I recently came across Jamie Oliver’s Food Philosophy which states that:
“My philosophy to food and healthy eating has always been about enjoying everything in a balanced, and sane way. Food is one of life’s greatest joys yet we’ve reached this really sad point where we’re turning food into the enemy, and something to be afraid of. I believe that when you use good ingredients to make pasta dishes, salads, stews, burgers, grilled vegetables, fruit salads, and even outrageous cakes, they all have a place in our diets.”
Photo by Dee Doucette
I agree with Mr Oliver. As a culture we have turned food into the enemy. Rather than taking a balanced approach to eating, as a society we are often looking for shortcuts and quick fixes. Look no further than so-called “healthy” yogurts (think Activia) full of fructose and corn-based ingredients. By looking for quick fixes and lower calories we are often buying processed foods full of chemicals and ingredients developed within a laboratory. To develop a more healthy relationship with food, I believe it is essential to know and understand what you are eating.
My food philosophy is similar to Jamie Oliver’s. I would rather buy plain yogurt from Liberte and add my own fruit. It may have more calories but at least I know what every ingredient on the list actually is. I would also rather bake my own cookies and forgo the Oreo’s. For me this helps move cookies from the realm of everyday indulgence to an occasional treat that I savor, appreciate and enjoy.
My food philosophy is simple. Everything in moderation. Full-fat, full-flavor, whole ingredients and no chemicals. To eat responsibly I need to understand what it is that I am eating. This philosophy helps me enjoy life, enjoy food and break away from my unhealthy relationship with food.
Do you have a food philosophy? Please, do share!
Photo Credit: Dee Doucette
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I agree 100%.
My food philosophy is: Eat FOOD.
For me, eating food that actually resembles something that came out of the ground helps me feel more spiritually connected to the earth, and gives me that much more of an appreciation for nature and what it provides for us. Furthermore, putting time and energy into making delicious and nutritious meals is one of the most sincere ways we can provide for, and show how much we care for ourselves and the people we love in our lives.
It is not by coincidence that nature offers us whole plant foods, which happen to be the most dense source of nutrients, providing our bodies with the most nutritional value per calorie, as well as an array of phytochemicals and antioxidants which help the body heal itself and fight off disease everyday. If you think about it.. every single cell in our body is composed of the things we continually put into our digestive tracts. Physically, I’d rather be made out of fresh fruit and vegetables than some kind of food-like product that has been made in a laboratory, comes in a box, and is void of any nutritional value.
I firmly believe that society, as a whole, really needs to re-evaulte the way we think and approach food. Rather than feeling like food is the enemy (as you have mentioned), we need to take a step back and re-establish a healthy connection with our food; we should feel gratitude towards the food we put into our bodies for giving us the nutrients we need to live long and fulfilling lives. We should not deprive ourselves by eating “low-cal”, “fat-free” or “carb-free” diets… Calories (from whole foods), healthy fats (polyunsaturated – found in plant sources), and complex carbohydrates (unrefined),are things that the human body requires to function optimally. Unfortunately somewhere down the line, mostly due to a multimillion dollar diet industry and huge corporations that prey on your self-image in order to make a buck, the way we think about food has become so skewed that it is very common for most people to not even question the ingredients that go into what they consume; a simple glance at the number of calories is usually a good indicator of what is healthy vs. non-healthy for even the most seemingly health-concious individuals.
As someone who has struggled with eating disorders my entire life, this is something I am continually trying to instil in myself. It is about changing old thinking patterns, which exist for whatever reason, and knowing that providing myself with healthy, wholesome, natural foods is one of the best ways I can engage in a little self-love.
In the words of the brilliant Brenda Davis:
“While we may not have a choice in how we die, we do have a choice in how we live. When we consume whole, organic plant foods, we make the best possible choice for our own personal health. When one contemplates the magnificent web of life, it comes as no surprise that what most brilliantly sustains human health will also prove ethically justifiable and ecologically sustainable. Making healthful choices may seem like a daunting task in light of the consumer-oriented world in which we live. Rest assured that every time you have the strength and courage to make a truly conscious decision, you make this world a better place.”
Hear, hear.