💭5 Notes: What's for dinner?

Welcome to 5 Notes! Today, we're chatting about:

• Today’s affirmation of value

• Why earlier dinners feel better in winter

• The “what’s for dinner?” question

• Ellie’s night-time routine

• The key to better money habits

Today’s Affirmation

“I have value just by being.”

Why Earlier Dinners Feel Better in Winter

Shorter days can make evenings feel heavier: sleep comes earlier, energy dips quicker, and routines start to shift, whether anyone planned for them or not. That’s why many sleep and gut experts suggest taking a closer look at dinnertime during the winter months. When melatonin rises earlier, the body begins winding down sooner, and eating late can confuse that rhythm. A big meal right before bed can also make falling asleep harder and increase nighttime discomfort.

Moving dinner a little earlier supports what the body is already trying to do: slow down. Research shows that eating between 5 and 7 p.m. helps stabilize hunger cues, supports healthier blood sugar patterns, and reduces the chance of going to bed feeling too full. Lighter, earlier meals also give the digestive system time to settle before sleep, which can make evenings feel gentler and more restorative.

This isn’t about perfection, just paying attention to timing. A small shift can help evenings flow more smoothly, especially during a season when the body naturally craves warmth, steadiness, and rest.

The “What’s for Dinner?”

If you’ve ever tried eating better, you know it’s not exactly easy. From buying expensive organic ingredients and oils to prepping, cooking, plating, and tracking, so much goes into a high-quality healthy meal that it can all be a little overwhelming – unless you have Forkful.

Forkful offers the best of both worlds: A wide variety of restaurant-quality meals fit for any diet, that are also made with the finest ingredients (think grass-fed beef, organic produce, and avocado oil). Add to that the fact that every dish is fresh, never frozen, prepared by chefs, and only takes 2-3 minutes to prepare, and you’ve just discovered your newest healthy eating hack.

Ready to start eating better?

Thank you to Forkful Meals for sponsoring Note To Self.

Self-Care with Ellie: Night-Time Routine

Teach Them Money Habits That Last

Helping your teen learn to manage money is a big step, and Cash App Card makes it easy for both of you. They get a secure debit card and easy ways to save and send money, while you stay in the loop every step of the way. All with no monthly or hidden fees for you or your teen.

Why millions of families trust Cash App Card:

• Instant discounts on everyday spending: Add offers and save on groceries, restaurants, rides, and more.

• No monthly or hidden fees: Shop in-store and online where Visa is accepted with no monthly or hidden fees.

• 24/7 fraud monitoring: Avoid scams before they can happen with proactive security features.

• Oversight and control: Review your teen’s spending, control who can send them requests, and lock their card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Get started.

Disclaimer: Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See Terms & Conditions. To view the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a teen, please visit the Sponsored Accounts section of the Cash App Terms of Service.

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