“Soma” translates to ‘body” in Greek, so when I see people discussing the power of somatics, I have this strong urge to remind everyone that the world within us isn’t only about the emotional work but the nurturing of our cells—you know—the stuff we were taught in high school biology. These building blocks of our soma are intricate and alive, relying on the critical molecules of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids (fats), and glycans. Interestingly, the last three—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (sourced from glycans)—are nutrients we take in through our diet.

Each meal is more than just food; it’s a source of vital components that power our cells and, in turn, our entire body. Whether we’re consuming a balanced plate of vegetables (carbs), grilled chicken (protein), or avocado (healthy fats), we’re actually nourishing the soma at its most fundamental level, providing our cells with the building blocks they need to thrive.

ANOTHER METAPHOR FOR HEALTH

Imagine your body as a finely tuned instrument. To keep it playing its best symphony, we must nourish it with a balanced diet rich in whole foods. These foods are like the maestros of the wellness world, providing the essential nutrients that support nervous system regulation and overall health. Think vibrant greens, juicy berries, and hearty grains—each bite is a note in a healthy melody.

WHAT ADD TO YOUR GROCERY LIST

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and antioxidants can be game-changers in managing stress. Omega-3s, found in fatty fish like salmon or plant sources like walnuts, chia seeds, and edamame, help reduce inflammation and support brain health. Magnesium, abundant in cashews and bananas, can soothe the nervous system, too. And those colorful fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants? They fight off the stress-induced damage at the cellular level, helping you feel like you’ve got the energy to do what you need to do day in and out.

MY CLIENT’S MEAL PLAN

A client of mine was eager to upgrade her whole foods cooking game and didn’t mind eating repeated meals, so we came up with…

• A Very Berry Yogurt Bowl
• Turkey and Veggie Skillet
• Cinnamon Chia Pudding
• Asian Style Salad with Grass-fed Steak
• Quinoa Salad with Avocado Dressing
• Curry Roasted Chickpea and Vegetable Quinoa
• Chicken Cucumber Boats

A PEEK AT THEIR GROCERY LIST:

This client loves to cook, so while this list may look ambitious to you if you don’t enjoy or feel like you have time to cook, rest assured. There are many paths to eating well. 🙃

ADDITIONAL RECIPES TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY STRESS RESPONSE:

1. Give your mental health a boost with the fermentable fiber in this recipe.
2. Supercharge your brain with my favorite recipe that’s simple and works for lunch or dinner.  
3. This breakfast/snack idea is full of antioxidants to lower oxidative stress in the body. 

Are you curious about which foods best support your stress recovery journey? I’m here to help! Contact me for a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your body’s unique needs. It’s a joint effort to craft a roadmap to nourish your way to stress resiliency. 💪🏼