Nourishing Your Soul: The Importance of Self-Care in Nutrition
by Valerie Spohr, CNP, nutrinimble
In our fast-paced lives filled with responsibilities, deadlines, and daily challenges, it's easy to forget one essential aspect of our well-being: self-care. We often associate self-care with spa days or meditation retreats, but it's time to expand our perspective to include something we engage in every day – our nutrition.
Treating yourself to nourishing, satisfying meals isn't just about fueling your body; it's about nourishing your soul. Let's look at the importance of self-care in nutrition and how you can really do yourself some good with a mindful eating
experience.
Mindful Eating as Self-Care:
Mindful eating is a practice rooted in self-care. It involves being fully present during your meals, savoring each bite, and appreciating the flavors and textures of your food. It's a moment of tranquility on a busy day, a time to disconnect from screens, and a chance to connect with yourself. Mindful eating allows you to acknowledge your hunger and fullness cues, preventing overeating and promoting a healthier relationship with food.
Quality Over Quantity:
Treating yourself in nutrition isn't just about indulging in rich, decadent foods; it's also about prioritizing the quality of what you eat. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide your body with the nourishment it deserves. These foods not only satisfy your hunger but also support your overall health and well-being.
Balance and Variety:
Treating yourself through nutrition doesn't mean adhering to strict diets or depriving yourself of your favorite foods. Instead, it's about finding balance and variety in your meals. Allow yourself to enjoy a wide range of foods, including those you love. Balance is key to a sustainable and enjoyable eating pattern.
Emotional Eating:
Emotional eating is a common response to stress, boredom, or other emotional triggers. It's essential to differentiate between treating yourself with food in a mindful way and using food as an emotional crutch. Instead of turning to food as a coping mechanism, explore alternative self-care practices like meditation, exercise, or journaling to address emotional needs.
The Pleasure of Food:
Food is not just sustenance; it's a source of pleasure and enjoyment. Treating yourself to delicious, well-prepared meals can uplift your mood and enhance your overall sense of well-being. It's an opportunity to celebrate life's simple joys and connect with your senses.
Overall I think incorporating self-care into your nutrition is a powerful way to prioritize your well-being. By practicing mindful eating, choosing high-quality foods, finding balance, and exploring alternative coping mechanisms for emotional needs, you can truly treat yourself
through nutrition. Remember, it's not about restriction or deprivation; it's about nourishing your body and soul, savoring each bite, and embracing the joy that food can bring to your life. So, the next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment to treat yourself with the love and care you deserve.
Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
6 medium apples sliced
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or use a gluten-free flour if desired)
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, coconut sugar, ground
cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour,
coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are
well combined.
Assemble the Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in the
baking dish. Use your fingers to create a slightly even layer.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the
apple filling is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Remove the apple crumble from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Serve warm with scoops of vegan vanilla ice cream.