Chapter 1: Embracing Change in Midlife

Navigating the journey of midlife can be quite challenging. While your mind remains sharp and your financial situation may improve, physical changes can be daunting. If you’re fortunate, you might have found a supportive partner who complements your life. Over the years, you’ve matured, trading late-night parties for cozy evenings at home.

However, with age comes inevitable bodily transformations. Unwanted hair begins to sprout, while the hair you cherish may thin out. Once agile limbs now feel stiff and sore upon waking, and nagging aches seem to linger. Fine lines, wrinkles, and gray hairs emerge, marking the passage of time.

Metabolism, which once allowed for carefree eating, suddenly shifts. The days of indulging without consequence seem to vanish; now, just a glance at a candy bar can lead to unwanted weight gain. By the time you reach your early forties, it can feel like everything has changed, and finding a new normal becomes a struggle.

I can relate to this challenge. Throughout my life, I’ve been on the slimmer side, born prematurely at just two pounds and six ounces. Even during my middle school graduation, I was still fitting into a size 6X slim. My petite frame led me to snack frequently to maintain my weight.

However, entering early menopause at 43 brought my metabolism to a standstill. Despite only gaining a modest ten pounds, I felt as if I had transformed into a bag of lumpy potatoes. I realized that I needed to make some changes. The first step was to cut back on soda—my longtime addiction. I reduced my intake from 3–6 cans a day to just one in the morning, opting for a juicer and soda stream to create healthier, carbonated juices.

Yet, giving up snacks was not an option. My love for junk food had been ingrained in me; chips, candy, crackers, and ice cream were my weaknesses. So, as I noticed the gradual shift in my body shape, I became determined to find healthier alternatives for my favorite treats, allowing me to indulge without the guilt of weight gain.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING RECIPES ARE NOT MY CREATIONS

Section 1.1: Gummy Bears

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fruit juice or fresh fruit puree
• 3 tbsp honey or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp unflavored gelatin

Instructions:

1. Juice or puree your fruit, straining if desired to remove seeds.
2. Heat the juice gently until it reaches a slow boil.
3. Gradually whisk in the gelatin while stirring continuously.
4. Once dissolved, pour into molds (gummy worms or bears work great) and refrigerate to set.

Chapter 2: A Healthy Take on Snickers

Ingredients:

• 20 pitted Medjool dates
• 12 oz chopped chocolate
• 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
• ¼ to ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ½ cup chopped nuts
• Flaky salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Open dates and flatten them.
2. Melt chocolate and coconut oil in intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Layer dates with chocolate, peanut butter, and nuts, then refrigerate until set.

The first video showcases how to create nostalgic, plant-based treats that can take you back in time while remaining healthy.

The second video features a fun taste test of nostalgic snacks from childhood, providing inspiration for healthier versions.

These healthier adaptations of my favorite snacks allow me to enjoy what I love without the guilt or health issues tied to traditional junk food.

Rowen Quinn

Rowen is a devoted mother, wife, advocate for domestic violence victims, and community volunteer. With a degree in Psychology focused on Family Counseling, she spends her time helping others while enjoying nature and writing, a passion she’s had since high school.