Mug of reality

As we navigate our 40s and beyond, the way we nourish our bodies starts to matter even more, especially when it comes to supporting our hormones, energy, and digestion.

This Glow Vegetable Ribbon Salad is one of those recipes that feels as good as it looks. It’s light, crunchy, colorful, and packed with hormone-friendly ingredients that help support your body during perimenopause, hormonal shifts, or just everyday bloating and fatigue.

Whether you’re looking for a fiber-rich lunch, a quick side dish, or a way to sneak in more raw veggies, this salad is a win.

Why This Salad Supports Hormone Balance:

• Carrots – rich in beta-carotene and fiber to help detox excess estrogen
• Cucumbers – cooling, hydrating, and full of minerals
• Radishes – part of the cruciferous family, support the liver and digestion
• Sesame seeds – a great source of lignans and healthy fats to balance estrogen and progesterone
• Apple cider vinegar + lemon juice – supports blood sugar balance and liver detoxification
• Olive oil – anti-inflammatory, healthy fat that supports hormone production

Have you tried using food to support your hormones lately?

I’ve been learning so much lately about how small, intentional changes—like adding more raw veggies, increasing fiber, or eating more protein (especially nutrient-dense foods like organ meats)—can make a real difference. I just want to feel good in my body. And I know I’m not alone in that.

Not every day is perfect. Not every day feels good. But when we keep showing up for ourselves, even in small ways, consistently—that’s when we start to see the shift. 💛

Glow Vegetable Ribbon Salad is one of my go-tos when I feel puffy, sluggish, or just want something light and nourishing.

👉 Save this recipe and tag me if you make it—I’d love to see your version

— Sanna 

You can follow me on Facebook: @MugOfReality, Instagram: @mugofreality Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in any way get through. I am always here to help!

Recipes you might like:

No Bake Energy Bites

These No-Bake Energy Bites are loaded with nutrients and made from real, whole foods that support energy, hormone balance, and overall wellness, especially for women over 40.

Grilled Naan With Smoked Salmon

Yield: 2 Servings

Glow Vegetable Ribbon Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

A crisp, gut-loving salad made with carrot and cucumber ribbons, radishes, and a zesty ACV-lemon dressing—perfect for hormone support and light nourishment.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots, peeled into ribbons
• 1 small cucumber or zucchini, peeled into ribbons
• 4–5 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• Pinch of sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• Sprinkle of paprika or chili powder (optional)
• Optional: sprinkle of dried mint or parsley

Dressing:

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Use a vegetable peeler to create long ribbons from the carrots and cucumber.
2. Thinly slice the radishes and combine all veggies in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sea salt, pepper, and any extra herbs/spices you like.
6. Let it chill for 10 minutes to soften the veggies slightly and let flavors develop.
   

Notes

• Add avocado or toasted pumpkin seeds for healthy fats and more satisfaction.
• For a protein boost, top with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shredded chicken (if not strictly plant-based).
• You can spiralize the veggies instead of peeling them for a different texture.
• Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours (best enjoyed fresh).

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 224Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 0mgSodium 283mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 8gSugar 7gProtein 6g

Let’s make Ginger Soy Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach is a flavorful, high-protein meal prep idea perfect for quick, balanced lunches.

Some lunches just hit different—especially when they’re loaded with flavor, a little bit of heat, and come together without too much fuss. This one is kind of my take on an Asian-inspired comfort bowl: warm, savory, and packed with nutrients to get you through a busy day.

This lunch is perfect when you’re craving something hearty but still want to keep things balanced. And yes, it smells amazing when you heat it up—sorry not sorry to everyone else in the break room. 😅

But you might say, what break room lady, you work from home? 🙂

Let’s be real—working from home can blur the lines between meals, breaks, and the endless to-do list. That’s exactly why I started this Lunch Box Series. I don’t “meal prep” in the traditional sense, but prepping a lunch box each day gives me something I crave: structure, routine, and an actual lunch break.

Packing it into a lunch box—even if I’m just walking from my kitchen to my desk—makes me pause, sit down, and eat like a real person. Plus, it’s great for portion control.

When you’re working from home and snacking is just an arm’s reach away, having a set meal can be such a helpful reset. If you’re like me and sometimes don’t know where to stop (even when you’re full), this is a gentle and satisfying solution.

What’s in Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach Lunch Box:

🍳 Egg Fried Rice – I used leftover rice, tossed it in the pan with a bit of sesame oil, scrambled eggs right into it, and finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Super simple, super satisfying.

🥩 Ground Lamb with Soy, Ginger & Garlic – This is my favorite part. I sautéed ground lamb with minced garlic, grated ginger, a touch of soy sauce, and a little onion. It’s juicy, flavorful, and cooks in less than 10 minutes.

🌱 Sautéed Spinach – Just a quick toss in the pan with a little oil, salt, and garlic. I like mine soft but not mushy. It adds that green goodness and balances out the richness of the lamb.

TIPS:

• Use day-old rice if you can—makes for a better fried rice texture.
• You can swap lamb for ground beef, chicken, or turkey if preferred.
• Don’t skip the sesame seeds. They add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that ties the whole thing together.
• I pack this in a glass container so I can microwave it safely (and it just looks pretty, let’s be real).

You are not feeling Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach?

Let’s Mix It Up:

• Add a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of spicy mayo if you want extra richness.
• Swap spinach for bok choy, kale, or even shredded cabbage.
• Toss in some chili flakes or sriracha if you love heat like I do.
• Want it vegetarian? Swap lamb for crumbled tofu and add mushrooms.
• You don’t have a lamb? No problem! Use ground turkey, beef or chicken instead. It will taste just as good.

 I’d love to know if you try this Ginger Soy Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach lunch box. It is super easy but packed with flavor.

You can follow me on FaceBook: @MugOfReality Instagram: @mugofreality Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

LUNCH BOXES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Lunch Box Series: Marinated Pan Fried Salmon with Rice and Steamed Broccoli

Happy cooking!

Sanna

Yield: MAKES 2 LUNCH BOXES

Ginger Soy Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This easy and flavorful lunch box is inspired by bold Asian flavors and balanced, nourishing ingredients. Featuring fragrant ginger soy ground lamb, fluffy egg-fried rice, and garlicky sautéed spinach, it's a wholesome, high-protein meal perfect for meal prep or a satisfying lunch on the go. Each element cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weekdays—and yes, it smells amazing when reheated!

Print

Ingredients

🍚 Egg Fried Rice:

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• 1 cup cooked rice (200g), preferably day-old
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp sesame oil (5ml)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

🥩 Ginger Soy Ground Lamb

Toggle ingredient group

• 400g ground lamb (about 14 oz)
• 1 tsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado) – 5ml
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 50g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger) – 7g
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce (15ml)
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 tsp honey or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness

🌿 Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Toggle ingredient group

• 100g fresh spinach (about 3.5 oz or 4 loosely packed cups), or use 150g (about 5.3 oz) of frozen spinach.
• 1 tsp olive or sesame oil (5ml)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: dash of soy sauce or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

🍚 Egg Fried Rice:

1. Heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Sesame oil be ideal, but you can use any on hand.
2. Fry rice (this rice is already cooked) so we ae just reheating and frying. Transfer on the plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet add a drizzle of oil, pour in the beaten eggs in the middle and gently scramble until just set.
4. Add rice back in the skillet and combine it with eggs. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until well mixed.
5. Season with salt if needed, and stir to combine. Top with sesame seeds if using.

🥩 Ginger Soy Ground Lamb

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat with a dizzle of oil (about 1 tablespoon)
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 2 minutes). Yes, you can use onion powder, and skip this part.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground lamb (ground beef, chicken or turkey could be used instead of lamb) and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Add soy sauce and black pepper (plus honey if using), stir well, and cook 1 more minute. Set aside.

🌿 Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (10–15 seconds).
3. Add spinach and stir until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
4. Season with salt, and soy sauce if desired.

• For Frozen Spinch Option: 150g equals roughly 3/4 cup per serving once reheated and drained.

Make sure to:

• Thaw it completely (you can microwave or leave it in the fridge overnight),
  Squeeze out excess water,
  Then sauté it with garlic and oil as in the original recipe.

🥗 Assembly

1. Divide the egg fried rice into two containers.
2. Spoon in the ginger soy lamb next to the rice.
3. Add a serving of sautéed spinach, divide between two boxes.
4. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chili flakes if you’d like.
5. Store in airtight containers. Reheat before serving, and enjoy!
   

Notes

Using Frozen Spinach:

• Frozen spinach is super convenient!
• Just thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—this keeps your lunch box from getting soggy.

Meal Prep Tip:

• All three components (rice, lamb, spinach) can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Perfect for grab-and-go meals during a busy week.

Reheat:

• This lunch box reheats well in the microwave. Cover loosely and heat in 30–40 second intervals to keep everything from drying out.

Flavor Boost:

• Want extra umami? Add a few drops of dark soy sauce or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
• A squeeze of lime or rice vinegar also helps brighten the flavors.

Swap It:

• Feel free to switch lamb for ground turkey, chicken, or beef—or make it vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or plant-based ground.

Rice Tip:

• Day-old rice works best for frying since it's drier and less sticky.
• If you're cooking fresh rice, spread it on a tray and cool it in the fridge or freezer for a bit first.
  

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 992Total Fat 64gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 38gCholesterol 380mgSodium 1148mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 65g

Morning Glow Juice. One glass. A whole mood shift.

Lately, I’ve been craving more than just something to sip in the morning—I’ve been craving a reset. A gentle ritual. A little act of care that helps me feel clear, grounded, and ready before the day takes over.

That’s how this Morning Glow Juice came to be. But I’ve always preferred juice over smoothie even though I do drinks smoothies too just because they’re packed with nutrition.

It’s not just a vibrant blend of fruits and veggies—it’s my way of telling my body, “I’ve got you.” On the days when my energy dips, when brain fog rolls in, or when my gut feels off—this juice helps bring me back to myself. It’s a simple ritual that feels healing. And honestly? That matters.

🧡 What’s Inside:

• 3 carrots
• 1 small beetroot
• 2 celery stalks
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 clementine
• A small knob of fresh ginger
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• ½ cup filtered water

Juice everything using a juicer, stir in the turmeric, black pepper, and honey. Sip slowly. If you’re using a blender, strain if you prefer a smoother texture.

I always make enough for two—my husband loves it too. He’s really into alternative medicine and believes in using food as a tool for healing.

🌿 Why I Love Morning Glow Juice:

• Carrots and beets support liver function and gut health.
• Ginger and turmeric help reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
• Citrus brings that bright burst of immune-boosting vitamin C.
• Black pepper helps the body absorb the goodness of turmeric.
• And honey? Just a touch for balance—but even that’s optional.
• This juice is more than a health boost—it’s a moment. A pause. A reminder that I can start my day with something nourishing and intentional.

🌞 A Gentle Morning Ritual

Making this juice is just one part of my slow morning routine. I’ve started treating my mornings as sacred—my time, before the world rushes in.

Even though I work from home, I try to make my mornings meaningful. Not perfect, just present. And if some days don’t go as planned? That’s okay. What matters is that I tried.

Here’s what my morning usually looks like:

• Opening a window or stepping outside for fresh air
• Drinking lemon + apple cider vinegar water and taking my vitamins
• Stretching or walking barefoot in the grass (when the weather allows)
  If I can’t, I use a grounding mat while I meditate or even while working.
• Sometimes I follow up with yoga or just a few minutes of stillness
• Then—coffee time. That’s when I check social, email, and my to-do list

And right before all that, I take a moment to say:

“I may not have it all figured out, but I’m doing something kind for myself today—and that matters.”

Then I sip this juice. In silence or with soft music in the background.
Not a perfect morning. But one that helps me show up with more grace, clarity, and care.

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or mentally foggy, maybe give this juice—or any part of this routine—a try. Sometimes your body is just asking for a pause. A reset. A little glow from the inside out.

And if you do? I’d love to hear how it feels for you.

You can follow me on FaceBook: @MugOfReality Instagram: @mugofreality Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

Sanna

Latest Recipes:

• Golden Milk: Anti-Inflammatory & Gut-Friendly Beverage

• Caramel Milk — A Balkan Remedy for a Sore Throat

Happy Juicing!

Sanna

Yield: 2 Servings

Morning Glow Juice

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or mentally foggy, maybe give this Morning Glow Juice a try. It might be exactly what your body’s been asking for, not just in the morning but in the after noon.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 1 small beet
• 2 celery stalks
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 clementine
• A small knob of fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Prep the produce:
 Wash and peel the carrots, beet, and ginger. Trim the celery. Peel the clementine and remove seeds if necessary.
2. Juice: 
Run the carrots, beet, celery, lemon, ginger, and clementine through your juicer, one by one. Collect the juice in a clean container or jar.
3. Add finishing touches:
 Stir in turmeric powder, black pepper, and honey (if using). Add a bit of water and mix well until fully combined.
4. Serve:
 Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and nutritional value. Add ice if desired.

Blender Version:

1. Blend: Add the chopped carrots, beet, celery, lemon, clementine, and ginger into a high-speed blender. Pour in the water and blend until smooth.
2. Strain (optional): For a smoother juice, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag into a bowl or large glass. Use a spoon to press out all the liquid.
3. Add flavor: Stir in the turmeric, black pepper, and honey (if using). Mix well.
4. Serve: Pour the juice into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best nutrient absorption. Serve over ice if you like it chilled.

Notes

I would not drink this before bed or in the evening. This will wake you up and keep you enegertic. Also, some people feel more alert or even a bit stimulated after consuming beets, especially in juice form. This is due to increased circulation and nitric oxide production.