In today’s fast-paced world we hardly ever take the time to think about the food we are eating. We are nothing if not a culture focused on convenience. When was the last time you sat down to eat dinner and thought about where your food came from, how it was made, and who made it? This way of approaching food is part of a holistic approach to eating. When boiled down to its essentials, a holistic diet is about eating for your mind, body, and soul. It’s also about eating for the planet. So how do you start?
The first step is to find food that makes you feel good. This can be whole, organic, local foods or it can be food that reminds you of someone. Sometimes the best thing for your health is to eat food as close to its natural state as possible. Other times, the best thing for you is to eat grandma’s recipe and remember what it felt like to share that meal with her. Eating holistically isn’t just about eating real, unprocessed foods, it’s also about foods that support your emotional health.
Another aspect of a holistic diet is mindful eating. Think about who grew your food. Think about where it came from. Think about what labor went into getting it to you. An awareness of where your food comes from often helps us appreciate it more. Someone put energy into creating this food for you, thank them by taking 5 seconds to acknowledge their effort. Consider the relationship this food had to the Earth- was it grown in a field, a greenhouse, a family farm, or elsewhere? Finally, practice mindfulness when it comes to who you’re sharing this food with. Food is essential in a community. Is this meal a dedication of love for your family? Is it a celebration of some kind? Think about how you can make your meal about the people you’re with.
Eating holistically might sound like a challenge. It can be overwhelming, especially when you have a busy schedule. The most you can do is eat holistically whenever you can. It shouldn’t be about depriving yourself of things you love- holistic eating should steer you towards foods you have a positive association with! Remember that holistic eating is different for everyone, so don’t compare yourself. In eating holistically you will create a better relationship with food, the planet, and your community.
Sources:
https://www.escoffier.edu/blog/world-food-drink/what-is-a-holistic-diet/
https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/holistic-nutrition-and-its-importance/