Getting enough protein sounds simple, but when you’re juggling a baby, chores, work, and trying to remember to eat something that isn’t a random handful of snacks… it gets tricky. Protein is one of the things that helps keep you full, supports your muscles, balances blood sugar, and gives you steadier energy throughout the day. But most women don’t get anywhere close to what they actually need.
When I started paying attention to my protein intake, everything felt easier—especially my energy, cravings, and digestion. Here are the things that helped me go from barely eating any protein to hitting my goal almost every day without overthinking it.
Start your day with protein
You’ll feel the difference immediately. When your first meal includes enough protein, your blood sugar stays steadier, your energy lasts longer, and you don’t end up starving by 10AM.
Easy options:
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A smoothie
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A protein latte
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Greek yogurt with berries
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Scrambled eggs with veggies
Starting ahead makes the whole day smoother.
Add protein to snacks
Most “mom snacks” are all carbs, which is why they don’t keep you full. When you add protein, you stay satisfied longer.
Try pairing things like:
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Fruit + almonds
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Crackers + cheese
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Toast + peanut butter
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Protein cookie or bar
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A quick protein shake
Small tweaks make a big difference.
Keep easy proteins ready to go
This is the real secret. When protein is convenient, you’ll actually eat it. I keep things on hand that take almost no effort:
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Cooked chicken or turkey
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Cottage cheese
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Hard-boiled eggs
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Grass fed beef sticks
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Protein bars
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Protein shake
Arbonne’s Essential Meal is my go-to on busy days because it’s more than just protein. One scoop gives you 25 grams of plant-based protein plus the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats you’d get from a full balanced meal. It’s the easiest way I hit my protein goal on days when the baby is fussy or I barely have time to make myself lunch. I shake it with water or almond milk in seconds, and it actually keeps me full. It’s perfect for those “I need something right now” moments.
Build meals around your protein
This takes the guesswork out of eating well. Pick your protein first, then add whatever else you want around it.
A balanced meal could be:
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Protein (chicken, fish, tofu, beans, or the Essential Meal shake)
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Veggies
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Carbs
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Healthy fats
When you think in terms of protein first, you hit your goals almost automatically.
Make protein taste good
You’re not going to keep eating something you hate. Try mixing your protein into things you actually enjoy, like:
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Protein coffee
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Oatmeal
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Smoothie bowls
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Cookies or bars
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Simple desserts
There are so many options that don’t feel “diet-y” at all.
If You Want to Try My Favorite Protein
I’ll link it here so you can check it out and see what’s inside it. It’s clean, plant-based, and gives you the nutrition of a full meal, which is why it’s such a big part of my routine.
→ Shop the Essential Meal here.
You don’t need a complicated plan or a strict diet. You just need a few easy go-to options, a little prep, and one solid protein you trust. Once you get in the habit, hitting your protein goals becomes second nature—and your energy, mood, and cravings start to shift in the best way.
If you want more ideas, recipes, or simple mom-friendly wellness tips, make sure you’re subscribed to my email list. I share what’s helping me, along with real-life ways to make healthy living doable.