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Dear Reader,

The holiday season can feel like walking into a perfect storm for stress eating - crowded spaces, endless events, and tempting treats at every turn. (the egg nog won't drink itself after all)

​Research shows that chaotic environments significantly increase our tendency to reach for comfort foods, especially when we’re already feeling overwhelmed.

But creating small moments of calm can make a remarkable difference.

Here are 5 simple ways to create your peaceful harbor during the holiday rush:

Define your eating space - Even at busy gatherings, place a napkin or placemat to create your “mindful zone.” This small boundary can help ground you amidst the chaos.

Take three breaths before eating - This quick reset activates your parasympathetic nervous system, shifting you out of stress mode and into a state where you can actually enjoy your food.

Create a pre-party sanctuary - Before events, spend 2 minutes alone in a quiet space (even if it’s in the powder room!) to check in with yourself and set intentions.

Use the “put it down” practice - Between bites, place your utensil or food item down completely. This simple act can be a pattern interrupter for the autopilot stress-eating cycle.

Find your calm anchor - Choose one sensory focus (like the aroma of holiday spices or the feeling of your feet on the floor) to help you stay present when overwhelm hits.

Remember to savor those special holiday treats - from a place of conscious choice rather than chaotic reaction.

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Have it:

Interesting article alert: 3 Habits that will make you Emotionally Strong​

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Someone gave me a gift card to Barnes & Nobles so I got this little stress-reliever for myself. ​

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Made it:

​5-Senses Sunday​

🧡💫 This week’s 5-Senses Sunday is all about saffron dreams, truffle indulgence, and pens that glide like magic. ✨🖊 Dive into the flavors, scents, and sounds that’ll make your senses swoon.

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From the Archives: If It Tastes So Good - Why are you Eating it so Fast?

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Want it:

This instant Golden Milk starter with Ashwaganda, Turmeric and Dates.

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​This item should have made it into my 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, but I just learned about it yesterday.

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Ingredient Spotlight:

Vanilla Bean

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Ah, vanilla bean – proof that sometimes the simplest things have the most depth. Real vanilla bean isn't just a one-note wonder; it's rich, floral, a little sultry, and way more nuanced than its bottled extract cousin.

Plus, it’s rich with antioxidants and can even have a calming effect on your nervous system.

Want to go beyond basic baking? Try making a vanilla bean ghee. Split and scrape a pod, mix those fragrant seeds into melted ghee, and drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes or oatmeal. It’s like a warm, buttery hug with just the right touch of indulgence.

You’re welcome. ✨

​Plus 25 vanilla bean recipes that prove splurging on the real deal is worth it.

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Announcements & Upcoming:

​Mindset & Motivation Bundle​

Learning how to set boundaries isn’t easy.

That’s why I’m so excited about this new Mindset & Motivation Bundle, because it contains an eCourse called “Boundaries Bliss” from Alison Reeves (normally $222!) that you can get along with a bunch of other resources too - for just $47! 😦

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Here are some of the other resources it includes:

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Mindset Magic by Aisha Preece ($147 value)

The Consistency Cure by Jenny Eden Berk ($127 value) (that's me!)

Declutter Your Beliefs & Declutter Your Schedule Workshops by Gael Wood ($59 value)

Self-care Success Workshop: The 30-Minute Confidence Reset by Lisa Kimrey ($47 value)

Self Care Morning Makeover: Start Your Day Feeling Calm & Energized by Catherine Wilde ($99 value)

And more!

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Together, these resources cost $701.00 just by themselves, but they’re just a fraction of what’s included inside the Mindset & Motivation Bundle, a collection of eBooks, eCourses, and more designed to help you care for your body, mind, soul, and life.
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Extra Bytes:

What I'm Reading: Brain Energy, by Christopher Palmer, MD

What I'm Watching: This Ted Talk on how curiosity can heal division

What I'm Listening to: This Ear-worm eraser for all the Holiday music I can't get out of my head. LOL

What I'm Eating: Tuscan One-Pot Cavatappi with Cheesy Chard & White Beans​

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That's it for me this week. I will be in sunny Florida next week so no newsletter on Wednesday. To all who celebrate a holiday in the next two weeks, I wish for you mindful moments, delicious food and a happy heart.

Warmly,

Jenny