What's Love Got To Do With It?

Happy Summer!
It always amazes me, how a few bites of a warm cherry tomato, freshly plucked off the vine nourish profoundly.
The thoughts of Lewis Freedman, below, gave me pause.
See what you think.

Food for Thought

AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT

By Lewis Freedman, R.D.

 

"...I am writing about the impact of love and gratitude on the food we prepare, and the nutrition we receive from this food. 

Can thoughts of love affect the food we prepare? Can thoughts of gratitude affect our digestion? Can this love and gratitude actually affect our experience of taste? Of pleasure? Of satiety? Can these thoughts have an impact on how deeply we are nurtured by the food we eat?

Let’s look for a minute at the difference between nutrition and being nurtured. 

Nutrition is a science we know that whole plant based foods have a supportive impact on our physical health, in essence providing us with good solid nutrition. If we frantically put together a meal of brown rice, beans and vegetables, and gulp it down on our way out the door, do we receive the same quality of nutrition as we do when we sit down to a meal of brown rice, beans and vegetables that has been prepared in a relaxed environment, as when we sit with a good friend and take our time appreciating the food and company? Do we feel the same?

We might receive the same nutrition: the protein, carbohydrates, micronutrients, etc.; however, do we feel fulfilled in the same way? Are we deeply nourished by this meal?

I raise this as a question, a consideration. Can this be proved? Do we have to show this in a study to know on some level that it is true?"

Lewis Freedman, R.D. is an instructor for the T. Colin Camp