Here is my first video back from maternity leave!
(Rather watch on youtube? Here’s the link.)
Today is National Body Language Day
I’m sure you know that our body language conveys so much more than what we actually say.
This comes up a lot when I work with clients, especially during a diet recall. I’ll ask, “Tell me what a typical day looks like in terms of food.”
Basically, what times do you eat, what foods might you choose, etc.
We’ll talk about nourishing foods, fruits, vegetables, that sort of thing.
And clients might tell me, “I eat vegetables every day… with raaaanch.” You can see them turn into themselves, like they are so ashamed that they’re using some sort of dip to make vegetables, a really nutritious food, maybe taste a little better & actually have them eat it.
So, I’m here to tell you…
Adding a dip does not take away the health benefits of the vegetables! (or any other food you eat)
Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber…
Just because you’re adding a dip doesn’t mean you’re not getting any benefit. It does not negate the health benefits you’re eating.
Dips are high in fat… and that’s good!
Things like ranch, hummus, guacamole, any type of salad dressing, go for it!
What the fat does is help us absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have to be eaten with fat or you won’t absorb them at all.
If you take a vitamin D supplement, for example, directions will say to take with food and that’s why.
So if you’re eating carrots, let’s say, which are really high in vitamin A, with a lean lunch meat sandwich and maybe a piece of fruit or a non-fat yogurt. That meal has basically no fat and you won’t absorb any (or much) of the vitamin A. You need the dip.
I am definitely pro-dip.
It will make the meal more satisfying and can help you feel fuller longer.
On that note, I’d like to encourage you to be proud of what you eat.
We all do the best we can at any given time. Some days, that might look like a leafy green salad with salmon on top. Other days, it might look like a trip through the drive-thru because that’s all we have time for and we need to eat something.
That happens to everyone. Just own it and move on.
You can make another choice at your next meal, if you have the opportunity.
If shame and guilt consistently plague your food decisions…
Please consider reaching out to a dietitian or a therapist or both.
Eating should be a source of energy, joy, and pleasure. There is no room for constant negativity or shame.
{ I hope that in this video, my body language conveys that I am happy to be back and ready to work with you! }