I just make protein a priority. I try to get it in every meal and every snack. Research suggests these amounts are best for staying full and supporting muscle health.
You can't do it all. And early on as a parent, I found that out by burning out completely while trying to be the perfect mother. One of the first things I abandoned to reestablish my sanity? Not trying to cook three from-scratch meals for my family every day while also trying to parent, work, and clean. Let's face it: if you're in the parenting business, you better have a few incredibly easy go-to meals up your sleeve
Food safety isn't just about how you cook your food; it's about how you cool and store it. You don't need a degree in microbiology to meal prep safely. Wash your hands (for a full 20 seconds), refrigerate food within two hours, cool fast and in shallow containers, and stop trusting your nose.
Lentils are an inexpensive source of protein, and they can take on many flavor profiles easily and without much effort. The tiny legumes are great in salads, but they really come alive when simmered with alliums, vegetables, spices, and a flavorful broth. Lentil soups and stews can be simple or extravagant, depending on how you garnish the soup, but they always make for a hearty, satisfying meal.