Food for Thought.
Broccoli, watermelon radish, and kale are are high in fiber, which promote healthy gut function.
Diversity is a good thing…especially when it comes to gut health! A healthy gut microbiome relies on a variety of plant species (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, whole grains) to build a diverse community. Just as it’s important to have diversity in our social communities, the belly also thrives from having at least 30+ plant species per week to regulate our hormones, metabolism, appetite and immune system. Variety (not just volume) is key, as this encourages the growth of different types of healthy gut bacteria.
To give you some ideas of healthy foods to include into your diet, I wanted to share some of my favorite illustrations I made using a variety of plant-based foods, along with life lessons to encourage our physical and mental well-being during this time.
Just BEAN yourself and who you are uniquely created to be is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to the world. There is no one else like you. We need you just as you are. Your art. Your humor. Your words. Your stories. You were not meant to fit in. You were meant to stand out!
Surround yourself with people who raise your energy, lift your spirit, and encourage you to reach higher levels!
Lettuce be aware of our thoughts and environment. Are you swimming in feelings of self-doubt, anxiety or fear? Or are you swimming in acceptance, self-love and growth? Sometimes it comes down to a simple reframe. Use your fins wisely and swim to the environment that best supports you.
Inhale slowly. Take a deep breath. Exhale slowly. Release all of your tension through your breath. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids which help support brain and heart health, and prevent cardiovascular disease. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take one full minute to breathe deeply in and out. By doing so, you’ll decrease your stress response and you’ll feel more calm, grounded, and centered.
Elephants teach us that gentleness, commitment, and communication are powerful and necessary for trusting and loving relationships. They are deeply committed, fiercely protective and gently nurturing towards those they love. The matriarch of the herd leads in a way that is both gentle and inclusive. With this insight, there’s so MUSHROOM for us to love others more in a way that serves our communities and the world at large.
BEAN patient is a virtue. Everything hatches at the right moment. So be gentle with yourself during any journey- whether it’s learning how to eat healthier, moving your body in new ways, or learning a new skill. No big success or breakthrough happens overnight. With the right support and protection and warmth, you will hatch out of your shell when it’s the right time for you.
When you feel stuck, it’s time to play! Step away from your task, get some fresh air, switch to a more enjoyable activity, and have fun! You’ll find that when you return to your original task, you’re more refreshed. You may discover you have a different perspective for solving the problem or uncover a new approach you hadn’t seen before. Play is not just meant for recess. It may hold the hidden key to unlocking creative solutions. So the next time you hit a wall, head outside with the enthusiasm of a child!
“The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” ~Rafiki
Earlier this year, I started reframing situations from “winning and losing” to “winning and learning.” This turns everything into an experiment with important lessons to cherish, rather than creating a shame spiral fueled by unmet goals. When we remove negative emotions and self-judgement, everything is merely viewed as ‘data.’ This simple reframe helps us move forward with grace, momentum, and insight. A bit more kindness towards ourselves never hurts.