Jenn's Balanced Bytes

Weekly Newsletter for Vegetarians

Reader,

How are you feeling after Thanksgiving? Stuffed like a vegetarian squash? (No judgment—I’ve been there!)

With all the hosting, traveling, and endless dishes behind us, it’s time to take a breath and ease back into routine.

🍲 Easy Post-Holiday Meal Idea

Not ready to dive into full-on meal prep yet? No worries! Try this comforting, minimal-effort soup that’s perfect for chilly days:

Leftover Veggie Soup

Grab any leftover roasted vegetables you have (or canned/frozen ones if your fridge is bare) and toss them into a pot with vegetable broth, garlic, and a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary. Add some beans for protein and more fiber

Simmer until everything is tender, then blend for a creamy soup or leave it chunky—your call.

Add a slice of crusty bread, and voilà: an easy, cozy meal with almost no cleanup.

🧘‍♀️ Self-Care Reminder

December can feel like one long to-do list. Here’s your reminder to pause and check in with yourself:

Are you drinking enough water? (Coffee doesn’t count, no matter how festive the mug.)
How’s your sleep? Consider turning off that holiday rom-com marathon and heading to bed a little earlier.
Have you taken a moment to just breathe today? Or spend a bit of time outside?

Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or time-consuming—it’s the small things that keep us going.

💡 What’s Coming Up

Next week, I’ll be sharing my favorite tips for celebrating the season while managing stress, so keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, hit reply and let me know: What’s your go-to way to recharge after a busy week?

Take care and stay cozy,

Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD

P.S. I made a coloring book! I'd be honored if you'd check it out!