March 23, 2025

How to Create a Calmer, More Nourishing Pesach (Especially as a Woman Over 40)

Photo of Justine Friedman, Registered Clinical Dietician and Mindset Mentor
Justine Friedman
Registered Clinical Dietitian and Mindset Mentor


As Pesach approaches, many women find themselves juggling a long list of responsibilities—cleaning, cooking, shopping, organizing, hosting—and often doing it all while still managing everyday life.

For women over 40, who are often navigating hormonal shifts and midlife changes, this season can feel especially intense. We’re more prone to feeling depleted, anxious, and stretched thin—and yet, we tend to push on, placing ourselves at the very bottom of the list.

But Pesach isn’t just about crossing tasks off a to-do list. It’s about creating space for freedom, renewal, and meaningful connection—not only with others but also with yourself.

Slow Down & Ask: What Will Nourish Me This Pesach?

This year, give yourself permission to pause and reflect:

  • What brings me calm and joy during Pesach?
  • Where can I simplify, and where can I ask for help?
  • How can I protect my energy and well-being amidst the busyness?

The invitation is simple but powerful—shift from survival mode into a more mindful and nourishing way of preparing for Pesach.

Why Stress & Blood Sugar Matter More Than You Think

As we age, how we manage stress and balance our blood sugar has a direct impact on how we feel day to day—especially during demanding periods like Chagim.
When stress is high and blood sugars are all over the place, we tend to experience:

  • Low, unstable energy
  • Mood swings
  • Sugar cravings
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Increased anxiety or overwhelm

Balanced blood sugar and regulated stress responses help stabilize your energy levels, improve mood, and reduce that frazzled, "on edge" feeling. By taking care of yourself—through mindful eating, pacing yourself, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest—you’ll be able to show up to the Chag feeling calmer, more grounded, and present.

A Calmer, More Connected Pesach is Possible

I also spoke with Dr. Barbara Schwarck about how to reduce anxiety around Pesach, stay aligned with your wellness goals, and prepare without sacrificing your emotional or physical well-being.

🎥 You can watch the replay here

Ready to Feel More Balanced Year-Round?

If you’d like personalized support to manage your daily life and Chagim in a way that supports your body, hormones, and overall wellness, I’d love to help.

👉 Click here to book a free call with me, and together we’ll create a plan to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more energized—not just during Pesach, but every day.

Photo of Justine Friedman, Registered Clinical Dietician and Mindset Mentor
Justine Friedman
Registered Clinical Dietitian and Mindset Mentor
Justine is a seasoned Clinical Dietician with over two decades of experience in private practice. Holding a Bachelor of Science from WITS and a Medical Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from UCT, she is both South African qualified and Israeli licensed. Justine's journey into nutrition was deeply personal, stemming from her own battles with weight management, emotional eating, and adapting her diet post-40 to meet the changing needs of her body. This personal connection to her field fuels her mission to empower clients to forge a harmonious relationship with food and their bodies. Understanding the complexity of diet, hormones, gut health, and eating habits, Justine brings empathy and expertise to her practice. She is dedicated to helping individuals overcome the cycle of dieting and self-sabotage by fostering a profound understanding of their own bodies. Justine's approach is grounded in the belief that knowledge is power—by understanding your body, you can work with it, not against it, to achieve lasting health and wellness.

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