{14.11} The Five O’Clock Flow: How I Fixed Dinner Time

Evenings used to be the most chaotic, exhausting, stressful part of my day — hungry, grumpy kids, a cluttered kitchen, no idea what to cook and a general sense of being completely overwhelmed. In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life systems I’ve (accidentally) set up over time to make evenings feel calmer and easier, and me feel way less resentful. From clearing the kitchen before cooking, to setting the table as a team, to getting dinner on the table on time — these small changes have had a huge impact. It’s not about doing things perfectly. It’s about finding what works for your family and slowly building habits that support your energy, your mental load and your evenings. We’ll talk about: How I finally cracked the code on getting dinner ready by 6pm The routine that keeps the kitchen tidy before bedtime Why involving the kids at every stage helps them feel like part of the team The surprising key to making it all work (spoiler: it’s meal planning!) If dinner time is your daily stress point, this one’s for you. Mentioned in this episode: {10.9} Do Children Need Toys? Learning to Play, Playing to Learn with Alexis Ralphs Subscribe to The Weekly Table before 31 July and get a month’s worth of meal plans for free. Let me plan your meals for you, in your inbox every Friday so you know exactly what’s for dinner every night (and get it done in under 30 mins!) Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. Subscribe to my YouTube channel  @tashadcruz⁩, leave a comment and a thumbs up. If you enjoyed this episode and want more support to feed yourself well, even when life is full on, join The Weekly Table and get your meals planned for you. I send you meal inspiration every Friday full of simple ideas, recipes and kitchen tips and a reminder that you deserve to feel good too. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.  

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Raising Healthy Mothers is a podcast for busy, exhausted mums navigating the early years of motherhood. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or raising young children, this is your space for practical tips, expert insights, and real talk on making healthy choices without overwhelm. Motherhood is relentless, and postpartum depletion, exhaustion, and burnout are real. I know how hard it is to prioritise yourself when you’re constantly meeting everyone else’s needs. This podcast is here to support you with simple, realistic strategies so you can regain your energy, feel in control, and enjoy motherhood more. Each week, I dive into topics that matter to mums’ health and wellbeing, from nutrition and self-care to managing stress and rebuilding your energy, with expert guests and honest conversations.