Maria's Thoughts on Finding Balance

The past few months as I have gone to many gatherings  and got around to enjoy a good sunny summer I find that I am often being asked :"How nutritious a piece of cake or a can of beer can be for a person?"

Here is my answer...

I feel that the subject of nutrition goes deeper than that. To me nutrition means more than just counting calories. Nutrition is nourishment.

 Human nourishment is divided into two parts. Physical nourishment and emotional nourishment. Physical nourishment has to do with food, what we consume to keep up with our energy levels. Food is fuel for our daily activities. Emotional nourishment comes from our relationships. The way we associate  to people and experience  the world. 

To me the most important part of nourishment is based on the quality of emotional nourishment we receive everyday. Having a "me time". Having a great laugh. Meeting with family members and enjoying a typical dish. Making some fabulous cheesecake with your grandmother. That to me is the healthiest of things that one can do. While I do not encourage anybody to eat a whole cake by themselves, I encourage you to give yourself permission to be and enjoy the moment of being. 

There can be times when all the healthy eating of the world still does not allow us to be at our desired weight, and that is because we are not allowing ourselves to enjoy that moment in time that keeps us the healthiest and most sane. I call this "emotional weight".

To be emotionally malnourished may cause as many illnesses as not eating the right way. As an integrative nutritionist I work with others to allow nourishing relationships into their lives, wether they are emotional or physical, one most learn that our bodies needs both types of nourishment to function as a balanced being.

What nourishes me emotionally?

A good glass of wine  and a home cooked  meal with my boyfriend and best friend.

What nourishes me physically?

A good yoga class with someone I care about

Now that's what I call balance!