Why I meal prep my entire day, to avoid triggers and "mom slump"

It's taken me a very LOooong time to figure out what my body needs, how to eat right, and how to really listen to my body. I used to be addicted to caffeine, and probably over-caffeinated eating when I could, and/or whatever I could, and I was usually living off protein bars, and meals of little substance. My body has changed so much over the course of six years. I'm either pregnant, or breastfeeding it seems. But after I had my fourth baby, I really found myself out of balance, and absolutely zero time for me to really ever enjoy a proper meal. I'm constantly prepping for my kids lunches, making morning smoothies, rushing off to school, and other activities. I always find myself starved by noon, and shoveling whatever kids snack I could find into my mouth. A few handfuls of Annies chocolate bunnies, yogurt covered raisins, and some sort of crackers later I felt full, really gross, and completely under nourished by the lack of nutrients I had just consumed. This would cause a trigger, and I usually seemed to wreck the rest of my day by eating basically like a toddler. Mac n' cheese anyone? This seemed to be my vicious cycle for a few years, until I realized it wasn't just my routine I needed to hone in on, but it was my kids eating habits too. We have always eaten super healthy as a family. But what was really bothering me was all the snacking, and what the kids were snacking on. (EVERTHING HAS SUGAR!!) You can read about why I don't buy ANY kids snacks anymore here.

So heres what needed to happen. If you can relate to this or are just in need of a change in your diet so you can feel better, and be better for your kids, try these simple tips. I like to think of it as your one constant that you can rely on. Motherhood is busy, and our days and routines are so unpredictable, especially with little ones. Our days can be flipped on us so fast, that I have found that if I have a plug-and-play, google mapped out meal plan for myself, I don't have to think about it, I don't have to wonder if I ate breakfast, or feel bad about myself after shoving that fourth handful of goldfish in my mouth, confused why I'm starving, and then wondering why I'm yelling at my kids for no reason 🙃

SO every morning I make our Non-negotiable smoothie for my kids, I make eggs and avocado toast for my 2 year old, and 4 year old, and then I prep my mid-morning smoothie for myself. I make a little extra so I have a glass of it in the morning, after my tea. I now know I have my smoothie waiting in the fridge for me after I return from whatever it is I'm doing. And the other 1/2 I drink in the morning, powers me through until lunch time even if I work-out in the morning, this smoothie gives me plenty of energy. Then with my mid/ to afternoon smoothie I make avocado toast on a power seed English muffin.

I always have chopped kale, and power greens ready to go. I make this super food, power salad that I'm obsessed with lately. Its loaded with tons of healthy fats too! I make them in these eco-friendly to-go containers, because I'm usually rushing off for pick-ups. (this salad always ensures I get the calories and energy I need to make it until dinner) And, If I do have snacks its always some sort of veggie, a handful of nuts or my absolute favorite raw energy superfood bar. Dinner is something I always meal prepped on Sunday, or something super easy, and quick. See all our family, kid friendly meals here. I drink 60-75 oz of water a day. I try different ways to get it all in. Sometimes I even buy the fancy bottled waters if I'm having a hard time getting my water in for the day. If I have a sweet tooth I always grab a cacao, and chia square, or some sort of superfood ball. I drink chamomile tea almost every night with steamed coconut milk. And thats about it. I have been a creature of habit my entire life. I know this is not something for everyone, but you can with it up every few days if you are needing a different meal. just as long as you plan ahead. I do think having that power smoothie in the morning, not only fuels you properly, it makes you feel so good, and sets you up for the rest of your day to be more mindful and present in your body.

Let me know what helps you as a mom to get through your day. I'd love to hear from you. And always don't for get to subscribe to our newsletters for more up to date content.