A Loving Gift to Yourself: Nurturing Self-Care with Healthy Eating
I have been working since 2010 and I see how getting into healthier eating can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I’d like you to do this little exercise for your brain. Instead of looking at healthy eating as another thing on your to-do list and feeling it is another responsibility, I want you to imagine how healthier eating is actually a love letter to yourself. You are precious and you deserve to be spoiled with good health! You and your family will win.
Here are five common obstacles women face when it comes to self-care and some practical ways to reset the mindset:
1. Guilt and Self-Judgment Obstacle: Feeling guilty for not eating perfectly can be discouraging. Reset: Shift your perspective and focus on positive. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Celebrate small victories and remember that every healthy choice is a step towards a healthier you. Treat yourself with kindness and patience. Focus on the one thing you did do and not on the nine things you didn’t do. 2. Perceived Complexity Obstacle: Healthy eating can seem complicated and time-consuming. Reset: Start small. Incorporate one healthy change at a time, like adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Simple steps, like using maple syrup instead of sugar or making one smoothie a day, can make a big difference without overwhelming you. Be proud of yourself!
3. Family Preferences
Obstacle: Catering to family preferences can make healthy eating feel impossible.
Reset: Involve your family in the process. I have learned to never assume—often, the kids or hubby will actually eat what you make. Every family is able to find new favourite recipes, you just need to try. Making fun, healthy meals together can be helpful. Find recipes that everyone enjoys and gradually introduce healthier ingredients. This way, it becomes a shared journey rather than a solitary effort. Know that you don’t have to accomplish everything in one go. Remind yourself that with every positive change you are making a difference for your health and the ones you love. Sometimes, shifting and sharing some responsibilities can lower the overwhelm too—can your hubby do the shopping or unpacking, or can the kids do any household jobs so you have more time on your hands?
4. Lack of Time
Obstacle: With busy schedules, it’s hard to find time to prepare healthy meals.
Reset: View meal prep as a form of self-care. Start slow and focus on one aspect at a time. Don’t try to cook for the whole week. Maybe for this week, you want to sort out healthy snacks for everyone and make them available. That’s a WIN! Or you can prep a few servings of the same dish so for those nights you are too tired, you can just warm it up. Think of eating as an investment in your family’s well-being rather than another task on your list.
5. Emotional Eating
Obstacle: Stress and emotions often lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Reset: Recognise emotional eating triggers and find healthier ways to cope. This is the most important step. Find a way to calm, entertain, or pamper yourself—life is for living, and you deserve to feel good. Instead of a sweet snack after dinner, spend that time giving yourself in some other way—take time to read, do a face mask, take a quick walk, call a friend, journal, dance with the kids, etc. You know what fills your cup.
Embrace Healthy Eating as a Gift
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be another chore. Think of it as a loving gesture to yourself—a way to nourish your body and mind. By making small, manageable changes, you can transform healthy eating into a joyful and rewarding part of your life. Remember, this is your love letter to yourself. Make it as beautiful and fulfilling as you deserve.
Sending you love and care,
Kelli 🙂
Get some simple ideas and recipes for your family, CLICK HERE to access my whole foods Family Meal Plan that is going to inspire you and get your family to eat healthier