Nutrition For Self-Care

Nutrition can be a form of self-care.

While living an on the go lifestyle, it can be difficult to make wise decisions when it comes to choosing foods. We tend to focus on a faster option versus an option that is more beneficial to our health. However, it may not solely be our habits that impact us, but the world around us may have a greater influence on us than we like to believe.

Society and media influence our daily eating habits more than we think. Food manufacturers market their products by making their advertisements attractive through mass media to ensure their message has gotten across to their target audience. Although this may not have an immediate impact on the consumer while viewing the advertisement, it does make an impact the next time he or she pans through the isles of the grocery store, or decides what to order inside a restaurant.

Moving along, in this day and age, another outside factor that may influence our daily life is social media. Ah social media, the place full of people living their best lives, or so it may seem. Upon logging onto the web, you see even more advertisements for vitamins, gym products or workouts to use to aspire to look like your favorite influencer. Another form of advertising that can influence your decision making. However, what we as a society need to realize, is that everybody is different, and what works for them may not work for you. We all come in different shapes and sizes and should be more accepting of one another. Learn to love the skin you are in and aspire to be you, not someone else.

With this being said, nutrition drastically affects your mental and physical health. The food you eat can either have a positive or negative impact on your mood. The gut and the brain undergo two-way communication by connecting through the vagus nerve. Hence, why nutrition plays a direct role in a person's mental health. On the other hand, alongside physical activity, living a healthy lifestyle can impact your physical health. Staying active can improve cardiovascular, respiratory, and overall health also while promoting strong muscles and bones. Physical and mental health have a heavy influence on how you conquer every day life. So take some time for yourself, enjoy your food, make your physical activity fun, and just live the best life you can.

With this being said, below are some tips to help you incorporate nutritional aspects into your daily life for self-care:

1. Anything in excess can cause harm, try eating a variety of foods with mindfulness.

2. Allow yourself to enjoy fun foods you crave with a peaceful mindset.

3. Plan and prep meals/snacks (if necessary) for busy days the night before or morning of.

4. Be mindful of emotions while eating.

5. Incorporate physical activity in your lifestyle that excites you to move!

This blog post is not intended to replace medical advice. Always speak to your health care provider for any advice and questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

References:

Barrios, G. (2018). The Importance of Nutrition in Everyday Life; Journal of Everyday Health 1(1).