The term “self-care” has become one of those phrases that makes me cringe. Previously, I had no concept of what self-care was to me and I made fun of people who talked about it. It is often depicted in media as bubble baths, chocolate, or shopping (“treat yo self”). Now I see it differently: it is carving out time in my schedule to pursue things for myself that make me feel good. That can feel bizarre— selfish even— for women, especially mothers. At this point in my life, I don’t have so much extra time that I can pursue my own interests without it compromising something else, and that’s okay. I might miss one of my kids’ baseball games to go for a run. I might spend my hard-earned money to buy myself something, and tell them “no” on something else. That’s okay. Healthy, even.
One of the most simple habits I’m in now is to make myself a “self-care breakfast”. I take the time to cook a healthy, nutritious, comforting breakfast. I lay my fruit delicately on the side and I eat it on a real ceramic plate. I savor the food and the quiet time in the morning that I carve out for myself. When I was previously in a habit of rushing out the door and eating McMuffins from a drive-through on my way to work, I never felt like I was caring for myself. I wasn’t setting up my day for success. I wasn’t treating my body or my soul like it deserved to be cared for, by me or anyone else.
A few of my breakfast staples:
- 2 eggs (from my backyard chickens), 1 piece of Brownberry whole wheat toast
- Protein waffle topped with almond butter and fresh fruit
- Vanilla Greek yogurt with protein granola and fresh fruit
- Old-fashioned oats cooked on the stovetop with almond milk and a mashed banana. Mix in crushed walnuts and fresh fruit
- And of course, a cup of coffee (black), because it’s the only way to drink it 😉
Fresh Start Fitness 