If deciding what’s for dinner feels harder than it should, you’re not alone - and it’s not a personal failure. In this episode, we explore how menopause and perimenopause can increase decision fatigue, making everyday tasks like mealtime feel overwhelming and exhausting.

We’ll talk about the hormonal shifts that impact mental energy, why the “what’s for dinner?” question can feel so triggering in midlife, and how the mental load of feeding yourself or your family changes during menopause. You’ll also hear simple, compassionate strategies to reduce mealtime stress, simplify food decisions, and support your nervous system during this season of life.

Whether you’re a busy mom, caregiver, or simply trying to nourish yourself through menopause, this episode offers practical support, validation, and realistic ways to make mealtime easier - without perfection, guilt, or overwhelm.

LINKS:
Connect with Jess & Michele:

Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
Instagram

Jess: livelightly.eco
Free Wellness & Home Detox Guide
Instagram

YouTube

RELATED EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

How to Stop Sugar Cravings in Midlife: Women's Hormones, Bitters & How to Reset Your Tastebuds Naturally

Stop Reading Every Food Label: A Simpler Way to Eat Healthy For You & Your Family

As women move through perimenopause and menopause, changing hormones can impact energy, cravings, and blood sugar balance. We’ll share simple, nourishing ways to enjoy naturally sweet treats, using fruits, nuts, seeds, and other whole foods - and chocolate - without going overboard on added refined sugar. Learn practical tips and recipe ideas that help curb cravings, support steady energy, and make indulgence feel both satisfying and nourishing for your body without causing spikes in blood sugar in this season of life.

LINKS:
Connect with Jess & Michele:

Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
Instagram

Jess: livelightly.eco
Free Wellness & Home Detox Guide
Instagram

YouTube

RELATED EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

How to Stop Sugar Cravings in Midlife: Women's Hormones, Bitters & How to Reset Your Tastebuds Naturally

Stop Reading Every Food Label: A Simpler Way to Eat Healthy For You & Your Family

Welcome to our first Meal of the Month (MOM) where we're sharing easy, realistic meal ideas for moms in midlife, with each of us bringing one simple go-to meal inspired by seasonal foods, flavors, and the kind of energy we want to feel in this stage of life.

LINKS:
Connect with Jess & Michele:

Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
Instagram

Jess: livelightly.eco
Free Wellness & Home Detox Guide
Instagram

YouTube

Key Takeaways:
• Seasonal eating helps your body feel more in rhythm and supported
• Simple meals can still be deeply nourishing
• Midlife energy is supported by balanced meals—not skipping or extremes
• Listening to your body is more powerful than following food trends

🥦 Simple Bok Choy & Tofu Stir-Fry

Serves 2–3 | Ready in ~25 minutes

Ingredients
• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
• 2 cups bok choy, chopped (separate stems and leaves)
• 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely grated
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated

Sauce
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2–3 tbsp water (to loosen sauce)

⸻
Instructions
1. Prepare the tofu
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook until golden on most sides (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables
Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté onion and carrots for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add bok choy stems and water chestnuts and cook another 2 minutes.
3. Add aromatics
Stir in grated garlic and ginger. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let them burn).
4. Make it saucy
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, hoisin, maple syrup, and water. Pour into the pan and stir to coat vegetables.
5. Finish the stir-fry
Add bok choy leaves and cooked tofu back into the pan. Toss gently and cook 2–3 minutes until greens are wilted and everything is warmed through.
6. Taste & adjust
Add a splash of water for more sauce, or a touch more maple syrup if you want it slightly sweeter.

⸻
Serving Suggestions
• Serve over brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa
• For lower-carb: spoon over cauliflower rice
• Add sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired

Hearty Bone Broth Minestrone Soup

Serves: 10
Cook time: ~45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 (14–15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 8 cups bone broth (any mix of beef & chicken)
• 1 TBS Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained & rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• Option A: 1/2 package cooked small pasta (ditalini, elbows, shells)
• Option B: 1/2 package high-protein pasta such as BRAMI
• 2–3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Before we say goodbye, just a quick disclaimer.
The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We are not medical doctors, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical care. We encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or wellness routine—especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. By listening, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health choices, and we’re honored to be part of your wellness journey. Thank you again for joining us!