In this episode of Healthy Habits for a Healthier Home, Robin gets real about the big shifts happening in women’s health and the food world.

We dive into the FDA’s major update on Hormone Replacement Therapy, the new conversations opening up for women in peri and menopause, and why lifestyle still leads the way.

We also unpack the changes happening in the food industry — from dye-free Doritos and Cheetos to what this reveals about consumer advocacy. And yes, we talk about school lunches, food dyes, and how the food pyramid is changing (finally).

This is an invitation to stay informed, stay curious, and keep using your voice. Because when we speak up as a community, things change — and they change fast.

📌 Takeaways

• The FDA officially removed the black box warning from HRT — a major moment in women’s health.
• Study that created fear around hormones was deeply flawed and has since been debunked.
• HRT works best when started in perimenopause or early menopause, using bioidentical hormones.
• The M Factor documentary is a must-watch for understanding women’s hormones and midlife health.
• Synthetic food dyes have zero nutritional value and can impact behavior, attention, and mood.
• PepsiCo and other major brands are beginning to remove dyes — proof that consumer pressure works.
• The old food pyramid was shaped by industry, not by what the body actually needs.
• Changing the food pyramid influences school lunch policy and children’s nutrition.
• Reading ingredients is one of the most powerful things you can do for your home.
• Community, education, and shared advocacy create real change for our families.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Women’s Health & HRT

Why the FDA change matters, what the updated research really shows, and how women can finally have informed conversations with their providers.

09:20 — The Impact of Food Dyes in School Lunches

What’s changing in the food industry, what’s still marketing, and how to stay empowered as a label-reader.

20:13 — Revising the Food Pyramid for Better Nutrition

Why the old pyramid was upside down, how policy shapes school lunches, and the shift toward whole-food guidance.

28:40 — Closing Thoughts & Staying Empowered

Your reminder that awareness + community = powerful, lasting change.

🎧 Additional Episodes Mentioned

S7E91 Navigating Lipedema, Inflammation & Manufacturing a yummy snack with Siouxie

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s7-e91-navigating-lipedema-inflammation-manufacturing/id1687175600?i=1000691402064

S2E15 — Transforming Your Wellness Through Food with Loverbird Cereal

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e15-transforming-your-wellness-through-food-with/id1687175600?i=1000629369166

📚 Resources Mentioned

Books

• How to Menopause —Shop Here
• The New Menopause — Shop Here

Study

2002 WHI Study (the one that sparked all the fear around HRT):

Stay Connected with Robin Jonas

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🎧 Subscribe: On your favorite podcast app (Healthy Habits for a Healthier Home) or YouTube @livelifebalancedwithrobin

📬 Email: robin@livelifebalancedwithrobin.com

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