Food as as our Foundation

Food is fundamental for all of us. It feeds our belly and it feeds our soul. If that's the case, why do so many of us take what we eat for granted?

When you really think about it, food affects just about everything we do. Our energy flow depends on fueling up, we socialize over meals; many of us see food as a reward. If you are athletic or active, managing the day's meals is critical to good performance. Yet we seek convenience and don't always pay proper attention to what we consume.

I propose that food needs to regain its importance in our daily lives once again. Food has the power to heal, a nicely cooked meal conveys love and warmth to our loved ones, conscious choices about what we eat can change our lives and the world around us. Food can be the foundation for so many positive things in our daily lives. Let's make that a priority.

So how to begin? Cook at least one meal per day. It need not be a lot of work, you can start with simple home cooked oatmeal made with apple juice and cinnamon, a freshly made salad, or something more time consuming like a stew or casserole. If you are not already doing meatless Mondays, consider making a vegan dinner once a week. Studies show that reducing or eliminating animal products from our diet reduces, manages and eliminates disease along with increasing our longevity.

Pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try each time you shop for groceries. Learn about that ingredient and the various recipes in which it can be used. Look for local produce that's in season. You may find a new favorite!

Pull out those unused small appliances and gadgets to make something with them. Stick blenders are great for smoothies, that lonely ice cream maker from Grandma can whip up a treat you and your family will really love. Your food processor need not gather dust, make some hummus, (it's so easy), or a chopped salsa. 

By reconnecting with what we eat, we reconnect with our family, our community and who we are. How do you plan to make food your foundation?