What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘nourish’? Not surprisingly, for many people it conjures up images of food. And, while that certainly is a form of nourishment, there are many ways that we nourish ourselves that have nothing to do with food. A quick check of Webster’s College Dictionary gives us the following definitions of nourish: 1. To sustain with food or nutriment; supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth. 2. To cherish; keep alive. 3. To strengthen or promote.
When we think of the word ‘nurture’ on the other hand, it seems to have more to do with other areas of life that don’t necessarily mean food. Again, a quick look at Webster’s College Dictionary tells us that nurture and nourish actually mean very similar things: 1. To feed and protect or support and encourage. 2. Something that nourishes; food.
So, what does this have to do with your health and particularly with nutrition? Most people find that if their nutrition is balanced and makes sense for them, and everything else in their life (relationships, exercise, work and career, family, spirituality, etc.) is also balanced, their health is much better than when things are in disarray. You need both good nutrition and a balanced life for optimal health.
Although we’re all different, and there isn’t one overall nutrition or life plan that will work for everyone, here are five simple, nurturing guidelines to follow:
1. Don’t skip breakfast. Instead, eat a breakfast consisting of good fats (butter from grass-fed cows, avocado, etc.), some protein (meat, nuts, or high-protein plant food), and a bit of carbohydrate (concentrate on lots of veggies and small servings of fruit).
2. Eliminate processed junk food from your diet (a pantry and refrigerator clean out really helps here). And, remember to label-read…..if there are ingredients that you’re not familiar with or can’t pronounce, put the product back on the shelf!
3. Eliminate added sugar from your diet. It’s actually part of the junk food category, but deserves a space of its own because it is so detrimental to your health and has been the leading cause of the rise of obesity and diabetes in this country.
4. Let nature nourish and nurture you. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. 87% of their life is indoors, then another 6% of their life in automobiles. That’s only 7% of your entire life outdoors. Being outdoors for just 5 minutes per day can actually clear your head, keep you healthier, and improve your mood and self-esteem. Talk about being nourished! Plus, being outside increases your vitamin D levels to help boost your immune system and fight infections.
5. Stay hydrated with good quality spring water. Water helps bathe and nourish all body systems as well as helping to flush out toxins, promoting weight loss, improving your complexion, and relieving tiredness.
It’s really amazing how quickly life and health can shift for the better by just paying attention to some good old-fashioned daily nurturing.
Try this deliciously nourishing Holiday recipe to get your day started, or give you a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon:
1 apple (Granny Smith or Fuji work well here)
1 Tbsp raw honey
1/2 carrot
2 Medjool dates
1 cup filtered water
Fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)
Ice cubes to chill it down (optional)
Blend well in your favorite blender and enjoy.
[If having for breakfast, add protein powder to the mix to give you enough fuel to get you to the next meal.]
Looking for more tips and tools around food and life, or trying to figure out how to put it all together? I’ve got you covered at terricrystal.com.
Terri Crystal is a Certified Nutrition Consultant with an integrative approach to food and health that encompasses personalized nutrition and the psychology of eating with the goal of your optimal vitality.
