I’ll admit it—I’m in my 40s, and sometimes my eating habits still resemble those of my college days. I’m a mom, I juggle work, home, and a three-year-old who always needs something, and somewhere in the middle of all that, I’m supposed to remember to feed myself. Most days, I don’t have the time or energy to prep a week’s worth of Pinterest-perfect lunches. Honestly, I’m lucky if I get to eat at all before 2 p.m.

One of my “notorious” habits? Nachos for lunch. If we had tacos the night before, chances are you’ll find me standing at the kitchen counter the next day with a plate of leftover chips, cheese, and taco toppings. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it doesn’t involve wasting food. My husband and kids barely touch leftovers, but I can’t bring myself to throw away perfectly good taco meat and shredded cheese. So, nachos it is.

Breakfast isn’t much better. I usually eat standing up, while working, half-answering emails, and half-keeping an eye on my preschooler. A piece of toast here, a random cookie there, coffee reheated three times… you get the picture. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps me going.

The thing is, eating like this saves money, and right now, that matters more to me than having curated, Instagram-worthy meals. I try not to beat myself up about it because life is full, overwhelming, and nonstop. I’m multitasking all day long, and sitting down to eat a perfectly balanced meal feels like a luxury I just don’t have right now.

So yes, sometimes I still eat like a college student—standing at the counter with nachos in hand, hair in a claw clip, and a toddler tugging on my shirt. 

Can anyone else relate?