5 Common Breakfast Mistakes Moms Make (and How to Fix Them)

Mornings as a mom are chaotic. Between getting the kids ready, packing lunches, and dealing with last-minute meltdowns, your own breakfast often takes a backseat. But if you’re trying to lose weight, boost energy, and keep up with your little ones, how you start your day matters.

Here are five common breakfast mistakes moms make and simple fixes to fuel your body without adding stress to your morning routine.

1. Skipping Breakfast or Just Drinking Coffee

The Mistake:

You’re running late, so you grab a coffee and call it breakfast. But an empty stomach and caffeine spike set you up for energy crashes, cravings, and mood swings later in the day.

The Fix:

You don’t need a sit-down meal, but you do need something with protein and fiber to keep blood sugar stable. Try a protein smoothie, Greek yogurt with berries, or a boiled egg with avocado toast—easy options that take less than five minutes.

2. Not Eating Enough Protein

The Mistake:

A bowl of cereal or a piece of toast might be quick, but they’re mostly carbs, which digest quickly and leave you hungry again by 10 a.m.

The Fix:

Aim for at least 20-30 grams of protein at breakfast. Some easy, high-protein options:

• Scrambled eggs with cheese and a side of fruit

• A protein shake with almond milk and frozen berries

• Cottage cheese with flaxseeds and a handful of nuts

Protein helps keep you full longer and stabilizes blood sugar, so you’re not reaching for snacks all morning.

3. Letting the Kids Eat But Not Yourself

The Mistake:

You prepare a balanced breakfast for your kids, but you’re so busy managing their chaos that you forget to eat—or you just pick at their leftovers.

The Fix:

Make your breakfast just as much of a priority as theirs. Prep something simple the night before, like overnight oats or egg muffins, so all you have to do is grab and eat.

4. Choosing 'Kid-Friendly' Breakfasts That Leave You Hungry

The Mistake:

Eating the same breakfast as your kids—like waffles, toast, or sugary yogurt—might be convenient, but these don’t provide the balanced fuel you need.

The Fix:

If you’re eating what they eat, make it work for you:

• Add peanut butter & chia seeds to toast for protein and fiber

• Swap sugary cereal for Greek yogurt + granola

• Pair waffles with eggs or a protein shake to balance it out

5. Eating Too Little (Then Overeating Later)

The Mistake:

You try to keep breakfast “light” because you’re focused on weight loss—but by mid-afternoon, you’re starving and end up over-snacking or making poor choices.

The Fix:

Front-loading your day with enough food prevents cravings and overeating later. Focus on a balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and fiber so your energy lasts.

Your Breakfast Sets the Tone for the Day

Skipping breakfast or choosing the wrong foods can leave you feeling tired, cranky, and stuck in a cycle of cravings. But with a few simple shifts, you can start your day feeling full, energized, and in control.

Need easy, high-protein breakfast ideas that fit into your busy mom life? Check out this blog or my shop to see more inspiration and free meal plans.

Healthy Plant-Based Lunch Ideas for Busy Weekdays

As a working parent, it's already hard enough to feed your family multiple times a day, let alone make sure you get something healthy to scarf down between meetings. But you are taking a break to eat mindfully right??? Check out my blog on the benefits of mindful eating (and getting OFF your phone while doing it) here -

You probably know a nutritious midday meal is essential to keep you energized, focused, and avoid that dreaded afternoon slump or sugar frenzy hackathon. Incorporating these plant-based meals, or adding your favorite protein will help you push past and be ready to handle whatever the post-work hustle until bedtime brings you.

1. Buddha Bowl Bliss:

Prepare a vibrant Buddha Bowl filled with an assortment of colorful veggies, grains, and plant-based proteins. This is so easily customized to whatever you have in the pantry or fridge. Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice, add roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado or any other veggies you have. Top it off with a sprinkle of chickpeas or your favorite protein and a drizzle of tahini dressing for a satisfying and nutrient-packed lunch.

2. Wraps with a Twist:

Swap traditional wraps with nutrient-rich collard green leaves or my favorite, sprouted tortillas. Fill them with hummus, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, a handful of leafy greens, some tofu or whatever you have around. Roll it up and enjoy a crunchy, flavorful wrap that's easy to take on the go.

3. Hearty Lentil Salad:

Combine cooked lentils (can get these pre-made and marinated for even more ease!) with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a refreshing and filling lunch option. Add some crumbled feta cheese or avocado for extra creaminess.

4. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto:

Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss them with a homemade basil pesto sauce. Include cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture. Make sure to add some kind of protein too to stabilize blood sugar.

5. Chickpea Tuna Salad:

Create a plant-based version of the classic tuna salad (or just use regular tuna) by mixing mashed chickpeas with diced celery, red onion, and capers. Season with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of seaweed flakes for that "tuna" flavor. Serve it in a sandwich of sprouted bread or on a bed of greens for a protein-packed lunch.

6. Protein-Packed Quinoa Salad:

Mix cooked quinoa with diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Drizzle with a tangy lime-cilantro dressing and toss in some diced mango for a tropical twist.

Remember, preparation is key! Spend some time on weekends to batch-cook ingredients and prep veggies to save time during the busy workweek. Want even more tips on meal-prepping and batch cooking? Check out my blog here.

These plant-based lunch ideas will not only nourish your body but also keep your energy up and sanity within reach. Happy lunching!

Hassle-Free Meal Prep: 10 Genius Grocery Store Hacks

I know you're here because you want to feed your kids and yourself, nutritious, balanced meals. How are you supposed to manage that on top of work, extracurricular activities, that pile of laundry on your bed, the constant mess your kids keep making and finding time to exist?

Well, I feel your struggle because I too am juggling all those things, and while I don't always nail it, there are a few things that I do to ensure save time and streamline our cooking and meal-prep process to make this easier on myself.

Here are my top grocery store hacks to save you time, money, and sanity when you're feeding your family.

1. Make a Meal Plan: I know it seems like a lot of work, but if you start here and plan what you'll be cooking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks you'll stay more organized. Write it somewhere you'll see it so you know what the week looks like, or if you are at a loss you can see what your options are for the week. Feel like this is overwhelming? Let me do the work for you - download some of my free resources or sign up for my weekly meal planning program to get a new plan emailed to you every week with everything you need to have a successful week.

2. Write a Grocery List: Based on your meal plan, write a detailed grocery list before heading to the store. Categorize items by sections (produce, pantry, dairy, etc.) to make shopping faster and more efficient, and avoid running to the store for random ingredients and losing your mind.

3. Shop Strategically: Choose a time to go grocery shopping when the store is less crowded to minimize wait times. Opt for larger supermarkets that offer a wide variety of ingredients in one place. If you have the ability and access, get grocery delivery and set it on a schedule so you don't have to go to the store.

4. Embrace Pre-Cut and Pre-Washed Produce: You are too busy to be chopping vegetables all day - save time by purchasing pre-cut and pre-washed fruits and vegetables. If you can afford it, it can significantly reduce meal prep time and make healthy eating more accessible.

5. Utilize Frozen Foods: Frozen fruits, vegetables, and proteins are convenient and just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts and mean when you can't think of anything to make or your fresh options have run out, you can always pull something out of the freezer and throw something together. Look for frozen pre-cooked grains, such as quinoa or rice, which can be heated in minutes in the microwave.

6. Prep in Batches: Set aside a designated time each week for meal prep. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and cook large batches of grains or soups. Portion meals into containers for easy grab-and-go options during the week.

7. Invest in Time-Saving Kitchen Appliances: Consider investing in time-saving kitchen appliances like a slow cooker, instant pot, or air fryer. These appliances can simplify cooking and drastically reduce hands-on prep time.

8. Opt for One-Pot or Sheet Pan Meals: These are some of my favorite meals to make because they are so easy. Look for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in one pot or on a sheet pan. This cuts down on the number of dishes to wash and saves valuable time.

9. Engage the Whole Family: Involve your children in meal prep tasks appropriate for their age, such as washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or assembling simple dishes. Not only does it save time, but it also teaches them valuable cooking skills, exposes them to the food, and increases the likelihood they will eat veggies and fruits since there is a lot less pressure than at the dinner table.

10. Prep Ahead for Lunches: Prepare school or work lunches the night before. Portion leftovers into individual containers or assemble sandwiches, salads, or wraps in advance. This eliminates the morning rush and ensures healthier choices are readily available.

Give these time-saving meal prep tips and grocery store hacks a try to provide your family with nutritious meals that make everyone happy and reclaim some of your valuable time because you've got more important stuff to do than be in the kitchen all day, or order takeout every night.