FOOD AND ENERGY

By, Charlotte Snow

Food can be measured in many ways–not simply for its nutrition, but for the experience it creates for you you and the energy it stimulates in your body. Ever hear the saying “you are what you eat?” Have you ever considered how food can impact your relationship to life?

Here are some examples of how food might impact your quality of life. If you are feeling unfocused and yearn to feel more grounded in your life, opt for root vegetables, which grow in the ground and provide heartier, more sustainable energy than say if you were to eat a salad. If you are feeling tense and need to lighten up, try adding veggies that grow up toward the sun, such as leafy greens. These foods are considered to be cleansing and provide lighter energy for the body. It’s optimal to choose a mixture of both hearty and light foods, to maintain a balance of energy that is both focused and free.

It has been shown that eating from your own garden, that is if you are a gardener will help you to feel more connected to your home. Another great option is buying produce from a local farmer’s market, which can create a sense of connecting to your community. I always try to buy local produce when I can. I like the idea of supporting the local farms and being that the produce hasn’t been transported a long distance it is likely to be fresher. I also enjoy eating seasonally. For example, I find it beneficial to eat more cooling fruits and lighter greens in the summertime, when they are at their peak, as they will help you feel light and cool in the summer heat. In the same respect, heartier veggies, such as carrots, squashes, and sweet potatoes are perfect winter choices, as they will help keep the body warm. And it’s not just what you eat that creates energy in the body, it’s how you’re preparing the food. For instance, cooking food on a gas stove is more relaxing and better for the body than microwaving your food, which destroys much of the nutrients leaving the food lifeless.