Eating well is good for our body and, in turn, for our physical well-being. Moreover, what we eat can also have a dramatic effect on our mental well-being by improving mood, providing mental energy, and helping us think clearly...
We know that feeling good about ourselves is an essential component of a healthy and satisfying life. And the way we relate to food can have a significant impact on our self-esteem and confidence. Psychologist Ana Morales asserts in her book 'Qué buena estoy!' that many women come to her with low self-esteem due to their relationship with food.
Conscious and Balanced Nutrition
With today's fast-paced life, full of personal and professional concerns, it is easy to neglect ourselves and put our needs last, which influences our eating habits and consequently, our quality of life and well-being. Dietitian-nutritionist Laura Jorge strongly believes in the power and influence that a conscious and balanced diet can have on us.
As the nutrition expert advises, eating healthily and taking care of ourselves can be the key to truly feeling comfortable, reducing anxiety, and negative emotions. For her, the following is crucial:
The Importance of Mindful Eating: Mindful eating goes beyond choosing healthy foods. Laura Jorge explains that it's about "cultivating a positive relationship with food and listening to the signals our body sends us, such as hunger or fullness. Therefore, it is important to enjoy each bite consciously, considering that feeding ourselves is not only about nourishing our bodies physically but also emotionally. It allows us to enjoy an ice cream or any other food labelled as 'unhealthy' without feeling guilty or rejecting ourselves."I nstead of categorising foods as 'good or bad,' Laura recommends adopting a flexible mindset that allows us to enjoy all foods in moderation, savouring each bite. A fundamental part of feeling good about yourself through your diet involves learning to enjoy each food without guilt or restriction and without making value judgments about them.
How What We Eat Directly Affects How We Feel: It's no secret that what we eat directly affects how we feel. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in fresh and nutritious foods can boost our energy levels, improve our mood, and even help us sleep better. "By prioritizing mindful eating over very restrictive diets, we are almost certain to experience greater emotional stability and an overall sense of well-being, as being constantly on a diet and forbidding ourselves from certain foods can lead to stress and problems with food, such as binge eating. All of this will negatively impact our overall well-being." Making dietary choices aligned with our personal goals and values can strengthen our self-esteem and confidence. Laura Jorge notes that this may involve choosing foods that make us feel good physically, as well as making ethical and sustainable choices that reflect our principles and personal ethics. Thus, taking care of our diet benefits not only our physical health but also our emotional health.
Conclusion by Laura Jorge: Eating healthily and taking care of yourself is an act of self-love and self-care. Among the self-care activities that can help us feel better, we might include engaging in physical activities we enjoy, spending time outdoors, meditating, enjoying hobbies, or nurturing our relationships with friends and family, as it's not all about food.
Eating Regularly: Not eating enough throughout the day can greatly impact those already prone to feeling tired or irritable. "The recommendation is to eat regularly and, when you do, avoid quick, sugary snacks; instead, look for foods that release energy slowly, maintaining healthy sugar levels. Such foods include pasta, rice, oats, whole grain bread, cereals, nuts, and seeds," concludes Laura Jorge.
In embracing mindful eating, we not only transform our approach to nutrition but also enrich our overall quality of life. This holistic perspective empowers us to not just eat, but to eat with purpose and pleasure, recognizing each meal as an opportunity to nurture both body and soul. As Laura Jorge highlights, moving away from stringent dietary restrictions towards a more balanced and compassionate approach can alleviate emotional burdens and foster lasting well-being. By integrating mindful practices into our daily meals, we allow ourselves the freedom to enjoy life's culinary pleasures without judgment, fostering a healthy relationship with food that resonates deeply with our emotional and physical needs. Ultimately, mindful eating isn't just a habit, it's a lifestyle that enhances our connection with food and enriches our lives with every bite.
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