Slainte’! (Irish for “Cheers” and “To your health!)☘️
Let’s celebrate Women’s History and Autoimmune Awareness as we March into Nutrition this month.
Do you like how I did combined all the important March events? 🙂
March is National Nutrition Month!☘️
This month, we’re celebrating the vital role nutrition plays in our lives! National Nutrition Month focuses on making informed and mindful food choices, developing physical activity habits, and living a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Here are a few simple ways to celebrate:
- Balance Your Plate: Strive for a rainbow of veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Experiment with new recipes and incorporate more plant-rich meals to nourish your body and energize your day.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Clean water is essential for good health. Aim to drink enough throughout the day to keep your body functioning at its best. A general rule of thumb is around 64 ounces but it varies based on your age, weight, activity level, and health. Be sure to consult with your medical practitioner if you don’t already know your optimal intake.
- Mindful Eating: Take time to savor or saVOUR* each bite.*I’ve been working for years on finding a balance between devouring and savoring since my go-t0 is to devour. 🙂 Eating mindfully helps with digestion, prevents overeating, and helps you truly appreciate the flavors and textures of your food.
Autoimmune Awareness Month: Raising Our Voices 🧡
March is also Autoimmune Awareness Month, an important time to shine a light on the challenges faced by millions living with autoimmune conditions, including yours truly. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic illness. From lupus to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, and Hashimoto’s disease, these conditions impact both men and women, but they disproportionately affect women.
In honor of this month, here are a few ways we can raise awareness and support:
- Know the Signs: Early diagnosis is key. Stay informed about the symptoms of common autoimmune diseases such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and digestive issues. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.
- Support Each Other: Whether you’re living with an autoimmune disease or know someone who is, offering emotional support can be just as crucial as medical treatment. Reach out, offer help, or simply listen. As someone with celiac disease, believe me, it can feel lonely and isolating, especially in social settings. Feeling like the “special kid” in the corner eating her homemade food at a dinner party is never very fun. On the other hand, when my friends go out of their way to ensure I have something safe and tasty to eat at their homes or events, I feel like a Queen. Talk about eternal gratitude! I’m quite blessed with amazing friends and family and never take them for granted.
- Share the Knowledge: Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness when sharing facts and personal stories. Share your stories, resources, and research to help others understand autoimmune conditions better.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Health and Empowerment 👩⚕️
March is also Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women who have shaped history and continue to make an impact today. I’m a huge fan of Julia Louis Dreyfus podcast, Wiser Than Me, where she interviews incredibly wise women, all “older and wiser” than Julia. Each interview is like being in a Master Class of life. Check it out and let me know what you think. In terms of health, it’s a reminder to prioritize self-care and advocate for women’s health at all stages of life.
- Get Active, Get Strong: Women of all ages can benefit from physical activity—whether it’s yoga, strength training, or a brisk walk. Don’t forget your bone health! Strength training is vital to keep our bones strong, and believe me, I know this from experience. Exercise not only improves physical health but supports mental well-being, too!
- Mental Health Matters: Women’s mental health is just as important as physical health. Take time this month to check in with your emotional well-being, and if you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or loved one. Community is paramount. Make the effort to spend time with your friends and family even if you can only make a phone call. Connecting with loved ones and laughter is therapeutic and does our heart and immune system wonders.
- Empower Through Education: Knowledge is power! Educate yourself on the unique health challenges women face, from reproductive health to heart disease, and take charge of your health journey. Share resources with others to spread the message of empowerment.
Remember that health is not just about what you eat—it’s about the way you nurture your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re focusing on nourishing your body this Nutrition Month, raising awareness for autoimmune conditions, or honoring the women in your life, March is a perfect time to embrace your power and take charge of your health.
I’m here with you every step of the way as you create habits that nourish, empower, and elevate your life. Book your free 15-minute health coaching consultation to learn how I can support you in your Morselicious health journey.
And, last but not least, a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to ye all! Follow me on Instagram for mo’ Morselicious tips and recipes.
Slainte’,
Mo, the Morselist ☘️