Hello, busy working moms! If you’re reading this, you already know that juggling a career, family, and your own health can be a challenging task. I pulled these fun fall recipes with you in mind!
Fall is a season of change, and it’s the perfect time to embrace a healthier lifestyle while savoring the comforting flavors of autumn. In this blog post, you’ll find a selection of delicious recipes that not only cater to your taste buds but also align with your busy schedule. These recipes are not just about nourishment; they’re about empowering you on your wellness journey.
As working moms, you deserve meals that are not only nutritious but also easy to prepare. Each recipe included here adheres to the principles of a signature coaching program designed to support your goals. These dishes follow the FIT4 Method—Protein, Produce, Fat, and Fiber—and are accompanied by detailed cooking instructions and estimated cook times, so you can enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals without sacrificing your entire day.
As a note, each of these recipes is set for a family of 4, and will make leftovers for you to use as meal prep for the week ahead.
So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure together. Get ready to experience the delightful tastes of fall while maintaining your focus on self-care, confidence-building, and mindful eating. It’s time to nourish your body and soul, all while navigating the busy world of working motherhood.
1. Slow-Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Stew
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Instructions: |
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– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes – 2 cups diced carrots – 2 cups diced potatoes – 1 cup diced celery – 1 cup diced onion – 3 cloves garlic, minced – 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Place all ingredients into your slow cooker. 2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. |
2. Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
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Instructions: |
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– 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into fries – 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Toss butternut squash fries with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 3. Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. 4. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until fries are crispy and golden brown. |
3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
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Instructions: |
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– 1 pound lean ground meat (your choice 2 cups diced sweet potatoes – 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – 1 cup diced bell peppers – 1 cup diced onions – 2 cloves garlic, minced – 2 tablespoons chili powder – 1 teaspoon cumin – Salt and pepper to taste |
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until cooked through. 2. Add all ingredients, including the cooked turkey, to your slow cooker. 3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 4. Season with salt and pepper before serving. |
4. Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
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Instructions: |
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– 2 cups steel-cut oats – 4 cups unsweetened almond milk – 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped – 1/4 cup honey – 1 teaspoon cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract |
1. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. 2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 3. Stir well before serving. |
5. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
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Instructions: |
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– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved – 2 tablespoons olive oil – Salt and pepper to taste – 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze |
1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 3. Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket. 4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until Brussels sprouts are crispy. 5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. |
6. Meat and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
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– 4 bell peppers, any color – 1 pound lean ground meat (your choice) – 1 cup cooked quinoa – 1 cup diced tomatoes – 1/2 cup diced onions – 2 cloves garlic, minced – 1 teaspoon chili powder – Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. 3. In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until cooked through. 4. Combine cooked meat, quinoa, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 5. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers. 6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender. |
7. Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Steel-Cut Oats
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Instructions: |
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– 2 cups steel-cut oats – 4 cups unsweetened almond milk – 1 cup pumpkin puree – 1/4 cup maple syrup – 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract |
1. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. 2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 3. Stir well before serving. |
8. Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs
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Instructions: |
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– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage) – Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 2. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. 3. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. 4. Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and skin is crispy. |
Conclusion: Embrace the Season, Nourish Your Soul
As we wrap up this culinary journey through the flavors of fall, I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into these nourishing recipes. As busy working moms, you are the true superheroes of everyday life, and your well-being deserves to be a top priority.
These recipes are not just about satisfying your taste buds; they’re about empowering you on your wellness journey. They’re about embracing the season’s bounty and savoring the goodness it has to offer. With each bite, you’re not just feeding your body; you’re feeding your soul with the love and care it deserves.
Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Whether you’re using your trusty crock pot, exploring the wonders of an air fryer, or simply trying out new cooking methods, you’re taking a step towards a healthier you. You’re building a foundation of self-care, self-awareness, and mindful eating that will serve you well on your path to well-being.
So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time for yourself, and embark on this flavorful adventure. Let the aroma of these dishes fill your kitchen and the taste of these recipes inspire you to continue on your journey towards a healthier, happier you.
Thank you for joining me on this culinary exploration, and I can’t wait to hear about your experiences with these recipes. Together, we’re embracing the season, nourishing our bodies, and taking one delicious step at a time towards a brighter and healthier future. Happy cooking, busy moms!