Valentine’s Day Easy Recipes for Perimenopause & Menopause

Lynne on February 14, 2025

A Collection of Nourishing Meals for Balance & Well-Being

Breakfast Recipes

Berry & Flaxseed Smoothie Bowl

A heart-healthy, fiber-rich start to your day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

  1. Blend the frozen berries, almond milk, and flaxseeds until smooth.
  2. Pour into a bowl and top with Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve with heart-shaped sliced strawberries on top!

Avocado & Spinach Breakfast Toast

Nourishing and energizing for hormone balance!

Ingredients:

  • 1 slice whole-grain toast
  • 1/2 avocado, mashed
  • 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 poached egg
  • 1/2 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Toast the whole-grain bread until crispy.
  2. Spread mashed avocado on top and layer with fresh spinach.
  3. Add the poached egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Use a heart-shaped cutter to shape the toast before serving!

Lunch Recipes

Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Salad

A protein-packed, phytoestrogen-rich meal!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes (cubed)
  • 1/2 cup roasted broccoli
  • 1/4 cup chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Toss cooked quinoa with roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and chickpeas.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drizzle over the salad and mix well.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve in a heart-shaped bowl for extra love!

Salmon & Kale Wrap

Rich in omega-3s to support heart and hormone health!

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole-grain wrap
  • 1/2 cup canned or grilled salmon
  • 1/4 cup kale, chopped
  • 1/4 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tbsp yogurt-dill sauce (Greek yogurt + fresh dill + lemon juice)

Instructions:

  1. Spread the yogurt-dill sauce on the wrap.
  2. Layer salmon, kale, and avocado.
  3. Roll up tightly and slice in half.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve with pink pickled onions for a festive touch!

Snack Recipes

Dark Chocolate & Almond Energy Bites

A mood-boosting, magnesium-rich treat!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp flaxseeds

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Roll into small bite-sized balls.
  3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!

Cucumber & Hummus Stacks

Refreshing, hydrating, and rich in plant-based protein!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup hummus
  • 1/2 tsp paprika or sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Spread hummus on cucumber slices.
  2. Sprinkle with paprika or sesame seeds.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve with red bell pepper hearts on the side!

Dinner Recipes

Lentil & Vegetable Curry

Anti-inflammatory and protein-packed!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
  • Cooked brown rice (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic, ginger, and carrots in a pan.
  2. Add lentils, coconut milk, and turmeric. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in spinach before serving.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Garnish with red chili flakes for a fiery touch!

Grilled Chicken with Steamed Greens

A lean, balanced dinner for bone and muscle health!

Ingredients:

  • 1 chicken breast, grilled
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
  • 1/4 cup cooked quinoa or sweet potato mash

Instructions:

  1. Grill the chicken breast until cooked through.
  2. Serve with steamed broccoli and quinoa/sweet potatoes.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Marinate the chicken in lemon and rosemary for extra love!

Dessert Recipes

Chia Seed Pudding with Pomegranate

A fiber-rich, omega-3-filled dessert!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds

Instructions:

  1. Mix chia seeds, almond milk, and maple syrup. Refrigerate overnight.
  2. Top with pomegranate seeds before serving.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve in a wine glass for an elegant touch!

Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Walnuts

A cozy, comforting dessert!

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple, halved
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

  1. Sprinkle cinnamon and walnuts on the apple halves.
  2. Drizzle with honey and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings!

Beverage Recipes

Golden Milk Latte

A warming, anti-inflammatory drink!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

  1. Heat almond milk and whisk in turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
  2. Sweeten with honey before serving.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring!

Mint & Cucumber Infused Water

Refreshing and hydrating!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 5 mint leaves
  • 3 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and let infuse overnight.

💖 Valentine’s Tip: Serve in a fancy glass with a strawberry garnish!

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Women Over 40: Celebrate Love (Including Self-Love!)

Lynne on February 10, 2025

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candlelit dinners and heart-shaped chocolates (though we’re not saying no to those!). For women over 40, love takes on a deeper meaning—whether it’s romance, friendship, or the all-important self-love. This year, skip the clichés and celebrate in a way that truly speaks to you.

Here are some fresh, meaningful ways to make this Valentine’s Day special—whether you’re coupled up, flying solo, or somewhere in between.

1. Romantic Getaway (Even If It’s Just You!)

Who says you need a partner to enjoy a dreamy escape? Whether you’re planning a weekend trip with your significant other or indulging in a solo retreat, get out of town and treat yourself to relaxation. Think spa resorts, cozy mountain cabins, or even a luxe hotel stay in your own city.

Solo Self-Love Twist: Book a one-night stay at a boutique hotel, order room service, and revel in uninterrupted “me-time.”

2. Wine & Dine—With a Twist

Instead of the usual restaurant dinner, shake things up! Try a wine-tasting night at home, a gourmet cooking class, or a private chef experience. If you have a partner, make it a romantic date; if you’re single, invite your best girlfriends for a “Galentine’s” feast.

Self-Love Twist: Cook a decadent meal just for you, pair it with your favorite wine, and enjoy every bite without distractions.

3. Pamper Yourself Like a Queen

There’s never a wrong time for self-care, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to go all out. Book a massage, schedule a facial, or take a long bubble bath with candles and a good book.

DIY Spa Night Tip: Mix up a homemade face mask (try honey and yogurt for hydration), play relaxing music, and wrap yourself in your softest robe.

4. Get Your Heart Pumping—Literally!

Love and endorphins go hand in hand. This Valentine’s, try a new activity that gets you moving—dance classes, a fun hike, or even an at-home yoga session by candlelight. Bonus: Exercise boosts mood and energy, making you feel even more radiant.

Self-Love Bonus: Put on your favorite playlist and dance like nobody’s watching—because, really, who cares?

5. A Love Letter… to Yourself

When was the last time you truly appreciated yourself? Take a moment to write a love letter listing everything you admire about yourself—your resilience, your kindness, your laugh lines that tell a lifetime of stories. Read it whenever you need a reminder of your worth.

Extra Idea: Write love notes to your closest friends or family members, reminding them how special they are.

6. Jewelry with Meaning

Forget waiting for someone else to buy you jewelry—pick out something that symbolizes your journey, whether it’s a charm bracelet, a birthstone ring, or a pendant with an empowering message.

Tip: Consider a piece engraved with a meaningful word, like “strength,” “love,” or your personal mantra.

7. Celebrate Friendships

Romantic love gets all the hype, but deep friendships are just as precious. Plan a Galentine’s gathering—host a brunch, go to a comedy show, or have a cozy night in with movies and wine.

Single & Thriving? Make it a tradition! Lifelong friendships deserve celebration, too.

8. Do Something Completely for You

Use Valentine’s Day as a checkpoint: What’s something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Whether it’s signing up for a painting class, starting a new book, or finally booking that dream trip, take the first step today.

Final Thought: Love Comes in Many Forms

Valentine’s Day after 40 is about celebrating love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and most importantly, self-love. Whether you’re pampering yourself, laughing with friends, or sharing a quiet moment with your partner, make this day about joy, connection, and feeling good in your own skin.

So, how will you celebrate this year? ❤️