Photography by Virginia Harold
Katie McFarland is constantly looking for ways to improve. Her blog, Mom’s Little Running Buddy—whose slogan is “always striving, never quite achieving balance”—shares tips, tricks, and insights about fitness, nutrition, and parenting. McFarland is a full-time working mom and fitness enthusiast with a passion for endurance sports. Despite her busy schedule (and the chock-full schedule of her husband, Scott, and their children, Ian and Allie), the family always makes time for meals together, with an emphasis not just on connecting but also what’s on their plates.
The Routine
With the kids’ never-ending sports schedules, Katie emphasizes the importance of taking time to plan meals for the week ahead.
“When we think about what we incorporate into the week, how we figure out our meals, and how we plan for things, Sunday and Monday nights are meal-prep nights,” she says. “It’s setting the menu for the week and not just dinner—it’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
The family also gravitates toward certain staples. Allie has developed a recipe for a smoothie that she often drinks for breakfast, for instance, and Ian doesn’t go a week without his favorite chicken pesto pasta for dinner.
Connections to Food
During mealtime, Katie and Scott look for ways to teach their children about nutrition. “When we sit down and eat, we look at our plates and make them think about the food they are eating and the roles they want to play,” Katie says. “If you want to be an athlete and perform well, you have this responsibility to understand what you are putting in your body. You can do better on the field by doing things off the field. It’s good to teach them that connection to food early on.”
Sample Weekly Dinner Menu
- Monday: Grilled chicken and shrimp, roasted carrots, and roasted rosemary garlic red potatoes
- Tuesday: Beef tacos and Spanish rice
- Wednesday: Pork tenderloin, steamed broccoli, and couscous
- Thursday: Leftover night
- Friday: Takeout
- Saturday: Turkey clubs, assorted raw veggies and hummus
- Sunday: Turkey meatballs, bocconcini, and mozzarella
