Journal – Loop & Dash

LOOP & DASH Deliciously Simple Family Meals

from our journal Meal Planning 101

In today’s fast-paced world, juggling work, family, and a social life can be challenging. Amidst the chaos, planning meals can often feel like just another item on your never-ending to-do list. But what if I told you that meal planning could be your secret weapon for stress-free weeknight dinners?

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I get it—those nights when the schedule feels im

I get it—those nights when the schedule feels impossible. Soccer practice runs late, homework needs attention, the dog is barking, and suddenly, dinner is the last thing you want to think about. Ordering takeout feels like the only way to make it work.

But what if you had a plan (and a few go-to ideas) for those nights? What if dinner didn’t have to mean a frantic drive-thru run or waiting 45 minutes for delivery?

Here’s the truth: you can make dinner work on the busiest of nights—and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are three strategies that have saved me (and my sanity) on those crazy evenings:

1. Keep it Simple Not every meal has to be a masterpiece. One of my favorite solutions is throwing together a salad with ingredients I almost always have on hand:
* Pre-washed greens
* Rotisserie chicken or canned beans
* Veggies that don’t require much prep (think cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or shredded carrots)
* A quick vinaigrette (or your favorite bottled dressing—no judgment here!)
It’s light, fresh, and ready in minutes. Bonus: it feels a lot better than greasy takeout!

2. Stock Your Freezer Frozen veggies, pre-cooked rice, and even a batch of cooked chicken or taco meat can be lifesavers. On busy nights, I grab these staples and whip up:
* A quick stir-fry
* Tacos with frozen corn and black beans
* A hearty veggie soup
It’s all about having ingredients ready to go so you can throw something together without much thought.

3. Lean on Pantry Staples Cans of beans, pasta, and jarred marinara are the ultimate backup plan. My go-to on extra-hectic nights is pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and whatever I can grab:
* Frozen peas
* A sprinkle of parmesan
* Maybe some leftover chicken
It’s easy, filling, and everyone in my family loves it.

The next time life gets crazy, takeout doesn’t have to be your only option. Keep these ideas in your back pocket, and remember: dinner doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be done.

What’s your go-to meal for busy nights?

I’d love to hear your ideas! Let’s help each other out in the comments. 💛

Do you know what you’re having for dinner this w

Do you know what you’re having for dinner this week? Members of the Loop & Dash Collective do. 🤍

Their menu is planned.
Their grocery list is ready (and customizable!).
Prep ahead ideas are waiting.
Dinner? Handled.

Sundays don’t have to feel overwhelming. The Loop & Dash Collective takes the guesswork out of mealtime so you can start the week feeling calm, prepared, and ready to connect over a great meal.

Want to know how to join? DM me and I’ll send you all the details!

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#easyweeknightdinner #foodinspo #whattoeat #mealprep #mealplan #mealplanning #dinnerideas #easydinner #dinnerideas #busymom #busymomlife #weeknightdinner #weeknightmeals #momhack #busymom #dinnershortcuts #sundayscaries

Sheet Pan Chicken with Carrots and Lemon Yogurt Sa

Sheet Pan Chicken with Carrots and Lemon Yogurt Sauce—one pan, big flavor, and fewer dishes. That’s a win in my book. 🤍

This recipe is exactly the kind of no-fuss dinner that makes busy weeknights feel a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. And the best part? It’s so good, your family will think you’re a rockstar in the kitchen (but we’ll keep how easy it was between us).

If dinnertime feels like one more thing on your to-do list, let’s change that.

Comment DINNER below, and I’ll tell you how Loop & Dash can help make your evenings simpler and more meaningful.
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#easyweeknightdinner #foodinspo #whattoeat #mealprep #mealplan #mealplanning #dinnerideas #easydinner #dinnerideas #busymom #busymomlife #weeknightdinner #weeknightmeals #momhack #busymom #dinnershortcuts #sheetpanmeal #chickenrecipe

Dinner doesn’t have to mean a race against the c

Dinner doesn’t have to mean a race against the clock every night. These simple tips free up precious time and energy, so you can enjoy what matters most: connecting with your family.

From planning out easy meals for the week to setting the table family-style, every small shift can make a big difference. Less time spent on logistics means more time around the table, sharing stories, laughs, and building memories that last.

Swipe through, save this post, and let’s make dinnertime feel a little easier - and a lot more meaningful 🤍
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#easyweeknightdinner #foodinspo #whattoeat #mealprep #mealplan #mealplanning #dinnerideas #easydinner #dinnerideas #busymom #busymomlife #weeknightdinner #weeknightmeals #momhack #busymom #dinnershortcuts

This Slow Cooker 4 Bean Chili is the EASIEST throw

This Slow Cooker 4 Bean Chili is the EASIEST throw and go meal - and perfect for a cozy night in 🔥

I’d love for you to try it - just comment CHILI and I’ll send the recipe your way! 🚀
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#easyweeknightdinner #foodinspo #whattoeat #mealprep #mealplan #mealplanning #dinnerideas #easydinner #dinnerideas #busymom #busymomlife #weeknightdinner #weeknightmeals #momhack #busymom #dinnershortcuts #chilirecipe #slowcooker #meatlessmonday

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