The lessons we're still learning
Content.
It was my birthday not too long ago (shout out to all the Cancerians out there 🦀), and I had a reminder pop up on my phone that simply said: “Add to life lessons.”
This was an idea I borrowed from one of Jade Bonacolta’s emails (they’re so good -I highly recommend subscribing!).
The premise is simple: each year on your birthday, write down five things you would tell your younger self. As Jade highlights, not the generic quotes you found on Instagram, but the real lessons you’ve learned through lived experience. The ones that maybe cost you something to learn.
One of Jade’s life lessons was:
“Comparison is the thief of joy. Social media makes you wish you were somewhere else or with someone else. That’s the fastest path to unhappiness.”
The exercise got me thinking: what about the lessons we’ve learned about our health and wellbeing?
Each year, our bodies and minds continue to change and evolve, and it’s important that we stay curious and flexible about how we best support ourselves.
One of my health and wellbeing lessons this year has been just how much morning movement changes the rest of my day. Before I open my laptop, I’ll head to a gym class, do Pilates, or simply walk around the block. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it genuinely gives me more energy, a clearer head, and helps me feel less reactive throughout the day. And on the days I don’t do it, I can tell the difference…
I’d love to know - what’s one health or wellbeing lesson you’ve learned this year?
Nutrition Tip. Cooking at home has more benefits than you think.
I recently listened to an old episode of the ZOE Nutrition & Science podcast, where they discussed how the smells of cooking may actually help prepare our bodies for digestion.
After digging a little deeper, I learned this is known as the cephalic phase of digestion - the stage where seeing, smelling, or even thinking about food begins getting your digestive system ready to eat. Your mouth starts producing saliva, your stomach begins releasing digestive juices, and your body starts shifting into “rest and digest” mode.
It made me think about the difference between having a meal slowly simmering on the stovetop, filling the house with delicious aromas, versus having Uber Eats arrive at your front door.
It makes you wonder whether part of the joy of cooking begins long before we take the first bite.
Image credit: @giulianaperrone
Product Recommendation. Ceres Organic Lentils
Confession: I’m probably never going to be the person who soaks dried legumes overnight - and that’s okay.
These tinned lentils are a pantry staple in my house. They have a long shelf life, are incredibly convenient, and make it so much easier to add plant-based protein and fibre to meals without the extra preparation.
I also like that they’re BPA-free, organic, and budget-friendly. A little really does go a long way.
Quote.
Know your own happiness.
- Jane Austen
The biggest support you can give is simply sharing this newsletter with someone who would love a balanced, gentle take on nutrition 💛
Feedback? Leave a comment or reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you! 💌
Till next time,
Jess, Your Balanced Dietitian xx
