Blog post written by,
Yaneth Beltran, RD/LDN, CEDS
Ara Mascarenas, M.S - Registered Intern for Mental health Counselor Licensure
Home for Balance, in collaboration with United Way, recently attended an event in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and empower Latinx women, focusing on mental and nutritional health. This vital event, conducted entirely in Spanish by our fully bilingual team, aimed at fostering a holistic approach to well-being and celebrating the rich tapestry of Latin culture.
Our presentation underscored the importance of mental health, body positivity, and self-esteem, vital elements in building resilience and embracing one’s unique heritage. We emphasized the significance of embracing individual stories and cultural narratives, the power of positive affirmations, and the necessity of fostering body-positive conversations within the community. Further, we stressed the importance of seeking culturally sensitive therapy when needed, to address issues related to self-esteem and body image.
Ara Mascarenas and Yaneth Beltran highlighted the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health, delivering valuable insights and tools to nurture both aspects holistically. Below are some of their thoughtful suggestions and practical advice to foster a balanced approach to well-being:
1. Food Variety: Incorporate a variety of foods frequently to keep the nutrients in your body within a normal range.
2. Create Safe Spaces: Be intentional about who you allow into your space. Surround yourself with communities, groups, and friendships where you are free to express your feelings and be yourself.
3. Drink Water Regularly: Consume at least eight glasses of water a day, remember that water is vital for metabolism.
4. Set Boundaries: It's okay to say No. You don't have to be and do everything for everyone. Recognize when it is time to pause and focus on yourself.
5. Incorporate Movement: Practice activities that you enjoy and incorporate movement into your routine. For example, using the stairs, parking your car far away, stretching at your workplace, walking for 5 or 10 minutes.
6. Be aware of your Internal Dialogue: The way you talk to yourself impacts your self-esteem and mood. Be kind to yourself, you are great.
7. Establish a routine: Create a schedule as best you can to ensure that you are eating, sleeping, and resting.
8. Seek Professional Help: If needed, make sure to reach out to a professional. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Community involvement holds immense importance at Home for Balance, and we are committed to engage with and support diverse communities. We believe that by uniting to celebrate our varied heritages and by sharing knowledge on mental health and nutrition, we can cultivate an environment of mutual respect, empowerment, and well-being.
Feel free to download our Spanish flyer with all the information provided above:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HDOvxlpuJyWst5rZ23esHlQBIemT_4Vx/view?usp=sharing
To learn more about United Way Worldwide, please visit
YANETH BELTRAN, RD/LDN, CEDS
Eating Disorder and OCD Registered Dietitian
I take a holistic approach to wellness by providing nutritional counseling to clients that want to establish a healthy relationship with food. I am a compassionate person, who believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship between clients and professionals. For a FREE phone consultation and more information about nutritional counseling, please call me directly at 954.773.3139. Services available in English/Spanish and Online.
Ara Mascarenas, M.S
I am interested in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I am good at establishing a positive therapeutic relationship with clients who are currently struggling with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. For more information about working with me and to get a FREE 30-minute phone consult, please call at 954.850.6633 or email me at aramascarenasmhc@gmail.com.
Services available in English/Spanish and Online.