, no judgment.
 
Pumpkin Pie – because, obviously, it’s a must.
 
30-Second Genius Hack:
Save time during the week by pre-mixing your spice blends! 
 
Quick Announcement Before We Wrap Up!"
Hey friends, I’ve got some exciting news to share with you—my brand-new guide, Meal Prep Made Simple: Reclaim Your Time, Save Your Sanity, and Make Dinner Effortless, is officially live on Amazon!
Whether you’re tackling picky eaters, stuck in the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” loop, or just looking to make dinner less stressful, this guide has got you covered. It’s not a cookbook—it’s a game plan for making mealtime simple, efficient, and even a little fun.
And let’s be honest—this time of year, it makes the perfect gift. Need a thoughtful hostess gift for holiday gatherings? Or maybe you know someone who could use a little help answering that daily dinner dilemma? This book is the beautiful little nudge they need to make dinner time easier and more enjoyable.
You can grab it now in Kindle or paperback—just search Meal Prep Made Simple by Blaga Goertzen on Amazon, and it’s all yours.
So, if you’re ready to reclaim your evenings, save some time, and actually enjoy dinner again—or help someone else do the same—go check it out. And let me know if you grab a copy! I’d love to hear how it’s helping you.
 
Join Us!
 
Become a Meal Planning Insider! Get weekly meal plans with recipe links (including the Thanksgiving Bonus Menu) delivered straight to your inbox along with exclusive tips and tricks to make dinnertime a breeze. Click here to join.
 
Join our What’s for Dinner Mamas Facebook community! It’s the perfect place to share ideas, swap recipes, and connect with other busy moms. Click here to join.
 
That’s it for this week! Wishing all my American friends a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and good food. And to everyone, have a blessed week—see you back here Wednesday!P.S. You can use these Thanksgiving menus for Christmas too!  So you might want to favorite it! Bye for now,
 
xx Blaga
 

Episode 111 How to Plan a Thanksgiving Potluck Without Losing Your Mind and Sanity

Hey, Hey!
 
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean doing it all yourself! In this episode, we’re diving into the ultimate hosting hack: the Thanksgiving potluck. I’ll share my top tips for coordinating dishes without drama, asking guests to bring what they want (or what they can), and making sure the big-ticket items like turkey and stuffing are covered. Plus, we’ll chat about keeping contributions fair, making the day fun and memorable, and why potlucks are my absolute favorite—despite my Macedonian roots where bringing a dish used to be offensive.
 
Whether you’re a potluck pro or hosting one for the first time, this episode is packed with laughs, tips, and a plan to make your Thanksgiving stress-free and delicious.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 
How to ask guests what they’d like to bring without stepping on toes
 
The secret to keeping contributions fair and balanced
 
How to handle no-shows, mishaps, or gaps in the menu
 
Why potlucks are the ultimate way to share the load, the love, and the food
Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
 
💌 Become a Meal Planning Insider: Ready to make meal planning easy every week? Get my weekly meal plans delivered straight to your inbox, complete with recipe links! Sign up here: Click to Join.
 
👩‍🍳 Join the ‘What’s for Dinner Mamas’ Facebook Group: Connect with other busy moms, share meal ideas, get inspired, and lighten your dinner load. Join the group here: Join Now.
Let’s Connect:
If you loved this episode, don’t forget to share it with your friends, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review! Your support means the world to me and helps other moms find their way to easier, stress-free meal planning.
 
Until next time, happy planning and happy eating!Bye for now,
 
xx Blaga

Episode 110- Weekly Meal Plan and Genius Hack for Busy Moms

Hey, Hey!
 
Welcome back to Meal Planning for Busy Moms! This week, I’m sharing a brand-new weekly meal plan packed with delicious, easy-to-make recipes that your family will love. We’re talking tacos, salmon, chicken thighs, and more, all using different cooking methods to keep your dinners fresh and exciting.
 
Plus, I’m sharing a 30-second genius hack to save you time, money, and stress—perfect for those days when your veggies are looking a little sad.
 
And the best part? I’ve got a way for you to get this entire meal plan, complete with recipe links, delivered right to your inbox! Tune in for all the details.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 
A full weekly meal plan with a variety of proteins (beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, and pork).
 
New recipes that are quick, delicious, and use different cooking methods (stove top, sheet pan, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and one-pot meals).
 
How to freeze veggies like a pro to save money and reduce waste.
 
How to join the Meal Planning for Busy Moms Insider List to get meal plans and recipe links sent straight to your inbox.
 
Weekly Meal Plan:
Monday: Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry (Stove Top)
Tuesday: Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps (Quick Stove Top)
Wednesday: Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Thursday: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Friday: BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders (Instant Pot)
Saturday: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken (One-Pot)
Sunday: Soupy Sunday – Hearty Lentil and Sausage Soup (Slow Cooker)
 
30-Second Genius Hack:
Before your veggies go bad, chop them up and freeze them! Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze flat, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This hack saves you time, money, and stress while ensuring you always have veggies on hand for quick meals.
 
Loved this episode? Want the meal plan and recipe links delivered straight to your inbox? Join my Meal Planning for Busy Moms Insider List!
 
Want some "What's for Dinner?" meal inspiration join out Facebook Community here.
 
Wanna know more about me?  Click here to learn more and connect!
 
Thank you for tuning in! Share this episode with a fellow busy mom, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
 
xx Blaga 

Episode 109 Meal Planning for the Athlete in Your Family

Hey, hey!
 
Ready to fuel those busy bodies in your family?
 
Whether it’s keeping your young athletes energized for sports or staying on top of your own active lifestyle, this episode is here to help!
 
We’re covering easy, balanced meals for before and after workouts, smart snacks to keep everyone going, hydration hacks, and fun ways to make protein and carbs a little more exciting.
 
Tune in for tips that make it simple to keep energy up, recovery smooth, and meal planning stress-free!
 
So pop in those ear buds and lets do this!
 
xx Blaga
 
Become an insider and get the weekly recipe links here.
 
Contact me: Simply by replying to this email or clicking here.
 
Join our "What's for Dinner?" Facebook Community and get meal inspiration here.

Episode 108 Weekly Meal Plan and Breakfast Power Bowls

Hey, Hey!
 
Welcome back to another episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! This week, we’re serving up a fresh weekly meal plan with family-friendly dinners that will keep your kitchen running smoothly and your taste buds happy.
 
Plus, I’m sharing my new go-to breakfast—Power Breakfast Bowls! These bowls are packed with protein, veggies, and all the good stuff to keep you fueled throughout the day. If you’re looking for an easy breakfast that doubles as a healthy lunch for the kids, these bowls are a total game-changer!
 
In This Episode:
 
A personal story about wanting to boost my protein intake and discovering the magic of big-batch breakfast bowls
 
How to make versatile Power Breakfast Bowls with whatever you have in your fridge
 
A weekly meal plan full of quick, flavorful, family-approved dinners
 
A 30-second genius kitchen hack to keep your fresh herbs from going to waste
 
Weekly Meal Plan:
 
Monday – Korean Beef Bowls
Tuesday – Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
Wednesday – Vegetable Lo Mein
Thursday – Chicken Caesar Wraps with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Friday – Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans
Saturday – Cheeseburger Casserole
Sunday – Beef and Bean Soup
 
Ready to take your meal planning to the next level? Join the Meal Planning for Busy Moms VIP Founding Members community, launching on the 13th! Founding members get an exclusive rate of $7/month with benefits like done-for-you meal plans, hot-seat sessions, personalized support, and more. Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and join us!
 
You can join the waitlist here.
 
Thank you for tuning in, Beautiful Mamas! Don’t forget to grab your spot in the VIP community, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
 
xx Blaga
 
Become an insider and get the weekly recipe links here.
 
Contact me: Simply by replying to this email or clicking here.
 
Join our Facebook Community here.

Episode 107 Embracing Meal Planning One Step at a Time

Hey, hey!
 
In this heartfelt episode, I’m diving into what meal planning really is (hint: it’s not about being perfect!).
I’m sharing some of my favorite simple tips to make dinnertime a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Whether it’s starting small, using what you already have, or adding a little fun with theme nights, this episode is like chatting with a friend who just gets it.
Plus, there’s exciting news: the VIP founding member launch opens on November 13!
If you want a spot in hot-seat meal planning sessions, tune in for all the details.
 
After reflecting on my one-year podcast anniversary, I created a new hub just for us—a space to connect, share tips, and make meal planning easier together.
 
And with the VIP launch coming up, you’ll have a chance to get even more support. Join the VIP waitlist here.
 
Join the Conversation:
Ready to be part of our new community? Head over to the podcast hub to ask questions, share ideas, and keep the conversation going. It’s where we come together, support each other, and make meal planning fun.Thanks for tuning in,
 
Have a blessed and beautiful week!
 
xx Blaga
 

Episode 106 Chhers to 1 year! Celebrating Milestones, Community and Meal Planning Magic plus Weekly Meal Plan

Hey, hey beautiful Mama,
 
Welcome to our 1-Year Anniversary Episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! 🎉 It’s a special day, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone with YOU—my amazing community of super mamas! Over the past year, we’ve hit 8,000 downloads, shared countless tips, tricks, and meal plans, and built a community that’s all about making dinner time fun, easy, and stress-free. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here with me every step of the way!
 
In This Episode:
We’re taking a look back at some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past year:
Lesson 1: Building a Community Hub 💬 – I’m so thrilled to announce the Meal Planning for Busy Moms Podcast Hub! This is our new space to connect, share, and find everything you need. Forget Facebook’s messy algorithms—this hub has it all, including a keyword search feature to help you find your favorite episodes, recipes, and hacks.
 
Join the Hub here: Meal Planning for Busy Moms Podcast Hub
 
Lesson 2: VIP Membership & Personalized Support 👑 – Some of you have asked for even more support, so I’m launching the Meal Planning for Busy Moms VIP Membership! Founding members will get live, one-on-one meal planning support with me, custom grocery lists, and the chance to shape this new community. The founding member rate is just $7/month, so hop on the waitlist to reserve your spot!
 
Get on the VIP Waitlist here: VIP Membership Waitlist
 
Lesson 3: Weekly Insider Emails 📬 – Finally, I’m committing to sending out fun, weekly emails filled with exclusive recipes, 30-second kitchen hacks, and more. Thanks for your patience, and I can’t wait to share these with you!
 
Become an Insider and get weekly emails here: Sign Up for Insider Emails
 
This Week’s Meal Plan: 7 Family-Friendly Meals Under 30 Minutes 🍲
 
Sloppy Joes – A quick classic the whole family loves!
 
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – Easy, flavorful, and minimal cleanup.
 
Breakfast for Dinner – Because breakfast always hits the spot.
 
Big Mac Salad – All the flavors of your favorite burger, minus the guilt.
 
French Bread Pizza – Fun, customizable, and fast.
 
Fettuccine Alfredo – Rich, creamy, and ready in minutes.
 
Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry over Rice – Healthy, colorful, and loaded with veggies.
P.s. Become an insider to get the recipe links!
 
Thank you for making this year unforgettable! Let’s keep the celebration going in the Podcast Hub, and I can’t wait to see you in the next episode. Here’s to more fun, fabulous meal planning ahead!xx Blaga

Episode 105 Happy Halloween- Spooky Good Eats for a Stress-Free Night

Hey, Hey,
 
In this festive episode, we’re prepping for Halloween night with meals and snacks that will fuel the fun without adding stress. You’ll learn how to balance all those treats with some healthy bites, discover the magic of one-pot Halloween meals, and set your family up for a stress-free night of trick-or-treating!
 
What’s Inside:
Spooky, Nutritious Snacks to balance out all those sweets – like monster-mouth apples and mummy wraps, fun and kid-approved!
One-Pot Meals for a fast, stress-free dinner that’s easy to clean up so you can focus on the fun.
Balancing Treats & Protein to keep kids fueled and ready before they hit the candy trail.
Prep for November 1st so you’re not stuck cooking the day after a late Halloween night.
DIY Halloween Bite Dinners that get the kids involved and excited to eat.
 
Plus, I’m inviting YOU to be a part of something special – Meal Planning for Busy Moms VIP! This membership will give you exclusive access to done-for-you meal plans, hot seat sessions, and a VIP community of moms who totally get it. As a founding member, you’ll lock in a special rate of $7/month, so click here to get in touch and let me know you’re interested. 🎉
 
What’s Next:
Enjoying the Podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Your support helps keep the show going and reach more moms who could use a little mealtime magic.
15-Minute Meal Plan Fix: Looking to master meal planning in just 15 minutes a week? Check out the 15-Minute Meal Plan Fix mini-course! It’s quick, effective, and a fantastic way to answer the ‘what’s for dinner?’ question once and for all.
Share the Love! If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow mom or friend who could use a hand in the kitchen. Let’s help each other make meal planning fun, fast, and fabulous!
Don’t Miss Out! Tune in on Sunday for a special episode celebrating our 1-year podcast anniversary with a fresh weekly meal plan packed with family favorites. Wishing you a blessed, beautiful week, and a very Happy Halloween! 👻
 
xx Blaga

Episode 104 Weekly Meal Plan and A Vision For Our Meal Planning Community

Hey beautiful Mamas!
 
This week’s episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms is all about making dinner time easier, tastier, and totally stress-free with a brand-new weekly meal plan. Plus, I’m sharing something close to my heart – a vision for a community just for us busy moms. Picture a warm, supportive space where we can plan meals together, tackle that ‘what’s for dinner?’ dilemma, and cheer each other on through every kitchen triumph and mishap. Let’s make meal planning feel like a little magic, not another job!
In This Episode:
A Community Vision: I’m inviting you to imagine a meal-planning home base where we can connect, share, and support each other. Think personalized plans, real-time help, and a true kitchen circle to bring meal planning to life!
Weekly Meal Plan: We’re diving into a lineup of delicious meals designed for busy nights. You’ll get all the recipes, links, and shopping lists you need to keep weeknight dinners easy and flavorful.
Founding Member Invitation: Join me as a founding member in building this community from the ground up. Lock in a rock-bottom rate of $7/month and help shape a hub that’s all about making mealtime easier, faster, and way more fun.
This Week’s Menu:
Monday: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Rice
Tuesday: Stove Top Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Wednesday: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with Sweet Potato Fries
Thursday: Loaded Quinoa Bowls with Chicken and Avocado
Friday: Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
Saturday: Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
Soupy Sunday: Creamy Potato and Leek Soup
Ready to Join the Community?If this mission speaks to you and you’re ready to be part of a meal-planning tribe that’s all about support, simplicity, and some serious kitchen fun, DM me with “I’m interested,” @blagagoertzen or click the link here to register as a founding member. Let’s make meal-planning magic happen together – who’s with me?
Thank you for tuning in!I’m so grateful for every one of you! Join me next time as we continue to make mealtime smoother and more joyful. Have a blessed and beautiful week, and see you in the next episode!
 
Xx Blaga

E103 Breakfast for Dinner Quick Wins for Busy Evenings

Hey, hey!
 
Dive into the playful and practical world of Breakfast for Dinner with us! In this episode, we explore how flipping your meal routine to include morning favorites at night can simplify dinner time, bring fun to the table, and provide nutritious options for the whole family. From savory pancakes to DIY waffle bars, discover how to make your dinners quick, delightful, and versatile.
 
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
 
Why breakfast for dinner is a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution for busy evenings.
 
Nutritional benefits of incorporating breakfast foods into dinner.
 
Five flexible, fun, and tasty breakfast-for-dinner recipes to try out.
 
Some breakfast for dinner options:
 
Savory Pancakes with Cheese and Green Onions
 
Spanish Omelet with Veggies
 
Breakfast Burritos with Scrambled Eggs and Beans
 
Healthier French Toast with Sautéed Apples
 
DIY Waffle Bar with Various Toppings
 
Are you team 'Breakfast for Dinner'? Do you have a favorite dish or a unique twist when you switch up mealtime like this? Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us in our forum here. 
 
Visit the  free Meal Planning for Busy Moms Podcast Hub for easy access to all our episodes, searchable transcriptions, and our engaging discussion forum.
 
Remember to share this episode with friends and family who might enjoy adding a little breakfast flair to their dinner routine! Your shares and feedback help keep our community vibrant and growing.
 
Thank you for tuning in! I appreciate each one of you for joining me on this mealtime adventure. Be sure to visit us at the Podcast Hub to keep the conversation going and dive deeper into meal planning tips and tricks.
 
Mixing up traditional meal times can bring joy and ease to your kitchen. Let’s keep making mealtime fun and fabulous together!
 
Until next time, have a blessed and beautiful week!
 
xx Blaga