Food Shouldn’t Feel Like Homework, Let’s Simplify It
- MaKayla Wright
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
Fair warning..This blog post is pretty straightforward so if you're someone that likes a little sugar coating, this probably isn't the post for you. Take what resonates, leave the rest. This post is for a general audience and not tailored to a specific medical condition.
Let’s be real for a second—food is supposed to fuel you, not send you into an existential crisis at the grocery store. But if you’ve ever stood in the snack aisle, paralyzed between the organic quinoa chips and the slightly less expensive “non-GMO” tortilla chips, you know the struggle is real.
If meal decisions feel like a full-time job, you’re not alone. Here’s how to simplify eating so you can spend less time overthinking and more time living it up.
1. The 3-Category Meal Hack (No Math Required)
Instead of debating macros and nutrient timing like a scientist, think of your meals in three simple categories:
Protein (chicken, tofu, beans, eggs, etc.)
Fiber/Carbs (rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes)
Color (a vegetable or fruit—yes, ketchup on a burger technically counts, but let’s aim higher..we're adults)
Example: Grilled chicken + roasted sweet potatoes + steamed broccoli. Boom. Balanced meal.
This can also align with the Myplate model but if you don't know what that is, that's okay. What you want to know is how to simplify your food and this is a cheat code.
2. Pick Your ‘No-Brainer’ Meals
Decision fatigue is real, so have a few go-to meals that require zero brain power. Think of them like your favorite playlist—you know they’ll always hit.
Examples:
Breakfast: Greek yogurt + honey + granola
Lunch: Turkey sandwich + fruit + baked chips
Dinner: Stir-fry with frozen veggies + tofu + rice
If you find something you love, ride that wave. Nobody said variety is a requirement for survival. It may not be "Instagram picture-worthy," but we're focused on fueling ourselves, not appealing to the masses.
3. The Magic of a ‘Grab & Go’ Formula
For those days when you just can’t, have a formula for quick meals.
Formula: Protein + Easy Carbs + Pre-Cut Veggies + Sauce (optional)
Example: Rotisserie chicken + microwaveable brown rice (gasp, yes I said microwaveable) + pre-cut bell peppers + teriyaki sauce = meal in 6 minutes, no cooking required.
If you're someone that prefers not to use a microwave, try batch cooking instead.
4. Outsource the Hard Parts
If chopping onions makes you reconsider your life choices, buy pre-cut. If cooking makes your head hurt and you have the resources, use a meal delivery service. The goal isn’t to struggle—it’s to eat a balanced meal.
5. Nutrition Has Levels
Nutrition IS a science—but the internet has made it feel like you need a PhD just to eat breakfast. Nutrition is also very individualized so anything you read or see that isn't tailored to you specifically should be tweaked. A lot of influencers prioritize physique over nourishment, leading to unrealistic food rules that make eating feel like a test you’re constantly failing. But guess what? Your body needs more than just protein shakes and restrictive diets to function well.
Good nutrition isn’t about extremes—it’s about balance, sustainability, and actually feeling good. You don’t need to eat like a bodybuilder unless you’re training like one. You don’t need to track every macro unless that genuinely helps you. You do need to find what works for you and stop stressing over what some random influencer eats in a day.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Be a Human
Overthinking food can stem from a lot of things. If it is coming from a place of perfection, i'm going to hold your hand as I say "Let that go." Spoiler alert: A balanced diet can include fun foods, too. Have the cookie. Enjoy the cookie. Move on with your life.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to go to school for Nutrition Science to eat well (unless you want to). Stick to simple meal formulas, repeat what works, and let go of the pressure to make every meal a masterpiece. Outsource areas you need assistance in and don't be afraid to ask for help.
If you would like to speak with a nutritionist on your journey to stop stressing over food and find a meal strategy that actually fits your lifestyle, let’s talk. Book a nutrition consultation with me, and I’ll help you build a simple, sustainable plan that works for you—no nonsense, no stress, just results. Check out Internal Joy's Wellness Programs as well for extended guidance.
Now go forth and eat well—with less stress and more joy. You deserve it.
Comments