{HMW} When food lets you down (and what to do about it)
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Dear Reader, Have you ever hyped up a meal in your head all day, finally sat down to eat it, and felt... nothing? Maybe it wasn't bad. It just wasn't that. And then you kept eating anyway, waiting for it to get better? You're not alone in that, and there's actually a reason it happens. Your brain builds an idealized version of food when you anticipate it — the smell, the taste, the satisfaction — and real food can rarely compete with the imagined version. Add in the fact that we often eat to manage stress, boredom, or fatigue (things food genuinely cannot fix), and disappointment is almost guaranteed. Here's your quick win for the week: next time food doesn't hit the spot, pause after a few bites and ask yourself two questions — What was I actually expecting from this? and What do I actually need right now? The answers will tell you more than you'd think. Sometimes you're still hungry. Sometimes you're chasing something food can't give you. Either way, knowing the difference is useful. And you're allowed to just... stop eating something that isn't satisfying you. Even if you paid for it. Even if you made it yourself. Moving on without guilt is a skill, and it's one worth practicing. If you want to dig deeper into why you eat the way you do — and actually start changing it — I'd love to chat. I offer free 1:1 coaching calls and would be happy to spend 30 minutes with you exploring what's going on. Have it: Interesting article alert: Experts Explain Why You Feel So Much Hungrier in the Winter Made it: Here's a talk I gave at Orange Theory in Wellesley, MA called Fueling your Fitness. They streamed it live on Instagram. Want it: Some day, I'd like to try one of these sleepcations, weekend reading retreats or jump on the slow travel trend.
Surprise! Instead of an ingredient spotlight this week, I'm offering you a recipe of the week. I've been having fun creating high protein vegan meals for myself at home lately and finally started writing some of the recipes down. Enjoy! Savory Miso-Ginger Tofu & Bean SkilletPrep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes Why You'll Love This This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. The technique of blooming aromatics with miso and tomato paste creates a deeply caramelized, umami-rich base that coats every bite. With 16g protein per serving and a satisfying mix of textures, it's weeknight comfort food that keeps you full for hours. Ingredients 6-7 oz extra firm tofu, cubed (substitute chicken if preferred) 1½ cups cooked red kidney beans 10 small new potatoes, halved 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (seeds removed for less heat) ½ purple onion, chopped ½ tbsp avocado oil 1 tbsp miso paste ½ tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tbsp soy sauce Salt, black pepper, paprika, turmeric to taste Instructions Prep ingredients: Cube tofu, halve potatoes, chop aromatics. Build the flavor base: Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat until just smoking, then reduce to medium. Add onion, ginger, garlic, jalapeño, salt, pepper, turmeric, and paprika. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Create the paste: Add miso paste and tomato paste directly to the aromatics. Sauté, stirring constantly, until a thick, caramelized paste forms and coats all the aromatics (about 1-2 minutes). Finish the dish: Add soy sauce, cubed tofu, kidney beans, cooked potatoes, and nutritional yeast. Toss everything to coat in the paste. Sauté 2-3 minutes longer until tofu and potatoes are fully coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve: Enjoy on its own or serve over brown rice, quinoa, or any ancient grain. Health Benefits: Complete protein from tofu + beans combination Gut-friendly probiotics from miso paste Anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric Nutrient-dense with potassium from potatoes and beans B-vitamin boost from nutritional yeast Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves by Alison Wood Brooks What I'm Watching: If You Have Too Many Interests, You Have The “Pattern Weaver” Mind (for all my fellow ADHD, multi-passionate peeps out there) What I'm Listening to: Midlife by (Human) Design Podcast What I'm Eating: Red Lentil Soup with spinach, roasted parsnip, lime crema That's it for me this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy hump day! Warmly, Jenny |