January 31, 2022 was the last post I wrote.
That seems like a lifetime ago. So much has changed and so little has changed, which I’m sure you can agree with, reflecting back on your own life journey these past few years. I’ve had this stirring in my mind and body that I need to start writing again, publicly. Journaling is happening many times throughout the week, however, expressing, bringing life to thoughts, or at least getting them out there to my part of the internet, is something I’m feeling called to again. Slowing down and connecting to what brings me joy.
Way back in 2013-2015 I created my first website, The Gastronome’s Table. This was part of my grad school project, building the blog, researching various food cultures in different NC counties. I’m proud of the work and thrilled that after 10 yrs, people are still finding the Moravian Sugar Cake and Lenoir County Fish Stew recipes. I even created my own pound cake recipe, building on tradition in NC’s capital.
As I’m reflecting back on that work, I’ve thought about, should I start engaging in food culture, now that I’ve moved to Michigan? Or how could I focus on slow food or slow living? There’s been lots of signs shown to me that slowing down is what’s needed. I’ve recently found Adriana who’s mission is slowing down and tuning in with nature. I’ve been pondering how can I create this sort of feeling, whether that’s involving food, nature or taking a few candle making classes. To me, it’s sometimes hard to slow down, as there’s so many things I want to be doing, seeing, exploring.
Another aspect of slowing down is healing.
Healing the body with self-care, finding practitioners and teachers who support healing in the way that works for your body. If you’d had one-on-one sessions with me recently, you may know that learning about Chinese Medicine with food and with acupuncture is so incredibly fascinating to me. I can’t help but sharing tidbits I learn!
There’s also the astrology piece (I’m a scorpio through and through!) and inner child work that I’ve been learning more about through Rising Woman. Meditation is another healing modality, in which I’ve been led back to Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work. As I say in my sessions with a smile, “everyone should have their own dietitian and therapist!” How true that is. So much we can explore in both areas. Parts work is something my therapist has been leading me in and am finding it very powerful. And if you’re someone, like me who has some time anxiety, I recommend reading Chris Guillebeau’s book on the very topic.
The food piece.
If you’ve worked with me, you know Skinnytaste is my go-to, for you and for me. Simple, straight forward recipes that have lots of flavor, where you don’t have to go searching for obscure ingredients. Meal planning, sheet pan meals, one pot meals, you name it, she’s probably made it.
Throughout this last month, I decided it would be helpful to reduce inflammation in my body, specifically added sugar. Here in MI, like a many surrounding areas, we had some intense wildfire smoke that flared up my sinuses. Thankfully, after allergy testing, this is not allergies due to relocating. It’s another sign, loud and clear that my body needs to slow down, really start cooking again vs eating more pre-made foods. (which aren’t a bad thing!)
To start reducing inflammation I followed the Whole 30 for just about a week.
My body was really feeling it with only eating sweet potatoes and fruit for carbs. After learning about spleen deficiency from my acupuncturist, I added rice back in and it felt SO good! Rice is a food, specially white rice, that helps to dry up dampness in the body, which is related to spleen deficiency. (Another tip from Chinese Medicine- avoid raw or cold foods. Cooked or room temperature foods allow for easier digestion when organs are feeling a little less than 100%.)
Since then, I’ve been adding quinoa, white and purple potatoes, black beans, corn, root veggie chips from Trader Joes (so good!), obviously not sticking with the Whole 30. The one area, however, that I’m sticking with until the end of the 30 days (next week!) is no added sugar, no wheat, no n/a beer. These are foods that again, cause dampness in the body, relating to mucous/phlegm production. I don’t need anymore of that right now! Instead of eating fig bars – August was fresh fig season! I was led back to Lara Bars- Blueberry Muffin is my fav. right now. That’s It. fruit bars have also made their way into my life- so good! Great options for a pre/post workout and to carry with you while running errands.
Needless to say, I’ve been diving head-first into self-care this summer. Slowing down, making the time to cook is truly rewarding, practicing managing time when following recipes, also allowing creativity. It also is such a great feeling when you know you have lunch and dinner for the week already to go!
My Thoughts.
My initial thought for this blog is to start sharing my own photos of what I make from recipes sites, with any modifications. Whether that’s with specific products, where to buy, or coming up with an easy meal myself. In my opinion, photos showing the actual product from someone other than the author, can build confidence of yes, I can make that! I want to spend time on that! Let me know in the comments if this resonates with you. I’ve also thought about offerings live Zoom classes where we all cook the same recipe together. Again, logistics and timing would be a factor, but if this is something that would help provide accountability and at least 1 meal prepped for the week, let me know! YouTube could be an option for recorded classes, fair warning, I’m no editing expert! 😉
As you can see, many thoughts running through my head, however, with the intentionality of aiming to slow down. Simplify life, enjoy the art of cooking, being a “Gastronome,” embracing the flavors of each season. Thank you reading my musings and I look forward to being in touch more!
If you’d like to book a one-to-one session to support you in slowing down, click here and view my calendar with the yellow “Book Online” button.