aka a work in progress

Meal planning. The thing I know would make life easier but never quite gets my full attention. I’ve never really been a “clean eater”—not consistently, anyway. But I’d like to change that. I’ve always loved veggies, but it’s more than just eating some good veggies and proteins. I’m starting to care more about what’s actually going into our bodies, and I think it’s time I figured out how to make that part of our everyday life, not just a passing thought.

We’ve already made some intentional changes—like cutting out all dyes and certain harmful ingredients from our son’s diet completely. My partner is incredibly committed to this lifestyle shift. If anyone can quit something cold turkey, it’s him. I, on the other hand, sometimes dabble in Red 40 even though I know better. And I do know better. I just need to stop making exceptions and follow through.

Lately, I’ve felt totally unmotivated in the kitchen. Some days I blame it on my picky eater (he’s getting better, but still). Other times, it’s because my partner works late, and I’m often making meals just for myself and a four-year-old who’d be thrilled to eat mac and cheese every night. And honestly? A lot of nights I just don’t want to cook.

But not cooking has its consequences.
We eat out way more than we should. Grocery trips feel scattered and expensive. And when there’s no plan, convenience always wins—which means less control over what’s actually going into our bodies.

So this post is me trying to figure it out. To make a plan. To create some kind of system that works for our schedule, our budget, and hopefully helps me feel good about food again. I want to eat better. I want to feed my family with more intention. I want to get back to meals that feel good in our bodies and minds. And maybe—just maybe—I’ll find my way back to actually enjoying cooking again.

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1. Why meal planning even matters right now

Let’s just be real: I’m tired of spending money on food that doesn’t feel good. Tired of the guilt that comes with buying groceries and still opting for takeout. Tired of eating late. Tired of not even knowing what we’re having until 10 minutes before it’s time to eat.

I know that if I had a system, a plan—something to follow instead of something to stress about—it could make life feel more manageable. We could stretch our budget. We could stop letting food go to waste. We could start eating cleaner, simpler meals that feel better in our bodies. Maybe I could even buy those Poppi sodas I love instead of Pepsi, because let’s be honest—I’ve been trying to kick soda for years, and Poppi might be my gateway.

2. Figuring out a routine that fits our schedule

Everyone’s weekly rhythm looks different, which is why this has to be personal. And, of course, that’s what makes it hard to stick to. Our week is a little chaotic, so the structure I land on needs to work with that.

For us:

• Monday–Wednesday: I don’t get home until 8. So these meals need to be pre-planned, easy, and possibly pre-prepped.
• Thursday–Friday: I could make dinner… if I had a plan.
• Saturday: Total toss-up. Could be home, could be out.
• Sunday: We’re all home as a family, so it’s the perfect time for a “nice” meal—something one of us loves, or something we all agree on.

That’s just dinner. The truth is, we need help across the board.

• I pack my son a snack for school every day, but lunch is up in the air depending on who’s home.
• I work mornings and need quick, on-the-go breakfast and lunch options.
• My partner is home, so his needs are different.
• We all eat breakfast separately, but lunch could be a time to come together if we’re all around.

So whatever planning I do needs to account for more than just dinner. But that’s where I’m starting.

3. What we’re already doing

We’ve got a few small wins:

• Frozen veggies are our go-to. They’re affordable and convenient. We still buy fresh for special or weekend meals, but frozen is what gets us through.
• My son actually loves peas and carrots in his mac & cheese (total win).

We’re not starting from scratch, but we need a better foundation.

4. What I hope this does

My goal with all of this is to find a way to:

• Budget better
• Stop relying on takeout and convenience
• Actually want to cook again
• Clean up the way we eat and feel better in our bodies

I want to move away from the overly processed, “whatever’s easy” mindset. I want to start thinking ahead, using what we have, and feeding ourselves with more care and intention.

I’m planning to make a printable or template that we can use to build weekly meals around our actual life—not some Pinterest-perfect plan that doesn’t fit. If it works for us, I’ll be sharing it.

Because honestly? I don’t want food to be a source of stress anymore. I want it to feel good again.

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Here’s what I’m telling myself:
Planning ahead doesn’t have to mean perfection. It just means caring enough to try.

So I’ll leave you with this:
What would change if your meals weren’t just about food—but about taking care of the people you love, including yourself?

And hey—if you’ve figured out a system, or you’ve got tips, tricks, or even one meal that always works… I’d love to hear it.