Dear Reader, I'm sure everyone is busy this week, especially if you're in the US and celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. I'll keep this section super short today and just say that I appreciate each and every one of you for being a reader and supporting my work! Many of us experience myriad stressors during the holidays be it the stress of traveling, being out of your routine and perhaps even being around certain family members for too long. Try these short, intentional pauses in your day to check in, reconnect, and reset. (I call them Micro-Mindful Moments) Here’s how to build them: Stop, Look, Listen: In a stressful moment, pause. Take a few deep breaths and ask yourself: What is my body telling me right now? Name What’s Happening: Am I hungry, tired, or stressed? Naming it creates space between the feeling and your reaction. Engage Your Senses: Notice something grounding—how the floor feels under your feet, the scent of your coffee, or the sound of the wind. Make a Conscious Choice: Decide what will truly help—whether it’s stepping outside, playing music, or even just sitting with the discomfort of the moment. Have it: Interesting article Alert: Do you live more in "Clock-time" or "Event-time?" This could be the placebo effect, but these patches have been giving me more energy throughout the day. (could be the taurine in it - that I don't get a lot of with a vegan diet) Made it: From coffee-flavored Doritos (yes, really) to veggie-forward cocktails, scent-inspired gift ideas, and microplastic nail art—I'm diving into the quirks and joys that light up each of my senses. ICYMI: My word for 2025: Awe Want it: These plant-based gummies with super interesting flavors. I need the pumpkin pie cashew butter, stat! (but seriously, check out all the blends, they all look so good. Ingredient Spotlight: Chestnuts Chestnuts aren’t just for roasting on an open fire—they’re a cozy, nutrient-packed delight worth exploring year-round. These starchy little gems are lower in fat than most nuts but rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and magnesium, making them a heart-healthy addition to your plate. Try slicing cooked chestnuts and tossing them with roasted Brussels sprouts, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an earthy, sweet-savory side dish. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or get creative in the kitchen, chestnuts are a seasonal treat that’s worth cracking into. Did you know that we have a little burgeoning food blog on my website? Most of these recipes were created by my amazing mom, Chef Arlene Jacobs, who has 30+ years as a gourmet chef and culinary consultant in NYC. Check out her method for easy peel-and-eat roasted chestnuts, here. Announcements & Upcoming: Happy Thanksgiving!! I'm in NY/NJ this week for my nephews wedding and time with family and friends. How do you celebrate Thanksgiving (if you're in the US)? What are you particularly grateful for this year? Next week: Smart Money Bundle goes live. Stay tuned. Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: A People's History of the United States, By Howard Zinn What I'm Watching: Extraordinary, season 2 (highly underrated show, IMO!) What I'm Listening to: This sweet little Thanksgiving Playlist What I'm Eating: Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwiches That's it for me this week. I hope you have a happy and healthy hump day and a delicious Thanksgiving! Warmly, Jenny |
Welcome to "Have it // Made it // Want it Wednesday," a space where we come together to explore the realms of Eating Psychology, Mindful & Intuitive Eating, Meal Planning, and Culinary Nutrition.
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...
Dear Reader, On sale starting today for only 5 days... The Mindset & Motivation Bundle Sometimes getting more done doesn’t really have anything to DO with what you’re actually accomplishing. I know it seems hard to believe, but hear me out… The domino that starts it all is how you think about what you’re doing in the first place. In other words, the path to productivity? Really, a lot of it comes down to the right mindset and motivation for the journey. And if you need an easy way to help...
Dear Reader, The uncomfortable truth about self-care that nobody talks about? Sometimes it just plain sucks. While I cherish my quiet moments with a book and warm cup of tea, let's be real - much of self-care feels like a chore. There's nothing luxurious about having my breasts compressed during a mammogram, or dragging myself to another dental cleaning when I'd rather be anywhere else. The secret we're all thinking but rarely say out loud? Sometimes we just want someone else to take care of...