I might have used all my energy early on Saturday making dog treats for my girl (see Dee’s Pumpkin Cookie Recipe on my blog), or maybe I was just feeling a little lazy thanks to allergies reminding me that everything is in full bloom.

Either way, when dinner rolled around I didn’t want to cook and I definitely didn’t want to spend the money ordering takeout. So I did what I often do when I’m tired — I looked in the kitchen and used what I already had.

I had some French bread that needed to be used up, cheese in the refrigerator, and a few other ingredients that might not be considered the healthiest on their own… but are definitely delicious and perfectly fine once in a while.

That’s when this easy French Bread Pizza came to life. It’s simple, comforting, and a great way to use up ingredients before they go to waste.

Sometimes the best meals come from using what we already have.

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread

• 1 small can tomato sauce

• Cream cheese

• Pesto

• Fresh basil, parsley, and oregano

• Grated cheese (any you have on hand — I used provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella)

• Any toppings you like or have on hand

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My Toppings

I used up what I had in the refrigerator:

• Sliced jalapeño peppers

• Pineapple

• Fresh spinach

I actually love the combination of jalapeño and pineapple because you get that perfect balance of sweet and spicy in every bite.

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How to Assemble the Pizza

1. Slice the French bread lengthwise.

2. Spread cream cheese on both halves like you would butter toast.

3. Spread pesto over the cream cheese.

4. Add a layer of tomato sauce.

5. Sprinkle on fresh herbs.

6. Add your grated cheese.

7. Layer on your toppings.

8. Finish with a little more cheese and herbs.

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Bake

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is slightly crisp.

If you want the bread a little crispier, place the sliced bread in the oven for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

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Nutrition Highlights

Even though this recipe was created to use up ingredients I had on hand, many of the ingredients bring some nice nutritional benefits too.

Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Oregano)
Fresh herbs are packed with antioxidants and plant compounds that support overall health. Basil and oregano contain natural anti-inflammatory properties, while parsley provides vitamin C and vitamin K which support immune and bone health.

Spinach
Spinach adds fiber, iron, folate, and magnesium. These nutrients support energy levels, muscle function, and overall wellness.

Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cellular protection.

Jalapeños
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which may support metabolism and circulation while adding a spicy kick.

Cheese
Cheese provides protein and calcium, both important for maintaining strong bones and muscles.

Of course, meals like this are about balance and enjoyment. Sometimes a simple comfort meal made at home with real ingredients is far better than grabbing fast food or ordering takeout.

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Other Delicious Topping Ideas

One of the best things about French bread pizza is that you can use almost anything you have in your refrigerator.

Garden Veggie Pizza

• Mushrooms

• Bell peppers

• Red onion

• Zucchini

• Spinach

Mediterranean Style

• Olives

• Sun-dried tomatoes

• Feta cheese

• Spinach

• Artichoke hearts

Classic Pizza

• Pepperoni

• Italian sausage

• Mushrooms

• Mozzarella cheese

Fresh Garden Herb

• Tomato slices

• Fresh basil

• Mozzarella

• Garlic

• Olive oil drizzle after baking

Sweet and Savory

• Pineapple

• Ham or bacon

• Jalapeños

Protein Boost

• Shredded chicken

• Ground turkey

• Black beans

• Extra cheese

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A Simple Reminder

Sometimes the best meals aren’t the ones we plan.

They’re the ones we create when we open the refrigerator, see what we have, and turn simple ingredients into something comforting and satisfying.

For me, this little pizza was a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable. A few simple ingredients, a warm oven, and a little creativity can turn leftovers into something really good.

And honestly, that’s my favorite kind of recipe.

Crispy Nopal Bites with Creamy Dipping Sauces

A Mineral-Rich, Menopause-Supportive Appetizer You’ll Love

If you’ve never served cactus as an appetizer, this is your sign. After I made nopal street tacos my son gave me a great idea. He said that they were good for tacos but what about an appetizer and that my friend is how this blog came to be.

Nopal (cactus paddles) transforms into golden, crispy bites that are light, nourishing, and surprisingly satisfying. They’re perfect for taco night, wellness gatherings, or a plant-forward starter that feels just a little unexpected — in the best way.

Even better? Nopal is incredibly supportive during menopause.

Let’s talk about why.

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Why Nopal Is a Nutritional Powerhouse

Nutrition highlights (1 cup cooked nopal, approx.):

• ~14–20 calories
• 2g fiber
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Antioxidants (betalains)

This humble plant is:

• Hydrating
• Mineral-rich
• Naturally anti-inflammatory
• High in fiber for gut health
• Low calorie but deeply satisfying

It’s a beautiful addition to a whole-food, plant-centered lifestyle — especially in midlife.

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Why Nopal Is Especially Supportive During Menopause

Menopause is not a decline — it’s a recalibration. Hormones shift, insulin sensitivity changes, mineral needs increase, and inflammation can rise. Food becomes one of our most powerful tools.

1. Supports Blood Sugar Balance

As estrogen declines, many women notice:

• Afternoon crashes
• Carb cravings
• Mood swings
• Increased belly weight

The fiber in nopal helps slow glucose absorption, supporting steadier blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar also helps regulate cortisol, which plays a big role in weight, sleep, and mood during menopause.

Steady energy is everything in midlife.

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2. Mineral & Hydration Support

Hot flashes and night sweats can deplete fluids and minerals.

Nopal naturally contains magnesium and calcium and has a high water content. Magnesium supports:

• Nervous system regulation
• Muscle relaxation
• Sleep quality
• Reduced tension

Think of nopal as plant-based electrolyte support from nature.

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3. Naturally Anti-Inflammatory

Menopause can bring increased inflammation, which may show up as:

• Joint stiffness
• Skin changes
• Brain fog
• Slower recovery

Nopal contains antioxidants called betalains, which help neutralize oxidative stress and gently support resilience.

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4. Supports Gut & Hormone Health

The gut plays a key role in estrogen metabolism. The fiber in nopal supports digestion and elimination, helping the body process hormones efficiently.

Healthy gut function = better hormone balance.

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How to Prepare Fresh Nopal

If you purchased nopal in a jar, you can skip cleaning and boiling and move directly to the breading section.

Step 1: Remove the Thorns

Using a sharp knife, carefully run the blade against the surface of the paddle to remove thorns. Work slowly and go against the direction of the spines. Trim off the base and remove a thin edge along the sides.

Step 2: Wash

Place cleaned paddles in a bowl of water to rinse off any remaining needles or debris.

Step 3: Slice

Remove from water and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces crisp better for appetizers.

Step 4: Boil Until Tender

In a large pot combine:

• 1 diced onion
• Generous pinch of salt
• 2–3 drops cilantro pure essential oil
• Enough water to fully cover cactus

Bring to a gentle boil and cook 15–20 minutes, until tender. Drain well and lay on a towel or parchment to remove excess moisture.

(If using jarred nopal, simply drain and pat dry.)

Drying thoroughly is key for crispiness.

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Crispy Nopal Bites (Appetizer Style)

Ingredients

• Cooked nopal
• 2 eggs
• Hot sauce (such as Cholula)
• Taco seasoning
• Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs (cornmeal or flour also work)
• Olive oil spray

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500°F.
2. In one bowl, whisk eggs with hot sauce to desired heat level.
3. In a separate bowl or bag, combine breadcrumbs and taco seasoning.
4. Dip cooked nopal into egg mixture.
5. Transfer to breadcrumb mixture and coat fully.
6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Spray lightly with olive oil, flip, and spray the other side.
8. Bake 7–10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Cooking time varies depending on thickness.

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Creamy Dipping Sauces

Avocado Lime Crema

Blend:

• 1 ripe avocado
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
• Pinch sea salt
• Handful fresh cilantro

Creamy, cooling, and rich in healthy fats.

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Smoky Chipotle Yogurt Dip

Mix:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or adobo sauce
• Splash lime juice
• Pinch garlic powder

Adds protein and a gentle heat.

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Dairy-Free Cilantro Cashew Sauce

Blend:

• ½ cup soaked cashews
• ¼ cup water
• Juice of ½ lime
• Handful cilantro
• Pinch salt

Bright, elegant, and completely plant-based.

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Other Ways to Use Crispy Nopal

Once you make these, you’ll want them everywhere:

• Tucked into tacos with cabbage slaw
• Sprinkled over Southwest-style salads
• Layered on tostadas
• Added to grain bowls with black beans and roasted vegetables
• Served alongside eggs for a mineral-rich brunch

Pairing nopal with protein and healthy fats helps maximize its blood sugar-stabilizing benefits.

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Midlife Kitchen Can be a Healing Place

Menopause asks us to nourish differently — not less, not restrictively, but more intentionally.

When we choose foods that:

• Stabilize blood sugar
• Reduce inflammation
• Replenish minerals
• Support the gut
• Hydrate deeply

We give our bodies what they truly need during this transition.

Sometimes that support looks like a golden, crispy cactus bite dipped in creamy lime sauce — simple, nourishing, and joyful.

And that’s wellness done right. 🌵✨

Menopause- and gut-friendly

It’s almost spring, and with those lingering spring showers, this is the perfect cozy-but-light dish to enjoy.

I love making lentil soup and playing with different versions. This is honestly how I do my best cooking—following intuition and seeing what I can create. When I came across this recipe in my yoga magazine, I loved the simplicity and warmth of it and knew it would be one worth sharing.

Inspired by North Indian flavors, this soup is filled with warming spices that feel grounding, comforting, and supportive—especially during seasonal shifts and the hormonal transitions of menopause.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 2 tbsp lentils, washed and drained

• 1 tsp dried ginger

• 3 large tomatoes, chopped

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro, divided

• 2½ cups water

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Instructions

In a large pan over medium heat, warm the coconut oil. Add the lentils and dried ginger and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, chili powder, and black pepper, and cook for about one minute to allow the spices to bloom.

Stir in half of the cilantro and cook for another minute. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes, until the lentils are broken down and soft.

For a smoother texture, let the soup cool for about 5 minutes, then blend until smooth.

Top with the remaining cilantro and enjoy.

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Why This Soup Supports Menopause & Gut Health

This dish is simple, but incredibly supportive—especially if digestion feels more sensitive or energy feels unpredictable during menopause.

Gut Health Support

• Lentils are rich in soluble fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports regular digestion.

• Ginger helps stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe the gut—something many women notice becomes more important during menopause.

• Warm, cooked foods like soup are easier to digest than raw foods, supporting gut comfort and nutrient absorption.

Menopause Support

• Plant-based protein from lentils helps stabilize blood sugar, which can reduce energy crashes, mood swings, and cravings.

• Healthy fats from coconut oil support hormone production and help you feel satisfied after meals.

• Cinnamon and black pepper support metabolic health and circulation, which can feel especially helpful during hot flashes or temperature shifts.

• Tomatoes and herbs provide antioxidants that support inflammation balance and skin health as estrogen levels change.

This soup offers fiber, clean protein, warming spices, and gentle fats—all things the menopausal body tends to thrive on, especially during seasonal transitions.

Comforting, nourishing, and deeply supportive. 🌿✨

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Listening to My Energy in Menopause

Now that it is a new year, I have been reflecting to a time not so long-ago. It was during Christmas break; I had been spending my time exactly where I wanted to be — enjoying my grandson while he’s home for winter break. Those slow mornings, laughter-filled afternoons, and unstructured days filled my heart in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.

But somewhere along the way, my body quietly let me know it was feeling a little run down.

Menopause, pots and cancer have taught me to pay attention to those signals. Energy doesn’t dip without a reason anymore. Hormonal shifts, winter’s slower rhythm, disrupted sleep, and even joyful busyness can all add up. I’ve learned that pushing through only leaves me more depleted — so now I pause and ask, what kind of support does my body need right now?

That’s what inspired today’s recipes.

I remembered seeing simple energy balls on a Young Living website and decided to try making a few batches. They came together quickly, required no baking, and felt nourishing instead of stimulating. And most importantly — they actually helped. Not in a jittery way, but in a steady, grounded way that felt supportive during this season of life.

Winter can feel especially sluggish in menopause, so having gentle, food-based energy on hand has been a small but meaningful shift for me. These energy balls offer natural carbohydrates for fuel, fiber and healthy fats for blood sugar balance, and a touch of citrus or herbal vitality that feels uplifting without being overwhelming.

What I’ve also learned is that true menopause-friendly energy is holistic.

Food matters. Rest matters. And so does internal support.

Alongside nourishing snacks like these, I lean into Oliveda internal support to help my body build energy from the inside out:

• I66 to support inflammation balance and cellular stress

• I70 to support metabolic function and sustained vitality

• I01 to nourish the gut, where so much of our energy and hormone communication begins

When digestion, inflammation, and cellular health are supported, energy doesn’t have to be forced — it can be rebuilt.

Menopause has shifted my definition of wellness. It’s no longer about doing more, but about choosing what truly supports me. These energy balls are a small example of that mindset: simple, nourishing, and made with intention.

If you’re feeling a little slower this winter, I hope these recipes feel like an invitation to listen inward and support your energy gently — one bite at a time.

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Essential Oil Disclaimer (Menopause-Specific)

These recipes use Young Living Vitality™ essential oils, which are labeled for dietary use. Essential oils are very concentrated, and during menopause some women may be more sensitive. Start with the lowest amount listed, listen to your body, and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns, are taking medications, or have underlying health conditions

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🍊 Tangerine Burst Chocolate Energy Balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 14 balls

Ingredients

• 32 pitted dates

• ½ cup quick oats

• ¼ cup hemp seeds

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• ¼ cup coconut flour

• 12 drops Tangerine Vitality™ essential oil

Instructions

1. Process dates in a food processor until they form a thick paste.

2. Add oats, hemp seeds, cocoa powder, coconut flour, and Tangerine Vitality essential oil. Process until a firm dough forms.

3. Using a medium cookie scoop, roll dough into bite-sized balls.

4. Roll in cocoa powder, if desired.

5. Store in an airtight container.

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