project rachel - caring for yourself

Abortion is a life-changing event. Pregnancy creates a very chemically complex condition. Our bodies undergo tremendous hormonal changes and shifts. Abruptly ending a pregnancy leaves the body in a confused state. Some professionals say hormones will settle quickly, but lived testimony tells us otherwise. Your body needs to heal. Abortion is a shock to both body and spirit. It will take time for you to heal, so in the meantime, be gentle with yourself.

Are you bingeing on sweets, soda pop or chips? Eating junk foods may set up a chemical reaction in your body that is not good for you right now. When we eat sweets, our bodies feel better for a little while. However, when the sweets wear off, our blood sugar drops lower, and we must eat more sugar to feel better again. The difficulty with this cycle is that each time our blood sugar swings, it drops lower and lower, and we feel worse and worse. Eat balanced meals and nutritious snacks. A well-balanced meal contains protein, (as found in meat, fish or poultry-a serving size should be about the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards), fresh vegetables, and fruits.

If you do not have much of an appetite, try healthy snacks including cheeses, yogurt, nuts, and cold meats. Eating well will help you to feel better and give your body a chance to repair itself.