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.

One-Pot Plant-Powered Dinners: Simplifying Busy Weeknights

Somehow the time between when work ends and dinner has to be on the table goes by in a blur. Even if you aren't feeding tiny humans, you've got better things to do on the daily than slave away in the kitchen and spend your time washing a ton of dishes.

Enter the world of one-pot plant-powered dinners, where simplicity meets nourishment, and cleanup becomes a breeze. These recipes not only save time but also work on incorporating more plants, making your busy evenings a lot more manageable, delicious and packed with nutrients.

1. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew: This wholesome stew brings together earthy lentils, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a single pot. Let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and create a comforting meal that's both filling and nutritious.

2. Quinoa Primavera: Celebrate the season's bounty with quinoa primavera. Load up the pot with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite herbs. Quinoa adds a protein punch, making this dish both vibrant and satisfying.

3. Chickpea and Spinach Curry: Warm spices, tender chickpeas, and vibrant spinach come together in a rich curry that's as nourishing as it is flavorful. Serve it with a side of whole grain rice or naan for a complete meal.

4. Mushroom and Spinach Risotto: Creamy and comforting, a mushroom and spinach risotto is a true treat. The flavors of sautéed mushrooms and the creaminess of Arborio rice create a dish that's elegant enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili: Loaded with fiber and protein, sweet potato and black bean chili is the perfect cold-weather comfort food. Packed with spices, beans, and the goodness of sweet potatoes, this dish will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Bookmark this one for fall!

6. Tofu Stir-Fry with Brown Rice: A colorful tofu stir-fry is a quick way to get a nutritious meal on the table. Sauté your favorite vegetables, marinated tofu, and a flavorful sauce in a single pan. Serve it over brown rice for an energizing dinner. You can use any protein here if tofu isn't your jam.

7. Coconut Veggie Curry: Create a fragrant coconut veggie curry by simmering a variety of vegetables in a rich coconut milk-based sauce. With an array of textures and flavors, this dish showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

8. Ratatouille with Polenta: Let your pot transform into a canvas for a ratatouille masterpiece. This colorful medley of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes is served over creamy polenta for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Want even more inspiration? Check out my offerings in the shop, including my 7-Day Vegan one-pan meal plan. Not even interested in cooking? There's a no-cook summer meal plan with your name on it!

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!