I know it’s hard to think about eating while you are grieving a miscarriage – I have been there myself. The last thing on your mind is food, which for me was not normal. I had to force myself to even drink water. As a holistic nutritionist, I knew I needed to nourish myself. I knew it would help me heal faster, it would help all those negative thoughts and it would help relax the anxiety, tension, and pain. If you’re struggling to eat or find yourself without an appetite, start by sipping on broths, teas, and soups, and try to always get in healthy fats to fill you up and help support your hormones. Liquids are key.

Here are 3 simple, healthful, and comforting recipes that you can make yourself, or send to your support system for them to make for you as you heal.

Nourishing Creamy Soup Recipe

This soup base is bone broth, which is packed with nutrient-dense amino acids such as collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine. These amino acids reduce inflammation, support digestion, and provide healing benefits. Bone broth heals us from the inside out. It is not just a trend, it’s the ultimate superfood! Bone broth contains minerals that act as natural electrolytes that replenish all that has been lost through our loss, boosting our immune system. Pair your broth with healthy fats such as coconut and/or ghee/butter, to help provide needed calories and with antioxidant-rich spices and herbs like turmeric and ginger, to provide warmth and internal love.

Serves: 2

Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bone broth (substitute vegetable broth if vegetarian)

• 2 cup roasted squash (butternut, delicata, or acorn)

• 1-2 tablespoons healthy fat- coconut oil, ghee, butter

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 1-2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional protein: Add crispy prosciutto or bacon on top, shredded chicken or ground meat for added protein

Method:

1. Roast squash: Remove seeds and peel skin of squash and cut it into 2-inch cubes. Spray evenly with avocado oil spray or oil and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes or until soft. Alternatively, you could do this the night before.

2. Using a blender or immersion blender, blend all of the ingredients until smooth. If it’s too thick, use broth to thin.

3. Heat blended soup for 7-10 minutes or until warmed and serve topped with protein if using.

Nourishing Hot Cocoa

Cacao is high in antioxidants, which help the body fight against free radicals (the inflammation causer – AKA the bad guys). It also increases endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain, which gives you a happy and positive feeling that increases overall well-being. It’s one of the best plant-based sources of magnesium, which is essential for heart health and helps turn energy into brain-fueling glucose. When mixed into recipes, Cacao’s rich flavor is delicious and dessert-like, which helps you resist sugar cravings while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron, which is needed to carry oxygen in the bloodstream to cells and tissues. Not only that, it contains more bone-building calcium than cow’s milk! Make yourself the warm, nourishing recipe below that will not only make you feel good but make you happy, too.

Serves: 2

Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups full-fat coconut milk (or milk of choice)

• 2-3 tablespoon cacao powder (make sure there is no sugar)

• 1 pinch real salt or Celtic salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (blood sugar balancer)

• 1 tablespoon ghee, grass-fed butter coconut oil

• Pinch of chile powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice (raw honey, maple syrup)

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat up all ingredients and whisk together. Sip and breath.

Electrolyte Drink Recipe

Most all the electrolyte drinks on the market are packed with sugars, food coloring, and other inflammatory ingredients. Co-founder of Box for Loss and holistic nutritionist Torie Borelli has personally made this electrolyte drink to support your nervous system, relax muscles, assist in properly rehydrating you and help you replace the essential minerals your body needs.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Real salt (rich in minerals)

• 1 teaspoon Magnesium (bisglycinate instead of citrate because this form will not affect stools)

• Additions: lemon (to replace potassium), raw honey, or manuka honey to make it taste better

Method:

1. Add to a large 2-quart pitcher of water or hot tea, or coconut water. You can make it into a concentrate and keep it in the fridge and add it to water as you drink it. This vial makes 2 servings which should last 4 days.

Torie Borrelli received a Bachelor in Science and minor in Nutrition from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and is board certified from Bauman College of Berkeley as a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Natural Chef. She has worked with hundreds of clients suffering from inflammatory diseases and chronic illnesses. By integrating a combination of clean and nutrient-dense foods, hydration, sleep, stress reduction, and movement into their daily routines, she has helped many optimize their health, increase longevity and promote wellness in their lives. When Torie’s not working with clients you’ll find her experimenting in the kitchen, surfing, or adventuring somewhere in Mexico with a full ice chest, superfoods, and her latest food creations to share with the people she loves. Torie is a consultant and educator for the world-renowned health spa, Rancho La Puerta. Her recent work consisted of developing recipes for The Butcher’s Daughter Group in LA, consulting at LYFT headquarters, and writing and creating recipes for COOLA sunscreen, Siete Foods, Kite Hill, Kuli Kuli, and LEEF organics.

Learn more about Box for Loss & shop their products here!