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Ep. 25 | Festive Superfoods: Nutrient-Rich Holiday Favorites

Release Date: 11/16/2023

Ep. 101 | What Every Menopause Plan Leaves Out - And Why It’s the First Thing Your Body Actually Needs

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 101 – What Every Menopause Plan Leaves Out And Why It’s the First Thing Your Body Actually Needs If you’re doing everything “right” but your menopause symptoms are still getting worse—not better—it’s time to look deeper. In this episode, Certified Menopause Specialist and Functional Nutrition Practitioner Cindi Stickle reveals the missing piece in most menopause protocols: nervous system regulation. Whether you’re dealing with weight gain, exhaustion, mood swings, or brain fog, this root-cause step is essential—and it’s the first thing your body actually...

Ep. 100 | Stress, Menopause, and the Burnout Trap with Christy Nichol

It's Not JUST Menopause

Stress, Menopause, and the Burnout Trap (with Christy Nichol) Are you stuck in survival mode during menopause? In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, I sit down with Christy Nichol, burnout recovery coach and stress expert, to unpack how stress impacts midlife women — and why it may be the hidden root cause of your toughest menopause symptoms. Why Stress Makes Menopause Symptoms Worse Chronic stress isn’t just “in your head.” It drives hormonal chaos that leaves women dealing with: Brain fog and memory struggles Weight that won’t budge no matter what you try Mood...

Ep. 99 | Shrugged Off or Shut Down: Why You're Still Struggling

It's Not JUST Menopause

Episode 99: Shrugged Off or Shut Down — Why You're Still Struggling Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office in midlife feeling dismissed, discouraged, or invisible? You’re not alone. Too many women in perimenopause and postmenopause are told their symptoms are “just part of aging” — or handed a prescription for HRT without a deeper conversation. But here’s the truth: you’re not broken, and quick fixes aren’t the whole story. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 💬 Real stories of medical gaslighting in menopause — and why so many women feel unheard ⚠️ The truth...

Ep. 98 | Menopause Symptoms No One Warned You About

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 98 – Menopause Symptoms No One Warned You About What if your most frustrating menopause symptoms aren’t random—or “just part of aging”? In this episode, we uncover the less-talked-about symptoms of menopause that can completely disrupt your daily life—from mood swings and memory lapses to digestion issues, itchy skin, poor sleep, and stubborn weight gain. You’ll Discover: ⚠️ Why symptoms like brain fog, rage, bloating, and skin changes often get dismissed 🩺 How conventional care is failing midlife women by ignoring the root causes 🧩 What your body is...

Ep. 97 | How All-or-Nothing Thinking Is Sabotaging Your Hormone Health (And What to do Instead)

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 97: How All-or-Nothing Thinking Is Sabotaging Your Hormone Health (And What to Do Instead) If you’ve ever said, “I’ll just start over Monday,” this episode is for you. The truth is: all-or-nothing thinking isn’t a motivation problem—it’s a nervous system and hormone problem. And in midlife, the harder you push for perfection, the more your body pushes back. In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, Cindi explains why the all-or-nothing mindset keeps women in perimenopause and postmenopause stuck in survival mode—and what to focus on instead if you want real,...

Ep. 96 | Why 'More' Isn't Working Anymore

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode #96: Why “More” Isn’t Working Anymore You’re doing everything “right”—eating clean, tracking macros, pushing through workouts, skipping wine—yet you still feel bloated, exhausted, and stuck? Here’s the truth: you’re not failing. You’re fried. In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, Cindi Stickle—Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Menopause Specialist—unpacks the toxic “more is better” mindset so many women bring into midlife. You’ll discover how pushing harder silently sabotages your hormones, metabolism, and nervous...

Ep. 95 | Inflammation Nation: The Silent Driver Behind Bloat, Brain Fog, and Burnout

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 95: Inflammation Nation: The Silent Driver Behind Bloat, Brain Fog, and Burnout Feeling puffy, foggy, or constantly on edge—and no one can explain why? You’re not imagining it. Chronic inflammation is one of the most overlooked root causes of midlife and menopause symptoms. It can drive bloating, fatigue, mood swings, skin flare-ups, joint pain, and even burnout—even when you’re doing “everything right.” In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, Cindi Stickle, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Menopause Specialist, breaks down how inflammation...

Ep. 94 | The Hidden Hormone Saboteurs: What No One’s Telling You About Why You Still Feel Off

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 94: The Hidden Hormone Saboteurs: What No One’s Telling You About Why You Still Feel Off Are you eating clean, working out, and “doing everything right”—but still feel exhausted, foggy, bloated, and stuck? You’re not alone. In midlife and menopause, your hormones respond differently to stress and everyday exposures. And often, it’s the hidden hormone disruptors—the ones no one warned you about—that are quietly hijacking your health. In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, Cindi Stickle, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Menopause...

Ep. 93 | The Symptoms Are Real: Why Midlife Burnout, Anxiety, and Brain Fog Aren’t ‘Just in Your Head'

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 93: The Symptoms Are Real: Why Midlife Burnout, Anxiety, and Brain Fog Aren’t “Just in Your Head” Have you ever been told “you’re fine”—while dealing with brain fog, anxiety, or bone-deep exhaustion? You’re not making it up. Too many women in perimenopause and postmenopause are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or handed a prescription instead of real solutions. The truth is: these symptoms are rooted in hormonal shifts and nervous system overload—not weakness or mindset problems. In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, Cindi Stickle, Functional Nutrition...

Ep. 92 | From Frantic to Functional: Why Nervous System Support Is the Hormone Help You Actually Need

It's Not JUST Menopause

🎙️ Episode 92: From Frantic to Functional: Why Nervous System Support Is the Hormone Help You Actually Need Are you eating “clean,” trying to work out, maybe even tracking your macros—yet still feel wired, foggy, irritable, and completely burned out? You’re not alone. In midlife, many women live in a constant state of urgency—what feels like a hormone problem is often rooted in a nervous system problem. In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, Cindi Stickle, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Menopause Specialist, breaks down how hidden stress and nervous...

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As the holiday season approaches, we often anticipate the delicious meals and treats accompanying these festive times. While indulging in our favorite holiday foods is a well-deserved treat, it is also essential to maintain a balanced diet by incorporating nutrient-dense seasonal superfoods.

"Superfood" refers to foods that provide a powerful nutrient punch while delivering a wide range of health benefits. Seasonal superfoods are at their nutritional peak during specific times of the year.

Here are some of the best holiday season seasonal superfoods and how to enjoy them in tasty, health-promoting dishes:

Brussels Sprouts

These little green gems are High in fiber, K, and vitamin C and support healthy digestion, bone health, and immune function.

How to enjoy: Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish. Alternatively, try shredding them raw and combining them with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette for a festive salad.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. They also provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, making them a holiday superfood staple.

How to enjoy: Bake sweet potatoes in the oven and top with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a comforting side dish. For a savory option, dice them and roast them with rosemary, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a stunning addition to any holiday table and a powerhouse of nutrition. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of polyphenols, which have been linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to enjoy: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal for a burst of color and nutrition. You can also use pomegranate juice as a base for festive cocktails or mocktails.

Cranberries

Cranberries are synonymous with the holiday season, and for good reason. These small, tart berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which may help prevent urinary tract infections and support heart health.

How to enjoy: Make a homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of honey to control the sugar content. Add dried cranberries to salads, muffins, or trail mix for a nutritious snack.

Winter Squash

Winter squash, including butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, are nutrient-dense and versatile seasonal superfoods. They are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants that support overall health.

How to enjoy: Roast your favorite winter squash in the oven and then stuff it with quinoa, nuts, and dried fruits for a satisfying vegetarian main dish. Alternatively, make a creamy squash soup with coconut milk and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon.

Dark Leafy Greens

These dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like calcium and iron. They also contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help support overall health and immune function.

How to enjoy: Sauté dark leafy greens with garlic and olive oil for a simple yet flavorful side dish. You can add them to soups, stews, or casseroles for a nutrient boost. Combine kale with roasted beets, goat cheese, and toasted pecans for a festive salad, and drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and other citrus fruits peak during the holiday season. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps support immune function and collagen production for healthy skin.

How to enjoy: Enjoy citrus fruits as a refreshing snack or dessert. Alternatively, incorporate them into a colorful fruit salad, add their zest to baked goods, or use their juice to create flavorful marinades or salad dressings.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a heart-healthy holiday superfood loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved brain function and heart health.

How to enjoy: Add chopped walnuts to your oatmeal, yogurt, or salads for an extra crunch and healthy fats. You can also use them to make a homemade walnut pesto or incorporate them into your favorite holiday baked goods.

By incorporating these seasonal holiday superfoods into your meals and celebrations, you'll treat yourself to delicious and festive flavors and nourish your body with a wealth of nutrients.

Check out my latest podcast episode here.

Join my free Facebook group here, for more nutrition tips, tricks, and recipes.

In Health,

Cindi

(Un)Processed Food Coach

Environmental Toxin Specialist

www.cindistickle.com

Are you ready to discover the HEALING POWER OF NUTRITION and learn more about toxins and your exposure??

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