Blog 4: Fuel Your Mind Easy Healing Eats
I hope everyone has enjoyed the nice drop in the weather! Come this new colder weather comes many new possibilities. One of which is the dreaded seasonal depression, however there’s something powerful about the way food can shape not just how we look, but how we feel. Think about the last time you grabbed a quick snack between classes or work. It probably filled you up for a couple hours, but did it really fuel you up for the day?
Our bodies and minds are deeply connected, and what we put on our plates can either lift our energy and focus or leave us drained and distracted. Eating healthy isn’t about chasing perfection or cutting out everything you love; it’s about finding balance, intention, and care in the choices you make every day. When we see food as nourishment instead of a number or rule, it becomes one of the simplest, most natural forms of self-care.
Food as fuel, food as medicine
It can be easy to see food as taste, calories, or connivence. But food does so much more for the the body that what you are eating on your plate. Every bite of every meal sends a message to your brain, your energy levels, and especially to your mood where do you think being "hangry" came from?
When you fuel your body with nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and healthy fats, your giving your cells what they need to function at their best. Certain foods even have a healing effect like medicine. Omega-3s in fish and chia seeds can strengthen your brain health. While antioxidants from berries protect your cells from stress. Leafy greens on the other hand support focus and memory all while grains are making sure your thinking clearly through the day.
When we rely on processed or sugary foods, we feel good for a few minutes but then the energy starts to fade fast. you feel yourself slipping into the couch a little more and BOOM, nap time. When we keep doing that rollercoaster of cravings and crashes it can make us so more anxious, tired, and unfocused.
The art of cooking
We've talked about some of the positive things that food can do for our bodies. There are certain foods that can help your brain function better, skin look brighter, and mind feel healthier. But eating healthy isn't just about all the nutrients we out into our body.
Cooking can be its own type of therapy in itself. it's about the process. When we take the time to chop vegetables, stir a sauce, or even plate a meal to perfection, you are slowing down your pace and giving your mind a chance to rest. The act of cooking can become a mindful ritual, a moment to breathe, create, and take care of yourself from start to finish, no matter the time of the day.
The more you treat meals as moments of care rather than tasks we must rush to in order to finish the day, the more you'll notice the difference in how you feel. Healthy eating isn't punishment or perfection. There is no plan you must follow perfectly. It is a small, daily way to show up for both your body and mind.
Overcoming common challenges
Changing the way you eat isn't always easy. Between busy schedules, stress about life, and the endless pull to fast food, it can feel impossible to switch to a healthy day to day eating plan. But eating healthy doesn't have to be perfect all the time, it just has to be possible.
"I don't have time"
life get's busy, and cooking can easily fall to the bottom of the lists but remember small steps matter. Taking the time and meal prepping at the beginning of the week. Cook at little bit extra when making dinner to save some for the next day. Always remember keeping easy staples like rice, beans, frozen veggies, or eggs on hand for quick balanced meals.
"Eating healthy is too expensive"
Healthy does not have to mean pricey. Frozen or canned produce is just as nutritious as fresh. Buy in bulk, look for the seasonal deals, and try building meals around more affordable ingredients like oats, lentils, and sweet potatoes.
"I crave junk food when I'm stressed"
Cravings are normal, especially when life turns overwhelming. Instead of fighting them, pay attention to what your body and mind are asking for. Sometimes we crave comfort rather than sugar, and simply making the switch to something equally as satisfying like popcorn, dark chocolate, or fruit with peanut butter. Sometimes getting outside can turn your head away from food also.
"I can't stay consistent"
Healthy eating isn't all or nothing. You don't loose progress from one busy week or one cheat meal. Focus on adding rather than subtracting. Add that one more veggie and that extra glass of water. With one more mindful bite small habits grow into long lasting change when you're patient with yourself.
Take one small step toward nourishment
Connect the dots between what you eat and how you think, focus, and feel. Make healthy eating part of your mental wellness routine.
Don't forget to check back in every week and check out our socials for weekly posts and sometimes even sneak peaks! Can't wait to see everyone next week to see how all of this food is fueling us up for some exercise!
