Self-Care Sunday: Hockey, Yoga & Spicy Pasta

By All the Things Lifestyle

Sundays aren’t just the end of the week—they’re the quiet pause that sets the tone for everything ahead. This week, mine started in the best way: watching my son on the ice at hockey, soaking in those proud-mom moments that make the early mornings worth it. From there, I rolled out my mat for a yoga class (hello, deep breaths and stretched muscles 🙌), and then—my favorite ritual—I dove into Sunday meal prep.

Because here’s the truth: goals don’t just happen. They require preparation. Whether it’s career goals, fitness goals, or simply the goal to feel more energized and less overwhelmed, the way we prepare on Sunday shapes how we show up Monday through Friday.

Meal prep isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being ready. It’s about having nourishing food within reach when life gets chaotic, so you’re not hitting the drive-through out of desperation or microwaving something that leaves you feeling blah. It’s one of the simplest ways to set yourself up for success—and one of the most loving things you can do for yourself.

Here’s what landed on the prep list this week:

🍝 Spicy Pasta

A little creamy, a little fiery, and a whole lot of comfort.

• Penne pasta

• Peas

• Mushrooms

• Andouille sausage

• Sauce: Heavy whipping cream + equal parts paprika, cayenne, and coriander

🌮 Taco Bowls with Elote Corn

Colorful, customizable, and crave-worthy.

• Taco-seasoned ground meat

• Black beans

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• Diced tomatoes + avocado

• Elote corn salad: corn, Greek yogurt, mayo, taco seasoning, hot sauce, and fresh lime juice

🍞 Sourdough Love

Because no Sunday prep is complete without something fresh from the oven. The starter was bubbling, and the bread turned out golden and perfect for sandwiches or just with butter.

🐟 Salmon Bowls (Veggies Prepped!)

I chopped and portioned veggies so these salmon bowls (based on this recipe) will come together in minutes later this week.

🥒 Quick & Easy Lunch Wraps

Perfect for grab-and-go days.

• Cream cheese

• Ham

• Pickles

• Low-carb tortillas

🧀 Snack Containers (Kid + Mom Approved)

Okay, not everything has to check the “super healthy” box. Sometimes it’s about convenience and fun. I threw together snack containers that can double as lunchbox add-ins or quick grab-and-go bites:

• White cheddar cheese

• Ritz crackers

• Grapes

• Vanilla wafers

Healthy? Not exactly. But balanced, realistic, and guaranteed to get eaten? 100%. And honestly, sometimes that’s the win we need.

Why We Prep

Meal prep is more than food in containers—it’s a zzmindset. It’s choosing to be proactive instead of reactive. It’s reminding yourself that you’re worth the extra effort it takes to nourish your body, steady your mind, and feel strong heading into the week.

Because when you’re prepared, you make better choices. You’re less likely to grab something quick that doesn’t serve you, and more likely to fuel your body with food that keeps your energy steady, your mood lifted, and your goals in motion.

At All the Things Lifestyle, we believe preparation is power. And Sunday prep? It’s our secret weapon for showing up boldly in the week ahead—whether that means conquering the to-do list, crushing a workout, or simply having the energy to enjoy family dinner at the end of a long day.

Here’s to another week of tiny victories, one intentional step (and one spicy pasta bowl) at a time. 💛