And as we do so, let’s remember that I am indeed an event planner, not a dietitian. But food is something for which I have great passion. And now that there is one major event down, I am back in the swing of my typical lifestyle, and that includes healthy, homemade foods.
I am currently reading a book, Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist, that I was given for my birthday last year (another great part about being back to “normal” I can actually read the books I own). A book about life and food? Yes, please! It is safe to say that I’m gobbling through the pages because this woman is genuinely interesting, her Midwestern perspective very relatable, and her recipes that accompany the chapters- delicious!
As I read, aside from thinking about what I want to cook next and reminiscing about the significant moments and food in my own family, I find myself thinking about our relationship with food. In today’s world so much about food has become jumbled, disordered, or utilitarian. But I think our relationship with food, as with people, should be built on intention. If we are intentional with what we eat, all is well and we feel nourished and satisfied. Of course the intentions vary, but here are few I can pin point in my own life.
1. Nourishment. Above all, food is intended to run our bodies and help us get through the day feeling strong. This is the reason food is a necessity in our lives, and this is the primary intention for food, as some people in our world struggle to have enough food to survive. On the other hand, we are very lucky and have access to any food we could possible want. But we still need to eat with intention.
Our bodies need all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and vast amount of other nutrients to thrive. So because we can buy whatever our heart desires at the grocery store, our first objective should be to buy the foods that our bodies need to operate well. That’s right---a balanced diet of healthy food comes first. And what that diet looks like will vary from person to person to accommodate food sensitivities or allergies or a specific purpose. I don’t have a list of rules, I just try to keep “empty food” to a minimum; if it isn’t nutrient rich, I most likely do not need to be consuming it on a regular basis. My intentional nutrition contains plentiful amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and very low carbs and sugars day to day. I have hypoglycemia, a condition that can worsen if neglected and escalate to insulin resistance, so I work daily to consume foods that will help maintain my blood sugar throughout the day and not take me on a sugar roller coaster. I keep nutrition consistent, but not hard and fast—as I mentioned, nutrition is the primary intention for our food, but it is not the only one.
2. Enjoyment. I also firmly believe that we should enjoy what we eat. Loving food can start with the recipes, ingredients, and plans for our meals; and it can carry through to the flavors and textures. I eat a lot of healthy food, vegetables being my favorite, I-need-to-eat-this-right-now food, but that does not mean that food is boring or tasteless. I have fun with my food. I try a couple new recipes each month and write down the keepers. I share the amazing ones I stumble across with family and friends. I do not want to become an individual who find herself rushed for meals and consumes food mindlessly, tastelessly, just because I need to eat. I am intentional about enjoying my food. And trust me, when I eat healthy, scrumptious food, it seems like the food loves me back, and I feel as if I can take on the world.
3. Celebration. I bet you were wondering where the cake comes in to play. Here. There are some situations where our intention is not to consume foods that will nourish our bodies, but rather, nourish our spirits. I’m not saying sweets are the only way to do so, but a celebratory gathering with friends for an occasion should be marked with something to make it special. Food is such an integral part of our lives that it seems almost silly to have a celebration where it is not included. One of my favorite past times is baking. For a party, I will always come with dessert. It is extraordinary and fun to craft a treat that people can enjoy while in the warm company of others. So when you intend to celebrate, don’t forget the dinner filled with a few more calories and the dessert.
I am currently reading a book, Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist, that I was given for my birthday last year (another great part about being back to “normal” I can actually read the books I own). A book about life and food? Yes, please! It is safe to say that I’m gobbling through the pages because this woman is genuinely interesting, her Midwestern perspective very relatable, and her recipes that accompany the chapters- delicious!
As I read, aside from thinking about what I want to cook next and reminiscing about the significant moments and food in my own family, I find myself thinking about our relationship with food. In today’s world so much about food has become jumbled, disordered, or utilitarian. But I think our relationship with food, as with people, should be built on intention. If we are intentional with what we eat, all is well and we feel nourished and satisfied. Of course the intentions vary, but here are few I can pin point in my own life.
1. Nourishment. Above all, food is intended to run our bodies and help us get through the day feeling strong. This is the reason food is a necessity in our lives, and this is the primary intention for food, as some people in our world struggle to have enough food to survive. On the other hand, we are very lucky and have access to any food we could possible want. But we still need to eat with intention.
Our bodies need all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and vast amount of other nutrients to thrive. So because we can buy whatever our heart desires at the grocery store, our first objective should be to buy the foods that our bodies need to operate well. That’s right---a balanced diet of healthy food comes first. And what that diet looks like will vary from person to person to accommodate food sensitivities or allergies or a specific purpose. I don’t have a list of rules, I just try to keep “empty food” to a minimum; if it isn’t nutrient rich, I most likely do not need to be consuming it on a regular basis. My intentional nutrition contains plentiful amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and very low carbs and sugars day to day. I have hypoglycemia, a condition that can worsen if neglected and escalate to insulin resistance, so I work daily to consume foods that will help maintain my blood sugar throughout the day and not take me on a sugar roller coaster. I keep nutrition consistent, but not hard and fast—as I mentioned, nutrition is the primary intention for our food, but it is not the only one.
2. Enjoyment. I also firmly believe that we should enjoy what we eat. Loving food can start with the recipes, ingredients, and plans for our meals; and it can carry through to the flavors and textures. I eat a lot of healthy food, vegetables being my favorite, I-need-to-eat-this-right-now food, but that does not mean that food is boring or tasteless. I have fun with my food. I try a couple new recipes each month and write down the keepers. I share the amazing ones I stumble across with family and friends. I do not want to become an individual who find herself rushed for meals and consumes food mindlessly, tastelessly, just because I need to eat. I am intentional about enjoying my food. And trust me, when I eat healthy, scrumptious food, it seems like the food loves me back, and I feel as if I can take on the world.
3. Celebration. I bet you were wondering where the cake comes in to play. Here. There are some situations where our intention is not to consume foods that will nourish our bodies, but rather, nourish our spirits. I’m not saying sweets are the only way to do so, but a celebratory gathering with friends for an occasion should be marked with something to make it special. Food is such an integral part of our lives that it seems almost silly to have a celebration where it is not included. One of my favorite past times is baking. For a party, I will always come with dessert. It is extraordinary and fun to craft a treat that people can enjoy while in the warm company of others. So when you intend to celebrate, don’t forget the dinner filled with a few more calories and the dessert.
Thank you, Shauna, for sharing your stories that have accompanied me on warm Sunday mornings over a hot cup of coffee, or a windy evening with some chicken-bean chili (that I pulled from your book). It has been gratifying to contemplate the ways that faith, people, and food are so integrated together and play such a significant role in our lives, and how rich life can be when we are intentional with others, with ourselves, and with our food.
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