Stop Making Excuses for Healthy Eating: Easy Meal Prep for Busy Moms Who Want to Lose Weight

We’ve all been there. The day gets away from you, the kids have practice, work ran late, and before you know it, you’re pulling into a drive-thru because, well, “there’s no time to cook.” But let’s be real—fast food and last-minute meal choices aren’t helping you reach your weight loss goals. As a working mom constantly on the go, I’ve learned that a little meal prep goes a long way.

Excuses won’t get us anywhere, but a little strategy will. That’s why I stick to simple, high-protein meals that fit my busy lifestyle and fuel my family. Here’s how I make it work:

✅ Meal Planning & Prepping: I always plan ahead, choosing meals that take minimal effort but still hit my macros.

✅ Crockpot & Sheet Pan Dinners: Set it and forget it meals keep us on track, even on the busiest nights.

✅ No Second Meals: My family eats what’s served. I offer options like rice or homemade bread for flexibility, but I don’t cook separate meals.

✅ Double Batching for Future Meals: Cooking once, eating twice—it’s a game-changer for busy moms.

3 Go-To High-Protein Busy Night Dinners

🍽️ Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced

• 3 bell peppers, sliced

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning

• Whole wheat tortillas, cauliflower rice (or any rice you prefer)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Toss chicken, peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning.

3. Spread evenly on a sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

4. Serve with tortillas or cauliflower rice.

Macros per serving:

• 32g Protein | 18g Fat | 5g Fiber | 42g Carbs

🍲 Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed

• 4 cups beef bone broth

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 lb mini potatoes, halved

• 4 carrots, sliced

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

3. Serve and enjoy!

Macros per serving:

• 38g Protein | 14g Fat | 6g Fiber | 35g Carbs

🥢 Pork Tenderloin Noodle Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, thinly sliced (I cut tenderloin in half and then slice very thin)

• 2 packs heart of palm angel hair noodles

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 bell peppers, sliced

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar

  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat avocado oil in a pan and cook pork until browned.

2. Add onions and peppers, sauté until soft.

3. Stir in the teriyaki sauce and heart of palm noodles.

4. Cook for another 5 minutes and serve.

Macros per serving:

• 36g Protein | 12g Fat | 4g Fiber | 40g Carbs

Want more easy, high-protein meals to help with weight loss? Check out my Crockpot Recipes Here: Crock Pot Meals