As we settle into our weekend of slumber with loved ones to give thanks for happiness shared, we gather for a feast. For some this means a table full of the “old favorites,” traditional foods often commercialized as “Thanksgiving.” While for others this may be completely different. What we honor when we “give thanks” with food, is the celebration of love through our palates.
This celebration of love through food is an important component of diet intake that is often overlooked when we begin to explore what foods and dietary plans work for us to commit to in our everyday lives. Much of what could be prescribed in a healthy diet for longevity may be self-evident like whole grains and vegetables. How these are prepared and how well our body, mind and soul receives this food requires our taste buds and other senses to gain satisfaction.
Our level of satisfaction from our meals can speak to the foods that remind us of our cultural traditions. Herbs, spices, colors and fragrances play an important role in how receptive we are to what we are eating. Our first interaction with our food comes through our senses. We see and smell our food prior to tasting it and this opens the doors to our receptivity.
In my recent publication “Navigating the Real World” found here on page 37, I speak about how the smell of oregano stimulated my appetite and desire for food when I was unable to digest. It spoke to my heritage as a person of Italian descent, and when it was mixed in as a flavor added to my food I found myself enjoying a meal.
So as you take time to enjoy your mealtime favorites with family and friends, savoring each bite, give thanks for the cultural richness of each dish and the awareness of your senses. Perhaps there is an opportunity to take some of these traditional flavorings and enhance how you cook up your meals as you progress in your health.
Share your holiday gathering feast and what spices make it yours with us.
