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๐Ÿ“– Nutrition, food memories, culture & everyday wellness

โœจ Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

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We've become so accustomed to food that there's even this popular saying among us "in all you do, chop oo".๐Ÿ˜‚And honestly...
01/09/2026

We've become so accustomed to food that there's even this popular saying among us "in all you do, chop oo".๐Ÿ˜‚
And honestly, I won't lie; food has a way of lifting our moods.

Good food after a long, stressful day? Somehow makes you feel better

You're celebrating? Let's eat
You visit someone? What will you eat?
You're sad? Someone is asking, " Have you eaten"

Food isn't just about filling our stomachs. It can be comfort, celebration, connection, culture and sometimes, even the way we cope with what we're feeling.

And that's where Ihunna's story got me thinking...

When does enjoying food become using food to deal with every emotion?

A new month doesn't always have to mean โ€œnew month, new diet.โ€ Yes...I said that It can simply meanโ€ฆ let me understand m...
01/09/2026

A new month doesn't always have to mean โ€œnew month, new diet.โ€

Yes...I said that

It can simply meanโ€ฆ let me understand myself a little better.

I've been reading Sisters by Adesuwa Oman Nwokedi, and honestly, Ihunna's story has been sitting with me.

Ihunna is a plus-sized woman who grew up in a family where being overweight seemed to run through generations. She had seen the health complications that came with it in her family, so this wasn't just about wanting to fit into a smaller dress.

She was genuinely afraid.

But what really got me wasn't even her weight.

It was her relationship with food.

She talked about eating when she was overwhelmed, happy, bored, frustrated, sadโ€ฆ basically, food became her comfort for almost every emotion.

This isn't just her, you know... there's always this part of us that turn to food in any emotion maybe not all but one out of many situations.

You have had a terrible day and somehow, you find yourself looking for something to eat.

You're not really hungry, but you just want to chew something.

You're stressed, so you reach for that snack.

You're happy, so you celebrate with food.

You're sad, so food becomes your friend.

And then after eating, the guilt comes.

โ€œWhy did I eat that?โ€

โ€œI said I was going to be serious this time.โ€

Then a new week comes and we start again. ๐Ÿ˜ฉ

What made Ihunna's story even more interesting to me was how people around her tried to help.

Her father was worried about her health, but that worry came out as criticism, restriction and body shaming.

And sometimes, we forget that you can want someone to become healthier and still hurt them with the way you communicate it.

You cannot shame somebody into having a healthy relationship with food.

You cannot make somebody hate their body enough to magically develop sustainable habits.

And you definitely cannot expect someone to live on shakes, smoothies and soups forever because they want to lose weight.

Ihunna eventually met a nutritionist who helped her see that what she needed wasn't another quick fix.

She needed a lifestyle she could actually live with.

And THAT is the conversation I want to have here on Nourish Notes.

Not โ€œHow do I lose 10kg before December?โ€

Not โ€œWhich food burns belly fat?โ€

Not โ€œWhat can I stop eating?โ€

Butโ€ฆ

Why do I eat the way I eat?

What makes me hungry?

What keeps me full?

How do my emotions affect my eating?

How can I manage my weight without constantly fighting food?

Because, your body deserves better than punishment.

It deserves understanding.

So, this September, we're going a little deeper.

๐ŸŒฟ Nourish, don't punish.

Let's learn to nourish the body we have while working towards the health we want.

Welcome to September, Nourish Fam. ๐Ÿ’š

Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

17/08/2026

The moment we hear "snacks", we often think of biscuits, sweets, carbonated drinks, chin-chin, cakes and other packaged foods.

Some of these foods are high in added sugar, salt or saturated fat, they're labelled "Unhealthy".

But then,

A snack isn't automatically unhealthy because it comes in a package, and you don't have to completely eliminate packaged snacks to eat well.

If you 've been following this page and reading my work, you know I preach balance and consistency.

Here are some nourishing options to add to your snack routine, there are a lot and they're familiar and affordable.

๐Ÿฟ Popcorn โ€“ especially when prepared with moderate amounts of oil, salt and sugar. A source of fibre.

๐Ÿฅœ Groundnuts โ€“ a source of protein, healthy fats and fibre.

๐ŸŽ Fruit salad โ€“ a colourful way to add different fruits to your day.

๐Ÿฅฃ Yoghurt โ€“ plain or sweetened; check the label for added sugar and choose according to your needs.

๐Ÿ“ Fruit & yoghurt parfait โ€“ combine yoghurt with fruit, oats and a small amount of nuts.
๐ŸŒพ Tigernuts โ€“ crunchy, naturally sweet and a source of fibre and healthy fats.
๐ŸŒฐ Cashew nuts โ€“ provide healthy fats, protein and minerals.

๐ŸŒบ Zobo drink โ€“ a refreshing option, especially when prepared with little or no added sugar.

And that's not all.

You can also try:

๐Ÿฅš Boiled eggs- a good source of protein
๐ŸŒ Banana + groundnuts- a regular road side snack
๐ŸŒฝ Boiled or roasted corn - very much in season, you can enjoy by pairing with ube (pear) or coconut
๐Ÿฅ‘ Avocado on whole-grain bread
๐Ÿ Fresh fruit- any fruit in season

It isn't to make you afraid of snacks.
It's to help you realise that snacking can also be an opportunity to nourish your body.

So next time you're hungry between meals, instead of thinking:

"What can I quickly buy?"

Try asking:

"What can I eat that will actually nourish me and keep me satisfied?"

Small choices, repeated consistently, can make a big difference.

And yes... you can still enjoy your biscuits and chin-chin sometimes. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Balance, not food fear. That's the goal. ๐ŸŒฟ

Nourish Notes
Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

07/08/2026

It's funny how we normalize things simply because we survived them.

Today, I met a young, beautiful mum.

While we were chatting, I told her I'd been sharing content on breastfeeding and encouraged her to read it whenever she had some free time.

She smiled and said,

"Oh, I'm done having children. Besides, I didn't breastfeed any of my children, and they turned out just fine."

For a moment, I paused.

Not because I wanted to argue.

But because it reminded me of something we do so often we measure health only by what we can see.

If a child isn't visibly sick, we assume everything is okay.

If we did something a certain way and "nothing happened," we conclude it must have been the right way.

But health doesn't always announce itself immediately.

Tiny habits compound.

Just like tiny drops of water eventually make an ocean, the choices we make every day, especially in the first 1,000 days of a child's life, can influence health in ways we may not notice until much later.

Breastfeeding isn't promoted because babies who aren't breastfed will automatically become unhealthy.

It's promoted because decades of research have shown that breastfeeding provides benefits that support healthy growth, strengthen immunity, and lower the risk of certain illnesses for many babies. It also offers important health benefits for mothers.

One family's experience doesn't cancel decades of scientific evidence.

And science doesn't exist to make mothers feel guilty.

It exists to help today's parents make informed choices for tomorrow.

So if you're an expectant mum or a new mum reading this, don't make decisions based only on, "My neighbour did this and her children turned out fine."

Seek reliable information.

Ask questions.

Speak with qualified healthcare professionals.

Because when it comes to our children, "they turned out fine" shouldn't be our only standard.

Let's aim for giving them the best possible start.

๐ŸŒฟ Nourish Notes

Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to an end.....the conversation shouldn't.Breastfeeding Week may be over, but a mother'...
07/08/2026

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to an end...
..the conversation shouldn't.

Breastfeeding Week may be over, but a mother's commitment to giving her baby the best possible start in life continues every single day.

A funny memory came to mind while writing this.

When my mum was nursing my younger sibling, she would always joke that "this baby is enjoying whatever I'm eating through breast milk." ๐Ÿ˜‚

And honestly, many of us grew up hearing something similar.

Fast forward to today, and I still hear mothers say things like:

"My baby was staring at me while I was eating groundnuts, so I crushed a little and gave some to him."

Or,

"She's craving what I'm eating."

I know it comes from love.

But here's what many people don't realize...

A baby younger than six months isn't asking for your food. Their digestive system is still developing and isn't ready to process foods like groundnuts, pap, custard, water, or family meals.

Introducing these foods too early doesn't help the baby grow faster. Instead, it can increase the risk of infections, allergies, choking, digestive problems, and poor nutrient absorption.

Nature already provided the perfect first food.

Breast milk.

It contains all the water, nutrients, antibodies, healthy fats, proteins, and energy an infant needs during the first six months of life.

One lesson nutrition has taught me is this:

Growth has stages, and every stage deserves to be respected.

We don't rush babies to walk before they're ready.

We shouldn't rush their stomachs to digest foods they aren't ready for either.

So as we close out World Breastfeeding Week, my message to every mother, expectant mother, grandmother, aunt, and caregiver is simple:

๐Ÿ’› Trust your body.
๐Ÿ’› Trust the process.
๐Ÿ’› Strengthen what already works.

Because every time you choose exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, you're giving your baby more than food.

You're giving them protection.
You're giving them nourishment.
You're giving them the healthiest possible start in life.

To every mother doing her best, even on the hard days, we see you, and you're doing something truly remarkable. โค๏ธ

๐ŸŒฟ Nourish Notes

Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

To every mother, expectant mother, and caregiver reading this:Breastfeeding is not always easy. Some days come with joy,...
07/08/2026

To every mother, expectant mother, and caregiver reading this:

Breastfeeding is not always easy. Some days come with joy, other days come with questions, tiredness, and doubt. But remember, every drop of breast milk is a gift of nourishment, protection, and love.

Your baby does not need to taste everything you eat before six months. There is a time for every stage of feeding, and nature designed breast milk to meet all your baby's needs in those precious early months.
Do not rush the process. Tiny stomachs need gentle beginnings.

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to an end, let the conversations continue in our homes, hospitals, salons, churches, markets, and communities.

Because when we support breastfeeding, we are not just feeding babies; we are building healthier children, stronger families, and a better future.

Keep breastfeeding. Keep asking questions. Keep learning. Keep showing up for your little one.

After all, some of the greatest acts of love happen quietly, in the arms of a mother feeding her child.

๐ŸŒฟ Nourish Notes
Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

Cooking is chemistry, not just art, and the way you prepare your food ingredients is crucial.Some nutrients stay "locked...
07/08/2026

Cooking is chemistry, not just art, and the way you prepare your food ingredients is crucial.

Some nutrients stay "locked" unless they're paired with the right food.

โœ”๏ธ Turmeric needs black pepper.
โœ”๏ธ Tomatoes love heat and a little oil.
โœ”๏ธ Spinach needs vitamin C.
โœ”๏ธ Garlic works best after chopping/ cutting and allowing to rest for 10 minutes.

When you cook with intention, your food becomes medicine.

07/08/2026

"World Breastfeeding Week Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life. Strengthen What Works."

07/08/2026

"My baby is thirsty. Let me give them a little water."

It sounds like love.

But for a baby under 6 months, it can do more harm than good.

Here's why.

Your breast milk is already about 87% water.

That means every time your baby breastfeeds, they're getting both food and hydration in the perfect amount.

Giving water before 6 months doesn't make them "extra hydrated."
It simply takes up precious space in their tiny stomach.

A baby who drinks water may breastfeed less.

And when they breastfeed less, they receive fewer calories, less protein, fewer healthy fats, fewer vitamins, and fewer antibodies that protect them from infections.

Even more concerning...

A baby's kidneys are still developing.

Too much water can overwhelm them and, in rare cases, dilute the sodium in their blood, a dangerous condition called water intoxication.

So when you hear health professionals say "Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months," they mean exactly that.

No water.
No pap.
No cerelac.
No glucose water.
No fruit juice.

Just breast milk.

Nature designed it perfectly.

Sometimes the healthiest thing you can give your baby isn't more...
It's only what they truly need.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Tell me honestly...

Before today, did you know babies under six months don't need water?

๐ŸŒฟ Nourish Notes
Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEKTheme: "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works."When I first saw t...
06/08/2026

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

Theme: "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works."

When I first saw this theme, one word caught my attention:

Sustainable.

Sustainability isn't about saving our economy or the environment, where we find ourselves.

It's also about giving someone a start that benefits them for years to come.

Think about it...

A baby who is exclusively breastfed for the first six months receives complete nutrition, natural antibodies to help fight infections, and a strong foundation for healthy growth and development.

That healthy start can mean fewer illnesses, fewer hospital visits, lower healthcare costs for families, and a better chance for children to grow, learn, and thrive.

That's sustainability.

And it doesn't stop with the baby.

Breastfeeding is also kind to the family budget.

No formula to buy.
No bottles to sterilize.
No fuel to prepare feeds.
No packaging to throw away.

Nature designed breast milk to be available whenever your baby needs it, at the right temperature and in the right amount.

So when we say "Strengthen What Works," we're not asking mothers to do something new.

We're encouraging families, communities, workplaces, and governments to support something that has always worked.

Support mothers.
Protect breastfeeding.
Create spaces where women can breastfeed without shame or unnecessary barriers.

Because when mothers are supported, babies thrive.

And when babies thrive, communities become healthier.

This World Breastfeeding Week, let's strengthen what works.
One informed mother.
One supported family.
One healthy baby at a time.

๐Ÿ’š Nourish Notes
Nourish your body. Nourish your life.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What do you think is the biggest challenge mothers face when it comes to breastfeeding today? Let's talk in the comments.

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