first substack of 2026

new year intentions & recipes ofc

Happy New Year friends!! If you’re reading this, thank you for being here <3

I took the past couple weeks off for the holidays to spend time with my best friends in Hawaii and then my family. It has felt really good.

Instead of the usual “new year, new me” energy, I am stepping into 2026 with a different intention: alignment over intensity.

This past year taught me that real progress does not come from doing more. It comes from doing what actually supports your body, your nervous system, and your life consistently. I do not want another year of white knuckling wellness or setting goals that look good on paper but do not feel good in real life.

So as we cross into 2026, I am focusing on:

• Feeling regulated instead of rushed

• Eating in a way that supports my hormones, not fights them

• Building routines that feel grounding, not restrictive

• Creating from a place of truth, not trends

If you are craving a softer, more sustainable way to take care of yourself this year, you are in the right place.

My 2026 Wellness Intentions (Feel Free to Borrow)

Instead of rigid resolutions, these are the anchors I am returning to:

• Honor my cycle by planning food & movement around hormonal shifts

• Protein and minerals first, especially during busy or stressful weeks

• Stability over extremes with fewer “reset” moments and more daily nourishment

• Nervous system support over willpower

• Consistency over perfection every time

Which brings me to something I know so many of you love and ask for

Cycle Aligned Recipes

My cookbook Sync & Savor comes out this year!! Simple, hormone supportive meals you will actually make! I’m so excited to finally be able to get this guide in your hands.

I want to keep the book recipes special for you all but will still continue to give meal ideas over the next few months! Below is a phase by phase guide with brand new, full recipes designed to support energy, digestion, hormones, and blood sugar throughout your cycle :)

This is a toolbox, not a rulebook. Take what serves you.

Phase 1: Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

Focus: Replenishment, warmth, rest
Support: Iron levels, recovery, nervous system

Iron Rich Beef and Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 4 oz grass fed ground beef

• 1 cup jasmine rice cooked in bone broth

• 1 cup spinach

• Olive oil

• Sea salt

Instructions

1. Brown beef in a pan with sea salt.

2. Lightly sauté spinach until just wilted.

3. Serve beef and spinach over rice and finish with olive oil.

Why it works: Iron, glycine, and easy to digest carbs support recovery and reduce fatigue.

Cinnamon Date Latte

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm almond or oat milk

• 1 to 2 Medjool dates, blended

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch sea salt

Blend or whisk until smooth. Sip slowly.

Phase 2: Follicular Phase (Days 6–10)

Focus: Lightness, clarity, energy
Support: Rising estrogen, digestion, motivation

Lemon Tahini Chicken Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice

• Arugula or mixed greens

Tahini Sauce

• ¼ cup tahini

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• Water to thin

Instructions

1. Season chicken and pan sear until golden and cooked through. Slice.

2. Whisk tahini sauce ingredients until smooth.

3. Assemble bowls with rice, greens, chicken, and sauce.

Berry Protein Yogurt Crunch

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cup mixed berries

• 1 tablespoon ground flax

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

• Drizzle of honey

Why it works: Fiber and protein gently wake up digestion after menstruation.

Phase 3: Ovulatory Phase (Days 11–16)

Focus: Radiance, strength, social energy
Support: Peak estrogen, inflammation control

Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Cucumber Salad

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Pinch sea salt

Instructions

1. Bake salmon at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes.

2. Toss cucumber salad ingredients together.

3. Serve salmon with salad on the side.

Dark Chocolate Bark

Ingredients

• ½ cup dark chocolate, melted

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

• 1 tablespoon coconut flakes

• Flaky sea salt

Spread chocolate on parchment, sprinkle toppings, freeze, and break into pieces.

Phase 4: Luteal Phase (Days 17–28)

Focus: Blood sugar stability, calm, comfort
Support: Progesterone production, stress resilience

Cozy Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 large sweet potato, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Sea salt

Instructions

1. Roast sweet potato at 425°F for 25 minutes.

2. Brown turkey with spices and sea salt.

3. Combine and drizzle with olive oil.

Banana Tahini Mug Cake

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana

• 1 tablespoon tahini

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Mash all ingredients and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds.

Why it works: Calming carbs and fats help curb cravings and support sleep.

A Note From Me <3

Thank you for being here, for giving me space, and for choosing a softer path with me.

Here is to nourishment, consistency, and a year that actually feels good :)

xx Paige