Holiday Eating Tips Every Midlife Woman Needs
Jacquelyn Reale
Natural Chef & Founder of Marin Mama Cooks
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If you’re a midlife woman who’s finally getting your protein, strength training, and sleep dialed in — only to have the holidays show up like a glitter bomb of sugar, cocktails, and family dynamics — this episode is exactly what you need.
I sat down with Jacquelyn Reale, natural chef and creator of Marin Mama Cooks, to talk about the holiday eating tips every midlife woman needs to feel grounded, energized, and joyful… without sacrificing the fun of the season.
Below are the biggest takeaways from our conversation, plus the simple mindset shifts and delicious recipes Jackie shared.
Why Holiday Eating Feels Different in Midlife
As midlife women navigating hormones, stress, responsibilities, and emotional labor, we don’t bounce back from holiday indulgences the way we did in our twenties.
This episode helps you protect the healthy habits you’ve built — while still enjoying the season fully.
Mindset Shifts Every Midlife Woman Needs This Season
1. Let joy lead — not guilt.
Enjoy the foods you love and release the shame. A joyful bite digests better than a stressed-out one.
2. The 80/20 rule is your holiday secret weapon.
Focus on feeling good most of the time, and savor the treats that truly matter.
3. People judge themselves, not you.
You get to say yes or no to food and drinks without justifying a thing.
Practical Holiday Eating Tips You Can Use This Week
These tips came straight from Jackie — and they’re simple, doable, and total needle-movers for midlife women.
✓ Eat a blood-sugar-friendly snack before the party.
Think protein + fat + fiber. It keeps cravings and overeating in check.
✓ Bring a dish you’re genuinely excited to eat.
A vibrant salad or veggie dish guarantees one plate that makes you feel good.
✓ Have a loving “no thanks” script ready.
A kind boundary is a powerful self-care move — especially around food and alcohol pressure.
✓ Make small swaps that support your hormones.
Cleaner ingredients, whole foods, better oils — tiny upgrades make a big difference.
Jackie’s Favorite Healthy Holiday Recipes
Jackie shared several veggie-forward, colorful sides that bring both nourishment and beauty to your holiday table:
• Kale, apple, and pomegranate salad with lemon-maple dressing
• Kale + Brussels sprout salad with toasted almonds
• Green beans with crispy shallots
• Roasted honeynut squash with red onion
All simple. All whole food based. All midlife-body-approved.
Most components can be prepped ahead, which means more ease and less chaos on the actual holiday.
Meal Prep Tips for Busy Midlife Women
If time is your biggest barrier, try one of Jackie’s easy hacks:
• Prep dressings or sauces ahead — they keep beautifully
• Roast your proteins in batches
• Reheat leftovers in a skillet for better flavor and texture
• Buy pre-washed greens to save yourself a step
• Make extra of whatever you’re already cooking
Small shortcuts = big sanity.
✨ Key Takeaways
Here are the biggest holiday eating tips every midlife woman needs:
1. Protect your peace and your plate.
2. Set yourself up to succeed with small, smart choices.
3. Colorful, whole foods bring energy, joy, and balance.
You deserve to feel good — and enjoy the season — without guilt or perfection.
Episode Highlights:
01:42 How to Stick to Your Healthy Values & Have Fun During the Holidays
04:03 How to Refuse the Food You Don't Want
04:55 Release Judgment of Others and Yourself
07:27 Food Guilt & Mindset Shifts
09:09 Jackie's Healthy Holiday Party Strategy
11:58 How Jackie Started Marin Mama Cooks
14:54 Jackie's Favorite Healthy Holiday Side Dishes
17:41 Time-saving Tips in the Kitchen
22:28 Top Tip for Health: Read Ingredient Labels
24:26 Key Takeaways
About Jackie Reale:
Jackie is a certified natural holistic chef and vitality coach. She creates simple, nourishing recipes that bring joy back to eating—especially for those who’ve been told they can’t have gluten, dairy, or sugar. She is the founder of MarinMamaCooks.com.
marinmamacooks.com | @marinmamacooks
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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.
