Eating well and choosing to be conscious about what foods we put into our bodies is one of the greatest forms of self-respect that we can give ourselves.
And it all starts with a mental shift.
By making the initial decision to choose nourishment instead of deprivation, we allow our bodies to finally start to heal from years of abuse and undernourishment.
Foods that contain processed chemicals, additives, vegetable oils, gluten, sugar, and food dyes wreck havoc on our bodies, minds, and overall health.
In addition, undernourishment from not eating enough real food or trying to adhere to the latest "1200 calorie diet" via low-fat, low-calorie processed junk keep us from becoming our best selves.
Instead, mindsets, crappy processed foods, and restrictive diets lead to stress and a decrease in self-respect and self-esteem.
But, when we finally choose nourishment from real whole foods, we begin the journey towards healing and thriving.
Now, when it comes to the nourishing diet that works for each person, it varies from person to person. But what remains constant is the fact that every person and body needs nourishment from vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients (calories in the form of proteins, fats, and carbs) in order to function at an optimal level.
To get started treating your body with self-respect by choosing the most nourishing foods, we have to start by adding in more optimal foods, thereby "crowding out" not so optimal foods.
A wonderful first starting point is to add a vegetable into at least three of your meals or snacks throughout the day. Vegetables are amazing sources of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that our bodies crave! Try steamed carrots (with a hint of sea salt!), roasted broccoli or cauliflower, grilled zucchini, or roasted asparagus to get started.
Or, if you are a dessert lover, try switching from chocolate or sweets to a piece of fruit instead. It will give you that same sweet fix without all of the other sub par elements, like sugar, flour, and vegetable oils.
Another easy shift to get started with real food is to cut out vegetable oils (canola, corn, sunflower, grapeseed, peanut, etc) from your diet and replace them with an easy to find oil: unrefined coconut oil. Coconut oil can withstand high temperature cooking and has a myriad of other uses besides just cooking!
It doesn't have to be complicated; fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, animal proteins, and healthy fats like avocados, coconut oil, and nuts. By slowly starting to eat more real, whole food, you will soon find your cravings for processed junk decreasing, as well as your energy levels and health increasing!
We preach and preach about the importance of loving ourselves and our bodies every single day in order to cultivate a culture of self-love and self-confidence. What we choose to put in our bodies each day plays a huge role in creating a positive environment for thriving in our best health. Remember:
Eating well is a form of self-respect to our bodies, one not to be overlooked or undervalued.
If you would like any help getting started with self-respect through your food choices, reach out to me at oborer@hotmail.com. I'm here to listen, coach, and guide you toward your best self!
xoxo Olivia