Finding Space to Breathe—and a Gut-Healthy Meal Plan to Match
Hey friends, I hope you’re soaking up some well-deserved downtime this holiday weekend. Over here, life has been a little… intense. Between late nights catching up on work, the ongoing whirlwind of our Malibu renovation (I’d forgotten just how all-consuming remodeling can be), and prepping for an exciting launch at Casa Zuma this week, it’s been non-stop. From product shoots to marketing copy to website prep, the to-do list seems endless. The good news? These are all things I genuinely love. The challenge? There’s a lot of them.
I’m sharing this because, as much as I preach carving out space for rest in our lives—hence the name of this newsletter, Breathing Space—I still get swept up in the current of busyness. It’s a paradox I live with daily: craving a slower, more mindful life while feeling pulled by all the responsibilities, projects, and commitments that demand my attention. Whether it’s juggling family, career, or a mix of both, the pace of modern life can feel relentless.
Making time for rest can almost feel rebellious in a culture that glorifies constant motion. That’s why this week, I’m setting an intention: to intentionally carve breaks into my days. Yes, literally blocking time on my calendar for “REST.” Life isn’t about crossing off every task on a list—it’s about slowing down enough to notice the beauty in ordinary moments, being present with the people we love, and truly savoring the days we’re given.
On that note, I’ve also started a new book that feels like it was written just for me. Anyone want to join me? I’ll report back once I’ve dived in.
Weekly Highlights
Before we get to the meal plan, here are a few things I’ve been loving lately:
- ☀️ Embracing casual, laid-back hangouts. Sometimes the best memories come from unstructured moments.
- 🔨 Renovation updates: a sneak peek at our Malibu bedroom plans (I’m beyond excited!)
- 📱 Oprah interviews Jonathan Haidt on the effects of social media on childhood—tough listening, but crucial for parents.
- 🌼 Favorite Mother’s Day gifts, curated with love.
- 🥬 Stunning spring salads—pro tip: the strawberry caprese is a game-changer.
Gut-Healthy Eating: Why It Matters
I’ve been hearing from so many of you after my recent gut-health post. A common question? Exactly what to eat to support a healthy gut. This is my jam. I could spend all day reading cookbooks and experimenting in the kitchen. Creating meals that are both healing and delicious has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
“Healthy eating” looks different for everyone. Some people thrive on plant-forward diets, others need to limit gluten or dairy. There’s no universal approach, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for your body.
That said, certain foods consistently nourish the gut, encourage beneficial bacteria, and aid digestion. A healthy microbiome can reduce inflammation, enhance brain function, protect against chronic illness, and even support weight management.
Key staples I focus on include:
- Whole, minimally processed foods
- Fiber-rich ingredients
- A colorful variety of plants (the more diversity, the better!)
- Healthy fats like salmon, avocado, and olive oil
- Prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods
Fun fact: research shows that you can see changes in your microbiome in as little as 24 hours by diversifying your plate.
A Gut-Friendly Meal Plan for the Week
Let’s get practical. A balanced meal plan can inspire you to try new ingredients, reduce cooking stress, and even minimize food waste. Here’s a gut-friendly plan that emphasizes digestion-supportive ingredients, fiber, and colorful produce. Most breakfasts and lunches are simple to prep ahead, and many dinners double as next-day lunches.
Breakfast & Lunch:
- Pick one or two recipes to rotate throughout the week.
- Reheat dinner leftovers for a stress-free lunch.
- Salads can be doubled for both lunch and dinner.
Dinners (serves four):
- If cooking for fewer people, halve the recipes or embrace leftovers for quick, healthy meals.
Each recipe emphasizes:
- High fiber and plant diversity
- Ingredients that feed the microbiome
- Flavors that make eating well feel indulgent, not restrictive
Pro Tips:
- Prep ingredients ahead to save time on busy nights.
- Mix and match meals to keep things exciting.
- Remember: the goal is nourishing your body, not perfection.
Creating space for rest and prioritizing gut-friendly meals might feel like two separate things, but they’re deeply connected. When we fuel our bodies with the right foods and intentionally slow down, we cultivate energy, focus, and a sense of ease that spills over into every part of our lives.
So this week, I invite you to:
- Schedule a block of time just for rest. No guilt.
- Try one or two gut-healthy meals from this plan.
- Notice how your body and mind respond.
Life doesn’t have to be a constant race. With mindful pauses and intentional nourishment, even the busiest weeks can feel balanced, vibrant, and joyful.
