Spoiler: You don’t have to rely on a 3rd cup of coffee to feel human by lunchtime.

When I was teaching full-time, I didn’t know what peptides were. I just knew I was tired — like, bone-deep tired. Every. Single. Day.

Back then, I thought exhaustion was just part of being a teacher. The stress, the bloating, the brain fog — I assumed it was normal.

Now that I’ve left the classroom and started focusing on my health, I’ve discovered something that would’ve changed everything: natural peptides.

🧠 First of All, What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — basically, tiny building blocks your body already uses to support things like:

Energy
Focus
Sleep
Digestion
Inflammation control

The peptides I use now (from MAKE Wellness) are all-natural, made from real ingredients, and come in powder packets I mix into water — kind of like a hydration drink, but way more targeted. Some of them also come in capsule form.

☕ What I Used to Do: The Coffee Spiral

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar:

Wake up tired
Drink a huge coffee
Teach 5 hours straight
Hit a wall at 1:00
Reach for more caffeine
Crash by 5:00
Still can’t sleep

Coffee worked temporarily, but I was jittery, bloated, and totally drained by the time I got home. And I was still exhausted the next morning.

💧 What I Do Now: Peptides for Energy, Focus, Bloat Support & Calm

Swapping out my third (okayyyy… sometimes fourth) cup of coffee for natural peptides was a game-changer. I still get the energy and focus I need, but with none of the crash, jitters, or anxiety spiral that used to come with it. Here’s what I use now, and what it’s helped me reclaim:

⚡ 1. Energized – Clean, Sustained Energy

This powdered peptide gives me a gentle energy boost (yes, it has a little caffeine) without the spikes or crashes. I sip it mid-morning — usually when I start diving into curriculum writing or back-to-back Zoom calls. It sharpens my focus without making me feel anxious or wired.

🧠 Bonus: I take it with Focused (capsule) for even more mental clarity when I really need to dial in.

🔥 2. Lean + Fit + Hydrated – Bloat Relief, Recovery & Daily Support

Every morning, I mix Fit (for muscle recovery) and Hydrated (for electrolytes + bloat support) together in water. They taste great combined and keep me feeling clear and balanced all day.

Alongside that, I take Lean (2 capsules) which supports metabolism, reduces bloating, and curbs my appetite — naturally, without stimulants.

Together, these have helped me feel lighter, stronger, and way less sluggish by midday.

😴 3. Calm – Nighttime Wind-Down

This is the powder I pour right onto my tongue every evening before bed. Calm helps me actually relax after a full day of screens and task-switching. I stop scrolling 30 minutes before bed, take Calm, and let myself wind down.

I sleep deeper, wake up earlier, and don’t feel like I’m dragging through the first part of the day anymore.

🙋‍♀️ What I Wish I Knew Back Then

If I could go back and tell my teacher-self anything, it would be this:

“You’re not lazy. You’re not bad at routines. You’re not a bad teacher because you can’t get everything done in your school day. You’re just exhausted, and your body needs real support, not just more caffeine.”

These natural peptides have helped me feel more like myself again — not because they’re magic, but because they support the parts of me that were constantly running on fumes.

🎁 Want to Try My Routine?

I’ve put together a quick guide that shares:

My exact peptide routine (when I take what, and why)
How I pair it with meal prep, walking, and hydration
Links to check out the science and ingredients behind MAKE Wellness peptides

📥 Want it? Grab it here.

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in the classroom, at home writing curriculum, or just trying to feel better during the workday — you deserve support that works with your body.

I’m not anti-coffee (I mean, have you met me?);. I’m just pro-options.

And these peptides? They gave me mine back.

Jessica

You know that moment when your planner looks like a Pinterest board but your actual life looks like an unfinished group project?

Same.

When you're tired, bloated, and running on fumes, the last thing you need is a planning system that overwhelms you even more.

Here are the tools and tricks that help me plan my days without burning out.

First: Ditch the Perfect Plan

Perfection isn't the goal. Feeling supported is.

I used to write these color-coded, high-achieving schedules and then immediately feel like a failure when I couldn’t stick to them.

Now? I plan for real life. The kind where bloating, brain fog, and burnout are part of the equation.

My Low-Energy Planning Tech Stack

1. Canva Weekly Planner Template

Simple, customizable, and reusable. I plug in my tasks, meals, movement, and self-care in one place. It makes the week feel doable.

Grab it for free HERE as a PDF

And here's the Canva Template.

2. Google Keep

Color-coded blocks help me visually separate work, home, and rest. I schedule breaks like appointments and set alerts to remind me to, you know… eat.

Want some headers? Here's my Canva Template!

3. ChatGPT

When I’m mentally tapped out, I let ChatGPT help me outline posts, meals, or write gentle to-do lists. The key? Don't copy it word for word; make it your own!

Peptides to the Rescue

I sip MAKE Hydrated or Energized when I sit down to plan. It helps reduce brain fog, ease bloating, and boost clarity.

When I pair that with a small stretch or walk before planning, I feel more energized and clear-headed.

Check out these Peptides HERE. I recommend looking into the Science!

Planning in Survival Mode? Try This:

Instead of a full schedule, I list one thing per category:

Must-do
Move-your-body
Eat/fuel

Three things. That’s it. Everything else is a bonus.

And if you're dealing with a bloated belly or foggy brain? Try planning standing up, drinking water while you write, or even talking your plan out loud into a voice note.

TL;DR

Planning while exhausted doesn’t need to be pretty.

Use tools that simplify, not complicate. Let your plan reflect your real life, not your highlight reel.

And when all else fails? Drink water, write down three things, and let the rest go.

You’re doing better than you think.

Jessica

from a former teacher who really wishes she had this sooner

If you’ve ever taught all day in high-waisted pants, scarfed down a “lunch” standing over your desk, and ended the day feeling like a bloated balloon, just know: SAME BESTIE.

As a former classroom teacher, my days were go-go-go from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (and sometimes beyond), and I never had time to slow down — let alone take care of my gut health, hydration, or inflammation.

Now that I’m out of the classroom and writing curriculum and educating teachers full-time, I’ve found a routine that works for my body instead of against it. I call it my Anti-Bloat Stack, and I truly wish I’d had it when I was still teaching.

So What’s in My Anti-Bloat Stack?

These are the natural peptides I take daily from MAKE Wellness that help me manage bloat, energy, and focus — without stimulants, sugar crashes, or artificial junk.

1. Lean (Capsule - 2 in the morning)

Lean is a metabolism-supporting, anti-inflammatory blend that helps with:

Reducing bloating
Supporting digestion
Managing cravings throughout the day

Honestly, I used to think my 3 PM slump was just exhaustion — but a lot of it was gut-related discomfort.

2. Fit + Hydrated (Powder - mixed with water each morning)

These two are my dynamic duo:

Fit helps with muscle recovery and building lean strength, especially after workouts
Hydrated has electrolytes to beat bloat and keep me energized without relying on coffee or soda

I mix them together in my Owala first thing in the morning and sip while I move my body.

3. Focused (Capsule - once daily) + Energized (Powder - mixed with water)

While not technically “anti-bloat,” this combo's a secret weapon for mental clarity and improved energy - because when I’m clear-headed and renewed, I make better choices (and don’t go reaching for processed snacks and more coffee just to “wake up”).

My Daily Routine (Now vs. Teaching Days)

Then (in the classroom):

Coffee #1 before sunrise
Rushed breakfast
Coffee #2 mid-morning
No water bottle in sight
Holding my pee until 3 PM
Bloated, foggy, and exhausted by 6 PM

Now (working from home or my on campus office):

💧 Lean + Fit + Hydrated with water after my morning workout
🍳 Balanced breakfast I actually sit down to eat
🧠 Focused capsule and Energized with water when I start deep work or Zoom meetings
💦 Refill my water 2-3 times a day - thanks, Owala
🧘 Calm peptide before bed = less scrolling, better sleep

Where to Start (and Why It Matters)

I’m not a doctor - but I am someone who tried everything from caffeine overload to elimination diets. What I’ve found with peptides is that they’re:

Natural
Actually effective
Easy to build into your routine
Affordable when you compare to energy drinks, extra snacks, or coffee shop runs

And most importantly: I feel good.
Less bloat, more energy, more focus = a better version of me showing up every day.

Jessica

Tired of starting every school year already burned out?

Same. That’s why I created the Summer Reset Challenge — a free 7-day plan for teachers who want to feel better before back-to-school chaos hits.

What It Is:

The Summer Reset Challenge is:
✅ 7 small daily actions
✅ A flexible, low-pressure routine builder
✅ Designed with real teachers (and real life) in mind

Whether you’re looking to start meal prepping, hoping to start a wellness/health journey, or just trying to not feel like a swamp by 3 PM, this is for you.

What We’ll Focus On:

Hydration with intention (I use Hydrated + Fit peptides)
Quick wins for meal prep (hello, freezer stash + one protein, two meals)
Easy movement (walks, stretches, walking pad)
Using tech that saves time (Google Keep, Forest)
Rest and routines that reset your nervous system

When It Starts:

Challenge kicks off: July 28

You’ll get:

A free printable tracker
Daily tips in your inbox or IG
Optional bonus week if you’re feeling it
Encouragement + check-ins from me (not a bot, promise)

Want to Join?

It’s free. It’s realistic. And it’s all yours.

Just head to https://www.techandteachability.com/p/summer-reset-challenge.html to get on the list.

Because taking care of YOU isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategy.

Jessica

If you’ve ever sipped cold coffee on your drive to school or skipped breakfast altogether because you were printing morning worksheets at 6:58 AM… this post is for you.

As a former teacher, I know that mornings during the school year are a race. But skipping breakfast only leads to crashing by mid-morning, snacking on whatever’s in your desk drawer, or feeling extra sluggish during 2nd period.

Let’s change that — without adding stress.
Here are 6 *high-protein, easy-to-implement* breakfast ideas that work with real teacher mornings.

1. Cottage Cheese + Fruit + Nuts

Scoop cottage cheese into a bowl or container, add a handful of berries, and sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds. Pack it the night before or toss it together in under 2 minutes. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and keeps you full through morning duty.

2. Make-Ahead Egg Muffins (Prep Once, Eat All Week)

Whisk together eggs, veggies, and a protein (like turkey sausage or diced ham), pour into muffin tins, and bake. Store them in the fridge or freezer and reheat in 30 seconds. You can even eat them cold in a pinch — they still taste great!

For a recipe, click HERE.

3. Protein Smoothie Packs (Blend + Go)

Portion smoothie ingredients into freezer bags: frozen banana, berries, spinach, protein powder, and nut butter. In the morning, dump into a blender with milk or water, blend, and take it to go. You can even blend the night before and refrigerate.

4. Overnight Oats with Protein Boost

Combine rolled oats, milk (or yogurt), protein powder or collagen, chia seeds, and fruit in a jar. Let it sit overnight, and it’s ready in the morning. No cooking needed — just grab, shake, and go.

I make these recipes all the time!

5. Yogurt Parfait Jars/Chia Seed Puddings

Layer yogurt with granola, nuts/seeds, and fruit in a mason jar. Optional: stir in some protein powder or top with peanut butter. This can be made 2–3 days in advance for the easiest grab-and-go breakfast.

Several of my favorite chia seed pudding recipes can be found HERE.

6. Breakfast Boxes

Pack premade waffles, sausage or bacon (or both!), and premade eggs (scrambled or hard boiled - you do you boo!) in a microwave safe dish. Store in the fridge until ready to eat. Pop it in the microwave and then drizzle some maple syrup over the waffle and you've got a quick and delicious breakfast.

Real Talk: Breakfast Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

It just needs to fuel you so you can teach, think, and move without running on fumes.

Choose one of these to try this week. Prep a few if you’re feeling motivated. Your body (and brain) will thank you — especially around 10:15 when everyone else is crashing.

Want More Teacher Wellness Tools?

Join my newsletter for weekly tips on realistic wellness, planning systems, meal prep, and product faves that work with real teacher life — not against it.

You can also grab my free Sunday Reset Kit to help you prep for the week ahead.

Don't forget to check out my breakfast recipes!

Jessica

Planning a Disneyland trip doesn’t mean giving up your wellness routine. I just got back from a magical (and exhausting) few days at Disneyland, and I’m proud to say I came home feeling tired but not totally wrecked.

If you're wondering how to stay healthy at Disneyland—without skipping the churros or overloading on caffeine—this two-part guide has everything I did to prep, pack, and protect my energy. From travel-friendly wellness habits to the tech tools that saved my sanity, here’s what worked.

Part 1: How I Prepped for Disneyland Without Losing My Routine

When you’re walking 25,000+ steps a day, dealing with long lines, and trying to stay upbeat (especially with kids!), energy management is everything. Here’s how I planned ahead to support my health while still enjoying the trip.

What I Packed for a Healthy Disneyland Trip

Packing smart made a huge difference in how I felt every day.

MAKE Wellness peptides: I brought Hydrated and Fit and Energized for morning energy and Calm for winding down at night. These helped with hydration, recovery, and digestion (aka, less bloat).
Comfy, broken-in shoes: Trust me—don’t try anything new at Disneyland. While my favorite pair of Disney shoes are some Reef Flip Flops, I know that's not everyone's cup of tea! My sister loves some strappy Skechers sandals while Carly insists on socks and Crocs. Find what works for you, but definitely do NOT where brand new shoes on a park day.
Wellness tech tools:
- Disneyland app (for maps, wait times, and mobile orders)
- Google Sheets (for planning our flexible itinerary)
- Waterllama (to track water intake)
- WeWard (to get rewards for walking all those steps!)
Healthy snacks: Trail mix, dried fruit, and electrolyte packets kept me going between meals.

My “Minimum Habits” to Stay on Track

I didn’t aim for perfection—just the essentials that help me feel like myself:

Hydrated + Fit peptides first thing every morning. The Hydrated definitely kept me going in the California Sun! Fit helped my muscles to recover each day from all the walking I was doing.
Movement, which Disney provides in spades! I think the average of all of my steps was around 20K per day!
Sleep: I prioritized at least 6+ hours by leaving the parks early a few nights and sleeping in a bit. We didn't make rope drop any day, but we still filled our days with fun!

How I Stayed Energized Without Relying on Coffee

I used to start my day with caffeine, I just had to have my coffee!! Especially at Disney. But since starting my morning peptide routine it has been giving me enough energy and focus that I realized I didn’t need coffee to function. I still enjoyed a treat coffee here and there (hello, Galaxy’s Edge cold brew), but I avoided the crashes and kept my energy more stable throughout the day.

Part 2: What Actually Helped Me Feel Good at Disneyland

Even with the best packing list and prep, it’s the on-the-ground strategies that really made the trip feel good. Here’s what helped me stay energized, hydrated, and present during our Disney days:

1. Hydration = Energy + Recovery

Starting my day with MAKE Hydrated + Fit peptides helped immensely with energy, digestion, and muscle recovery after long park days. I also kept my Owala water bottle with me everywhere—quick-service restaurants give free ice water, and I used those refills constantly. I clip it onto my park bag using a carabiner.

2. Resting Every Hour

We took short breaks every hour to sit down (and have a snack), stretch, or just slow our pace. It kept everyone happier (and less cranky) and gave our legs time to recover. Perfect time for some selfies to show off your face sparkles from A Britt Crafty!

Pro tip: Look for shaded benches in less crowded areas like Galaxy’s Edge or behind Fantasyland.

3. A Flexible Plan > A Perfect Plan

We had a Google Sheet with our must east snacks! It's the 70th Anniversary Celebration of Disneyland so there were several sweet treats and special offerings at various quick services around the park and we wanted to make sure we got as many as we could. We also had a list of rides we wanted to make sure we hit, but we didn’t let a schedule ruin the fun. Some days we changed plans on the fly, and that flexibility made everything more enjoyable. Letting go of perfection helped me stay present.

Final Thoughts: How to Stay Healthy at Disneyland Without Missing the Fun

Disneyland can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to drain you. With a few intentional habits and wellness tools, I left the parks feeling joyful and still myself. No sugar crash. No caffeine hangover. Just great memories, strong steps, and a little more magic.

🔗 Want More Tips?

Jessica

Why summer is the best time to build routines that stick!

As a former teacher, I know how easy it is to fall into survival mode during the school year. You’re up early, running on caffeine, barely sitting for lunch, and by 3 PM you’re running on fumes (and maybe a leftover granola bar from your desk drawer from who knows when).

That’s why I’ve learned this truth the hard way:
If you wait until August to get back into a wellness routine… it probably won’t stick.
But if you start small now, while your schedule is (even slightly) more flexible — those habits can carry you through the chaos of back-to-school.

So if you’re a teacher (or teacher-adjacent) trying to take better care of yourself this year, let’s talk about how to set yourself up for success — starting in July.

Hydration Is the Easiest First Win

Before you overhaul your entire routine, let’s start with the easiest fix:

Drink more water.

Not in a “you must drink 128 oz a day or else” kind of way — but in a gentle nudge kind of way.

Start the day with 10-20 oz of water before your first coffee.
Throw in a dose of electrolytes (I use Hydrated from MAKE Wellness) and boom - you’re already ahead of where you were yesterday.

You can also grab a 15% discount on an Owala bottle! Check them out HERE and use my code TECHANDTEACHABILITY for your discount!

📱 Bonus: I use Waterllama to track hydration and keep it kind of fun.

My Owala signed by characters at Disney!!

Move a Little. Don’t Overthink It.

July is a great time to build a movement habit without needing a fancy gym or a strict routine. Try:

Morning walks before it gets too hot
5-minute YouTube stretch videos
A standing or walking pad during work-from-home tasks (I walk on my pad while folding clothes and listening to a podcast or catching up on a fave show; multitasking at it's finest!) Here's a link (Amazon affiliate) for the exact one I have!

You’re not training for a marathon — you’re just reminding your body that movement is safe and energizing.

Create a Simple Weekly Planning System

The best back-to-school routines aren’t rigid. They’re flexible frameworks you can fall back on when everything else gets hectic.

Use July to:

Try a weekly planning template (I use a Canva weekly planner; grab it free HERE!)
Plug in meals, workouts, top 3 priorities, and 1 mindset reminder
Get used to checking in with it every Sunday (even if you’re just writing “eat leftovers” or “sit down for 5 minutes”)

This is about building a routine that works with your brain, not against it.

Start Your Peptide Routine Before You Need It

MAKE Wellness peptides have been a game changer for me — and summer is the perfect time to test them out before school starts. I take:

Lean: for bloat, metabolism, and sugar cravings
Fit and Hydrated: for muscle recovery and electrolyte support
Focused: for mental clarity when I’m writing or in Zooms
Calm: before bed, especially on screen-heavy days

Starting in July means I’ve already figured out what works for me - and I’m not troubleshooting while also printing syllabi and answering 47 emails.

💛 Want to try them? Here’s my link to save:https://makewellness.com/256441/

Build the Habit Now, So It’s Just “What You Do” in August

July gives you time to experiment, reflect, and adjust without the pressure of a full teaching schedule.

Start with one habit. Stack another. And by the time your classroom keys are back in your hand, your reset routine won’t feel like one more thing - it’ll feel like normal.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need to start.

✅ Want to reset with me?

Grab my free Sunday Reset Kit, join the upcoming Teacher Reset Challenge (more info in the newsletter!), or just follow along on Instagram for tips, check-ins, and realistic teacher wellness tools.

Because you deserve to feel good in your body before the school bell rings. 💛

Jessica

Looking for simple tech tools to help you stay organized as a teacher or curriculum writer? These 5 tech tips and hacks help with planning, focus, wellness, and productivity — and they actually work.

👋 Why These Tools Work (Especially for Teachers)

Whether you’re still in the classroom or working behind the scenes as a curriculum writer, chances are you’re juggling a million things. I’ve been a teacher, I write computer science curriculum now, and I also try to live a semi-healthy life with meal prep, walking, and a lot of Zoom meetings.

These are my go-to tech tools for teachers and busy humans in general — they help me stay organized, focused, and less overwhelmed, both personally and professionally.

1. 📝 Google Keep – The Best Free Note-Taking App for Teachers

If your brain runs on sticky notes, Google Keep is going to feel like magic.

I use this tool to:

Collect content ideas for Instagram or my blog
Save links, recipes, and lesson brainstorms
Jot down quick reminders during curriculum calls or planning blocks

Why it works:
✅ Color-coded notes
✅ Checkbox options for to-do lists
✅ Syncs across phone and desktop

💡 Bonus teacher tip: Create labels like “Sub Plans,” “Meal Prep,” or “Parent Notes” to stay organized.

📝Want some FREE Keep headers? Grab the template here!

2. 📅 Canva Weekly Planner – My Visual Sunday Reset System

Planning in a digital notebook is great — but sometimes I need something visual and calming. That’s why I created my own Canva weekly planner template.

Each week, I plug in:

My top 3 priorities
What I’m eating (I meal prep!)
Movement or wellness goals
One line for mindset or intention

I use this weekly planner on my iPad, or I print it out and keep it on my desk. It’s perfect for visual learners and burned-out teachers alike.

👉 Want the template? CLICK HERE

3. 💧 Waterllama App – Stay Hydrated (and Motivated)

As a teacher or curriculum writer, it’s way too easy to go all day without drinking enough water. Waterllama is a hydration tracking app that helps you stay consistent — and the design is actually fun.

It tracks:

Water (the free version only tracks water)
Tea
Smoothies
Electrolytes or wellness drinks (like my MAKE Wellness peptides)

The streaks, friendly reminders, and hydration goals make it way more fun to stay on track — even during back-to-back Zooms.

*Please note that the paid version offers much more functionality; it's $9.99 per year or $24.99 for Lifetime.

4. 🤖 ChatGPT – A Time-Saving Tool for Teachers and Creators

This is probably the most powerful teacher productivity tool I’ve added to my routine.

Ways I use ChatGPT:

“Create a warm-up for 5th grade science on weather patterns”
“Write a caption for a reel about meal prepping”
“Make a grocery list for 3 simple anti-inflammatory meals”

It’s like having a brainstorming partner that doesn’t get tired.

💡 Reminder: Don’t copy-paste — edit the output to make it sound like you.

5. ⏱️ Focus Timer App – My Burnout Prevention Hack

You don’t need fancy productivity tools. You just need a timer.

I use a Pomodoro-style timer (25 minutes focus, 5 minutes break) with apps like Focus Keeper or Forest. This helps me:

Write more efficiently
Avoid digital fatigue
Take intentional breaks (sometimes on my walking pad!)

💡 Pair with peptides + hydration = energy boost that actually lasts

🙌 Final Thoughts: Tech Tools That Help You Do Less, Better

You don’t need 50 apps and 12 planners. You just need a few tools that match your brain and make your routine feel smoother.

These are my everyday teacher tech essentials — and I use them to support my wellness, prep my meals, and manage my work-from-home life as a curriculum writer and teacher supporter.

📥 Want my free Sunday Reset Kit? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram @techandteachability to be the first when I send it out!

💬 What tool helps you feel more organized? Drop a comment or connect with me on Instagram!

Jessica

If you’ve ever wasted precious planning time clicking through your Google Drive just to open a new Doc... this post is going to save your sanity.

As a curriculum writer (and former teacher), I live inside Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. And I’m always looking for ways to simplify tech for teachers — especially those little tricks that make life just a bit easier.

This one? Pure gold.

💻 Just Type `.new` and GO

Next time you need to open a new file fast, try this:

docs.new → instantly opens a blank Google Doc
slides.new → opens a new Google Slides deck
sheets.new → opens a new Google Sheet
forms.new → opens a blank Google Form
keep.new → opens a new Google Keep note
cal.new or meeting.new → creates a new Google Calendar event.

That’s it. Type it in your browser bar like a website. No clicks, no waiting.

✨ Why This Shortcut Is a Game-Changer

✅ Saves time — no more digging through Drive or clicking “+ New”
✅ Works anywhere — as long as you’re logged into your Google account
✅ Perfect for on-the-fly ideas — lesson brainstorms, quick trackers, sub plans, etc.

🧑‍🏫 Real-Life Uses for Teachers

Jotting down a last-minute sub plan
Starting a new lesson outline
Creating quick checklists or bell ringers
Tracking behavior or notes in Sheets
Drafting a parent communication email
Creating an emergency quiz in Google Forms

💬 Want More Time-Saving Tech Tips?

I share simple, doable tips like this every week over on Instagram → @techandteachability

You can also check out my free Sunday Reset Kit (coming soon!) for planners, wellness tools, and teacher-tested favorites.

Jessica

Meal prep doesn’t have to be extreme. No color-coded containers. No full Sundays lost to chopping.

As a curriculum writer and former teacher, I still work long hours on Zoom and need to eat well — but I also want it to be easy, repeatable, and realistic. After years of trial and error (and burnout), I’ve landed on a simple system that keeps me fed, saves time, and actually works.

Here’s exactly what I do each week — plus the tools that make it 10x easier.

*This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

🛒 Step 1: Plan 2 Proteins + 2 Meal Combos

I don’t cook 7 different meals. I repeat on purpose.

Each week I choose: (examples in parentheses)

2 main proteins (like ground turkey + baked chicken)
2 meal combos that can be remixed across 4–6 meals

For example:

🥗 Taco bowls (ground turkey, beans, rice, salsa, greens)
🌶️ Turkey Chili (ground turkey, canned tomatoes, black beans, chopped onions)
🍽 Sheet pan chicken with roasted veggies + sweet potatoes
🥗 Chicken Pasta Salad (chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, cheese, mushrooms)

Why it works: I’m not stuck eating the same exact meal over and over, but I’m also not cooking every day.

🧹 Step 2: Clean + Prep the Kitchen First

I start with a clear counter and empty dishwasher/sink. This step sounds boring but saves so much frustration mid-prep.

Tool I use:
🧽🫧🧻 Basic cleaning supplies like countertop sprays and paper towels

I love Dawn Powerwash Spray! It's so versatile and gets EVERYTHING clean! I also like using reusable paper towels, Blueland dishwashing tablets, and dish soap brush and bar.

🔪 Step 3: Keep the Counters Clear as I Go

Instead of letting veggie scraps, packaging, and mess pile up while I prep, I keep my cutting board with a side container right on the counter. I use a big bowl nearby as a "scrap bucket" to collect trash, peels, or compost — and it keeps the space clean and my brain calm.

By the time I’m done chopping, I can dump the bowl and wipe down once instead of stopping five times to clean up. It makes a huge difference.

Tools I use:

🧺 This cutting board with a side container — makes scrap cleanup a breeze
🥣 Giant mixing bowl — I dump scraps as a I go, then rinse it all at once!

Jessica

This is your sign to take your students to Disney.

I've taken some groups to Disney World and it's been AMAZING!! It does seem a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Don't know where to start? I gotchu boo.

I've compiled an informational blog post for you to know where to start.

Decide on dates

I usually do 4 days over Mardi Gras Break or Spring Break.
If your school district allows, take the trip over regular school days. It's up to you!

Decide on who you will invite

What grade levels? I do 4th and 5th grade. I've done middle school in the past. My daughter went with her High School Marching Band and they marched down Main Street!
Will you require an adult with every child?
Will you allow other family members? (I allow siblings of the parents if the student come, but everyone pays the same price)

Get in touch with Disney.

Fill out an Imagination Campus interest form on https://www.disneycampus.com/
A Cast Member will contact you within 2 weeks via email.
This person is your best friend. You’ll talk with them for everything to get started and set up.

Imagination Campus

This is Disney's student field trip program.
They have performing arts and education workshops.
Decide on which program you want and book it ASAP. They fill up quickly.
Since Imagination Campus started, we've done Technology of Disney Parks and this year we are doing Broadway Magic!

Pictures from last year's Technology of Disney Parks

We got to explore behind the scenes at the American Adventure to see how the animatronics worked and how the trackless ride works at Remy's. The students were given tasks to complete and work together through the Design Process.

This year, we are doing something more in line with our Magnet School Theme. We are participating in a workshop called "Broadway Magic" where we will get to work with Disney Teaching Artists to learn a little bit more about the entertainment industry. According to the website, "

"In the Disney Broadway Magic – Musical Theatre Workshop, students gain an understanding of the fundamentals of musical theatre through participation—including breath control, diction and character development.

Industry professionals will lead students in fast-paced rehearsals of a scene from one of Disney’s world-famous shows—culminating in a show-stopping final performance!

This Broadway theatre workshop also offers students critical insights into audition techniques, the importance of every role in a production and how to overcome unexpected obstacles during performances." - Broadway Magic Imagination Campus

We've been practicing with the students on their piece of performance and it's going so well! Now, this workshop said it's best for Middle and High school students, but our 4th and 5th graders have been performing at our school since Kindergarten so I think they've got a leg up on the competition. It's going to be so fun!

Decide on accommodations.

Will you stay on property? If yes, ask your Imagination Campus contact for quotes on rooms.
Usually a value resort will be the cheapest, but they will quote you on any of your top three choices.
If you stay off property make sure you have transportation to and from the parks worked out.

We like to stay at Value Resorts - they have a bit smaller rooms but they are cheaper and most affordable for most families. Pop Century is my favorite!

Pull Down Murphy Bed

Decide on Tickets

How many days will you need? We do 4 days
Do you want Park Hoppers?

We get park hoppers so we aren’t stuck at one park all day, especially if it’s super busy.

Do you want water parks?

Decide on transportation.

Will you fly or take a bus?
Bus is infinitely more affordable than flying, and in Louisiana we aren't that far from Florida.
I’ve used Dixieland Charter, Hotard, and Spangler Tours. Hotard has been the most comfortable but also most expensive. Find a local bus company for your school!
It takes 9.5 hours from Baton Rouge to Orlando.
We leave at 9 pm at night and drive through the night, waking up on the Florida Turnpike!

Decide on your Itinerary.

Sample - Disney World Trip Itinerary 2024
When we wake up on the bus, we stop at the Turkey Lake Service Plaza on the turnpike. Here, we freshen up - brush teeth, hair, get dressed, get breakfast, drink coffee - the basics.

Then we get back on the bus and head to the resort.
The resort will hold your bags for you. Your room will be ready around 3 or 4. Sometimes earlier!

Decide on Dining

Will you provide a card or vouchers? (I do cards; the funds never expire)
Will families have to pay for their own food? This could make for a cheaper package for your families, but they will have to budget for themselves when in Disney.

Book everything through your Imagination Campus Cast Member.

Accommodations
Tickets
Meals
Program
Extras

Please Note: You can use a Travel Agent, but all funds MUST go through the travel agency. Since our trip is a school based trip, our district won't let this fly - we have to do things from the school. Thankfully Disney will take school organizational checks, as well as school based Credit Cards and wire transfers.

Meal Cards/Vouchers

I do Meal Cards - The funds act like cash and never expire; this gives more flexibility for families to purchase meals to share.
Vouchers are a set price each (like $13.90 for breakfast or $16 for lunch/dinner) and will include an entree and a drink.

Decide on Fundraisers/Sponsors.

If you do any fundraisers, I usually total the amount raised, divide it by the number of STUDENT participants, and then subtract from the total due.
For example, if I have 20 students coming, and we raise $1000, I will subtract $50 from their totals. So If Johnny and his mom are coming, and their total is $2,000, I will subtract $50, making their balance due $1,950.

Decide on a payment plan for your families.

I do 5 payments of $210, spread throughout the year and then 1 payment of the balance due.
This is what was charged this year:

Accommodations: $340 per person (based on double occupancy)
Tickets: $450 (we do park hoppers) per person
Bus: $270 per person
T-Shirts: $15 per person (1 t-shirt for the day we have our program)
Dining Card: $200 per person
Total: $1,275

Each year we have to increase the price by about 15% to account for Disney’s price raises; but if the amount is less I do adjust the payments for the families. Next year we are floating the idea of not including the meal card.
This is a significantly cheaper trip than planning a direct one from Disney. There's discounted tickets AND if you can get a Tax Exempt form from Florida (ask your district office!) your trip will be TAX FREE!!

Type up an informational packet. Here is mine: 2024 Disney Trip Informational Packet

Here is an informational slideshow from this past year:

And finally, find a co-sponsor who is crazy enough to take twenty 9 and 10 year olds with you on a cross country field trip for four days.

Don't forget to have fun!!

I hope this blog post helps you plan a magical outing for students at your school.

Spoiler: You don’t have to rely on a 3rd cup of coffee to feel human by lunchtime.

🧠 First of All, What Are Peptides?

☕ What I Used to Do: The Coffee Spiral

💧 What I Do Now: Peptides for Energy, Focus, Bloat Support & Calm

⚡ 1. Energized – Clean, Sustained Energy

🔥 2. Lean + Fit + Hydrated – Bloat Relief, Recovery & Daily Support

😴 3. Calm – Nighttime Wind-Down

🙋‍♀️ What I Wish I Knew Back Then

“You’re not lazy. You’re not bad at routines. You’re not a bad teacher because you can’t get everything done in your school day. You’re just exhausted, and your body needs real support, not just more caffeine.”

🎁 Want to Try My Routine?

💬 Final Thoughts

You know that moment when your planner looks like a Pinterest board but your actual life looks like an unfinished group project?

Same.

First: Ditch the Perfect Plan

My Low-Energy Planning Tech Stack

1. Canva Weekly Planner Template

2. Google Keep

3. ChatGPT

Peptides to the Rescue

Planning in Survival Mode? Try This:

TL;DR

So What’s in My Anti-Bloat Stack?

1. Lean (Capsule - 2 in the morning)

2. Fit + Hydrated (Powder - mixed with water each morning)

3. Focused (Capsule - once daily) + Energized (Powder - mixed with water)

My Daily Routine (Now vs. Teaching Days)

Where to Start (and Why It Matters)

Tired of starting every school year already burned out?

What It Is:

What We’ll Focus On:

Hydration with intention (I use Hydrated + Fit peptides)Quick wins for meal prep (hello, freezer stash + one protein, two meals)Easy movement (walks, stretches, walking pad)Using tech that saves time (Google Keep, Forest)Rest and routines that reset your nervous system

When It Starts:

Challenge kicks off: July 28

Want to Join?

1. Cottage Cheese + Fruit + Nuts

2. Make-Ahead Egg Muffins (Prep Once, Eat All Week)

For a recipe, click HERE.

3. Protein Smoothie Packs (Blend + Go)

4. Overnight Oats with Protein Boost

I make these recipes all the time!

5. Yogurt Parfait Jars/Chia Seed Puddings

Several of my favorite chia seed pudding recipes can be found HERE.

6. Breakfast Boxes

Real Talk: Breakfast Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

Want More Teacher Wellness Tools?

Part 1: How I Prepped for Disneyland Without Losing My Routine

What I Packed for a Healthy Disneyland Trip

My “Minimum Habits” to Stay on Track

How I Stayed Energized Without Relying on Coffee

Part 2: What Actually Helped Me Feel Good at Disneyland

1. Hydration = Energy + Recovery

2. Resting Every Hour

3. A Flexible Plan > A Perfect Plan

Final Thoughts: How to Stay Healthy at Disneyland Without Missing the Fun

🔗 Want More Tips?

Hydration Is the Easiest First Win

Drink more water.

Move a Little. Don’t Overthink It.

Create a Simple Weekly Planning System

Start Your Peptide Routine Before You Need It

Build the Habit Now, So It’s Just “What You Do” in August

You just need to start.

✅ Want to reset with me?

👋 Why These Tools Work (Especially for Teachers)

1. 📝 Google Keep – The Best Free Note-Taking App for Teachers

2. 📅 Canva Weekly Planner – My Visual Sunday Reset System

3. 💧 Waterllama App – Stay Hydrated (and Motivated)

4. 🤖 ChatGPT – A Time-Saving Tool for Teachers and Creators

5. ⏱️ Focus Timer App – My Burnout Prevention Hack

🙌 Final Thoughts: Tech Tools That Help You Do Less, Better

💻 Just Type .new and GO

✨ Why This Shortcut Is a Game-Changer

🧑‍🏫 Real-Life Uses for Teachers

💬 Want More Time-Saving Tech Tips?

Meal prep doesn’t have to be extreme. No color-coded containers. No full Sundays lost to chopping.

🛒 Step 1: Plan 2 Proteins + 2 Meal Combos

🧹 Step 2: Clean + Prep the Kitchen First

🔪 Step 3: Keep the Counters Clear as I Go

Decide on dates

Decide on who you will invite

Hydration with intention (I use Hydrated + Fit peptides)
Quick wins for meal prep (hello, freezer stash + one protein, two meals)
Easy movement (walks, stretches, walking pad)
Using tech that saves time (Google Keep, Forest)
Rest and routines that reset your nervous system

💻 Just Type `.new` and GO