7 Foods that Nurture YOU and Stimulate Love!
Consistently loving and nurturing ourselves can be challenging. Most of us live our lives in a constant whirlwind of activities surrounding our work, families, communities, and social life. It can be difficult to remember to take care of ourselves until it is too late and we become sick or tired.
by Kristin Hoppe
BS, NC, Certified Nutrition Consultant
Kristin Hoppe
What I find for myself is that I do a much better job at work, in my relationships, taking care of others and giving my love…IF I am taking care of myself and nurturing what my mind, body, and spirit needs.
What Does “Nurturing Your Mind, Body and Spirit” Mean?
The answer lies within each of us. To me, it means nourishing myself with healthy foods, maintaining a consistent yoga and exercise practice, taking time to relax and reflect, getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, traveling, learning, and having FUN.
I encourage you to stop and take time to love yourself in the ways you need.
Start to notice what lights you up in life, what nourishes you; and follow that loving feeling. As you expand on that feeling consider incorporating foods that not only nourish your body but help stimulate love.
Foods that Nourish Your Body and Stimulate Love
1. Warming Spices such as nutmeg, mustard, coriander, cardamom, and cayenne pepper release endorphins which make us feel happy.
2. Spicy/Bitter Greens such as Arugula, Basil, Mustard Greens, Dandelion, and Watercress can raise the libido and produce a sense of well-being for the mind and body.
3. Oysters, according to Chinese, medicine are excellent for building the yin (tranquil, soft, slow, and feminine) of the heart. They also contain zinc, an antioxidant and important nutrient in fertility.
4. Pineapple, Strawberries, and Mango contain Vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant for vitality and fertility.
5. Mushrooms have a long history as an aphrodisiac. In Chinese medicine, a variety of mushrooms are used to nurture the heart, soothe the spirit, and calm the mind. Try experimenting with the wide variety of mushrooms available at your local farmers markets.
6. Throughout the ages, Almonds have been given as gifts representing romance and fertility. Almonds are high nutritious and contain fiber, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium and other nutrients that help prevent heart disease.
7. And finally, no article on love would be complete without Chocolate! When consumed, chocolate releases endorphins in our brain, which are connected to the feelings of being in love and blissful happiness.
Kristin Hoppe, BS, NC, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, Educator, and Natural Chef. She received her nutrition and culinary training from Bauman College, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College.
Her practice, Food Therapy, is dedicated to improving people’s health through an inspiring and comprehensive nutritional approach that celebrates food. Kristin takes a holistic approach to health, providing clients with coaching and nutrition programs designed to facilitate healing with lasting results. She specializes in weight management, food allergies, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression & anxiety, and detoxification & cleansing. Please visit FoodTherapySF to learn more.
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Category: Diet & Nutrition
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