In the last edition of self-care practices, we spoke about some of the things that could benefit your body, mind and soul. If you have managed to start some of these practices well done and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. If not don’t worry, we are here to help you and over the next few weeks we’ll be delving into some of those important topics, starting with the body and diet.
Self-intuition is that feeling in your gut when you instinctively know that something you are doing is right or wrong. In this day and age when we all look at our screens for the answers to our problems, intuition tends to get the heave-ho and forgotten about. Your intuition can often try to grab your body’s attention to let you know, it needs some TLC. The tricky part is when you are not in tuned with yourself you tend to miss the not-so-subtle hints.
Being in tuned and feeding yourself by having a balanced diet provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to move and function properly. If you have a busy morning routine and need to fly out the door or you just go through the motion’s day by day, it can be tough to maintain proper nutrition. Especially if you’re always on the go you may end up making some poor food choices. Pre-packed processed convenience foods are exactly what it says on the tin, convenient! However, as quick and easy as it may seem, this type of nutrition seldom gives your body what it truly needs to feel nourished.
Let's have a little heart-to-heart (and stomach-to-stomach) about the wonders of a healthy balanced diet. Picture this: your body is a high-end sports car. Now, you wouldn’t pour cheap gas into a Ferrari, would you? Absolutely not! You’d give it the premium stuff, just like we should give our bodies the premium nutrition they deserve.
First up, let's talk about the power of green. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and callaloo. These gems are basically your body's version of a superhero cape. They swoop in, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and calcium, ready to fight off those nasty free radicals and keep your bones strong. Think of them as the Clark Kent of the food world – a bit unassuming at first, but oh-so-powerful! Fruits and veggies should be the stars of your meals, not just the sidekicks. They're like nature’s candy, but instead of cavities, they give you glowing skin, sharper vision, and an immune system that could fend off a horde of virus infecting zombies.
Let’s not forget our friends, the lean proteins. Chicken breast, fish, beans, and tofu to name but a few—they’re the repair crew for your muscles after you flex those guns at the gym (or while reaching for the remote, no judgment here!). They keep you feeling full and satisfied, so you’re not tempted to snack on that leftover cake in the fridge. Speaking of snacks, here are some quick, simple & healthy recipes for you to try!
Breakfast
Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts. Just combine the oats with almond milk, top with fresh berries and handful of nuts, and a drizzle of honey. Prepared the night before you only need to grab from the fridge and go. Healthy and delicious it often
makes a superb breakfast, then those mornings when you have a little more time treat yourself to Wholegrain Toast with Avocado and Eggs. Mash the Avocado on wholegrain toast, top with a poached egg, and sprinkle with a touch of salt and pepper. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to start your day, try it.
Some ideas for lunch and dinner too!!
Lunch
Grilled Chicken Salad: Mixed greens with grilled chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Or
Lentil Soup: Lentils simmered with carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Serve with a side of whole grain bread.
Dinner
Grilled Salmon with Vegetables: Grilled salmon fillet with a side of roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes. For dessert Dark Chocolate and Nuts: A small piece of dark chocolate with a few almonds or walnuts, couldn’t be easier. Or
Stir-Fried Tofu with Brown Rice: Stir-fry tofu with mixed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas; serve over brown rice. For desert Banana Ice Cream: Frozen bananas blended until creamy, optionally add a splash of vanilla extract or cocoa powder.
And if you get the munchies in-between meals no problem, it’s your body’s way of telling you it needs a little extra fuel. So, use these snack ideas to nourish your body if you get the calling:
Apple Slices with Almond Butter: Fresh apple slices dipped in almond butter packed with vitamin E, calcium and magnesium. These help to support, bone strength, sleep quality and blood sugar control. If preparing in advance sprinkle a little lemon juice over the apple to retain the colour.
Hummus and Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber with hummus. This Savory snack full of vitamin B giving extra energy and healthy hair & skin and vitamin A & C promoting good eye health and tissue repair to all parts of your body.
Mixed Nuts and Seeds: A small handful of mixed nuts and seeds. Incorporating this into your daily routine helps to lower levels of inflammation and may improve artery health. And they are delicious!
Healthy foods are like diligent workers keeping everything running smoothly. They boost your brainpower, keep your heart pumping like a well-oiled machine, and give you energy levels that keeps you energised. And the best part? Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to fun and flavour. It’s all about balance and creativity. So, swap out those sugary drinks for sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, or trade in that bag of chips for a handful of nuts and seeds.
Remember, a healthy diet isn't just about looking good—it’s about feeling good from the inside out.
Your future self will thank you for the love and care you’re putting into your body today and in the future. So go on, embrace the greens, savour the proteins, and indulge in nature’s sweets. Your body is your temple, and it deserves to be treated like royalty.
Stay fabulous and stay healthy, until the next edition!
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