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Showing posts with the label Mindful

Parenting Lessons I Learned from Chronic Illness

When I was younger and would think about myself as a mother someday, I’d imagine myself as the “fun mom” on my hands and knees playing with the kids, as the “involved mom” volunteering in the classroom and taking cupcakes to parent teacher association meetings, as the “friends’ mom” with a house full of teenagers hanging out and being loud as I supply snacks periodically. I never pictured myself as the “sick mom.” Yet this is what life had in store for me. In the early years of my children’s lives, I was very active and involved, just as I had imagined when I was younger. However, as they entered elementary school and I became sick, my ideas of what it meant to be a mom had to shift. At first, I struggled. I wondered if I was still a good mom, even if I was stuck in bed a good portion of the time, didn’t have the stamina to always play with my kids the way they wanted, and had to turn to frozen meals instead of cooking from scratch. I had to confront and unravel a lot of internalized...

The Benefits of Home Cooking: Taking Control of Your Nutrition

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to succumb to the convenience of takeout meals and pre-packaged foods. However, there are numerous benefits to be gained by embracing home cooking. By taking control of your nutrition and preparing meals at home, you can make healthier choices, customize your meals to suit your dietary needs, and foster a deeper connection with the food you consume. Let’s explore the advantages of home cooking and how it can positively impact your overall well-being. 1. Healthier Ingredients and Portion Control: When you cook at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into your meals. You can choose fresh, whole foods and avoid additives, excessive sodium, and unhealthy fats commonly found in processed foods. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients, you can create balanced meals that support your health and well-being. Additionally, home cooking allows you to practice portion control, ensuring you consume appropr...

Navigating Social Eating: Tips for Making Healthy Choices in Social Settings

Introduction: Social gatherings and events often revolve around food, making it challenging to maintain healthy eating habits. However, with some mindful strategies, you can enjoy social eating while still making nutritious choices. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and techniques to help you navigate social eating situations without compromising your health goals. 1. Plan Ahead: • Eat a balanced meal or snack before attending social events to curb hunger. • Check the event menu in advance, if possible, and identify healthier options. • Consider bringing a healthy dish or snack to share, ensuring there’s something nutritious available. 2. Be Mindful of Portions: • Practice portion control by using smaller plates and serving yourself moderate portions. • Focus on savoring each bite and eating slowly, allowing your body to register fullness. • Avoid mindless grazing or picking at high-calorie snacks. 3. Choose Nutrient-Dense Options: • Opt for nutrient-dense foods like vegeta...