Three simple things for busy moms

Most of you already know my own personal back story. I was a single mom for 14 years, working a full-time job in the corporate jungle.

As a mom, I know first-hand how hectic the week days can be. I wanted to give my busy mom friends a few simple things they can incorporate into their life that could make their days run a little smoother.

1. Plan what you are going to wear to work the night before.

This will save you time in the morning. Who has time to sift through clothes in your closet trying to find something that fits, something that you feel great in and something that doesn’t need ironed when time is ticking? Not you. Do it the night before.

2. Get your kids involved.

Yes, your kids should pack their lunch the night before, get their backpack packed the night before and their clothes laid out.

It would drive me crazy trying to find homework or a book that needed to be returned to the school library right when we were walking out the door. I know you’ve been there, too.

3. Know what you are making for dinner before you walk in the door at 5:30 p.m.

There is nothing worse than working a full day, picking up the kids at daycare and then standing in front of the refrigerator, secretly hoping that somehow dinner would magically appear. Right?

Need a yummy recipe the entire family will enjoy and could help with? Let’s make some meatballs.

You will want to double this recipe so you have extra to pack for a lunch the next day. You can also use lean ground beef if you prefer.

Meatballs

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (20 ounce) package ground turkey

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Dash of salt-n-pepper

¼ cup fresh chopped parsley

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the olive oil, and place it in the oven while preheating.

In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, salt-n-pepper, parsley and bread crumbs using your hands.

Using an ice cream scoop if possible, form the meat into golf ball sized meatballs. Place about 1 inch apart in the hot baking dish. Press down to flatten the bottom just slightly. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then turn them over, and continue baking for about 5 more minutes, or until somewhat crispy on the outside.

I like to have mine either plain with a side of broccoli or on top of some spaghetti squash. Either way, they are great and I’m certain the entire family will love them.

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com