Eat Babe, Eat!
Nourish is not a word we use often enough when it comes to our relationship with food. Our culture is “diet” and “hack” obsessed. We want the fastest way. The most researched way. The black and white way. We want to know when we are doing the right thing and when we are doing the wrong thing. This is why so many coaches have successful platforms that tell you what to do and what not to do.
There are a lot of people who have invested a great deal of time and energy figuring out what they believe the “right way” is for them, and as an act of care for others, they are teaching what they have found. I think there is value in that. However, once again the phrase “All people are different people” applies… because all bodies are different bodies. That means that what works for one, might not work for the next.
The one thing that works for everyone, and is a biological necessity, is eating… so eat babe, eat!
I love food. Eating is my favorite time of day and it has been since I was little. In fact, all of my favorite picture books when I was growing up had food in them. I have a memory for each meal I have eaten, and my family and friends know how to ground my memory in my eating experiences.
“Do you guys remember when we went to that museum and saw that painting?” said them. “No” said me. “You know, next to that restaurant where we had the oysters and the carpaccio with thick cut parmesan?” said them. “Oh yeah! I loved that day” said me.
I feel so filled up physically and emotionally by the act of cooking and eating. For groups of people, for my family and even when it’s just me.
I understand not everyone will have a love affair with food in the way I do, and some even consider food to be an extreme stressor, but I believe in taking the time to be intentional with the plate that forms in front of us. It needs to look good, taste good, offer nutritional value and feel safe. It needs to spark joy and satiate our appetite. This is why as a mental health professional, I am a huge proponent of going on a journey to understand your own body.
What she likes and what she doesn’t like. What she needs and what she enjoys. What she can tolerate and what evokes an emotion; positive or negative. The only way you can do this is by investing the time to know her. This investment is a process that starts with:
1.Education. Do you know what different foods do for you? Do you know why you need a protein, fat and carb on every plate of food you consume? Do you know how vegetables prepare your body for digestion? Do you know how to keep your blood sugar level and the best times to consume glucose? If not, it’s time to start educating yourself on what food means to your body and how she processes it best.
2.Meal planning and shopping. Learn to shop and meal plan based on what you have found she needs and enjoys. Remember that not everything we need is fun, but as often teach Ellen, “Can you tolerate it? Because your body needs it.” If there are really things you can’t tolerate, strike them from the menu.
3.Learning to cook. Learning to cook is hard, especially if someone didn’t teach you. I recommend clients start just by watching cooking shows to see if they can get inspired. I also encourage you to make some time to move through a book store, with a cup of tea or coffee in hand, to flip through some cookbooks. Buy a few. Then set aside a couple of hours a week to read through them and put post its on recipes you want to try. Start small and easy. I love Ina Garten, she is my absolute favorite, but maybe her Thanksgiving stuffing is not the place you want to start.
4. Set reachable goals. Once you choose the recipes you like, choose a goal. Maybe try to execute one to two new recipes a week. If you like it, keep it in the rotation-if you don’t, out it goes!
5.Set aside time to mindfully consume. I cannot stress this enough. Be present with the meal. Notice texture and how the food enlightens your palate. Try not scroll on your phone while you are eating. Be with the food or there is no hope of you feeling satisfied on the other side.
I have included a few meals I have made in the last month in the hopes that it will inspire you to try one! If you want the recipe, shoot me a message. Cooking is an art form, it doesn’t have to be perfect and it’s all about experimenting to find what you love! What are you waiting for? Eat babe, eat!
***Note: Please know this blog is not a simple fix for those who have disordered eating, though some of these steps might be helpful. If you struggle with your relationship with food, please pursue support from a professional counselor and a dietitian who specializes with eating disorders.
Plates ordered from top left!
Teriyaki Ahi Tuna/Honey soy brussel sprouts/Tomato avocado salad
Basil and spinach pesto chicken/ Sautéed squash/Mediterranean salad/ Homemade sourdough
Pulled pork/ Fries/ Spinach
Seared scallops/Roasted red potatoes/ Balsamic charred okra
Corn and tomato cod with herbs/ Brown rice/ Sautéed zucchini and squash
Egg salad/ Hummus and crackers/ Fresh watermelon/ Cucumber and green olives
Parmesan and garlic polenta with meat balls/ Fresh green salad
Steak/ Roasted red potatoes/ Bacon wrapped asparagus with balsamic reduction
Tuna salad on a bed of lettuce/ Crackers with hummus/ Veggies and avocado with ranch
Homemade sourdough
Appetizer platter
Whole Roasted Chicken