{HMW} Physical hunger vs. nervous system cravings (how to easily spot the difference)
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Dear Reader, My mom had a signature move whenever I asked for cake as a kid. "Would you like a nice apple?" she'd say. I wanted to scream. Because no, I did not want a nice apple. I wanted the cake. But here's the thing; she was accidentally onto something. When you're genuinely physically hungry, almost any food sounds acceptable, appealing even. Leftovers from last night. A piece of bread. Even, yes, a nice apple. But when only the cake (or the chips, or the ice cream) sounds good? That's a different kind of hunger. And I believe its worth knowing the difference. That's the whole idea behind what I call the Leftover Lunch Test. Before you eat, ask: would reheated leftovers satisfy me right now? There's no right or wrong answer and it's not a gatekeeper or a rule. It's just a way to figure out whether you're dealing with physical hunger or something else like stress, boredom, habit, or a craving your nervous system is chasing. Quick win: Try it once today. Before your next snack or meal, ask the question. Would reheated leftovers satisfy me right now? Notice what comes up. That's it. Want more tools like this? I go deep on the psychology and biology of eating every week on Consciously Eaten, the private podcast inside the Just One More Bite Community.
Have it: Interesting Article Alert: Why Social Connections Are So Essential To Health & Longevity I tried this Vanilla Almond Spiced Chai vegan protein smoothie that I found at Trader Joes and I really liked it. It has 15 grams of protein. Made it: Did you know that for many neurodegenerative diseases, the olfactory system is the first to show signs of decline — and yet smell is almost never tested at annual check-ups? That's just one of the things I'm exploring in this week's 5-Senses Sunday, alongside my current oatmeal bowl obsession (with the full recipe), a genuinely wild new technology that pairs physical books with real-time soundtracks, the complicated truth about touch starvation, and a nature fact about thunderstorms that will stop you in your tracks. Want it: One of these candles with funny quotes and interesting scents. (wanna smell like Chuck Bass?) To turn my handwriting into a font! Ingredient Spotlight: Savoy Cabbage Savoy cabbage is the prettier, more easygoing cousin of regular green cabbage and the texture is actually more tender than standard cabbage, which means it softens faster in a sauté, holds up beautifully in a braise, and wraps around fillings without cracking. Flavor-wise, it's mild and slightly sweet — nothing harsh or funky — so it plays well with bold ingredients like garlic, miso, or a splash of apple cider vinegar. On the nutrition side, savoy cabbage is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains compounds called glucosinolates, which have been studied for their role in supporting the body's natural detox processes. Try it shredded raw in a slaw, wilted into a pasta or grain bowl, or layered into a hearty soup. It's one of those vegetables that quietly makes everything it touches a little better. 10+ Savoy Cabbage recipes to try Announcements & Upcoming: If life has felt a little louder, heavier, or more draining than usual lately…you’re not alone. So many kind, creative people I know are doing their best to show up for their lives…while quietly wondering why everything feels harder than it should. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to invite you to Bloom + Be: A Gentle Self-Care Experience. Bloom + Be is a free, 3-day online experience taking place March 24-26, 2026, designed for anyone who’s ready to grow, create, and contribute…but want to build it in a way that feels sustainable, spacious, and true to who they are. No hustling themselves into exhaustion or chasing someone else’s definition of a “good life.” This isn’t about spa days. And it’s definitely not about adding more to your to-do list. It’s about caring for your mind, body, and energy in ways that expand your capacity…so you can actually follow through on the dreams that have been quietly living in your heart. Over three gentle days, you’ll hear from warm, thoughtful experts sharing short, practical sessions on things like: 💗 Nervous system support that fits real life Nothing extreme. Nothing overwhelming. Just supportive ideas you can take at your own pace. If you’ve been craving something that feels encouraging instead of exhausting, Bloom + Be will feel like a breath of fresh air. 👉 You can grab your free ticket here. I’d absolutely love for you to be part of this experience. Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: High Season, by Katie Bishop What I'm Watching: Old Gossip Girl episodes while walking on the treadmill What I'm Listening to: Dr. Streicher's Insider Information: Midlife, menopause and more What I'm Eating: Rajas Avocado Tacos with roasted corn salsa, Spanish rice That's it for me this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy hump day! Warmly, Jenny PS. The Emotional Empowerment Audio Summit is open for registration! Grab your free ticket here. |