Nourishing Meal Options for Busy Mums

Ah, motherhood. The joy of raising little humans, the fulfillment of seeing them grow up to be wonderful people, and the utter exhaustion of keeping them alive day in and day out. And in between all the nappy changes, school runs, and extracurricular activities, there's this thing called eating. You know, that thing you used to do without a second thought, but now one meal feels like a feat of strength. As a mother, it's tough to find the time and energy to nourish yourself when you're already trying to nourish your family, but fear not, fellow mamas! I've got you covered with some nutritious meal options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that won't make you feel like you're adding another task to your already mile-long to-do list.

Breakfast

Mornings can be a mad rush in most households. From getting everyone up and dressed, to packing lunches, to remembering where you put your keys, making a nutritious breakfast can take a back seat. But trust me, it's worth it to fuel yourself for the day ahead. One of my favourite quick breakfast options is overnight oats. Simply mix rolled oats, almond milk, yoghurt, and your favourite toppings (like fruit, nuts, and honey) in a jar before you go to bed, and wake up to a delicious and filling breakfast. If you're really short on time, smoothies are also a great option. Throw some spinach, frozen berries, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder in a blender for a nutrient-packed breakfast you can sip on the go.

Lunch

Lunchtime might be the one time of day when you have a moment to breathe, but it's tempting to just grab whatever is lying around and call it a meal. Resist the urge and try making a big batch of quinoa salad at the beginning of the week. It's versatile, packed with protein, and can be eaten cold or reheated. My go-to recipe is quinoa, chopped veggies (like cucumber, capsicum, and tomato), feta cheese, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. If you need something heartier, a turkey and avocado wrap is a classic option. Just layer sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a whole-grain wrap and you're good to go.

Dinner

Ah, the nightly battle of "what the heck should we have for dinner?" When you're already juggling homework and after-school activities, making a nutritious meal can feel like a herculean task. But don't worry, mama, you don't have to be a gourmet chef to whip up something healthy. One of my favourite go-to dinners is roasted salmon with veggies. Simply toss some Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roast in the oven for 20 minutes, and add a seasoned salmon fillet to the sheet pan for the last 10 minutes. Boom, a well-rounded and delicious dinner in under 30 minutes. If you're feeling more ambitious, try making a big pot of turkey chili or lentil soup at the beginning of the week. It'll make dinner time a breeze on those busy nights.

When you're a mum, putting yourself first can feel impossible. But taking care of yourself is crucial to being able to take care of your family. With these nutritious meal options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can nourish yourself without sacrificing precious time and energy. And if all else fails, just remember that wine is made from grapes, and grapes are fruit, so technically a glass of wine counts as a serving of fruit!

Cheers to motherhood, and cheers to nourishing ourselves along the way.