• Let's Talk About Dinner Time Decision Fatigue & Perimenopause/Menopause
    Feb 16 2026

    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

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    14 Min.
  • Healthier Sweet Treats For Women In Midlife | No Sugar Crash
    Feb 9 2026

    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

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    10 Min.
  • Menu Of the Month (MOM) | February
    Feb 2 2026

    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!


    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    9 Min.
  • Midlife Relationships & Menopause: Why Everything Feels Harder (and What Helps)
    Jan 26 2026

    In this episode of Her Health Code, we dive into the relationship challenges many women face during perimenopause and menopause—from increased irritability and emotional distance to shifts in intimacy, communication, and self-identity.

    Midlife hormonal changes don’t just affect the body—they can deeply impact romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and how women relate to themselves. This conversation sheds light on why conflicts may feel heightened during this season and offers compassion, clarity, and practical tools for navigating relationships with more understanding and ease.

    ✨ If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I feel like a different person?” or “Why is my relationship suddenly so hard?”—this episode is for you.

    LINKS:
    Connect with Jess & Michele:

    Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
    Instagram

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

    YouTube

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • How perimenopause and menopause affect emotions, mood, and communication
    • Why relationship tension often increases in midlife
    • Common patterns women experience with partners & family
    • Ways to communicate your needs without guilt or overwhelm

    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!

    Timestamps (Optional but great for YouTube)
    00:00 – Introduction
    03:10 – Why relationships feel harder in midlife
    07:45 – The hormonal impact on emotions and mood
    13:20 – Communication breakdowns & feeling unseen
    18:40 – Intimacy, libido, and body changes
    24:30 – What helps: boundaries, support, and honesty
    30:10 – Final reflections & encouragement

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    22 Min.
  • From Sweatpants to Style: Reclaiming Your Wardrobe in Midlife
    Jan 19 2026

    Feeling uncomfortable or unsure in your clothes during the midlife perimenopause and menopause years is more common than we talk about—and it has nothing to do with your worth.

    In this episode, we explore how to feel more confident in your clothes as a woman in midlife, especially as your body changes during perimenopause and menopause. We talk about why what once worked in your closet may no longer feel right and how confidence is less about size and more about understanding your body, honoring this season of life, and dressing with intention.

    You’ll learn practical, compassionate strategies to help you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, including how hormones affect body shape, why self-criticism shows up more loudly in midlife, and how small wardrobe shifts can make a big impact on self-esteem.

    This episode is an empowering reminder that you don’t need to keep up with the latest style trends; you deserve clothes that feel good on you now. Feeling confident in your clothes can be a powerful act of self-care and an important part of midlife wellness.

    ✨ Perfect for women in midlife who want to feel confident, comfortable, and at home in their bodies again.
    LINKS:
    Connect with Jess & Michele:

    Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
    Instagram

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

    YouTube

    takeaways

    • "It's easy to feel disconnected from our wardrobes as we age."
    • "Having 10 pieces that make you feel amazing in midlife is better than 100 that don't."
    • "Tips for using ChatGPT to find your best colors for free!"
    • "Dressing in clothing that looks and feels good can significantly boost your confidence."
    • "It's not about vanity; it's about how you want to show up in the world.

    Chapters
    00:00
    Introduction and Welcome
    00:00
    Exploring Key Themes and Insights
    00:03
    Navigating Wardrobe Changes in Midlife
    09:50
    Finding Fabrics That Feel Good
    18:54
    Building a Sustainable and Confident Wardrobe


    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    18 Min.
  • How to Stop Sugar Cravings in Midlife: Women's Hormones, Bitters & How to Reset Your Tastebuds Naturally
    Jan 16 2026

    Do you find yourself craving sweets more than ever in midlife? You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.

    In this episode, we explore sweet cravings in women during midlife and how they’re deeply connected to hormonal changes, perimenopause, menopause, blood sugar balance, stress, and emotional well-being. We break down why sugar cravings often intensify during this stage of life and what your body may really be asking for.

    This episode offers compassionate insight, practical tools, and reassurance for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, helping you better understand your body and support your health from the inside out.

    ✨ Perfect for women in midlife who want to reduce sugar cravings, support hormone health, and feel empowered in their wellness journey.

    LINKS:
    Connect with Jess & Michele:

    Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
    Instagram

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

    YouTube


    LINKS MENTIONED IN SHOW:
    GAIA PRO DIGESTIVE BITTERS

    • Bitters can help reduce sugar cravings.
    • Taste buds can change to prefer bitter foods.
    • Eating arugula before meals can curb sweet cravings.
    • Sauerkraut may help manage sugar cravings.
    • Emotional eating is often linked to sugar consumption.
    • Sugar can lead to mood swings and depression.
    • It takes a few days to shift taste preferences.
    • Conscious dietary changes can improve health.
    • Managing sugar intake is important for hormone balance.
    • Personal experiences can guide dietary choices.

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction to Sugar Cravings

    02:40
    Bitters and Taste Bud Transformation

    05:34
    Personal Hacks for Managing Sweet Tooth

    08:20
    The Emotional Impact of Sugar Consumption

    10:06
    Conclusion and Future Experimentation

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    8 Min.
  • Real Talk on Perimenopause & Menopause: Navigating Symptoms, Diet, and HRT
    Jan 15 2026

    In this episode, Jess & Michele share their honest and deeply personal journeys through perimenopause and menopause, opening up about early symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, emotional overwhelm, and feeling alone during this major life transition.

    Together, we explore the powerful role of dietary changes, the realities of navigating hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and why advocating for yourself within the healthcare system is essential. Jessica and Michele discuss how understanding your body, finding the right provider, and embracing ongoing support can make all the difference in managing symptoms and reclaiming confidence in midlife.

    This conversation is a warm reminder that you are not alone, that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and that with the right tools, support, and self-compassion, it’s possible to feel strong, informed, and empowered during this season of life.

    This episode is for women in midlife who want to feel supported, educated, and hopeful about their health and wellness journey.

    LINKS:
    Connect with Jess & Michele:
    Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
    Instagram

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

    YouTube

    We talk openly about:
    Early menopause symptoms and feeling “too young”
    How nutrition and dietary changes impact hormones
    Separating nutrition myths from science
    The emotional and mental health side of midlife transitions
    Finding supportive healthcare providers
    Why HRT requires ongoing monitoring and personal advocacy

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction to Perimenopause and Menopause

    02:57
    Personal Experiences with Symptoms

    05:27
    Dietary Changes and Their Impact

    08:34
    Navigating Nutrition Myths

    11:33
    Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

    14:11
    Emotional and Mental Health During Transition

    17:22
    Finding Support and Community

    20:03
    The Journey to HRT and Its Benefits

    25:08
    The Importance of Self-Presentation

    30:57
    Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

    38:12
    The Role of Healthcare Providers in Hormonal Health

    43:54
    Personal Experiences with Hormonal Changes and HRT

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    50 Min.
  • Stop Reading Every Food Label: A Simpler Way to Eat Healthy For You & Your Family
    Oct 23 2025

    You’ve been told to read every food label, but what if that’s not actually helping? In this episode of Her Health Code, hosts Jess & Michele get real about the confusion and pressure moms face when trying to eat healthy. Between misleading food labels, endless ingredient lists, and the daily rush to feed your family well, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated before you even get to the checkout line.

    As certified holistic health coaches (and busy moms themselves), Jess and Michele share a refreshing perspective: you don’t need to memorize every ingredient to make good choices. They reveal a simpler, stress-free way to eat clean without obsessing over labels or spending hours in the kitchen.

    You’ll walk away inspired with practical ideas for easy breakfasts, healthy snacks, and real-life meals your whole family will love—along with mindset shifts that help you enjoy food again. This conversation will change how you look at nutrition, helping you create a healthier, happier kitchen (and life) with ease.

    Tune in to learn how small, sustainable changes can transform your family’s health.

    You don’t have to memorize every food label to eat well.

    Healthy meals and snacks can be simple, fun, and family-friendly.

    Whole, unprocessed foods fuel energy, balance, and well-being.

    The 80/20 rule keeps nutrition flexible and guilt-free.

    Creativity in the kitchen makes healthy eating sustainable.

    Stress-free cooking creates space for true wellness.

    LINKS:
    Connect with Jess & Michele:

    Michele: lovingyourwellness.com
    Instagram

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

    YouTube

    Chocolate Bark recipe:

    Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper

    Melt 3-4 bars of dark chocolate (I like the organic dark chocolate @ Trader Joe’s in the red package) in the microwave, and pour onto parchment paper

    Sprinkle your favorite chopped nuts,seeds, and dried fruit on top of the chocolate.

    Using a spatula, press the nuts, seeds, and dried fruit down a bit

    Sprinkle with sea salt

    Place baking sheet into the freezer to set for at least an hour

    Take out of freezer, break into chunks, and store into a glass container in the fridge

    It is good for at least two weeks in the fridge, but it is usually eaten in one

    Granola "cereal"
    3 cups sprouted oats
    3/4 cup chopped walnuts
    3/4 cup sprouted pumpkin seeds
    3/4 cup hemp seeds
    any other seeds and nuts(optional)
    3 TBS ceylon cinnamon
    sea salt

    sauce
    equal parts melted coconut oil and maple syrup( i use 1/2 cup each)
    vanilla
    mix these together until they bind together in a slurry
    pour sauce over dry mix and mix together until everything is coated
    dump onto parchment lined baking sheet, spread out evemly, and press down firmly

    bake at 400 degrees for about 10-14 minutes
    check at 10 min
    take out when it’s lightly golden
    don’t touch until fully cooled (about 45 min.), so u get lots of chunks
    enjoy😊


    Episode Highlights:
    You don’t have to memorize every food label to eat well.


    Healthy meals and snacks can be simple, fun, and family-friendly.


    Whole, unprocessed foods fuel energy, balance, and well-being.


    The 80/20 rule keeps nutrition flexible and guilt-free.


    Creativity in the kitchen makes healthy eating sustainable.


    Stress-free cooking creates space for true wellness.

    KEY MOMENTS:
    00:00 – Welcome to Her Health Code
    00:42 – Why healthy eating feels so overwhelming
    02:30 – The problem with obsessing over food labels
    05:10 – What really matters when choosing foods
    08:45 – Simple swaps that make healthy eating easier
    12:20 – How to get your family on board
    15:00 – The 80/20 mindset for balanced nutrition
    17:45 – Why perfection isn’t the goal
    19:10 – Simple breakfast ideas for busy mornings
    22:00 – Creating a stress-free relationship with food
    24:00 – Final thoughts + encouragement for moms

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    35 Min.