2/7/2023
Happy Tuesday, everyone! The sun is so vibrant today, and the air so fresh. I hope you can get out and soak up some of that winter energy that nature offers us each day.
Thanks for ordering this week!
This week's "food for thought":
It's funny how some foods can offer so much comfort. As a child, I can't remember my mother serving me tomato soup, but the comfort it brings to sip on a hot cup of soup is REAL. There can be so much guilt associated with using food for comfort, but when the food is real, whole, nourishing food, the comfort truly goes from the outside in. It is joy, and that is okay. Hope you enjoy the soup as much as I did.
This week's salad is one of my favorites. I begin to crave arugula this time of year in winter and all the way into spring, as it is a sign of spring itself! More comfort there, I suppose. The textures of the almonds, berries, and rice are a huge hit for me with the spicy leaves for a flavor boost. I have been craving more protein lately, is I might beef this up with a piece of grilled chicken or salmon if I have the time to do so or you could throw your falafel on top. The rice and the chickpeas in the falafel help to create a complete protein, so this would be a great way to mix up your meals! Save the rice for a side dish for another meal this week.
This green pea hummus is another favorite of mine, and also reminds me of spring. I guess I am feeling hopeful! Did you know you can also make pesto with peas instead of nuts? It is so delicious, try it!
Weekly Fun Food Fact
Our food culture has taught us that "cravings" are something to be avoided. Sure, we can find ourselves addicted to certain foods that may not be good for us, but when it comes to craving sweet potatoes, or arugula, or even just carb heavy plants, I think it is so important to listen up and listen in to what your body is asking for. Lately, I have been craving root veggies, which happen to be pretty carb-heavy. If I listened to 90% of my Instagram posts they would probably say to resist that craving, but I truly feel that my body needs these nutrients now more than ever and I find more success and joy in leaning into the cravings, than resisting.
Sure, there are definitely psychological roots behind some cravings (re: comfort foods, above). Mindful eating is an excellent way to really tap into the roots of your food cravings. Often, when it comes to unhealthy cravings we find ourselves doing anything but - we find ourselves binging instead! So tune in to your intuition, slow down, and dig deep into what your body needs right now.
Here is a great piece on cravings, if you're craving what I'm craving 😉
Try this:
Mindful eating can be a big ask in our busy day-to-day schedules. Try this on for size, I will practice with you! I often try to get work down while eating, but for this week, let's try and eat and do nothing else at the same time! Turn off the phone, sit quiet, and eat. That's it. Curious how you feel after?
Like to cook, but in a rut? Try spreading out some of your meals from me. Think of my meals as foundations for you to expand on more. Take the quinoa salad, add more veggie, and maybe some fish or chicken. Take the falafel and make it into two salads, or add a green to the rice and make dish with all the flaves mixed together. Sky is the limit! Would love to see what your hungry, creative minds come up with!
XXX