I really love this piece today from Jen McGuire. In it, she delves into the frustration – and shock – she has felt when people seem relieved that she’s lost a bit of weight. She essentially asks, who was I losing weight for anyway? And how she – like so many of us – has grappled with her body all her life, and what this latest iteration of her body feels like, and how, in turn, it has been received by her friends.

It’s a thoughtful look at societal pressures and how we duck and weave through them our entire lives. I hope you’ll give it a read.

Yes, eating out is pricey, but it’s also fun to make food for beloved friends. This roundup includes recipes that can be made in bulk or not, and are perfect for those nights when it’s too damn cold to venture out anyway. Bon appetit!