The importance of food in your self-care routine
Hello, friend! I am so happy you’ve found your way to my little corner of the web. In this space, I’ll share personal stories and experiences on self-care and wellness and how they can enable us to live a dream life.
You might be wondering, “Hey, what is this whole thing, MacKenzie? Why is it worth me to come here and read?”
I’m so happy you asked. In full transparency, I have no idea how to otherwise start this blogging journey without a little backstory, so here we go…
I recently realized that I’ve struggled with undiagnosed anxiety for most of my life. Through my own research and learning, I have learned how important health, wellness, and self-care are in our lives. In this space, I will be sharing some of the things I’ve learned, how I balance life as a working mom and side hustle entrepreneur and hopefully inspiring you to make some positive small changes in your life.
When I think about self-care, there are many methods, ways, and formulas. Self-care can (and will) be different for everyone. There is so much beauty in the uniqueness and finding something that works for you. So sometimes, what I write about may not speak to you, and that’s okay. There is value in knowing that self-care isn’t always getting a manicure or taking a nap. It doesn’t even have to be spending any money. It can be small – micro-moments – built into your day with intention.
Self-care isn’t out of reach for any of us. It is attainable, and taking care of ourselves can make all the difference in every other aspect of our lives. It helps us show up for others, it keeps us healthy, and it can be a sense of joy. Are you getting excited yet!?
In this post, I’m introducing a new series called “Self-care Snack bites.” The illustrations and blog posts will highlight ways we can sneak self-care into our busy days.
Let’s start small. Are you ready?
Do you know the saying “You are what you eat”? We’ve all heard it, as kids or even as adults. But have you thought about it through the lens of self-care?
Have you ever taken the time to think about how you feel after eating one thing versus another? Or how it feels to share a meal with someone? Why do we always bring food to someone who is healing or is going through a rough time? Why do we always reach for a warm cup of tea or coffee?
I can think of a few reasons, many of which come back to nourishment. It’s as if there is a feeling of warmth that surrounds you like an embrace and comforts you like nothing else. The Oxford Dictionary defines nourishing as “containing substances necessary for growth, health and good condition.”
So next time you grab something to eat, instead of asking, “How many calories is this?”, ask yourself, “How will this make me feel?”. And then listen to your body afterward. The more you learn and listen to your body, the more empowered you become, and the better you feel.
This is incredibly important when experiencing tough emotions…anxiety, depression, loneliness, exhaustion, and grief…it can seem hard to get out of those spaces. And sometimes, it is truly hard to get out of those spaces.
Nourishing your body is something that can give you a boost.
It’s not a cure-all but a small tool in the self-care toolkit. Nourishment can be a warm meal that reminds you of home. It can be a big shareable meal, allowing you to spend time with your loved ones. It can be fresh veggies from your garden packed with healing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your healing body needs. It can be so many things. Food is nourishing in so many ways that we don’t often stop to realize it.
Don’t be afraid to sink into that feeling. Let it warm you up. Savor it.
Want to learn more? Check out my recommendations below:
I’m slightly obsessed with podcasts (note, it’s the thing I missed most about WFH is I didn’t have my commute to listen to!). This is where I get most of my learning on nutrition, which makes me feel empowered in the foods I choose to eat. Below are my current favorites on nutrition and food as self-care. I’d love to hear yours too!
The Healthier Together Podcast hosted by Liz Moody
https://open.spotify.com/show/6dBAMh1qc4ML7xxbYwYwNj?si=4d05446d70da4088
The Wellness Mama Podcast hosted by Katie Wells
https://open.spotify.com/show/2MDALoULE24cHqgBFHeZsk?si=14b53195a5954ca9
The Entering Motherhood Podcast hosted by Sarah Bilger
https://open.spotify.com/show/5hAvJACvsTX0ELncioTQIk?si=863007d720204b76
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