Nutrition coach and naturopath Remi Haik believes that self-care is the key to healthy living.

Haik grew up in the 1990s, when fashion TV arrived and the beauty standard was women needed to be skinny.

“It led me into a cycle of a lot of crazy diets,” Haik told the Journal. “It led me down a path of not liking my body.”

Haik struggled for many years before creating a healthy relationship with food, something that developed over time.

“When I stopped focusing on the food and started focusing on self-love,” she said it made all the difference. “Once I started to feel so good with myself, accepting myself, validating my own self, I noticed that … food is not that big of a deal.”

She added, “I can eat a cake, I can eat a cookie, I can eat whatever I want, and … I still love myself.”

Haik grew up in Israel, where, she said, the kitchen was the most loving room in the house.

“It’s some sort of love language to feed our loved ones: to cook food and to eat together,” she said. “Not only [do] we share this experience, but we also are giving and receiving [food].”

One of her favorite recipes is energy tahini and dates balls. That recipe is below. They’re simple to make – perfect for busy people – and give you a burst of energy when you need it. But there’s another reason Haik loves them.

“I teach seminars that are rooted in Jewish ancient wisdom, and I feel like the more I teach …  I feel more connected,” she said. “Dates, for example, are a very well known food in the Middle East … so, whenever I eat dates [and also hummus], I feel … I feel like I’m back home;  I feel connected to that identity.”

Since Haik believes self-care leads to a healthy life, she suggests finding one or two things to do each day that make you feel rejuvenated.

For instance, Haik wakes up before her husband, so she has time for herself to meditate and journal in the morning.

“It’s a time that just fuels me up,” she said. “I see a difference on days that I don’t do that.”

Other things you can do is go out for a 10-minute walk or simply take your time when doing a routine like putting on makeup.

“When you’re getting ready,  don’t do it in a rush,” she said. “If it makes you feel good,  take your time, enjoy it, give it, give it back to yourself.”

While many people have trouble putting their own needs first, it’s an essential step.

“As human beings, we love each other and we want to help other people,” she said. “However, these people will not be taken care of if you’re not going to take care of yourself. … We were brought up to think that self care is selfish, which is the complete opposite.”

If you are stressed during the day and need a quick reset, Haik says all you have to do is breathe.

“Literally stop for three seconds, whatever you’re doing, and breathe,” she said. “If you want, you can put one hand on your chest – on your heart – [and] one hand on your stomach … inhale, exhale.”

Doing this, even for a few seconds, reduces your stress hormones. You will immediately start feeling calmer.

“When I started implementing these things, I had reminders on my phone … three times a day  it said, ‘breathe,’” Haik said. She continued the reminders until it became a habit.

Something else to do regularly, whether it’s once a day or once a week, is take a moment to think about how you’re feeling while eating. You can even invite the people in your life to join you in this practice.

“A lot of the time, when we’re going on a journey like that, [the] people [in our lives] have no idea what we’re doing,” Haik said.  “All of a sudden, [if] I’m just sitting, looking at my food, it might be a little strange to my husband.”

Instead, she gives him a heads up, and invites him to join her.

Both of us will benefit from that and it’s easier to implement,” Haik said.

Learn more at RemiHaik.com and follow @remihaik on Instagram.

For the full conversation, go to JewishJournal.com/podcasts, and check out the latest episode of Taste Buds with Deb.

For the full conversation, listen to the podcast:

Watch the interview:

Tahini and Date Bliss Balls

from Remi Haik Weinberg

A no-bake, high-energy snack inspired by Jewish wisdom—sweet, nourishing, and full of purpose!

Ingredients

1 cup pitted Medjool dates (soft and juicy)

½ cup tahini (sesame paste)

½ cup almonds or walnuts (or a mix, finely chopped or blended)

¼ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) + extra for rolling

1 tsp cinnamon (symbolizing warmth & tradition)

½ tsp cardamom (optional, but adds depth & a Middle Eastern touch)

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for sweetness)

Pinch of sea salt (to balance flavors)

Instructions

Soften the dates – If they’re not soft, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.

Blend – In a food processor, blend dates, tahini, and nuts until a sticky dough forms. 

Add flavors – Mix in cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and salt. Blend again until smooth.

Shape – Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

Coat – Roll in shredded coconut for texture and extra flavor.

Chill – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Enjoy! A perfect pre-workout snack, afternoon energy boost or Shabbat treat.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer.

Debra Eckerling is a writer for the Jewish Journal and the host of “Taste Buds with Deb.” Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Email Debra: tastebuds@jewishjournal.com.