What Does it Mean to Be Nourished?
“Nourishment: to provide (someone or something) with food and other things that are needed to live, be healthy, etc. : to cause (something) to develop or grow stronger.”
As a functional nutritionist who is certified in nutritional psychology, I understand that nourishment encompasses more than just eating—it is a holistic concept that extends beyond physiological nourishment. While in this blog post, we will primarily focus on providing your body with the essential elements required to live, be healthy, and thrive (physiological nourishment), it is essential to acknowledge that nourishment also involves practices that nurture your mind, spirit, and overall well-being. Let's delve into the concept of physiological nourishment and explore the pillars that form the foundation of a well-nourished body. Additionally, we'll briefly touch on considerations for nurturing other aspects of your being.
Understanding Nourishment: Nourishment is not about striving for dietary perfection or following rigid rules. It goes beyond counting calories and obsessing over macronutrient ratios. Instead, nourishment is about providing the body with enough energy to sustain its daily needs and promoting its growth and resilience. A nourished body is one that efficiently produces energy and effectively copes with stress.
The Pillars of Nourishment:
Eating Enough: Fueling your body with sufficient calories to meet its total daily energy expenditure is crucial for overall well-being. Restrictive diets and under-eating can lead to energy depletion and hinder your body's ability to function optimally. Adequate calorie intake supports proper organ function, hormone production, and cognitive performance.
Eating in Balance: Maintaining a balance of macronutrients is essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels and supporting various bodily processes. A balanced diet that includes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in appropriate proportions fosters optimal metabolism and overall health.
Nutrient Density: Beyond calories and macronutrients, the body requires a variety of micronutrients to function at its best. Nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support cellular processes and contribute to overall vitality.
Emphasizing Nutrient-Density:
Nourishment involves more than just focusing on the number of calories consumed. It is about choosing foods that offer a higher concentration of nutrients, rather than merely labeling foods as "clean" or "toxic." Each individual may respond differently to various foods, so it is essential to connect with how each food makes you feel.
Shifting the Perspective:
Instead of fixating on what to eliminate from your diet, consider what you can add to make your meals more balanced and nourishing. By adopting a both/and approach, you acknowledge that some foods may provide more benefits or nutrients without demonizing others.
The Journey to Energy and Self-Trust:
Nourishment is the key to healing and promoting health from the inside out. It involves stepping away from restrictive diets, excessive training, and emotional stress-driven food choices. Instead, focus on promoting energy and self-trust through informed decision-making and tuning into your body's needs.
The Path to Peaceful Food Relationships:
You deserve a peaceful relationship with food, where it no longer holds power over your choices. There are no forbidden foods, and you can feel informed and confident in making decisions that align with your unique needs and preferences. Nourishment allows you to break free from rigid rules and find autonomy in your food choices.
Considering Holistic Nourishment:
While physical nourishment is vital for a well-functioning body, it is equally important to address other dimensions of nourishment for a fulfilling and healthy life:
Emotional Nourishment: Cultivating positive emotions, expressing emotions healthily, and building meaningful connections contribute to emotional well-being.
Mental Nourishment: Engaging in activities that challenge the mind, practicing mindfulness, and seeking knowledge stimulate cognitive functions and promote mental nourishment.
Spiritual Nourishment: Finding purpose, connecting to something greater, and engaging in spiritual practices contribute to spiritual nourishment.
Social Nourishment: Building a supportive social network and fostering community and connections with others provide a sense of belonging and social nourishment.
Environmental Nourishment: Creating a nurturing environment with elements that promote positivity and reduce stress enhances overall well-being.
Occupational Nourishment: Finding fulfillment and satisfaction in your work or career contributes to occupational nourishment.
Intellectual Nourishment: Stimulating intellectual curiosity through continuous learning and seeking new experiences fosters intellectual nourishment.
Being nourished means providing your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to thrive. It goes beyond dietary perfection and allows for individuality and balance in food choices. Nourishment goes beyond nutrients—it is a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses physiological well-being along with emotional, mental, spiritual, social, environmental, occupational, and intellectual nourishment. By understanding the pillars of nourishment and fostering a peaceful relationship with food and considering and addressing these various aspects, you can embark on a holistic journey to optimal well-being and vitality to promote a fulfilling and nourished life.
As a functional nutritionist, I play a vital role in guiding others on this path to true nourishment and health and I would love to support you on your nourishment journey. You can learn more about my 1:1 private practice coaching services here or if you are feeling highly motivated to dive in on your own, you can check out my self-guided nutrition foundations program Empowered Nourishment.