Happy New Year, from France!
As always, a recipe: Lemon Olive Oil Bread (Blood Sugar Friendly)
*This newsletter is not intended to be medical advice.
Welcome to 2025 with Modern Women’s Nutrition!
Empowering the busy modern woman to understand her hormone & metabolic health, and how to eat to thrive at every step of her journey—from fertility to perimenopause and beyond.
→Jump to Recipe: Lemon Olive Oil Bread
Hi and happy new year, gals!!!
We have many new readers and with the new year, I thought I’d take a quick sec to reintroduce myself, Anja Lee Hall, along with Modern Women’s Nutrition, and the heart behind this newsletter. Whether you’re one of our many loyal readers or a brand-new subscriber, I’m SO excited you’re here.
If you’re not already aware, I’m writing this newsletter from Biarritz, France! My husband and I chased my dream of living in France last January by picking up and moving here. Wow, time has flown.
Since, I’ve become BFF’s with many restaurant chefs & owners (you know I love to befriend them) and I’ve been able to continue my passion for food and health, learning from and dining with some of the best chefs in the world. Whole, seasonal quality ingredients are at the heart of every dish. Even more so, simplicity — food doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.
Between my California-healthy-fit and my France-relaxed-treatyoself lifestyles, I am excited to share with you my learnings as I continue to study hormone and metabolic health & science for the modern woman. The spirit and approach between France and California both offer learnings that we can all apply to our life as we pursue our dream of having a family and aging with grace.
This newsletter is designed with you in mind—a woman who wants to feel strong, energized, and confident in their health, no matter the phase of life you’re in. From the perinatal journey to thriving in perimenopause and beyond, I’m here to make healthy living simple, delicious, and approachable.
Why I Focus on Blood Sugar and Hormone Health
Your metabolic health and hormone balance are the foundation of your overall well-being—from your brain, to your heart, to your muscles and mood. Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating postpartum, or seeking better energy and vitality in your 30s, 40s, 50s and after, maintaining stable blood sugar is key.
When we keep blood sugar steady, we:
Reduce inflammation that can lead to chronic disease. (Dr. Ben Bikman)
Support mitochondrial health and reducing oxidative stress, essential for long-term energy and aging gracefully.
Balance hormones, which play a role in everything from mood to metabolism.
I’m here to cut through the noise and bring you science-backed tips and tools to support your journey, paired with weekly recipes that make eating well both joyful and easy.
I dove deep into these subjects in many newsletters last year. Here are a few you might find interesting and helpful:
Why should I pay attention to my blood sugars, especially if I am not diabetic?
5 go-to tips for everyday blood sugar balance that you don’t already know!
IMHO, our biggest blocker from being our healthiest selves is knowledge. We can blame the media, blame society, but if we understand what’s best for our bodies and what is in our food, we can overcome these obstacles.
So, if you don’t yet have enough to read from the above, or you want to dive deeper, here are:
Some of the Most Loved Content from 2024
New Evidence: Stress on Our Brain ← This is nuts!
The Gut-Brain Connection for A Woman ← The secret? Estrogen!
10 Easy Kitchen Swaps for Happier Hormones ← A must in every kitchen
33 Fertility Foods for Success ← Start sooner than you think
How Much Can You Trust the Yuka App? ← The most read newsletter of 2024
How to Identify Hidden Sugars ← Print this and put it on your fridge
5 Essentials for Blood Sugar Balance ← Memorize this
And the top RECIPES our members can’t get enough of:
Snickerdoodle Granola and a Perfect Breakfast Bowl ← Most made recipe of 2024, for me and for others
Can’t wait to receive your pics if you make any of the above recipes!
For those who want allll the recipes, tips & deep dives:
MWN is for both free and paid subscribers — no matter what your involvement is, I’m stoked & so grateful you’re here. Free subscribers get 1 post per month, at the beginning of the month. But paid subscribers not only receive 1 newsletter (and a tried and true recipe) per week, but also get access to all past resources and recipes—designed to help you feel your best, no matter where you are on your journey.
Here’s what you can expect as a paid member:
Weekly Newsletter
Every Saturday, I’ll send you a newsletter with the latest science-backed insights on metabolic and hormone health, plus a brand-new recipe you’ll love that is made with whole, seasonal ingredients (just like we’re enjoying here in France!). And always recipes that are metabolic, hormone and blood sugar friendly. I never use refined sugars, and focus on using nutritious flours, whole grains, and vegetable forward recipes full of fiber and protein.Your Go-To Digital Cookbook
Receive exclusive recipes each week—simple, delicious, and perfect for busy women. With 12 ingredients or fewer, minimal dishes, and (typically) under 30 minutes of prep, these recipes are family-approved and designed to fit your life.
Chef Anja Lee with her cookbook! Resources Library
Explore a growing collection of guides, tips, and tools to support your journey—from fertility and pregnancy to perimenopause and longevity.
Guides, tips & tools for a happy, healthy YOU! Community and Support
Ask me questions, connect with like-minded women, and share your journey in our subscriber-only chat space.
New Year’s Special Offer for Free Subscribers!
To celebrate the start of 2025, I’m offering 1 free month to new subscribers who join in the next 5 days, by January 9th! It’s the perfect time to dive into our recipes and resources.
👉 Subscribe now to claim your free month!
A Few Words from My Supporters
Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what a few of our readers have to say:
"I'm supporting Modern Women's Nutrition because good nutrition is THE foundation to vibrant health and wellness, and the best prevention and medicine. What else can I say?!" - Sylvana Rochet, Elan Vital
"This is the resource I always wish existed when I was pregnant, but I am so happy to have found it now! I have been cooking Anja's recipes for 10+ years, and they are my go-to everyday recipes to feel my best and fuel my family." - Kali Ashdown, San Luis Obispo
Introducing Our New Blood Sugar Health Course
Coming Soon!
I’m thrilled to announce a brand-new collaboration with
of Nest Wellness. We’re launching an online course designed to help you master blood sugar health, whether you’re looking to:Get rid of brain fog and start feeling sharp and focused again
Navigate the hormonal changes of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum or perimenopause
Manage pre-diabetes, PCOS or gestational diabetes
Feel energized and strong instead of sluggish and drained
Tackle that stubborn midsection bulge that’s been creeping in while getting older
Join a supportive community of people going through similar challenges
Learn how to create sustainable habits for longevity, metabolic health, and hormone balance
This course will be packed with everything you need to take control of your metabolic health—from expert guidance to practical tools and recipes.
If you’re interested in learning more, sign-up for free on our waitlist here!
Lemon Olive Oil Bread
Download & print recipe
Ingredient notes
Substitutions for every ingredient
Lemon Olive Oil Bread
Recipe by Anja Lee Hall with Modern Women’s Nutrition
A beautiful way to showcase seasonal lemons and feel refreshed in any season! This recipe is a delightful light, moist, and nutrient-packed treat perfect for dessert, breakfast (accompanied by protein, such as plain Greek yogurt or an egg), or a snack. Inspired by leftover cocktail ingredients from NYE (lemon juice and honey syrup), this recipe came together on a whim—and it was such a hit that it disappeared in two days! Based on a lemon olive oil cake I’ve made for years, this version is simplified and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor. My great friend Erica, a Modern Women’s Nutrition member, tells me the cake still one of her all-time favorites—so let me know what you think of this bread!
Why it’s great for hormone and blood sugar health:
Almond Flour: Rich in magnesium and vitamin E, supporting steady energy and hormone balance.
Honey: A natural sweetener with lower glycemic impact, helping stabilize blood sugar.
Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats, reducing inflammation and promoting hormone regulation.
Lemon Juice: Full of vitamin C, supporting adrenal health and reducing cortisol levels.
Egg: A powerhouse of choline, essential for hormone production and brain health.
This bread is a wholesome, guilt-free way to indulge while nourishing your body!
Dessert, Breakfast or Snack
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes | Cook Time: 45-60 minutes | Total Time: 55-75 minutes
Rest Time: 10-20 minutes
Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Refined Sugar-Free | Vegetarian | Low sugar
Ingredients
3 cups almond flour
½ cup honey
¼–⅓ cup milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk recommended, make mine using JOI)
⅔ cup olive oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing the sides and bottom with olive oil.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and sea salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the honey, milk, olive oil, egg, and lemon juice. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense texture.
Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10-20 minutes before slicing. The bread is very moist and may crumble if sliced too soon.
Serve: Enjoy as is or with a dollop of yogurt and fresh berries!
Recipe tips:
Don't open the oven door: This can cause the bread to collapse. Check for doneness only after 45 minutes.
Make it vegan by subbing maple syrup for honey.
Pair with plain Greek yogurt to make it a protein-rich, blood sugar friendly breakfast or snack.
ENJOY! Please let me know if you whipped these recipes up by commenting on my newsletter in Substack or sending me a message. I love photos too! If you post onInstagram orTikTok, please tag @hello_julienne so I can see and repost. 😀
Download & print recipe:
Is this Pregnancy-Friendly?
Yes! This Lemon Olive Oil Almond Bread is packed with nutrients that are ideal for pregnancy and women’s health:
Almond Flour: High in magnesium and healthy fats, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing pregnancy-related cramps.
Honey: A natural sweetener with antimicrobial properties, providing a gentle energy boost.
Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, supporting fetal brain and nervous system development.
Lemon Juice: Full of vitamin C, boosting immunity and aiding in iron absorption.
Egg: A great source of choline, vital for fetal brain development and maternal liver health.
Tips:
Use organic ingredients whenever possible to minimize pesticide exposure.
Adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey if preferred.
Is this Gestational Diabetes-Friendly?
Yes! This recipe balances fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners to help regulate blood sugar levels:
Almond flour provides fiber and protein to slow carbohydrate absorption.
Honey is used in moderation to maintain a balanced glycemic load.
Olive oil adds healthy fats that stabilize blood sugar levels.
Tips:
Reduce the honey slightly or replace it with a sugar-free alternative like allulose or monk fruit syrup.
Pair a slice of this bread with a high-protein topping like Greek yogurt or almond butter for added balance.
Want to Prep Ahead?
Absolutely! This bread is perfect for preparing ahead and storing for busy mornings or afternoon treats.
Tips:
Mix the dry ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
Bake the bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to Store Leftovers:
This bread keeps well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Tips:
Store slices individually in airtight containers or wrap them in parchment paper for grab-and-go snacks.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a fresh-baked texture.
Substitutions for every ingredient
Almond Flour: Substitute with hazelnut flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Note that the texture may vary.
Honey: Replace with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Milk of Choice: Use oat, coconut, or dairy milk if preferred. Avoid sweetened varieties to maintain balance.
Olive Oil: Swap with melted coconut oil or avocado oil for a lighter flavor.
Egg: Use a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Lemon Juice: Try orange or lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Why Subscribe Now to MWN?
As a paid subscriber, you’ll gain access to:
Weekly, exclusive recipes tailored for hormone and metabolic health.
A growing library of tools and resources to support your health goals.
Direct access to me for personalized advice and support.
For just $4.16/month when you subscribe annually, it’s the easiest and most affordable way to invest in your health in 2025.
👉 Subscribe today to start your journey!
Thank You for Being Here!
Your support means the world to me. Modern Women’s Nutrition exists because of women like you—those who want to feel strong, vibrant, and confident in their health.
Here’s to an incredible year ahead! I can’t wait to share it with you.
xoxo,
Anja Lee Hall
Founder of Julienne and Modern Women’s Nutrition
P.S. Let’s connect! Reply to this email, or join the chat group to share where you’re at in your health journey and what topics you’d love to see covered this year.
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