A Mother’s Day Peek Inside My Fridge: Meal Prep, Family, and Real-Life Wellness

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone! I hope you’re feeling the love today—whether you’re a mom to kids, fur babies, or just someone who nurtures others around you. Becoming a mother has been the most rewarding and proudest part of my life. From feeding my little ones to now sharing family meals with grown-up kids and their partners, these moments mean everything to me.

This weekend has been a whirlwind, and like many of you, I’m managing a busy household, juggling family events, and still trying to keep meals prepped and ready for the week ahead. So today on Kelly’s Kitchen, I’m giving you a look inside my fridge—yes, the real deal!—and sharing what I’m prepping, cooking, and storing to make next week smoother, healthier, and budget-friendly.

Celebrating Mother’s Day With a Full House and a Full Fridge

Yesterday, we were blessed with a special dinner at my daughter’s. Her in-laws from Newfoundland are visiting, and they’ve just moved to their summer cottage. My daughter and her husband cooked a lobster boil, and it was delicious! Today, I’m hosting everyone at my home: four grown kids, their partners, my three beloved pups, and even celebrating a few birthdays.

With so many people coming over, I’ve prepared more food than we need—on purpose. That way, I’ve got leftovers for the week, saving me from cooking on hectic nights after work. If you’re like me and constantly balancing work, family, and wellness, batch cooking and planned leftovers can be a total lifesaver.

What’s in My Fridge This Week? (Hint: Leftovers With Purpose!)

Let’s take a peek at what I’ve packed into my fridge this weekend. Hopefully, it inspires your own weekly meal planning:

Protein-Packed Mains:

• Salmon fillets – perfect for a light, heart-healthy dinner.
• Ground beef – I’m using this for a delicious beef stroganoff.
• Chicken breasts – marinated with a favorite sauce for grilling or pan-frying.
• Boiled eggs – ideal for salads or a quick protein boost.

Fresh and Prepped Veggies:

• Tons of peppers – my little ones love snacking on them, and I slice extras to freeze for later.
• Cabbage and mushrooms – I’m working more cabbage into my diet and always keep mushrooms on hand.
• Carrots, cucumbers, onions, and grape tomatoes – ready to toss into salads or stir-fries.

Ready-to-Eat Salads:

• Thai-inspired noodle salad – with grated cabbage, cucumber, peppers, rice noodles, and a homemade peanut sauce.
• Broccoli salad – my son’s favorite!
• Chickpea salad – packed with chickpeas, feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a fiber and protein-rich side.

Smart Breakfast Choices:

• Overnight oats – two bowls already prepped.
• Scrambled eggs – cooked in bulk for easy grab-and-go mornings.
• Breakfast hamburgers – yes, it’s a thing, and they’re a hit around here!

Making Meals for the Week Ahead

With leftovers from today’s Mother’s Day BBQ—think burgers, salads, and veggies—I’ve got a head start for the week. I’m especially looking forward to using:

• Leftover burgers in a deconstructed burger bowl (think burger pieces, lettuce, tomato, and oven fries).
• Extra salad for lunches early in the week.
• Cooked chicken and salmon to reheat and pair with fresh or frozen veggies.

My fridge also includes iced coffee for a little afternoon pick-me-up (my future daughter-in-law is a coffee lover!), and I’m keeping dessert simple but celebratory with brownies, pie, and ice cream—including gluten-free options.

Health-Conscious Swaps That Make a Difference

As someone managing type 2 diabetes, I’m paying close attention to the sugar content in everyday items. One big change I’ve made is switching to unsweetened almond milk—a small swap with a huge impact. Regular 2% milk has about 13g of sugar per cup, while unsweetened almond milk has zero.

It’s these kinds of little adjustments that have helped me feel more energized and better overall. I’ve also been using almond milk in:

• Smoothies
• Oatmeal
• Baking
• Cooking sauces

I’m no longer falling asleep after dinner, and I truly believe it’s because I’m fueling my body better.

Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Tips

Let’s talk real life. Groceries are expensive. And with a house full of teenagers and adults, I need food that’s nutritious, filling, and affordable.

Here’s how I’m saving money without sacrificing quality:

1. Bulk Cooking: I make more than I need on the weekend, so I don’t rely on takeout or quick processed foods during the week.
2. Frozen Veggies: I slice fresh peppers and freeze any extras. No waste!
3. Canned Chickpeas: A can goes a long way in salads or quick meals, and they’re high in protein and fiber.
4. Simple Seasonings: Instead of buying sauces, I often use spice blends and olive oil to add flavor without additives.
5. Less Meat: I’m transitioning to meatless meals a few times a week. Tofu is on my list this week!

Family Traditions, Wellness, and Real Talk

I love feeding my family. Food is my love language, and I know many of you feel the same. Today we’re not only celebrating Mother’s Day, but also my son’s 27th birthday and my mother’s 80th birthday—a triple celebration that makes my heart so full.

As we grow and evolve, so do our meals. I’ve been making more nutrient-rich meals, and I’m finally seeing changes not just on the scale, but in my energy, mood, and how my clothes fit. I’m also learning from a wonderful dietitian who encourages protein-rich, low-sugar foods that work for long-term wellness.

What’s On Your Menu This Week?

I’d love to know:

What are two meals you’re planning this week to make your life easier?

Share your ideas below so others can be inspired! Whether it’s a big batch of chili, a hearty soup, or grilled veggie wraps, we’re all looking for affordable, nourishing ideas.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you’re looking for:

• Help with meal ideas
• Tips for quick family dinners
• Ways to stretch your grocery budget
• Healthier, diabetic-friendly recipes

…send me a message or comment below! I’d love to chat with you and find out how I can best help.

Final Thoughts

This was just a peek inside my real, messy, joy-filled kitchen. If you’re a busy mom, working woman, or someone just trying to figure out how to eat well without stress, I hope this post gives you some comfort and ideas.

We don’t need perfection—we just need a plan, some heart, and a little fridge space.

I’ll be back next Sunday with more tips, meal inspiration, and maybe even a cooking demo or two. Until then, enjoy your meals, hug your people, and remember: you’re doing great.

Happy Mother’s Day from Kelly’s Kitchen!