Every year, Matthew and I avoid going out on Valentine’s Day like the plague (or like coronavirus…)

The crowds, the decision fatigue around choosing a “romantic” restaurant, the prix fix menus…it all became a little too much for us.

So we created our own tradition of curling up by the fire with a warming and comforting dinner and good conversation.  And this year, an episode of This is Us.

But whether you celebrate with your loved one, your friends, or spend it at home with much-needed R&R, Valentine’s Day is also about self-love and self-care.

Last week, I was listening to Kate Northrup, author of Do Less, talk about self-care as a daily routine instead of as a reward for “getting something done.”

Simple, but also mind-blowing.

Self-care as a daily routine.

I started to think about the ways that I show myself self-love on a daily basis.

What “fills my cup” every day?

I came up with a few answers:

• My morning routine

• Daily movement (I’m really into restorative yoga right now)

• Reading a good fiction book (currently The Moon Sister by my favorite author, Lucina Riley)

• The food I make for myself and others

I love food. 

I believe it’s not something to be controlled or tracked or measured.

Instead, food as a form of daily-self care is nourishing your body to feel great.

It’s about giving your body what it needs to THRIVE.

And by no means does that mean having a “perfect” diet.

By no means is my diet perfect.  I wouldn’t want it to be.  There’s so much more to food than the “nutritive” value of it.

But I do make sure that every day, I nourish my body.  That I eat in a way that makes me feel good that day.

Self-care means trusting your body to tell you want it wants and needs to flourish.

Your action step: Think about 3 meals or snacks that make you feel amazing.  Then, eat them this week 😊

Self-care is also as simple as saving time in the kitchen. 

Less time spent in the kitchen at the end of a long day means more time for other forms of self-care.

One way I save massive amounts of time in the kitchen?

I cook with leftovers in mind.

I’m often asked how to cook healthy meals for two.

I cook healthy meals for two by actually cooking for 4 or 6 people.

I never cut down a recipe, because I know the surplus will make the perfect grab-and-go lunch the next day or a quick heat-and-eat dinner.

And finally, making food for others is a way for me to show and share love, which of course makes me feel good.  Which I think counts as a form of self-love, too.

Just know, if I’ve ever made a meal or some energy balls for you, I probably care about you a lot 😉

Inspired to use food as a form of self-love this year or share your love with others?

I have 5 recipes that are Valentine’s Day approved, self-care approved, and are easy and fun to make:

These Pink Pancakes (Vegan, GF) have been featured in NBC News!  What’s awesome is you make them in a blender, so they’re super quick and easy.  Kids love the hot pink color (which means you’re getting them to eat their veggies without them knowing it)!

These Vegan Raspberry Muffins are the perfect meal prep recipe- make now, enjoy throughout the weekend with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

And these Mexican Hot Chocolate Superfood Raw Brownies (Vegan, GF) are showstoppers! WOW your friends and family and remind them, “Yes, brownies CAN be made with superfoods and eaten raw.” 😉

These Red Velvet Overnight Oats (Vegan, GF) seriously taste like red velvet cake! It’s the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings, give you energy, and help you eat more veggies. What are you waiting for?!

And finally, I have a Magical Morning Smoothie recipe in my 21 Simple, Quick and Easy Meals guide.  You can grab this free gift HERE>>

What are your daily forms of self-care?  Message me on Instagram so I can say hi and hear your self-care ideas!