Feed Your Kneads

As massage therapists, you're on your feet most of the day, working your muscles to relieve and relax your clients. But are you making sure that you're getting the proper nutrition to maintain your stamina and keep you happy and moving? 

Take a look at your diet: It might be time to make a few changes. Start by putting away the coffee maker, tea bags and soda machines, which can be loaded with caffeine and sugar. Choose water instead--but just not any water. Jazz up this crisp, clear beverage even further with the addition of fresh and refreshing fruit, such as cucumbers, mint and limes (and a hint of stevia), or strawberries and basil.

Keep snacks handy that will provide protein, fiber and carbs in a neat little package. Consider a DIY trail mix with mixed nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, flax seeds and dried fruit. Or what about almond butter and pretzels, frozen grapes, cheese sticks or a quick fruit and yogurt smoothie? Too busy for lunch? Not when you fill a tortilla with hummus, avocado, cheese and spinach--a meal that's easy to grab and go. 

With a little planning ahead, you can make sure you have the nutrition you need to feed your body and keep it healthy. And isn't that what massage therapy is all about? 

One of the key elements in MT self-care should be nourishing ourselves with healthy food and drinks to keep our stamina as supportive as the services we provide. However, sometimes we slack off and indulge in the things that do the exact opposite, leaving us lethargic, malnourished, and even downright cranky!

When we look at our profession, we strive to offer healthy, meaningful exchanges with our guests; with that in mind, what we put into our bodies should be equally healthy and meaningful. Here are some tips to feed your body and mind during those busier days.

This article excerpt, by Tera Johnson-Swartz, originally appeared here: www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122-may-june-2015.