The Real Family Eats: Dishing on real parenting struggles and favorite recipes

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Dive into a real, honest conversation about parenting, big emotions, and finding the right support for unique kids. In this episode, Andi Clark shares her journey from burnout to becoming a sleep, stress, and executive functioning coach—plus, she offers a family-favorite sweet potato chickpea curry recipe.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Andi’s personal story overcoming burnout and supporting her children through emotional and academic challenges.
• The signs and impact of burnout on both parents and kids.
• Insights into executive functioning, masking, and why some kids struggle in traditional school systems.
• Practical tips for helping children with big emotions, perfectionism, and learning differences.
• How Andi’s support community and podcast can help parents on similar journeys.

Check the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode!

From Andi:

Remember those moments when your child was yelling in your face in public? Or having a panic attack? Or clinging to your side at a birthday party (if you even managed to get them out the front door)?

I’ve been there too.

I know what it’s like to stay at events and activities long after other parents have left, just in case my son had an outburst.

I’ve felt that loneliness, wondering how to help my child, feeling like every other kid had it together except mine.

Here’s the thing—you’re not alone.

There are so many kids out there just like our little firecrackers, and just as many parents feeling exactly the way we do.

My hope is that by sharing my story, experience and training through the years that you’ll gain the tools you need to understand your child’s needs and help them sooner than I did with a lot less mistakes.

Sleep, Stress , Trauma Informed & Executive Functioning Coach for Kids With Big Emotions. 30 years in the coaching world.

Connect with Andi:

https://andiclark.com/podcast/

https://www.instagram.com/kidswithbigemotions/

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Recipe shared courtesy of:

https://abbylangernutrition.com/incredible-good-vegan-sweet-potato-chickpea-curry/

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Get practical insights on step-parenting, family dynamics, and personal growth in this episode featuring Amy Stone from "The Art of Imperfect Adulting." Amy shares real-life stories, challenges, and tips for navigating blended families and big life transitions.

• How Amy became a stepmom and the unexpected challenges that came with it
• The importance of redefining family roles and creating new traditions in blended families
• Practical strategies for communication, boundaries, and managing complicated family schedules
• Personal experiences navigating grief and how community support plays a role
• Lessons learned about self-growth, therapy, and navigating tough parenting moments

Watch now to learn how real families face real challenges with honesty—and a little humor.

From Amy:

Amy Stone is a coach or mentor, author and podcaster. She is the creator of The Art of Imperfect Adulting and Stepparent Success School. Amy understands that being a grown up can sometimes be tougher than expected. In her own experience “adulting” she sometimes struggled to find the education, support and community she was looking for and so she began to do her part to create those resources for herself and others.

Connect with Amy:

The Art of Imperfect Adulting 

https://feeds.captivate.fm/imperfect-adulting/

IG 

https://www.instagram.com/theartof_imperfect_adulting

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Pom Mocktail

Lemon Flavored Fizzy water (I choose La Croix but anything works) with a splash of pomegranate juice and if you want a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Over ice in a pretty glass.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Join host Reesa as she chats with Tiffany O’Hearn about healing, parenting, and the power of self-love. Tiffany shares her personal journey through divorce, the importance of modeling self-compassion, and even her favorite smoothie recipe.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Tiffany’s background as an energy healer, podcaster, and advocate for self-acceptance.
• The essential role of self-love and compassion in effective parenting and relationships.
• How to navigate the narrative of “selfishness” when choosing yourself as a parent.
• Practical tips on apologizing to your children and fostering collaborative parent-child relationships.
• Tiffany’s go-to strawberry banana smoothie recipe and her insights on using fruit to bond with loved ones.

Don’t miss these honest insights and actionable tips for parents looking to thrive and connect more deeply!

From Tiffany:

Tiffany is an energy healer, speaker, and astrologer who helps individuals heal from trauma, connect with their heart space, and live in alignment with their true purpose. With a focus on self-love, past life healing, and intentional parenting, she empowers others to embrace their worth and find joy in every aspect of life.

Find Tiffany at: 

www.heartinsoulhealing.com

https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.ohearn.9

https://www.instagram.com/heartinsoulhealing/

https://www.tiktok.com/@heartinsoulhealing

https://gnostictv.com/programs/tiffany-ohearn-2?via=tiffany

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Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1 1/2 cups frozen 

strawberries 

1 Banana 

1/2 cup frozen 

Avocado 

1/2 cup Almond 

Milk/or Coconut 

Milk 

Add all ingredients to 

the blender, blend, 

and enjoy!

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with guest Kerry Komarov to talk about parenting, life transitions, and a simple family-friendly recipe. They dive into the realities of juggling work, family, and personal challenges with honesty and practical advice.

• Kerry shares her story of balancing teaching, motherhood, and the transition to starting her own business.
• The emotional and logistical challenges of secondary infertility and how it impacted her family life.
• The importance of rethinking personal expectations and letting go of comparison.
• Tips for building a supportive community during tough times—even when details aren't shared.
• Step-by-step instructions for Kerry's easy, customizable "Egg Bundles" breakfast recipe.

Don’t miss this candid conversation packed with relatable moments, practical parenting wisdom, and a comforting recipe that anyone can try.

Connect with Kerry here:

Website: https://kerrykomarovllc.my.canva.site/

Strategy Session Booking Link for Small Business Owners: 

https://calendly.com/kerrykomarovllc/strategysession

Find me on Facebook: Kerry Komarov

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Egg Bundles

-1 Pack of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

-4 Hard Boiled Eggs (sliced thin)

-4 Pieces of America Cheese

-Salt and Pepper

Makes 4 servings

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Roll out Pillsbury Crescent Dough onto a greased cookie sheet

3. Connect 2 perforated long triangles of dough by pinching them together along one side to make a rectangle (repeat with all 8 triangles - making 4 rectangles)

4. Break one piece of American Cheese in half and put both halves on top of each other on the right ride of the rectangle (repeat on all 4 rectangles)

5. Place all of the slices of hard-boiled egg from one of the eggs on top of the cheese (repeat on all for rectangles)

6. Salt and pepper on top of all the egg (repeat on each rectangle)

7. Fold the left side (empty side) of the rectangle over the cheese and eggs on the right side (filled side) of the rectangle. (Repeat on all 4 rectangles)

8. Pinch all 3 open sides shut (repeat on all 4 rectangles) - should kind of look like a fat hot pocket when you are done

9. Bake for 12 mins

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with Bubba Startz to talk about his powerful life journey, unique parenting challenges, and his tried-and-true chili recipe. This candid conversation digs into real stories, tough choices, and the importance of honesty in family life.

Here’s what you’ll get in this episode:

• Bubba’s transition from welder to podcaster, songwriter, and dad
• The story behind Bubba’s “butt kicking” chili and how he makes it with local South Dakota beef
• Navigating blended families, custody battles, and the challenges of being a parent with a complicated past
• Bubba’s decision to confront his mistakes, including time in prison, and how it impacts his role as a father
• Why transparency, accountability, and “owning your story” matter—for yourself, your kids, and others

Tune in for practical advice, honest reflections, and a hearty recipe you can make at home.

Connect with Bubba Here:

https://thesceneprojects.com

The Scene Projects

Get Better Together Project

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Bubba's Butt Kickin' Chili Recipe

1 lb hamburger

1 can chili beans

1 can dark kidney beans

1 can light kidney beans

1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 or 2 chopped HOT peppers (jalapeños/habaneros/chiles)

Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin,

Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar if you like it sweet like my wife Danielle does.

Crockpot for 4 hours.

Serve with or without macaroni noodles and enjoy. 

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Join Reesa as she chats with Krissy Bold about motherhood, identity, and easy meals that save time and sanity. This episode delivers practical tips, honest storytelling, and encouragement for moms who crave real talk and relatable solutions.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• How Krissy’s chicken pot pie recipe adapts “girl dinner” to quick family meals, plus time-saving tips with rotisserie chicken and store-bought crust.
• The realities of new motherhood, from sleep struggles to the unexpected loneliness and isolation.
• How losing and redefining identity after becoming a parent isn’t a failure—but an opportunity to grow.
• The importance of seeking support and therapy, and why reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.
• Actionable advice for finding joy in the small moments, building community, and taking baby steps toward rediscovering yourself.

Don’t forget to check the links below for Krissy’s podcast, resources, and the full chicken pot pie recipe!

 Connect with Krissy here:

boldlittleminds.com, BoldLittleMinds MomCast, 

instagram.com/boldlittleminds

Resources:

Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself by Dr. Morgan Cutlip

Krissy shared inspiration from Megan Get Real - full recipe here: https://meagangetsreal.com/easy-home-made-chicken-pot-pie/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3jn89j5okZZclhxTdHmwH-SH1vBbbp0T_V_ZWPENvEj_I5glnqomzeGNw_aem_REIyDgeDC5IyTqILrq7PQw

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Disclaimer: The content presented here is for informational purposes and does not constitute mental health treatment or professional advice. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to emergency services or a crisis hotline in your region. The views shared by participants in the show are their own and do not necessarily align with the platform’s positions.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode, Julie Seal-Gaustad joins Reesa to talk business, parenting, and her family's famous banana bread. Get ready for practical insights, real-life challenges, and a recipe that's sure to become a household favorite.

• Julie introduces herself as a business and executive coach serving Southern California, sharing her career journey and client focus.
• The story behind Nana Kate's banana bread recipe and why it's a special family tradition.
• Step-by-step baking tips for making the moistest banana bread (with secret tips for extra flavor and texture).
• Julie's honest conversation about balancing business ownership with motherhood, including tough choices about childcare and quality time.
• Lessons on embracing flexibility, letting go of "perfect parent" expectations, and practicing humility and self-compassion as a parent and professional.

Connect with Julie: https://calendly.com/jsgactioncoach/discovery

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesealgaustad/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JSGActionCoach

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Nana's Banana Bread

Heat oven to 325 degrees 

Peel three bananas large or 4 smaller and crush with fork 

Grease a loaf pan with baking spray or solid Crisco 

Put these next ingredients in mixing bowl as indicated in directions 

3/4 to 1 cup sugar (depends on how sweet you like it) I have substituted 1/4 to 1/2 brown sugar with 1/2 cup regular for a change in taste 

1/2 cup canola oil 

Beat those two ingredients together for about 1 to 2 minutes 

Add 1 egg close to room temperature and beat again 

You can add 1 tsp vanilla at this point or not as you choose. 

In a separate smaller bowl put 1 and 1/2 cups of flour with 1 tsp soda and 1/2 tsp salt. You could add any dry spices, 1/2 to 1 tsp if you like. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. 

Stir to combine dry ingredients. 

Add the bananas to your liquid mixture, mix until blended. 

Add dry ingredients and mix only until well combined. 

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, cranberries, whatever at this time, give bread a quick stir to blend them in and then... 

Pour into baking loaf pan 

Bake for about 50 minutes, check by using tooth pick in center, if it comes out clean bread is done, if still a bit wet, cook about 5 to 10 minutes more watching closely. 

When done take out and put pan on wire rack for ten minutes to cool 

Then use knife to loosen edges and take out of loaf pan. 

Cool on wire rack

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Single parent Blaize joins Reesa to share a heartfelt conversation about parenting challenges, healing, and practical strategies for staying grounded. Tune in to hear an honest take on real-life struggles, personal growth, and a special family recipe.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Blaize balances single parenthood, work, creativity, and a house full of animals
• The story behind Blaize's "special sauce" pasta recipe and why it matters
• Navigating the challenges of parental isolation and finding support
• The importance of somatic (body-based) healing practices for managing tough emotions
• Setting boundaries and reparenting yourself while building healthy family dynamics

Don't forget to check below for Blaize's links and resources!

Instagram.com/weepingWillowWellness

www.weepingwillowwellness.com

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Special Sauce Recipe

Cut tomatoes

Basil

Feta cheese

Olive oil

Mix and pile over any pasta, we like spaghetti

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Are we doomed to repeat the relationship patterns we grew up with? Julie Cobos Hernández, mom of three and nurse, opens up about her journey of breaking free from chaotic relationship cycles and learning to build healthier, more fulfilling connections.

In this raw and eye-opening conversation with Reesa Morala, LMFT, Julie shares the steps she took to unlearn toxic relationship dynamics, heal from past trauma, and prioritize her mental health and emotional well-being—not just for herself, but for her children, too.

🍚 Plus! She shares her beloved family recipe for authentic Mexican Rice—because healing happens at the dinner table, too.

🌱 If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in unhealthy relationships or struggling to break generational patterns, this episode is for you. 🌱

📌 Save this episode to revisit when you need a reminder that change is possible.

💬 Have you worked to break a generational cycle? Share your experience in the comments!

Social media: Julie Hernandez

Credible Mind: https://crediblemind.com/

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Authentic Mexican Rice

Credit: https://stellanspice.com/authentic-mexican-rice/

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups Mahatma® Rice Extra Long Grain White Rice

3 tbsp neutral oil

1/4 onion , diced

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tbsp Knorr chicken bouillon

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 roma tomatoes, (makes 8 oz tomato juice)

2 cups hot water

1/4 tsp salt, or to taste

3 sprigs cilantro

1 jalapeno

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Full instructions on link above. 

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Disclaimer: 

Please note that the content shared on this podcast/YouTube channel is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional therapy or mental health services.

If you are facing a crisis, seek immediate help through emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the platform.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

What happens when the life you thought you’d have collides with the reality of motherhood?

In this powerful episode, Megan Cordaro, mom of five and Certified Birth Doula, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her raw and emotional journey of pregnancy, parenting, and sacrifice. Megan opens up about being pregnant with twins while her husband was deployed to Iraq, the overwhelming grief and resentment of letting go of personal dreams, and the hard-earned wisdom of learning to trust her parenting instincts.

As they dive deep into navigating motherhood, self-advocacy, and resilience, Megan also shares her nourishing Harvest Grain Bowl recipe—a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for busy parents.

👩‍👧‍👦 Ever struggled with balancing parenthood and your own identity?

🎧 Tune in for real talk, relatable struggles, and practical parenting wisdom.

🔥 Don't miss out on more raw, real, and relatable parenting conversations! 🔥

✅ Subscribe to our channel for more unfiltered stories, expert insights, and practical parenting tips!

👍 Like this episode if Megan’s story resonated with you—it helps us reach more parents who need to hear this!

🔔 Follow us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify so you never miss an episode!

👇 What’s a parenting decision you had to trust your gut on? Share in the comments!

 Find Megan: www.megancordaro.com

 Instagram: @meganbcordaro

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Harvest Grain Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

1 Bag of Harvest Grain from Trader Joe's

4 c of Chicken or Vegetable Broth

1/4 c of butter

Frozen Vegetables

Feta Cheese for serving 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the Harvest Grains according to the package. 

2. Add frozen vegetables (whatever you have on hand) when adding the grains. They may need a couple more minutes to cook then the directions say, so keep an eye on them, stirring to check for liquid and to prevent burning. 

3. Once done, serve with Feta cheese. 

*You can also add any leftover chicken from another meal, if you're looking to boost protein. 

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Postpartum Support International:

https://www.postpartum.net/

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Disclaimer: 

The insights shared on this platform are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice or treatment.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911