How to Use Food to Get Your Self-Esteem High!
Have you ever looked at a piece of your favorite cake and thought, no, I can’t go there, because it will go straight to my thighs? And then you told yourself, oh well! Let’s go for it anyway! Hopefully, you didn’t feel bad about yourself after you indulged. There is a very real connection between what you eat and how you feel about yourself.
So, how do you feel good about yourself and what you eat? Is that even possible? Yes!
As a matter of fact, it is easier than you might think. If you are looking for fun, creative ways to boost your self-esteem, here are some ideas for using food to do just that. Food is something you need and interact with every day, and when you follow these suggestions, your opinion of yourself can soar sky-high!
What is self-esteem?
According to the American Psychology Association Dictionary of Psychology, self-esteem is:
“n. the degree to which the qualities and characteristics contained in one’s self-concept are perceived to be positive. It reflects a person’s physical self-image, view of their accomplishments and capabilities, and values and perceived success in living up to them, as well as the ways in which others view and respond to that person. The more positive the cumulative perception of these qualities and characteristics, the higher one’s self-esteem. A reasonably high degree of self-esteem is considered an important ingredient of mental health, whereas low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness are common depressive symptoms.”
This makes sense. And these are probably not new concepts to you. But, how does food fit in? I am glad you asked!
Food and self-esteem
The Mayo Clinic has been recognized by U.S News & World Report as one of the top psychiatric clinics in the country. In a recent article, the Mayo Clinic staff discusses the connection between how you think about food, eating disorders, and factors that affect self-esteem, like depression and anxiety. (1)
There have been study after study that confirm the relationship between nutrition and how the brain works. People take supplements specifically to boost their dopamine levels. They eat certain foods like spinach and nuts for magnesium that help improve moods. (2)
So, food doesn’t have to be the enemy.
It can be your healer, your friend, and a welcome companion.
Your mindset and the choices that you make every day can help lift your self-esteem higher. Food can be a catalyst to a happier healthier, and more confident YOU! A life coach can help you adopt the right mindset to overcome obstacles that keep you from living a healthy lifestyle. All it takes is one consultation to see if coaching is the right fit.
Imagine having fun with food - enjoying snacks, looking forward to meals, because they bring out something special about you. They are based on great choices you make to reflect your uniqueness and creativity. Then, you look forward to every bite!
5 ways to use food to build self-esteem and feel better about YOU!
Magical Muffins - You can make it yourself or find a favorite brand. Seek out the muffin that brings magic to your world and enjoy every bite. Banana? Blueberry? Cinnamon? Great! All of these hold nutritional benefits. They make a wonderful snack - feel good about your choice!
Sunsational Salads - Okay this is where you need to get real creative! Put together a salad - it doesn’t have to be vegetables, it can be anything! - that is truly what you love to eat. Take a picture and share it on social media. ENJOY IT! Every bite! And switch it up. Each week, create something new. You did this! Celebrate what you create - this builds self-esteem and positivity.
Exceptional Eggs - Because of the high amount of protein in eggs and how important protein is for your body, experiment with these versatile products. Have fun making them over easy for breakfast, in soup for lunch, or scrambled in fried rice for dinner. Include them at least once a week in a different style just for the variety. Keep it interesting!
Lovely Locals - Get out there and support local produce! Maybe you can go to a local farm and pick strawberries. Check out local farmers’ markets. Also, look in your grocery stores for locally grown food options. You will benefit from being outside if you get to experience pick-your-own. But even if you can’t visit a local farm, you give your self-esteem a boost by knowing that you are choosing to support your community. That is huge! Your money is helping others keep their dream alive. The world needs more people like you.
Generous Giving - A great way to feel better about YOU is to give - and give generously. Once a month, make or buy a meal for a special friend, family member, or neighbor. Everyone benefits when you do this! They get free food (which everyone loves!) and your life is enriched by selfless acts of generosity.
Let’s talk about it
Food is your friend. Maybe even one of your besties, because it takes care of you, doesn’t talk back or argue, and is available in a huge variety. You can use it to get your self-esteem high and keep it there. Contact me today to talk about other ways to boost your self-esteem and be the best happy, healthy, and confident YOU!
www.stephaniemariescoaching.com
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