Joy Bauer Shares Her Tips for Valentine’s Day Bliss and Feeling ‘More Confident, Energized and Grounded Than Ever’ at 62 (Exclusive)
Plus, the nutritionist, who just launched a line of supplements, reveals the clever hacks she can't live without
Nutritionist, bestselling author and TODAY show health expert Joy Bauer, R.D., has long been beloved for her positivity and accessible approach to food as medicine. “The misconception about healthy eating is that it’s miserable and restrictive. That couldn’t be further from the truth! There’s no one-size-fits-all plan for good health,” the mother of three says. “My motto is ‘Life is hard, food should be easy.’ Real health happens when your favorite foods fit into your life, not when they’re labeled as off-limits”—and this philosophy has helped countless women change the way they look at their diets.
As a multihyphenate, Joy has a packed schedule, but with Valentine’s Day around the corner, she’s planning to slow down and embrace the low-effort, high-reward philosophy she’s known for. “In our house, Valentine’s Day is all about connection, not pressure,” Joy says of celebrating at home with her husband of 32 years, Ian. “For dinner, I usually cook something yummy yet easy, like a sheet pan meal, so I’m not stuck in the kitchen.”
“Cooking for two feels special,” Joy adds. “It’s much more intentional and personal. And of course, chocolate is a must!”
Joy also recently launched beJOYLY, a line of science-backed supplements designed to support wellness for people over 50. “Think sharper focus, enhanced memory, better eyesight, healthier hair and stronger muscles,” the nutrition pro says. “This supplement line is about helping people feel more vibrant in this incredible chapter of life—so we can all truly tap into our ageless potential!”
Here, Joy, who appears on the cover of this week’s Woman’s World magazine (get your copy here!), shares her tips on finding bliss in every day, clever kitchen hacks, positive aging and more.
Woman’s World: What are some of your favorite meals to cook for a ‘yummy yet easy’ Valentine’s Day?
Joy Bauer: Last year I made a Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken that basically cooked itself, which is always a win. The year before that, my husband put in a very specific request for my Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. To make it feel extra Valentine’s-worthy, I served it in wide martini glasses—because why not? It instantly felt elegant and festive . . . and let’s just say there were many refills.
Dessert is where I really get to play. Over the years, I’ve made Dark Chocolate Blueberry Clusters and all sorts of fun inventions with dates, including Almond Joy Dates and Snickers Dates, which are on repeat in our house year-round but feel especially perfect on Valentine’s Day. This year, I’m leaning toward a healthy Chocolate Lava Cake with a rich, fudgy center and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top. Warm, gooey, chocolatey, and just indulgent enough—it’s going to be epic!
For me, the real magic is having a story behind the meal, and I think that the most romantic meal is always a home-cooked one. One year, I made Ian chicken piccata because I remembered how much he loved it at a little restaurant in Vermont. Another year, I made pancakes filled with dark chocolate chips and bananas for dinner, because we always talk about how fun breakfast-for-dinner felt when we were kids. Ian also loves non-alcoholic beer, so I always pair dinner with a new one he hasn’t tried yet. And I always include a homemade doggie treat, because our pooch, Gatsby, is very important!
WW: Do you have any special Valentine’s Day traditions?
JB: My husband started this amazing ritual. Every year, the day after Valentine’s Day, he takes me and our two adult daughters, Ayden Jane and Jesse, out for a surprise dinner. The three of us turn into giggly teenagers, guessing the restaurant for days and counting down the hours. We’re practically bouncing in our seats when he finally reveals it! Now, it’s not only my favorite Valentine’s Day tradition, but one of my favorite nights of the entire year.
WW: What’s a life hack you can’t live without?
JB: I never charge my phone next to my bed. Instead, I leave it in the bathroom overnight. That distance has enhanced my sleep, focus and mood. I also always email myself my day’s to-do list the night before. It clears my head and lets me fall asleep without mental clutter swirling around.
WW: Earlier in your career, you worked as the official nutritionist for the New York City Ballet for a decade. What did you learn from that experience?
JB: That experience taught me the power of fuel—and the danger of deprivation. Dancers are elite athletes. They need strength, stamina, focus and recovery, yet they’re often under intense pressure when it comes to body image. I learned firsthand that when people are properly nourished—not restricted—they perform better, feel better and stay healthier.
Food and dance are both about balance and respect for the body. You can’t ask your body to soar if you’re not giving it what it needs to thrive. That lesson has stayed with me forever and it shapes everything I do.
WW: What is your philosophy around aging, and how do you continue to feel your best in your 60s?
JB: I feel more confident, energized and grounded than ever before. I know what matters—and what doesn’t. I’ve learned to trust myself and forgive myself, so I enjoy the ride more.
Movement is non-negotiable. I take a long walk every day. Walking boosts my mood. Sometimes I’m walking during work calls or catching up with my mama; other times I’m listening to music or audiobooks or just soaking in fresh air and quiet while sorting out my day.
WW: What are your best tips for saving money on groceries?
JB: Buying frozen fruits and vegetables is the simplest way to save. They’re wallet-friendly, nutritious, last almost forever and reduce food waste. I always like to joke that my freezer is my secret weapon. Aside from loving frozen produce, I also love freezing leftovers. Let’s be honest, leftovers aren’t boring; they’re a gift to your future self! Food is a part of my self-care—and having a stocked freezer makes it a lot easier to nourish myself with meals that are colorful and comforting.
WW: Where is your happy place?
JB: In the kitchen with my kids and my husband. Cooking and creating recipes is like therapy for me. The best part is that nobody can mess with my playlist, so I put music on and sing off-key and dance while I’m making a meal. It’s a bonus when I have my extended family in the adjoining room watching a football game or movie. Feeding everybody in the family always makes me so happy.
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