Nutrition can mean different things to different people. There’s no one right or wrong way to eat! What’s most important is that you’re honoring your hunger and nourishing your body. Remember that food doesn’t have moral value-- eating a cookie isn’t “bad” and eating a salad isn’t “good”. Both of these foods are awesome for different needs at different times! Your body thrives off of all kinds of nutrients from lots of different foods.
Here are some ways you can explore nutrition this month while being kind to yourself:
- Try something new: It’s easy to get in the habit of eating the same things every day. If you like to try new things, go out of your way to get a new item at a restaurant or the grocery store. You can even get something new in the cafeteria!
- Mindfully eat: When you eat, notice how your food smells, feels and tastes. Eat slowly and savor each bite. This can be a fun experience and you might feel more satisfied after your meal afterwards!
- Cook something up: Take the time to make a homemade meal or bake something fun. It could be your grandma’s chocolate cake, a fun spring salad, or a delicious homemade pizza. Make something you’re excited to eat!
- Eat a variety of foods: Your body needs lots of nutrients! Make sure you’re getting food from several food groups. Limiting what you eat can be boring and even dangerous- if you’re having fear around eating or certain foods, please reach out for help (some resources are listed at the end of this blog).
- Find what feels good: Notice how the different foods you eat make you feel. You might find that you feel energized and satisfied after eating some foods, sluggish and tired after some, and dissatisfied and still hungry after others. Notice how you’re feeling and use that information to nourish yourself!
If you’re finding yourself restricting your food or experiencing stress and anxiety around eating, please reach out for help. You deserve to be happy in your body and life. You can stop by the Support Counseling Office in Suite 250 or reach us at kbryant@eanesisd.net or alemasters@eanesisd.net . Here are some other resources:
Eating Disorders Guide
NEDA helpline
NAMI HelpLine
Stay healthy, chaps!
-Katie and Annie