nour·ish·ment: the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.
What better way to start a post than to include a picture of my favorite food?
Cupcakes! They warm my heart.
When you think about the word nourishment, what comes to mind?
After reflecting on what nourishment looks like in my life, I’ve decided it means more to me than the food I eat. Nourishment means everything I absorb in order to grow and become my best, including the people I spend time with, the music I listen to, the sleep I get, and of course, the food I eat as well. These are all factors that contribute to my overall wellness. Nourishment is not only physical, but also spiritual and emotional.
When we let the Lord guide our nourishment decisions, we find happiness and peace.
I have always loved eating! Salty food, sweet food, healthy food, fried food – you name it and I probably like it. There is nothing like a fresh, warm chocolate chip cookie, a ripe peach on a hot summer day, or a warm bowl of soup in the winter. The only type of food I won’t touch is spicy food. Y’all, I sweat enough as it is. Food is a gift I am extra grateful for, but I don’t always let the Lord guide my decisions in this area.
In my dream world, Jeni's ice cream is good for me, vegetables taste like pizza and water tastes like wine. A girl can dream! At the end of the day, I am responsible for what I put into my body. I have to eat to nourish and seek rhythm and balance in the process. Since the Lord made me, He probably knows what I need to put in my body in order to be my best. This is why letting Him guide our decisions will only benefit us!
Eating, to me, is more than sharing a meal with someone. Eating means connection, which is exactly what we are created for! We can’t deeply love and experience life to the fullest if we aren’t connected. When I get to sit across the table from someone I love, it fills me up. There is nothing sweeter than a warm conversation over a meal with a loved one. These moments fuel me and create a thankfulness in my heart. The food nourishes my body while the connection nourishes my soul. Sharing meals paves the way to connection, happiness and joy!
The last thing I want to do is miss out on an opportunity to connect with someone over a meal. The relationships we form and deepen around a table give us our support system in life. We discover who people truly are. I can’t imagine the conversations Jesus must have had with people around a table.
However, I think it’s important to be in tune with the Lord as it relates your mind and body. If you get an invite to go out to a no-so-healthy restaurant, go for it! But if your body needs rest and some kale, maybe stay home to take care of yourself. The Lord will nudge you in the right direction if you pay attention. There will be another social dinner, I promise. Allow yourself the freedom to say no if you need to. Jesus took time to be alone. I think this is a valuable form of nourishment as well.
Discovering our rhythm takes a great deal of trial and error, and difficult decision making at times.
Do I eat the apple when I can eat the chips? Do I eat the hamburger when I can eat the grilled chicken? Do I need to relax and eat the cookie? Lord, HELP.
When you’re faced with these decisions, think about nourishment. What do you need to choose in order to nourish your mind and body? What will bring you joy and/or peace? Some days it’s the apple, some days it’s the cookie. Some days you order the grilled chicken with your friends, some days you order the cheeseburger, and all of this is okay!
I feel my best and most nourished when I follow Paleo guidelines as much as possible during the week. I don’t love following strict rules (unless I need to). Who does, right? Eating Paleo is a guideline for how to nourish my body instead of strict rules to follow. Guidelines mean guidance; not punishment for not following. I honor the Lord when I take care of myself, and Paleo guidelines help me move toward being my best physically, mentally and spiritually.
Weekends, on the other hand, are a different story! I allow myself to enjoy the foods that aren’t so good for me because I enjoy eating and we should enjoy life! God gave us BBQ, pizza and dessert for a reason! Eat the BBQ. Eat the pizza. Definitely eat the cupcake. And when you’ve had your fill, reel it back in.
I benefit from following the guidance of Paleo findings during the week, but if Kyle asks me on a spontaneous Wednesday date night to Cinco de Mayo (his favorite Mexican restaurant), I’m grabbing my sombrero and riding shotgun there. Rhythms can be broken, and sometimes that’s where fun and adventure lies!
I love how Jesus shared meals with his friends. The food and connection was important to him, and I think it should be important to us. Let the Lord guide you in your daily choices, and seek finding rhythm in nourishment as a way to honor Him. I have a feeling you will find joy and peace in that space.
If you’re looking for food inspiration or want to try a new recipe, I am including links to a few of my favorite go-to recipes at the bottom of the blog! They are easy, delicious and husband approved.
I’m thankful for you and pray you find happiness through nourishment!
Have a great rest of your week!
Reflections:
· What is your definition of nourishment?
· What is one step you can take to nourish your body today?
· What can you add/remove to your schedule in order to feel balance?
Here are the recipe links!
Also, I LOVE anything made by Simple Mills. Here are links to my favorite mixes:
Simple Mills Artisan Bread Mix - 3 Pack - I tried to find one box, but the 3 pack is all I could find on Amazon!
Simple Mills Gluten Free Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix - 2 Pack - *my favorite mix!
Happy nourishing, friends!