take a ♡ BEAT to revel in SELF-LOVE with NUTRITION

Self-Love & Nutrition: Nourishing Your Body and Soul 

In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook our own wellbeing and put ourselves at the bottom of our priority lists. However, practicing self-love isn't just a luxury — it's a necessity. It's about embracing who we are, flaws and all. It’s about prioritizing our mental, emotional, and physical health. As dietitians, we obviously have big opinions that at the heart of self-care lies NUTRITION —a rather delicious tool for cultivating self-love and overall wellness. 

But what exactly is self-love? It's about accepting ourselves unconditionally, embracing our strengths and weaknesses, and making self-care a non-negotiable part of our daily routine. It's not just about how we treat ourselves, but also about the thoughts and feelings we harbor towards ourselves. 

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in our lives, providing the essential nutrients our bodies need to function optimally. But beyond physical health, nutrition also has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. The foods we eat can affect our mood and energy levels, influencing how we feel on a day-to-day basis. By fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense foods, we can support our overall health and nurture our minds and souls. 

Can food truly fuel self-love? Absolutely. Nourishing yourself with wholesome, nourishing foods is a tangible way to express self-love and self-care. When we choose foods that truly resonate with us—foods that delight our taste buds, uplift our spirits, and nourish our bodies—we're not just filling our stomachs; we're honoring ourselves on a deep, intrinsic level. Each mindful bite becomes a gesture of self-care, a reminder that we are worthy of love and nourishment. But it's not just about eating kale and quinoa— it's also about enjoying the foods that bring you joy, whether it's your favorite treat or a comforting bowl of mac-n-cheese, ice cream or stuffed-crust pineapple pizza. By shifting away from restrictive thinking and adopting a more holistic approach to nutrition, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with food and with ourselves. 

All-in-all: your food choices can be a reflection of your self-love. By honoring your cravings and hunger cues with mindfulness and compassion, you can improve your overall outlook and approach to eating and well... life.  

Remember, it's not selfish to prioritize yourself and your well-being—it's essential for living a vibrantly & fully. And hey, we think that’s pretty great.  So let's embark on this journey of self-love together, one nourishing meal at a time ♡ 

 Written by Madison Sims NBHWC & Kyrstin Draney RD, LDN