Are you looking for ways to start your mornings feeling calm, not rushed? To enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee, eat a nourishing meal, and begin your day without the stress of figuring out what to eat? You’re in the right place!
For me, mornings are sacred. I don’t trade them. They are my pause before the day begins, my reset, my time to enjoy the quiet before the chaos.
Every morning, before my kids wake up, I pour myself a rich, aromatic cup of coffee from my Brazilian sister-in-law. There is no rushing or scrambling—just a slow, intentional moment to start the day right.
Because joy is my second nature, I like waking up joyful. I want my first moments of the day to be light, peaceful, and mine, and not filled with stress over what’s for breakfast.
But let’s be real: I’m a single mom of three. I have a corporate job. And when I sip that coffee, I’m not just waking up. I remember:
The golden beaches of Guarapari-the place that reminded me of the joy and beauty of life.
The time I packed my bags and traveled to Brazil alone as a single mom of three.
The moment I let myself feel free, alive, and powerful, not because life was easy but because I had built a lifestyle that allowed me to say yes to adventure and reclaim my light.
That trip became the foundation of my Shine Bright Guide for Single Parents—a reminder that no matter how busy, exhausted, or overwhelmed you feel, you deserve to carve out moments of joy. And it starts with the small things—like protecting your mornings by meal prepping at night!
Portioned nuts & dried fruit keeps cravings in check.
Greek yogurt with honey & granola is a great protein-packed option.
Dark chocolate & almonds are ideal for boosting your energy when needed.
Be mindful with snacks, particularly when you work from home. It’s easy to grab something every time you step into the kitchen, not because you’re hungry but out of habit. I’m not saying you need to stop snacking, just that there’s a better strategy to energize you without mindless munching. Learn how to snack smarter in my recent post How to Avoid Mindless Snacking While Working from Home.
Silicone snack bags → Reusable & eco-friendly for on-the-go snacks.
Having the right tools on hand can make meal prep more efficient and enjoyable. Discover the complete list of kitchen essentials for a meal prep routine!
A new habit sticks when it’s easy—so keep it simple and doable.
1. Use a 10-Minute Rule
Set a 10-minute timer every evening and prep just one thing: chopping veggies or portioning out snacks. Small steps lead to big results. Time blocking is a great way to keep up with my meal prep habits. I schedule a block of time in the evening, depending on my kids’ sports activities.
2. Keep a ‘Go-To’ Prep List
Have 5-6 go-to meals and snacks, so you’re not constantly guessing what to make. To make it even easier, keep a list on your fridge.
3. Pair It with Another Habit
Meal prep should be stacked with an existing habit. Some evenings, I like to listen to the newest episodes of Diary of SEO, while others, I am in the kitchen while my kids are finishing up their homework. This way, we are creating routines. Check out how to establish a homework routine here.
4. Use the ‘One Extra’ Rule
Every time you cook, prep one extra meal component—grill an extra chicken breast, chop extra veggies, or make double the rice. Future-you will thank you.
I always overdo it with veggies (wishful thinking that my kids will eat as many as I do!).. But they end up in my bowl more often than not—which, honestly, is not a bad thing.
Here’s how I do it
In just one batch, I have:
Veggies washed and prepped for an extra meal.
Ground turkey that will be used for two different meals.
Gnocchi for one meal, and another burrito filling ready to go.
This simple habit makes meal prep quicker, easier, and more flexible, so I always have something ready without extra effort.
See it in action below!
Common Meal Prep Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Overcomplicating it. You don’t need a full week’s worth of meals prepped in advance.
Skipping it altogether. Even prepping just one meal makes a difference.
Not having the right storage. Invest in good containers to keep food fresh.
Prepping too much. Avoid food waste by starting small and adjusting as needed.
Try This Tonight: Your 5-Minute Action Step
Before you relax tonight, prep just one thing:
Make overnight oats.
Chop veggies for tomorrow’s lunch.
Portion out some healthy snacks.
Cook your source of protein.
See how much smoother tomorrow feels…
Now that you’ve saved time, what will you do with your extra morning minutes? A peaceful coffee? A quick stretch? Time with your kids?
Meal prepping at night isn’t just about food—it’s about freeing up your time and mental energy so you can focus on what matters. It’s one of the simplest work-life balance hacks you can start tonight to make your mornings stress-free and your meals healthier.
If you find this helpful, share it with another busy parent or working professional who needs an easier way to prepare meals!
Are you tired of hearing "I'm just so busy" as if it's a badge of honor?
Or you're the one saying it?
When someone asks you, "How was your day?" you sigh and say, "Busy."
Because you've been...
You sit down to work, determined to stay focused. A few hours (sometimes minutes) later, you realize you’ve been snacking non-stop—not because you were hungry, but because it’s just...
