I was talking to a client last week who is a working momma of 4 kiddos – she has been doing great with hitting weekly goals, crushing her workouts, and planning her own meals…

But she felt like the never-ending task of planning meals for her family week after week was exhausting and time-consuming.

Especially when you have picky kiddos, this is a fair assessment.  

What we first did was go over what she had planned for the week before.

Then we did 2 things:

1. Swap out ONE RECIPE, and/or ONE TYPE OF FOOD with something you know everyone will like
2. Write down your new plan and shopping list somewhere you can SAVE IT.

Then as you rotate these things on a weekly basis put them somewhere you can save them like a Word document or notes on your phone that you can easily copy and paste, replace one or two things and print them off.

Doing this not only saves you time weekly but ultimately you’ll have a HUGE database of meal plans and shopping lists with tons of variety, DONE that you know your family will eat and like.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated – we’re big on simple here.

No more spending hours planning, but your kids will likely still whine about it;)

If you’re interested in a meal planner that could help you do this 

REPLY “PLANNER” to this email and we’ll get it to you!

Eating a balanced meal is essential for maintaining good health and achieving optimal nutrition – but what does that even mean?! A balanced meal includes a variety of nutrients from different food groups called MACRONUTRIENTS (or macros), which provide the body with the energy and essential nutrients it needs to function properly. 

Here we’ll discuss the components of a balanced meal and how to use your plate to measure them!

Components of a Balanced Meal:

1. Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient that is needed for building and repairing tissues in the body. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass, regulating hormones, and supporting the immune system. Some good sources of protein include lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts.

2. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. They provide glucose, which is used by the body’s cells for fuel. It is important to choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as they contain fiber and other nutrients that are beneficial for the body.

3. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats provide the body with essential fatty acids that it cannot produce on its own. They also help to keep the body’s cells healthy, aid in the absorption of vitamins, and support brain function. Some good sources of healthy fats include avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.

4. Vegetables

Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that the body needs to stay healthy. They also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. It is recommended that half of your plate should consist of vegetables, including leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and starchy vegetables.

5. Fruits

Fruits are another important source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is recommended that you aim for at least two servings of fruit per day.

Using Your Plate to Measure

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you are eating a balanced meal is to use your plate to measure. The plate method is a simple tool that can help you to visualize the components of a balanced meal. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill half of your plate with vegetables.
2. Divide the other half of your plate into two sections: one for protein and the other for carbohydrates.
3. Add a small amount of healthy fats to your plate, such as a drizzle of olive oil or a handful of nuts.
4. Include a serving of fruit on the side of your plate.

By using your plate to measure, you can ensure that you are getting a variety of nutrients from different food groups in each meal. It is also a great way to control portion sizes and promote weight management.

I hope this helps you better balance your meals and reach your ultimate health goals!

If you want our NUTRITION SIMPLIFIED GUIDE to learn more about macros and how to structure meals, comment below with “Nutrition guide, please!”