In this episode of Joy With Food, I’m sharing the “Decide Once” principle — a simple but powerful way to reduce decision fatigue, lighten the mental load, and create more room for joy (especially in the kitchen). You’ll hear real-life examples both inside and outside of food, why this matters so much for mothers, and how to create Decide Once rhythms that actually feel supportive — not rigid. We’re not meant to live on a hamster wheel of endless to-dos. 🌀 We’re here to savor this precious life — the meals, the moments, the connection. Additional Resources for Support: 🌸 Join the Decide Once community 🍽️ Explore The Joyful Family Meal workshop 📞 Set up a free coaching consultation 

In this episode, I share what’s really behind food burnout — and it’s deeper than decision fatigue or meal planning. We explore how masculine and feminine energies show up in your kitchen and your body, and how a consistent imbalance between the two can quietly drain your joy. I talk about what happens when fear drives us to control food more tightly, and how to shift from rigidity to a more grounded, confident structure that actually supports you and your family. You’ll hear about the cultural conditioning that keeps mothers overdoing, what a healthy masculine and feminine look like in everyday family rhythms, and simple ways to begin finding your own balance again. If food feels like one more job, instead of a place of connection, this conversation will help you reconnect with ease, presence, and the joy that brought you to the table in the first place. Resources: Schedule a free coaching consult here. Access the Joyful Family Meal Workshop here.  

If you tend to skip lunch, grab coffee or a bar instead of a meal, or suddenly realize you’re starving hours after you should’ve eaten… this episode is for you.  As mothers, we put so much care and attention into what our kids eat—carefully packing their lunches, thinking through their snacks, making sure they have balanced meals. But what about us? Why do we so often neglect our own nourishment while prioritizing theirs? In this episode, we’re diving into why lunch is the most essential meal of the day for moms—not just for energy and nutrition, but for our overall well-being. We’ll explore:✅ Circadian biology and why midday is the optimal time for digestion and energy.✅ The disconnect between how much we focus on kids’ meals vs. our own—and what that means.✅ How skipping lunch leads to blood sugar crashes, exhaustion, and low patience by dinnertime.✅ Simple, realistic ways to make lunch non-negotiable—without adding more to your plate.✅ The powerful message we send our kids when they see us caring for ourselves too. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new perspective on why your lunch matters—and how prioritizing it can transform the way you feel (and the way your whole family experiences meals). Tune in now and start making your own nourishment just as important as theirs. Links & Resources: 🍽️ The Joyful Family Meal Workshop – Bring more ease, connection, and joy to your family meals this season! 💬 Set Up a Private Coaching Consult – Need personalized support? Let’s chat!    

Does food feel the same season after season?  Spring is a season of renewal, and it's the perfect time to refresh our kitchens, our meals, and ourselves. In this episode, we explore how to embrace the energy of spring through food, color, and small shifts that invite lightness and growth into your life. From honoring the subtle transitions of spring to savoring seasonal foods like bitter greens and vibrant vegetables, we’ll talk about simple ways to connect with the season's essence and nourish your body and family. It’s not about overhauling your routine, but about finding new ways to bloom with ease and intention this season. Links & Resources:🍽️ The Joyful Family Meal Workshop – Bring more ease, connection, and joy to your family meals this season!💬 Set Up a Private Coaching Consult – Need personalized support? Let’s chat!🌱 Hamama Sprouting Trays – Grow fresh, nutrient-packed sprouts right in your kitchen! 🥗 Krista Parr’s Spring Recipe Club – Seasonal, nourishing recipes to inspire your meals! Use code Deena10 for $10 off.

This is a personal update on how I've been feeling lately, noticing shifts in eating behaviors, and using food as source of support.   I talk through: Personal life update Cravings How we listen to our bodies The one question to can ask yourself  Practical ways to support yourself with food in difficult times A book recommendation Resources Mentioned: 🌟 Let's Talk About Sugar Workshop 🫶 Schedule your free coaching consult 

This is a great episode to play for the kids!   In this episode, my son goes through the ingredients you need and the step-by-step for how to make deviled eggs, a personal favorite of his these days.  He shares how he got inspired to make them in the first place and how much he loves being in the kitchen.   Kids in the Kitchen, my program that walks you through inviting your kids into the kitchen in a way that feels good to everyone, is coming soon!  Add your name to the waitlist and to get a discount as soon as enrollment opens.  

If you find yourself cutting out foods from your diet that you love because family members don't share that love, this episode is for you!  I go into three really important reasons why this really doesn't help anyone.  And this is especially important if you have a picky eater in your family!   It's time to shift that narrative that we're here to serve our families and that we can put our enjoyment on the back burner.   Your joy matters.  ❤️  

Ever find yourself in a rut and not sure where to get food ideas from?  Cookbooks can be such an under-utilized source for recipes, ideas, and creative inspiration!  In this episode I break down how I use cookbooks, ways to test them out before adding them to your shelf, and why they are at the top of my list for supporting kids to create a positive relationship with food. This episode will have you rethinking this old school format for recipes and set you up for success to bring in new ideas and inspiration!  The Joyful Family Meal Workshop is the perfect next step to up your game in creating an inspiring and inviting kitchen space, prep & planning, and actually enjoying your mealtime.  It is 15% off for a limited time!  Use discount code: PODCAST15 at checkout. 

Do you usually just take a bite of food without considering the transition to eating?  Join me as I share exactly what I do before each meal and why it's so important!  Ritual is essential when it comes to food if we want it to feel embodied, connected, and joyful.  Try this practice on and see how it transforms your mealtime!  I also hope you love the analogy I share in this episode. Need personalized guidance in this area like so many families?   Book your free 20-minute consult right here. 🫶 Private coaching is the most efficient, nuanced, and supportive way to go about incorporating sustainable practices into your experience of food.   👉Click here to set up a consult for FREE👈

We are in the height of Springtime seasonal transition right now in the northern hemisphere and this window provides such a beautiful way to connect differently with food.  In today's episode I walk you through how to connect with this energy, what to try out that's specific to Spring, and the ways it can totally break down the monotony of food.  We are cyclical beings and leaning into the changing seasons brings a feeling of rebirth, newness, and joy.  Want to get specific on how to do this for you and your unique family?  Book an Ask Me Anything Session right here. 

In today's episode I walk you through a new paradigm around, what's often labeled as, "picky eating."  Preferences change throughout our lives and certainly for our growing kids.  I promise that, for most kids, you don't need to do the guessing game dance every day around what they may eat or just serve the same "safe foods" (not a fan of that term) daily.  There's another way that's actually way more sustainable, more joyful, and supports your kids long-term.  Stay till the end for a very sweet and special cameo!    Need personalized guidance in this area like so many families?  Private coaching is the most efficient, nuanced, and supportive way to go about this.  Book your free 20-minute consult right here.  What do you want to hear on this podcast?  Fill out this one-minute survey here.   Deena Barselah Instagram. Sign up for weekly Joyful Food Digest emails where I share what I’m up to when it comes to food, health, new ideas, and my favorite things.  

What's it like when you eat by yourself?   When your attention isn't on conversation or being with your kids?  How many other things are you doing?   Do you even take the time for a meal?  If family mealtime is stressful, frustrating, or overwhelming, this episode is your starting point.   Give yourself time to notice how mealtime really feels for you.   Sign up for free The Snack Hack system The Joyful Family Meal Workshop

In this first episode I go into detail sharing my story when it comes to food and my body- from early childhood through today and all the pivotal moments along the way.  I want you to have a good sense of who this is behind the mic and the life experiences that shape why I do what I do!  I hope you love it.  What do you want more of?  Please fill out this 1-minute survey.  Deena Barselah Instagram Sign up for the Joyful Food Digest emails!