Saturday, October 27, 2007

FOOD: YOUR NEXT HEALTHY HOBBY

I am a food junkie. This does not mean I eat junk food. This means I am crazy about all things regarding healthy food! Food intrigues me. I find joy and pleasure in experiencing my food. I am fascinating by the growing and preparation processes. I love to study nutrition. Mostly I like to experiment with food and my body. Does the food I eat increase or decrease my energy? Does it improve or disrupt my digestion? I like to do what works for my body regardless of what nutrition studies show. Food is indeed one of my favorite hobbies. Below you will find some suggestions if you would like to join me in starting a hobby with food!

GARDEN

If you do not have enough land to grow a small garden, check out www.earthbox.com. You can grow your own vegetables or fruit out of a box! There are many new options such as hydroponics growing systems (using only water) or systems that use air and light, but I recommend using good old-fashioned dirt. That is where the minerals are. If your soil is of poor quality, consider using a safe seaweed fertilizer. Seaweed adds minerals back into the soil. Gardening is a wonderful project if you want your kids or grandchildren to see where food really comes from. Plus, you get a chance to spend time with nature and feel the earth up close and personal!

VOLUNTEER TO WORK ON FARM

If the above option does not work for you, find a local farm that grows produce and volunteer an hour or two of your time. If you do a good job, maybe you will get a chance to taste test some of the food they grow! Being in the energy of growing and freshly picked food is an experience unlike any other. If you have never had the opportunity to try a raspberry newly plucked from the prickers, it is a must-try! Cherry tomatoes straight from the vine are better than candy. Food is fun when it is fresh!

PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD

Literally, play with your food. Children especially love this. Slice an apple, spread peanut butter on top and decorate with raisins for eyes, shredded coconut for hair, sunflower seeds for a smile… Be creative! Use toothpicks to add appendages to carrots then decorate the toothpicks with raisins or another dried fruit or even a vegetable.

Eat a meal with your fingers

If you are concerned about your children learning an unacceptable social habit, frame the meal as a cultural experience. People in India eat with their hands all the time. Eating with your fingers connects your body with your food in a more intimate way.

Feed your partner

Whether it’s a friend or lover, feeding someone else and being fed by someone else is a unique experience. You never know what will show up on the fork now that someone else has control! Eat with your eyes closed for even more mystique.

COOK WITH A FRIEND

Preparing food with a friend adds loving energy to your food. Be sure to listen to your favorite music and laugh a lot as you cook to infuse your food with good vibrations. Get your bare hands involved- instead of using a utensil to mix or stir ingredients, use your hands. As with most things in life, food is more fun when you do it with someone else.

EAT THE FOOD YOU ENJOY

Make food your friend. Rather than eating only what you think you should, eat what you like. I am not saying to pick up poor eating habits. I am saying that it is important to enjoy the healthy foods that you choose for your body. If a magazine article conveys that kiwi are the best thing for you, but you don’t enjoy kiwi, then don’t eat them! There are so many healthy options out there. Try a new one each week, so that you can discover what you enjoy!

LIVE DANGEROUSLY AT THE GROCERY STORE

Following up on the previous paragraph, be adventurous when you shop. If you are already somewhat of a food connoisseur, expand your horizons by finding an international foods store and try something new. If you are used to the same fruits and vegetables, each time you shop, try one new fruit or vegetable. Variety is fun- be brave!

CULTURE YOUR FOOD

I am not talking about training your food to enter high class society. I am speaking of fermentation or culturing your food. Cultured foods have higher enzyme content, and for most people (without complicated digestive issues) are an excellent addition to your diet as they aid in digestion. Sally Fallon’s book, “Nourishing Traditions” is a great resource for how to culture or ferment foods.

Is food simply fuel for you or is a fun and exciting hobby? How do you transition from just eating out of necessity or to really making food fun in your life? I have outlined several ideas from which to choose. Pick one that works for you!

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