heading into the holidays without losing yourself
& this weeks sunday sync recipes
This week feels like that quiet inhale before everything speeds up.
The holidays are officially here- the dinners, the travel, the overstimulation, the sugar, the late nights, the expectations, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how easy it is to abandon ourselves during this time “just for a few weeks.”
And then suddenly it’s January and we’re exhausted, inflamed, and disconnected from our bodies.
So this is your reminder: you don’t need to do the holidays perfectly to do them intentionally.
A few things I’m personally prioritizing right now:
Earlier nights when possible (even 30–45 minutes matters)
Protein + minerals before sugar (not instead of, before)
Sunlight + movement in the morning to regulate cortisol
Staying warm (nervous system gold)
If you’re traveling, eating differently, drinking more than usual, or around people who drain you a bit, the goal isn’t restriction or control. It’s support!
Think: What can I add that helps my body feel safe?
Warm meals. Salt. Water. Gentle walks. Deep breaths. A moment alone before bed.
That’s it. That’s the work.
This Week’s Sunday Sync <3
Take a second today to check in with where you are in your cycle, or just how your body feels if you don’t track.
Ask yourself:
What feels energizing right now?
What feels heavy or forced?
Where can I soften instead of push?
Your body is always communicating. The holidays don’t change that, they just make it easier to ignore.
Light a candle, make something warm, and let today be slower than you think it “should” be.
Cycle Syncing This Week
Follicular Phase + Ovulation
These phases are all about energy, creativity, confidence, and digestion support, but without spiking blood sugar or overdoing caffeine (especially important during the holidays).
Below are two recipes I’ve never shared before, + 1 page from my cookbook designed specifically for this window
Lemon Tahini Chickpea & Herb Bowl
Bright, light, and grounding Why it works: Supports estrogen rise, liver detox, and digestion while keeping blood sugar stable.
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and dried
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Sea salt & pepper
Tahini Lemon Sauce
2 tbsp tahini
Juice of ½ lemon
1 small garlic clove, grated
1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin)
Pinch sea salt
To assemble
Mixed greens or arugula
Chopped cucumber
Fresh dill + parsley
Optional: avocado or goat cheese
Instructions
Roast chickpeas at 400°F for ~25 minutes with olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until golden.
Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and warm water until smooth.
Assemble greens, roasted chickpeas, cucumber, herbs, and drizzle generously with sauce.
✨ Tip: This is amazing with a warm pita or side of roasted sweet potatoes if you need more grounding.
Honey Ginger Glazed Salmon with Coconut Rice
This is a confidence-boosting, hormone-supporting dinner, perfect for ovulation energy. Why it works: High protein, anti-inflammatory fats, zinc for ovulation, and easy digestion.
Ingredients (2 servings)
2 salmon fillets
1 tbsp coconut oil
Glaze
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp coconut aminos or tamari
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
½ tsp garlic powder
Coconut Rice
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup water
½ cup full-fat coconut milk
Pinch sea salt
To serve
Steamed or sautéed broccolini or green beans
Lime wedges
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Cook rice with water, coconut milk, and salt.
Mix glaze ingredients.
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear salmon skin-side down 3–4 minutes, flip, brush with glaze, and cook another 2–3 minutes.
Serve over coconut rice with greens, lime, and sesame seeds.
✨ Tip: This is a great meal to make when hosting, it feels elevated but is incredibly simple.
If you guys have been loving the Sunday Sync recipes, you’ll love Sync & Savor! It’s my cookbook for living in tune with your cycle, filled with over 85 recipes, lifestyle tips and guidance on simple swaps that can help balance hormones, ease symptoms, and promote whole-body health for women everywhere :) PRE-ORDER HERE
A Gentle Reminder…
You don’t need to “reset” in January if you stay connected now. The holidays aren’t something to survive, they’re something to move through with care. Eat the cookies. Drink the wine if you want. Just don’t forget to nourish yourself too :)
See you next Sunday
xx Paige