The Secret Sauce to Self-Care: Nourishing Foods

🛑 Content Warning 🛑: we're talking about food today and discussing diets can be a triggering subject. If that applies to you, listen to your body and skip this article.

We all have bad days, weeks, even months. It's easy to get caught up in the stress and the pressure of our daily lives. As high-achieving, ambitious women, we work tirelessly to meet our goals and make a meaningful impact in the world. But have you ever stopped to think about the importance of self-care and how nourishing foods can play a role in it?

Self-care isn't just about bubble baths and face masks (even though those things are great too). It's about taking care of yourself holistically, from the inside out. And one of the most important ways to do that is by fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods (as well as LOTS of water). Let's explore why nourishing foods are so critical to self-care.

Your body is a temple

We've all heard the phrase "you are what you eat" and it's true: your body is a temple, and it deserves to be treated with respect and care. Nourishing foods provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to function properly. If you're only fueling it with less nutrient food like processed snacks and lots of cheese, it might be super delicious but you're not giving it the support it needs to really thrive.

Your mood is affected by what you eat

Have you ever noticed how you feel sluggish and low-energy after a big meal of greasy fast food? Or how a green smoothie can give you an instant lift and put you in a good mood? The food you eat can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels. When you're eating nourishing foods, your body can function optimally, and you're more likely to feel energized, focused, and content.

Look, there's no such thing as bad food or good food. It's all just food. But it's important to pay attention to how you're feeling after you eat. I love me a juicy Wendy's cheeseburger AND I've noticed that I experience symptoms of anxiety (fast pulse, shallow breathing, tightness in the chest) after eating it. I'm still going to enjoy a burger here and there, but I'm going to be more cautious about when that's the best choice for me.

Food can be a form of self-expression

Cooking and preparing meals can be an act of self-care in and of itself. Taking the time to cook a nutritious meal for yourself can be a meditative and calming experience, and it allows you to express yourself creatively in a way that benefits your body. Plus, sharing food with loved ones can be a bonding experience that brings joy and connection.

If you just hate cooking, that's totally okay! I actually don't like cooking all that much myself, especially during the hot summer months in Central California where we often have triple digit weather for the majority of three months. If you're just assembling pieces together, you can still throw a bit of yourself into the mix with colorful fruits and veggies, varying textures, or adding a pre-made herb or spice mix to give an already-made-for-you dinner a little lift.

Nourishing foods can boost your immune system

When you're feeling run-down and overwhelmed, the last thing you need is to get sick. Eating nutrient-dense foods, like leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Plus, when you're feeling physically well, you're more likely to be mentally well too.

Food is an act of self-love

At the end of the day, nourishing foods are an act of self-love and self-respect. When you choose to fuel your body with foods that support your health and well-being, you're sending a message to yourself that you're worth taking care of. And that's a powerful thing.

Eating as an act of joy!

Let's be real, our food choices should make us happy. Sure, we all have those days when a quick and easy meal is the way to go. No need to feel guilty about it! If you're opting for the drive-thru instead of slaving over a stove, give yourself a little self-love and appreciation. We're lucky to have so many tasty options available thanks to our fast-paced world. So go ahead and enjoy your meal, relishing in all those delightful flavors and textures that make your taste buds sing!

Nourishing foods are a crucial ingredient in the recipe for self-care. By taking the time to prepare and enjoy nutrient-dense meals, you're showing yourself love, respect, and care. Plus, the benefits extend far beyond just feeling physically strong and healthy. When you're nourishing your body with wholesome foods, you're also supporting your mental and emotional well-being. So the next time you're feeling burnout and overwhelmed, remember that food can be a powerful tool in your self-care arsenal. Feed your body and nourish your soul.