The Friday 5: Chicken Noodle Soup, Word of the Year & a Healthy Start!
Warm recipes, fresh ideas, and a healthy start to 2025.
We’re well into January, and if you’re like me, this time of year is all about nourishing routines, staying cozy, and finding your rhythm again after the holidays.
This week’s list is filled with things that are keeping me inspired, warm, and focused as we dive into 2025.
Let’s get to it—here’s this week’s Friday 5!
1. Making: Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup on a cold January day. My tried-and-true recipe is loaded with flavor, packed with immune-boosting goodness, and so simple to make.
Want to see it in action? I just posted a quick video on Reels showing how to make the homemade chicken stock that takes this soup to the next level.
I give you 2 ways to make it: a quick version and a full from-scratch version. Get the full printable recipe here.
2. Choosing: A Word of the Year
If you haven’t chosen your word of the year yet, it’s not too late! It’s a wonderful way to set an intention for the months ahead.
I was honestly stuck on mine until I picked up my new glasses after putting it off for nearly four years. My old ones were okay, but these new ones give me 20/15 vision! That’s when it hit me—my word for 2025 is Clarity.
If you’re looking for ideas or want guidance on choosing your own word, I’ve got a post with a big list of words for you: How to Choose a Word of the Year.
3. Watching: Oldie but Goodie Movies
Over the last week of December, we cozied up with the kids and grandparents for a classic movie marathon, and I highly recommend these picks:
Sleepless in Seattle: How had we not seen this yet? A sweet and nostalgic favorite, especially since we live in Seattle!
My Cousin Vinny: Pure comedy gold—every scene is a gem. Marisa Tomei and Joe Pesci were brilliant in it! Everyone from ages 12-77 loved it.
The Birdcage: Hilarious and heartwarming, with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane at their best. Again, everyone from ages 12-77 loved it.
Gladiator: A bit gory for my usual taste, but my husband loves it, and it was fun to rewatch after visiting the Colosseum in Rome this summer.
If you’re looking for something cozy to watch this weekend, these are fantastic choices.
4. Bringing Back: Italian Wedding Soup
This classic soup absolutely deserves a spot in your winter recipe rotation. Italian Wedding Soup is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor with tender meatballs, greens, and a rich, savory broth.
I’ve been making this one on repeat—it’s perfect for cozy evenings or meal prep for the week. Get the recipe here.
5. Teaching: Clean Up Your Diet
I’m so excited to be teaching the updated 10-Step Clean Up Your Diet™ course this month! The full program is new and updated for 2025.
These lessons are all about cutting through the food confusion, ditching restrictive diets, and finding the best approach for your health and lifestyle.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or want to start the year strong, this course is for you. It’s packed with practical strategies, updated science, and tools to help you feel your best in 2025 and beyond.
When you upgrade to premium, here’s what you’ll have immediate access to:
Clean Up Your Diet™ - What’s Available Now:
Step 1: Understand Bioindividuality
1.1 Bioindividuality: Discover the diet that’s as unique as you are—because one size doesn’t fit all!
1.2 Crowding Out: Focus on the (Delicious + Good) — Crowd Out the Rest!
1.3 Dietary Theory Review (Optional): 15 Ways to Inspire Your Healthiest Lifestyle Yet
Step 2: Master Gut Health & Digestion
2.1 Digestion Is Key: You're NOT What You Eat — You ARE What You Digest!
2.2 Healthy Food Charts: There are many (MANY!) foods to enjoy when cleaning up your diet.
2.3 Gut Check: Unlock the Superpowers of Your Second Brain
Supercharge Your Health by Tapping Into Your Gut’s Potential
2.4 Which Processed Foods Are OK? 🍽️: Watch now | The Processed Food Spectrum: How to Choose Wisely
Up Next: Step 3: Reduce Sugar Without Sacrifice
See you next week!
Elizabeth
