Eating allows us to be nourished. The nourishment helps us to be able to do the things that we need to do in life. Did you know that healthy eating is a form of self care?
Stress and Food
Ask anyone who has ever stressed eaten before why food impacts self care. Grabbing anything when you’re hungry but don’t have a healthy eating habit can cause tremendous issues with food. Its not about grabbing an apple to feel healthy it’s about making sure your body has what it needs as sometimes food cravings can reveal what out body needs.
When I started working with a nutritionist she went over what I was eating before we talked about what to exchange for foods. She had me keep a diary for a month of all of my meals and snacks and even drinks. Over that month we found what time I was eating too. If you were to guess there was a lot of alcohol drinking, snack grabbing with less meals or meal prep and my intake was disproportionate. All of this contributed to my mood swings and emotional balance.
Eating and being Hangry
Emotional eating is real. Being hangry is the irritability of having an empty stomach. A huge part of our day is disrupted by our lack of preparation with our food. The pattern of consistently being hungry can cause our blood sugar to spike which can us to lose mental focus when we need it most. This is why it’s important for us to get into habits of not skipping meals.
Self care and Healthy Eating Habits
As you learn that self care goes well beyond bubble baths and spa days you know it’s about an overall healthy approach to giving your body and mind what it needs. Eating a more balanced meal helps you get used to taking care of you and giving your body the proper nutrients it needs. This is why meal prepping albeit time consuming up front reminds your body and mind of the work you’re putting into taking care of your needs.
It also helps to keep your immune system in check too and we definitely could use that. Learning to start your cabinets with better choices helps for when you like all humans aren’t always in balance. Learning to substitute options because your body is craving a salty chip could mean you’re actually thirsty instead. Substituting a healthy less salty option would be amazing.
Supplements and Eating Habits
The need for supplements is real due to us not always getting what we need from our food. Thus why it’s called a supplement. Like with any supplement make sure to seek professional care before starting. However there are many great benefits from our food. Whenever I go to my doctor she tells me of foods that will give me what my body is lacking. This is why getting yearly check ups is important too. Doctors help you problem solve and get your body in its most healthy state.
Should you find yourself needing the support of a supplement for healthy eating practices make sure to take as directed. My newest supplement is Pectasol. It’s helping me with inflammation response in the gut and support for my kidneys. Made from citrus peels it’s not chalky and can be mixed with your favorite drink. Should you want to give it a try you certainly can.
Self Care and Moderation
No one is saying don’t go to brunches or eat at your favorite restaurant. It’s about moderation. If you’re constant eating out and not meal prepped pull back some. Choose better choices on the menu. Eat according to your needs and not overindulging. Many of us are replacing thirsty cues with food.
Your body needs more water but sometimes we confuse that with snack time. Prepare for snacking. Make a few snack options ahead of time. A lot of our processed snacks can be made healthier by our own hands. Whatever you do take care of your body. Eating and self care go together beautifully if you give it a try. Notes from my personal nutritionist:
- Don’t skip meals
- Replace meal options with healthier ones
- Moderation is your friend
- The more colorful your plate the better
- Drink water before you eat
- Healthy eating starts with clearing your cabinets
- Eat before you go to the grocery store
