{HMW} Why you're starving some mornings (and not others)

Dear Reader,

Some mornings I wake up ravenous. Other mornings, the idea of breakfast sounds deeply unappealing. And it's not random—my morning hunger is actually responding to a bunch of factors from the day before.

What I ate for dinner and when. How well I slept. My stress levels. Whether I exercised. All of it influences whether my body wakes up needing fuel immediately or still working through what I ate hours ago.

Your quick win: If you're confused about whether you're actually hungry in the morning, drink a glass of water first and reassess in 10 minutes. You've gone all night without fluids, and sometimes thirst amplifies hunger signals or mimics them entirely. This simple step helps you figure out what your body actually needs instead of guessing.

There's no "right" breakfast schedule. Some days you'll need food early. Some days you won't. Both are completely normal responses to what happened yesterday.

Have it:

Interesting article alert: Feeling Overwhelmed? This 63-Second Pause Can Help You Stay Calm

The Top 100 Must-Read Books of 2025 (I've read 12 of them, you?)

Made it:

5-Senses Sunday

From garlic bread nostalgia to hot tub bliss—this week's 5-Senses Sunday explores butter boards, college reunions, and the sensory moments that make life delicious. What's rocking your senses this week?

Read 5-Senses Sunday Here

From the Archives: The connection between gut health and emotional/stress eating

Want it:

Probiotic Drink To Take Before Drinking (if you'll be drinking during the holidays, you might want this too!)

I can't wait to try this vegan hazelnut spread! (this is going in my Healthy Holidays gift guide too btw)

Ingredient Spotlight:

Peppercorn

I keep three types of peppercorns in my kitchen—black, white, and pink—and I'm never without freshly cracked black pepper.

The thing about whole peppercorns versus pre-ground is the difference in flavor: freshly cracked has this sharp, almost floral heat that fades pretty quickly once it's ground. I usually crack black pepper over pasta, salads, and roasted vegetables right before serving. Nutritionally, peppercorns contain piperine, which your body uses to absorb certain nutrients better, though honestly I use them because they make food taste better. If you're new to whole peppercorns, get a basic pepper mill and just keep it on your counter—you'll use it constantly once you taste the difference.

>>> 20 great ways to use peppercorns

Announcements & Upcoming:

Happening tomorrow! 👇🏼

I’d love for you to meet my friend Sophia Elcock, whose vision for purpose-driven women is changing the way we define success.

She’s hosting Unstoppable Women Live, a free 1-day virtual experience featuring myself and other leading women who are redefining what it means to thrive after 40.

🎟️ Grab your complimentary ticket here:

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Here’s a glimpse of what’s waiting for you:
• Feminine frameworks for abundance and sustainable growth
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• Tools to help you design your next chapter with clarity and ease

Each session is short, rich, and deeply empowering. Join from anywhere and reignite your momentum—without losing your peace.

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