| This is more of a personal reflection post as opposed to a business-like post. Our current world is a challenging one and this empathetic and compassionate soul is finding it more challenging than ever to have boundaries for my well-being and to be my best self. We all hear a lot about self-care, but it usually involves shopping, a glass of wine with friends or a manicure. Self-care for me is kayaking, walking in the woods, walking with friends and feeding myself with intention. Last Sunday something in my brain asked me, “Why don’t you take care of yourself like you take care of everyone else? WHY?” This week I focused more on myself and this morning I intentionally took time for self-care. I exercised, I had a full sweat, I sat with my favorite green matcha latte and made myself an easy breakfast. I ate this beautiful plate (pictured below) standing at my kitchen counter, so I still have plenty of work to do, but I did think this might be something worthy of sharing with you. When was the last time you sat down with a beautiful plate of food- just for you- and really paid attention to it? No phone, no scrolling, no rushing. Not eating it while you are at your desk or in the car in the parking lot or even worse… in your car AND driving. When was the last time you sat down and enjoyed the colors on your plate, the aromas rising up, and that first bite of your favorite foods. Food is so often seen only as fuel, something we grab on the go or throw together between commitments. But food can also be an act of self-care, a way of saying to your body: I see you, I value you, I want you to feel good. I want you to feel amazing. Foods That Help the Body Relax and Heal When we’re stressed, our bodies crave balance and restoration. Preparing foods that are rich in nutrients but gentle on the body can make a real difference. Here are some examples that are easy to prepare: Warm vegetable soups with root vegetables, garlic, ginger, and leafy greens to soothe digestion and calm the nervous system Roasted sweet potatoes or squash, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg for grounding comfort Fresh berries and citrus fruits are full of antioxidants that help repair and energize Wild-caught salmon or sardines are rich in omega-3s to reduce inflammation and support brain health Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula- lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a nutrient-dense boost It doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes the simplest meals carry the most healing power. |
 This is my breakfast that inspired this post. Smoked salmon, fresh basil and tomatoes from my garden, raw red onion and some capers. Not shown: soft cooked egg and matcha green tea latte. |
| Warm Drinks and Herbal Teas for Calm and Care Herbal teas are another beautiful form of nourishment. They’re a pause, a breath, a ritual. Some of my favorites: Coconut Milk with Cinnamon and Vanilla – just warm these up like a hot cocoa and enjoy the warmth and the aromas Chamomile – classic for easing tension and encouraging restful sleep Ginger tea – warming and supportive for digestion Peppermint – soothing for the stomach and refreshing for the mindEven just holding a warm cup in your hands can feel like therapy. Creating a Beautiful Plate Food doesn’t just nourish us through nutrients- it nourishes us through beauty, too. Take the time to arrange your meal on a plate- a real plate, not a paper one! rather than eating out of a container. Add a sprig of fresh herbs, slice fruit into vibrant wedges, or drizzle olive oil in a slow circle instead of a quick splash. Sit down. Take a breath. Notice the colors and textures. Taste each bite. Let eating be an experience, not just a task. Self-care through food doesn’t need to be extravagant, it just needs to be intentional. We are all do over scheduled and busy busy. My children are grown and out of the house, there are no longer legos and socks all over, but my brain has felt like chaos in this world. Take some time today, this weekend, one day next week…and create a beautiful plate of food for yourself. Keep these questions in mind: How can I make this moment a little more nourishing, a little more beautiful, a little more JUST FOR ME? |
 |
| While creating a single meal for yourself with intention is amazing, it can hopefully be a stepping stone to feeding yourself and your family with more intention. If that is just too much to think about and overwhelming feelings come to mind, please give me a call. While I do offer weekly custom meal services, I also offer food consultations. If you want to schedule a phone call where we can talk about your lifestyle and food challenges, I can share my 15 years of professional chef experience, 23 years of momma experience feeding kids, and whatever else can help you feed yourself in a more nourishing, nutrient-dense and satisfying way. |
Self-care can be a simple bowl of fruit.
Self-care starts in the kitchen.
Book a consultation with Leaf and Loaf today and let me take the burden of dinners off your to-do list.