5 Common Mistakes Moms Make with Meal Planning (and How to Fix Them)

By Lindsey | Mother Verde Wellness

Let me guess — you try to plan meals. You scribble down a few ideas, grab a bunch of random groceries, and by Wednesday, you’re staring at a half-used bunch of kale wondering, what was I even planning to make with this?

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Most of the moms I work with are overwhelmed, overstimulated, and way too used to running on caffeine and fumes. Meal planning is supposed to make life easier… but when it’s not working, it just feels like another thing you’re failing at.

Let’s flip the script. Here are 5 of the most common meal planning mistakes I see moms making — and exactly how to fix them.

1. Skipping Protein (and Wondering Why You’re Hangry by 3 PM)

Shocking stat: 1 in 3 women over 30 isn’t getting enough protein. If you’re skipping breakfast or surviving on smoothies and snacks, your blood sugar is crashing hard — and your mood is going down with it.

Fix:

Build every meal around protein. I’m talking at least 20–30 grams. Add eggs to breakfast, throw beans into your grains, batch some shredded chicken or lentils, and watch your energy (and patience) return. I chug a Vega Protein shake with my superfoods added in to get my 30g right away to start that blood sugar balancing.

2. Overcomplicating It — Then Burning Out

I know Pinterest told you to try 5 new recipes this week, but let’s be honest: nobody’s got time to julienne carrots and toast sesame seeds with a toddler melting down in the next room. Seriously, many macro & diet plans are overwhelming. Stick with your basic food groups and make a bowl with condiments & seasonings.

Fix:

In our home we have a default menu like...

Monday- turkey burgers (or salmon, or beef)

Tuesday- Taco/ wraps

Wednesday-Fish (Salmon & shrimp typically)

Thursday- Pasta / noodle

Friday- Pizza / takeout

Saturday- Flexible

Sunday- Steak & potatoes

And we plan from there. Either trying a new recipe or using what you have on hand.

3. Planning Without Your Actual Life in Mind

You know those weeks with a late soccer practice, a therapy appointment, and your period starting? Yeah — don’t plan elaborate dinners those nights. Yet so many of us do.

Fix:

Start your meal planning with your calendar, not your cravings. Plan easy reheatable meals for busy nights. Batch-cook or prep ingredients ahead on calmer day. Be realistic. And there's no shame in using paper plates to reduce your workload from time to time.

4. Not Making a Grocery List That Actually Works

This one’s big. You might write down what you think you need — but forget to check what’s already in your fridge. Or you forget to match meals to ingredients. Result? Food waste and last-minute takeout.

Fix:

Do a 10-minute kitchen audit before you plan. What needs to get used up? What’s missing for your favorite 2–3 meals? What snacks are quick but still protein-rich? Make a grocery list based on your plan — and stick to it.

5. Not Planning for Yourself

This is the one that gets me fired up. You make sure the kids are fed, your partner’s lunch is packed — and you’re eating scraps or skipping meals altogether.

Fix:

You deserve real food too. Period. Prep your lunches in advance. Stock snacks that you actually enjoy and that make you feel good. If you’re the one holding everything together, why wouldn’t you be the one most nourished?

Bottom Line:

Meal planning isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making your life easier.

It’s a form of self-care, not self-punishment. Take it a couple days at a time.

Start with where you are. Make small shifts. Honor your hunger. Respect your energy. And remember — nourishing your family starts with nourishing you.

Want support building a sustainable, ADHD-friendly, mom-proof system for meal planning and feeding your family?

Join my group coaching program where we dive into this topic in Week A — with support, tools, and simple steps that actually work.

You’ve got this, mama.