Self Love and Nutrition
Self‑love isn’t just about what we show on the outside — it’s rooted in how we care for ourselves on the inside. Many of us treat ourselves with ice cream, a candy bar, or a “cheat day” as a way to feel rewarded and appreciated. And trust me, I’m all for enjoying those moments. But somewhere along the way, a lot of people start to associate healthy eating with punishment. In the beginning, it can feel that way, especially if you’re used to using food as a comfort or reward. The truth is, though, the real reward comes from sticking with habits that make you feel energized, confident, and aligned with the version of yourself you’re trying to become. That payoff is priceless.
Whenever someone is preparing to change their lifestyle, I always encourage them to shift their perspective. Instead of viewing healthier choices as restrictions, see them as acts of self‑love and healing. Your health journey isn’t a punishment you endure to earn a reward — it is the reward. It’s a daily commitment to honoring your body, nurturing your well‑being, and feeding the glow that comes from within.
Feeding Your Self-Love
People often say, “You can’t do anything in life without money,” but I disagree — you can’t do anything without your health. Caring for your well‑being is one of the few things you truly control, and when we neglect it, we can’t blame anyone else for the consequences. Eating well becomes a daily love letter to yourself, and when you see it that way, your entire nutritional journey gains deeper meaning.
As a mother, I realized that if I want to be here as long as possible for my family, I have to take care of myself first. Teaching my kids about nutrition is important, but living it out gives me the greatest return on investment: more time with them and the ability to maintain my independence for as long as I can.
And yes — I can already hear the naysayers with their favorite line: “Well, what if you get hit by a train and die? What good is healthy eating then?” My answer is simple. If I ever find myself on the train tracks, my goal is to be healthy enough to jump out of the way. And if that doesn’t work, at least I can say I lived a life full of love, energy, and joy because I wasn’t weighed down by the health issues that are affecting so many people today because of unhealthy eating habits.
But let’s flip that scenario. What if the train never comes? What if you get to live out your full life? Then the real question becomes: what quality of life would you want to have? We spend too much time worrying about “what if” and not enough time living for today, enjoying today, and eating in a way that supports our potential future.
As we move into the second month of the new year, I want to share some helpful tips to guide you toward seeing your health and fitness journey in a positive light. Remember, every change takes time. Stay patient, stay encouraged, and always keep in mind that this journey is about progress, not perfection — the experience, not just the destination.
Shifting Your Nutrition Toward Self‑Love
Give Yourself Grace
My number one tip—before anything else—is to ALWAYS give yourself grace. It’s a core part of the self‑love process. No matter how many times you slip or step off the path, remember that it’s all part of the journey. A setback doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it simply means you’re human. Acknowledge it, breathe, and guide yourself back toward the road you want to navigate.
2. Nourishment Over Restriction
Shift away from using the word dieting—it often carries a temporary, restrictive tone. Instead, think in terms of nourishing your body or making a lifestyle choice. Focus on adding foods that support your goals and make you feel good when you eat them. You don’t have to completely eliminate the foods you enjoyed before; simply change the way they fit into your life so they support your well‑being rather than work against it.
3. Mindful Eating
Food is fuel, but it can also be an experience — an art we get to enjoy. I’m a huge foodie, especially when I travel, so I understand the joy that comes from savoring a good meal. One of the most powerful things you can do is slow down, savor each bite, and truly enjoy what you’re eating. Try not to eat while distracted, but if life gets busy and you don’t have the luxury of slowing down, portion out the amount of food you plan to eat. As a busy mother, I often find myself eating while working. When that happens, the one thing that helps me avoid overeating is portioning my food ahead of time. Yes, it’s tempting to grab the whole bag of chips — fewer dishes, less effort — but mindful eating means paying attention to your hunger cues. And if you’re eating on the go, practicing portion control becomes even more important. We all know how it goes: we tell ourselves we’ll only eat a few, and before we know it, the whole bag is gone. Mindful eating isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness. A little intention goes a long way.
4. Foods That Support Your Self‑Love Journey
Take time to educate yourself about what different foods actually do for your body. I always encourage people to look up the ingredients in their favorite treats — not to shame themselves, but to build awareness. The same goes for your goals: if you’re struggling with low energy, research foods that naturally support energy levels. The more you understand what you’re eating, the more empowered you become to make choices that align with your well‑being. This awareness helps you stay intentional, connected, and in tune with what you’re putting into your body. Knowledge becomes a form of self‑love.
5. Emotional Cues and Food
Stress and food often go hand in hand. Many studies show that when our brain is at its lowest—usually later in the day—it naturally craves sugary foods. For me, those cravings hit hardest around 3:00 p.m. and again at night. Once I realized my brain was simply looking for a quick source of energy to push me through the rest of the day, I started making small changes. I began taking walks during my afternoon breaks, and at night I’d choose something more nourishing, like peanut butter toast or a baked sweet potato. I also learned that I absolutely cannot keep sweet snacks near me toward the end of the day— because I will demolish the whole box especially if I had a challenging.
Emotional eating is very real, and when we take the time to recognize our cues and understand what triggers our stress eating, we can start creating an environment that supports healthier choices. Another major factor in emotional eating is lack of sleep. When our brain doesn’t have the energy it needs to get through the day, it sends signals that it needs fuel—and the body’s preferred quick fuel source is glucose. That’s why those afternoon crashes often come with intense sugar cravings. Our bodies are incredibly resilient and function exactly as they were designed to. The issue is that we’re not always giving them the proper fuel they need:
Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise
(in that exact order )
Sleep gives us clarity.
Nutrition gives us fuel.
Exercise gives us endurance
They all work together to help us feel our best and continue showing up for ourselves every day!
6. Build a Self‑Love Routine
As a foodie, it took me a long time to understand that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. I used to spend hours searching for extravagant meals just to stay on track. Eventually, that became so time‑consuming that I slipped back into old habits simply because they were easier. That’s when I realized I needed to simplify my nutrition and create a routine — even if that meant eating some of the same meals regularly. I used to hate the idea of repeating meals, but over time I discovered there are foods I enjoy enough to eat often, especially when they’re quick and easy to prepare.
To get myself back on track, I chose four of my favorite meals and put them on a 4–5 day rotation. I’ll share recipes in another post, but here’s an example: I absolutely love burrito bowls. To keep things interesting, I’ll make veggie burrito bowls two or three days a week, and on the other days I’ll switch it up by adding grilled shrimp. I also rotate toppings — green salsa one day, red salsa the next, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo. The macros stay similar, but the flavor profile changes enough that I don’t feel like I’m eating the same thing every day. Sometimes I swap pinto beans for black beans and corn, or turn my burrito bowl into a taco bowl and add a handful of chips for crunch. I try to choose foods that are versatile so I can adjust them easily when I’m craving something different. Simplifying your meals doesn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment — it means creating a routine that supports your goals while still honoring your love for good food.
7. Celebrate Every Stage
Always celebrate your body at every stage of your journey. We often focus on how our body looks instead of appreciating what our body does for us. In the beginning, you might notice improvements like better sleep or more energy long before you see changes on the scale — and those wins matter just as much if not more. If the changes you’re experiencing are positive, celebrate every single one, no matter how small. All those little victories add up over time and lead to something much bigger: feeling better, being happier, and watching your confidence grow. And before you know it, the physical changes will follow. When you start your journey, take your wins one meal at a time, one day at a time. Stay positive and keep moving forward. Even if you slip, remember — that moment doesn’t define your entire journey. It’s just a step along the way, not the whole story.
Your Self‑Love Journey Starts Today
Your health journey is one of the most meaningful acts of self‑love you’ll ever commit to. Every choice you make — every meal, every moment of awareness, every small shift in routine — is a step toward a stronger, happier, more energized version of yourself. I encourage you to keep in mind, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about showing up for yourself in ways that honor your body, your mind, and your future. Some days will feel easy, and others will feel challenging, but each day is an opportunity to choose yourself again.
Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Give yourself grace when you stumble. Nourish your body with foods that support your glow. Listen to your emotional cues. Build routines that make life easier, not harder. And above all, appreciate your body for everything it does for you — not just how it looks, but how it carries you through your life.
You deserve to feel good. You deserve to feel proud. You deserve to feel loved — especially by yourself.
Keep going, keep growing, and keep choosing you. Your inner radiance is already on its way.
Getting Started
If you are interested in starting your fitness journey today, click on "Start My Journey" to book your first free coaching session with me. I can help you get started on living a healthier lifestyle and learn how to avoid falling into the never-ending loop of fad diets.