The holidays are here — which means parties, pressure, family expectations, and enough sugar to take down a small village. If you’re a midlife woman who’s finally feeling good again thanks to protein, strength training, better sleep, and smarter nutrition… the holidays can feel like a threat to your hard-won progress.

Good news: you can stay true to your healthy habits and have fun.

In this episode, Jessica talks with Jacquelyn Reale, the vibrant natural chef behind Marin Mama Cooks, who shares the holiday eating tips every midlife woman needs to feel grounded, energized, and guilt-free all season long.

You’ll hear:

✔️Simple mindset shifts to release guilt and holiday pressure

✔️How to set loving boundaries with food, alcohol, and family dynamics

✔️The blood-sugar-friendly trick to avoid overeating at parties

✔️Ways to enjoy the foods you love without spiraling

✔️Easy, make-ahead side dishes that bring color and nourishment to any holiday table

Perfect for women navigating perimenopause, stress, chaotic schedules, and the emotional labor of the holidays.

Find Jackie:

marinmamacooks.com

@marinmamacooks

Marin Mama Cooks recipes mentioned:

Kale & Brussels with Toasted Almonds

Vegan Kale Salad

Green Beans & Shallots

Broccolini & Shallots

Roasted Honeynut Squash & Red Onion

CHAPTERS:

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

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For more midlife musings: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @belongwellness
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