5 Foods I Don’t Eat Anymore
and the lessons I’ve learned along the way
listen or watch on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Several years ago, I listened to a podcast episode where the host shared five things she no longer buys. It got me thinking: what if I looked at the foods I used to eat all the time but don’t anymore?
Not as a way to judge them or myself. Not as a list of “bad” foods. But as a simple reflection exercise. Because when we pause and notice these little shifts, we realize we really are evolving. We’re not stuck, powerless, or the same as we were ten years ago.
So today, I want to share five foods I don’t eat anymore — and what each one has taught me about growth.
1. Breakfast Cereal
I grew up on Frosted Mini-Wheats and Cinnamon Toast Crunch (anyone else?). As an adult, my desk snack of choice was usually Kashi GoLean Crunch straight out of a Ziploc bag. But after doing a clean-eating challenge more than 10 years ago, cereal fell out of my routine. These days, I still love a sprinkle of granola on yogurt, but a bowl of cereal as breakfast? It doesn’t even cross my mind.
Lesson: Even long-standing habits can shift, and your taste buds can evolve.
2. Coffee with Coffee Mate
Sixteen years ago, I gave up coffee. Not because I wanted to — because I was desperate to figure out why I had daily stomach aches. Coffee was hard to let go of—really hard. But, when I finally made it through to the other side, I realized I didn’t miss the caffeine at all. I missed the ritual. Over time, even that faded.
Lesson: Letting go of something you “can’t live without” can actually give you more freedom.
3. Energy Bars
For years, Luna Bars were an easy go-to snack of mine. A clean-eating challenge opened my eyes to the soy and fillers in them, and that was my wake-up call to start reading ingredient lists. Now, I stick to whole foods as much as I can, or a functional bar designed for midlife women when I’m on the go. (i.e., MenoWell bars—my affiliate link saves you 10%*)
Lesson: Reading ingredient lists is KEY. Know what you are putting in your body.
4. Wheat Thins
Oh my gosh — I used to eat these by the box in college. Today, the thought of a carb-only snack doesn’t appeal to me, and I save my sugar for treats I actually want to savor.
Lesson: Priorities shift. What feels like comfort in your 20s may feel like “meh” in midlife.
5. Conventional Meat & Eggs
I want to be clear: affordability and accessibility matter, and there’s zero judgment here. Whenever I can, I choose pasture-raised, grass-fed, and organic products. They’re not only better for the environment but also have a more favorable nutrient profile for hormone health, inflammation, and insulin resistance — all critical for women in perimenopause.
Lesson: Aligning your purchases with your health and your values feels right.
Why This Matters for Midlife Women
Looking at the foods I don’t eat anymore reminds me of how much I’ve evolved. Small dietary shifts have helped me balance my hormones, reduce inflammation, and feel more grounded in midlife.
✨ Now it’s your turn: What’s one food you used to eat all the time that you don’t anymore? Tell me in a written review on Apple, or in the comments on Spotify, Instagram or on the bottom of this page. I can’t wait to hear what you share!
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Disclaimer:
Belong Wellness and its members, managers, employees, contractors, and other agents or representatives are not licensed medical care providers and do not provide medical services or advice, including without limitation diagnosing, examining, preventing, treating, or curing any medical conditions. The information shared in this podcast is meant to be educational, not prescriptive. Please consult your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Further, the opinions of guests on this show do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Jessica or anyone affiliated with Belong Wellness.
