“Thanking” Our Body Healthy
By Chef Deborah Lieder
When we reflect on what it means to be healthy, we often think of first, how much we exercise, and then, our diet. There is a tendency to forget that overall health and well-being stem from not only the physical but our mental, emotional and spiritual. Negative thoughts hold a sluggish vibration. If we are constantly holding onto negative beliefs about ourselves, then what are the results we expect to see?
The more we fixate on those thoughts, the more energy that travels there. Our body will slowly accumulate over time until that sluggish energy creates blockages and therefore disease. Because our body is performing millions of functions simultaneously, it relies on the fluidity of each of our systems. When we hold a space of gratitude for all that we are, it gives us the confidence to make honoring decisions for ourselves.
There is more research surfacing nowadays about the impact our thoughts have on our overall health. When we are grateful for something, we give it the time and attention it deserves. Our body is this fascinating, living being; one where we don’t have to even think about accomplishing the majority of the tasks it performs. We often don’t realize how amazing our body is until something breaks. It pushes us to see what we, perhaps, took advantage of before, to listen differently to the messages it is really trying to tell us. It does not fail, time and time again, to let us know when something is wrong. Take a look at an area in your life that you care a lot about and evaluate all you will do for that particular place. Then imagine what it would look like if you put in half that energy towards your self-care.
It is not about the concept of being perfect, especially considering the obstacles we navigate in our food culture today. It becomes the act of acceptance of who we are, where we are at, and what we are unfolding into. If we take our knowledge and practically apply it day to day, we will see change. Our body is constantly working for us, whatever state we find it in. We all desire to look a certain way, feel a certain way while keeping our youthful appearance and strength. And this is exactly what eating well does for us. It may not be the proverbial “fountain of youth”, but it gives our body the stability to operate at its highest levels.
Gratitude is a way to affirm that we will continue to make those healthful decisions. Because the more healthy choices we make for ourselves, the better we feel. The better we feel, the easier it is to have a positive mindset. And that positive mindset is what allows our systems to flow.
Hearty Vegetable Stew
¼ c. Olive Oil
2 ea onion, medium dice
4 ea carrot, medium dice
3 ea celery, sliced
1 lb. gold potato, medium dice
1 ea. butternut squash, medium dice
1 head cauliflower, medium florets
¼ c. red wine (optional)
1 can. crushed tomato
2 T. tomato paste
1 bunch kale, chopped
2 T. oregano
2 t. garlic
2 t. onion
1 gallon Bone Broth/Veggie Stock/Chicken Stock
2 t. White Balsamic/Champagne/White Wine Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
*Additional vegetable options: cabbage, broccoli, green beans, bell pepper, peas, brussel sprouts
Instructions
In an 8-qt stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent. Add carrot, sauté for 5 minutes. Add celery and continue to sauté. Add remaining vegetables, one at a time, while sautéing for 5 minutes in between. Raise heat to high and deglaze with wine. Add in tomato, tomato paste, and seasoning. Add bone broth or stock of choice. Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer for 45 minutes. Finish with vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
