Stop Overcomplicating Mealtime: Simple Can Still Be Healthy

Let’s talk about mealtime for a minute.

If you’re anything like me, the idea of making healthy meals for your family- every single day- can start to feel like one more giant thing on your never-ending to-do list. And when you’re juggling trauma-informed parenting, work, laundry, appointments, and all the feelings… it’s no wonder dinner sometimes ends up looking like cereal or drive-thru.

But here’s the truth: healthy doesn’t have to mean complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better- especially if you want to stay consistent.

So let’s break it down with some easy ways to keep meals healthy and manageable.

1. Throw Some Chicken in the Crockpot and Walk Away

Literally. That’s it. Add some chicken breasts or thighs with a little broth, seasoning, or salsa and let it do its thing. By dinner time, you’ve got shredded chicken ready to go for tacos, bowls, wraps, or salads. Bonus: it stores beautifully in the fridge and freezer.

2. Double the Protein When You Grill

If you’re already firing up the grill, go ahead and double the protein. Chicken, steak, salmon, burgers—whatever you’re cooking, make enough to last a few meals. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow when dinner’s already halfway done.

3. Make It a DIY Bar: Tacos, Bowls, Nachos, Oh My

Here’s one of my favorite hacks for picky eaters and overstimulated parents alike—build-your-own stations. Set out the basics: a protein, some carbs (rice, chips, tortillas), veggies, healthy fats (like avocado or cheese), and sauces. Everyone can make their own version—taco, burrito bowl, nachos, salad—and suddenly dinner feels fun and stress-free.

4. Keep a Short List of Go-To Meals

You don’t need a 30-day rotating meal plan. Have 4-5 dinners your family actually eats, and keep the ingredients stocked. When the week gets wild (and let’s be honest, it will), you’ve already got a plan.

5. Healthy Doesn’t Mean Fancy

You don’t need exotic ingredients, expensive meal kits, or Pinterest-perfect plating. You just need real food that fuels your body- protein, veggies, healthy fats, and fiber. And grace. Lots of grace.

If you’re looking for a way to keep things simple and nutritious, I’ve got something just for you.

👉 Grab my 5-Day Simple Meal Guide- gluten-free, dairy-free, whole-food-based meals that your whole family will eat (even the picky ones). It’s quick, flexible, and designed with busy mamas in mind.

Click below to get the guide:

https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/simplemealguide

You’ve got enough on your plate. Let’s make sure dinner isn’t one more thing making life harder than it needs to be.