The Art of Proper NOURISHMENT
By Katherine Andrew, MPH, RD, LDN
What It Means to "Nourish"
Many of you have heard me use the word Nourish a lot over the years on my socials, in practice with clients, and in my new program.
Why do I love the word “Nourish?”
To Nourish means to nurture, to promote growth, and development …notice, there is no mention of restriction, guilt, or elimination.
Rather, nourishment is associated for most of us with ABUNDANCE & GROWTH. There is no good – bad, no right – wrong, no start – finish. Instead, to nourish something TAKES TIME and PRACTICE, and is an ONGOING and INDIVIDUALIZED PROCESS.
Nourishment Is More Than Food
Unlike our modern association with the word “nutrition,” most of us immediately recognize that nourishment extends far beyond nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Too often we focus way too much on the most recent nutrition fad (fasting, carbs, green powders, …).
While these methods might have some value, we forget that nourishing ourselves involves so much more than food. And yes, sometimes non-food nourishment is just as, if not MORE, important than what you eat for your physical health.
So, what could it mean for you to put the practice of NOURISHING yourself into place?
Maybe it’s time for a re-orientation. How could you find nourishment by focusing on building your mind, and soul in addition to your body?
To Nourish means to nurture, to promote growth, and development …notice, there is no mention of restriction, guilt, or elimination.
Katherine's Favorite Ways to Nourish Yourself:
Go outside
Spend time with people you love
Be present; Create blocks of time when you eliminate multitasking (start with just five minutes)
Find a creative outlet (yes even if you are not a creative person)
Practice gentle movement – walk, stretch, mobility drills
Laugh, watch or listen to something funny
Listen to music
Pray or meditate
Go to bed earlier
Take a nap
Declutter your home or car
Breath; Practice new ways to breath
Get a massage or acupuncture
Practice lymphatic massage (check out @lymphloveclub)
I recommend starting with ONLY one new focus each week, 2-5 minutes a day. Start small, find success, and then build from there!
Katherine Andrew, MPH, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Masters degree in Public Health with nearly fifteen years of experience in community public health and private nutrition counseling. Her work experience includes individual and group health counseling, interactive workshops, food systems consulting, non-profit program development and management, and safe skin care advocacy and promotion. She works with clients to identify and address health concerns, navigate food sensitivities, explore body image, plan healthy meals for themselves and their families, evaluate and improve hormone health, maximize stress management, and restore their relationship with eating so they can enjoy food and thrive. Gut health, food sensitivities, hormones, family food dynamics, and intuitive eating are a few of Katherine’s passions and specialties.
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