Self-love & Healthy Eating
I strongly believe healthy eating is an important aspect of self-love. Our mood affects what you choose to eat, the amount you eat, how you eat and in turn, what you eat has a huge impact on your physical and mental well-being. That’s why there is an important relationship between self-love and healthy eating.
It's no exaggeration that we are what we eat. Food is fuel for our bodies and the building blocks for our cells, but it also affects us on a mental and emotional level. You might find that some foods cause you to feel vibrant and energised while others leave you feeling sluggish and foggy. When we are tired and stressed we are more likely to turn to quick fix foods such as carbohydrates and sugar for instant energy. Some people also see food as a source of comfort or a reward after a difficult day. These types of foods have a negative affect in the long run..
I believe how you choose to start your day (covered in our blog Nina’s Morning Routine) and what you choose to eat for breakfast should set you up both physically and emotionally for the day ahead. For me breakfast is the most important meal of the day - I LOVE breakfast! I try to avoid a sugary breakfast as it sends my blood sugar levels soaring and then crashing, giving me a quick energy high followed by a mid-morning slump! Instead, I choose to eat clean natural ingredients that will nurture my body, make me feel happier, healthier and energised, ready to face the day ahead.
I am passionate about helping you and your family start the day in the best way, so I have lovingly created a range of luxury handcrafted granolas, for the whole family to enjoy, using simple and natural ingredients that not only taste good but offer great nutritional benefits too. That means no added sugar - which is a great start to your day!
Not only is it important to fuel your body with healthy ingredients, it’s just as important to take care of yourself mentally and one of the best ways to do this is by being mindful at breakfast. Even if you are pushed for time, try and get up ten minutes earlier so you can sit and enjoy your breakfast. Take a few deep breaths before you eat, enjoy your food and make sure you eat slowly. I can assure you, you will notice a big difference to your day.
You may not have made much of a connection between what you eat and how you feel just yet but I promise the more you tune into your body and pay attention to your diet, the clearer these connections will become. I believe eating healthily is all about balance. Crash diets and cutting yourself off from certain food groups will only create a negative relationship to food. Instead, we need to think about food in a positive light, considering the sorts of foods that will nurture our body and help us feel refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. There’s no harm in having a treat every now and again. However, we do need to understand that eating foods that are high in refined sugar all the time can actually have a negative effect in the long run.
Healthy eating alone will not suddenly make you feel better. Rather, self-care is about a combination of choices where we treat our body and mind well, and all of these choices influence one another. Some people may use mindfulness as a tool for self-care, and this can include mindful eating where you truly think about what you put into your body. Also, where and how we eat has an impact on the way we think about food so it’s important to slow down, chew thoroughly and take time away from electrical devices and really focus on the meal you are eating. Enjoy your food and practice gratitude.
If you are struggling with your relationship with food, finding fun new ways to develop a love for cooking or baking, using lots of fruit, vegetables, nuts and healthy ingredients, is a great way to build on this. Experiment with our selection of granolas; you could use it to make a smoothie by adding some milk, yogurt, fresh berries or kefir (which is great for your gut health). Experiment, have fun and soon you will really love what you eat!
Meditation and exercising regularly also help you to feel better and make healthier food choices. When you meditate or exercise you feel more connected to your body, and understand what it’s capable of after eating certain meals or snacks. I would recommend that you put meditation and exercise in your diary today but It's all about figuring out the balance that works for you. Everyone's different and no one knows your body as well as you do. See what feels good for you. We're all at different places on our self-love journeys and no two people are going to have the same relationship with food. If there are changes you want to make, just take small steps that feel good for you.
Remember to be gentle with yourself. We're all doing the best we can and when we shift to an attitude of love and gratitude, it negates the pressure, guilt and judgment we so often place on ourselves and our bodies.
I believe Self Love is at the root of a healthy diet. Give Yourself Some Love
Nina
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as an information resource only. It is not intended to replace advise from a qualified professional. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns with a qualified medical professional.