Food and nutrition philosophy is an interesting topic. People have strong opinions on food – how we label it, what we eat, when we eat it and even how we believe we should eat. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I have spent years helping people build a healthy sustainable relationship with food. My own food philosophy is shaped by both my personal experiences and my professional experience working with thousands of people with varied backgrounds navigating their relationships with food and nutrition. This post will share my food and nutrition philosophy, including thoughts about counting calories or macros, from nutrition professional and overall human perspectives.
Cooking and gathering has always been a big part of my life. I am the youngest grandchild of 23 grandchildren on my mother’s side, as she is one of nine children. Needless to say, there were always a lot of gatherings and celebrations growing up and food was always the center of them.
What Nourishment Means to Me
Through my studies in undergraduate and graduate school, I learned so much science behind food and the human body. I really feel for people who are searching for how to eat perfectly, the longevity diet, foods to not eat and the list goes on. Knowing what I know about how the human body works, how it utilizes food and the nervous system’s role and connection to our digestion really grounds me when it comes to understanding nutrition and choosing what to eat. It reminds me that our bodies are adaptable, resilient and capable of thriving without a focus on perfect eating.
I really enjoy seeing people’s quality of life and overall health increase when I can impart bits and pieces of this knowledge on them. I see people regain trust in their bodies which ultimately allows them to experience their lives with their loved ones. And that is the ultimate recipe for longevity.
Becoming a mom of two girls has been the ultimate blessing and seeing their palates and relationship with food develop has been incredible. I miss the messy moments in their high chairs, as they would explore new foods. I continue to look forward to connecting with them at the table for various meals and snacks, as well as traveling and immersing ourselves in others’ cultural foods.
Making the Simple Special
I must say, I love adding a little pizzazz wherever I can in the kitchen or on the table. A beautiful thrifted antique plate, grocery store flowers on the table, a garnish of fresh herbs and a sandwich cut just right can make all the difference in the experience. I don’t think it is about what you have, but I think its more about how you utilize what you have. A little something can go a long way to make a mundane experience a special one.
Nourishment Beyond Numbers
You will notice that in my recipes I do not include nutrition facts information. This is very intentional. You also may be thinking something like “But you’re a dietitian/nutritionist, don’t you care about this?!” Calories are simply a unit of energy. I love that many countries outside of the United States use the word “energy” instead of “calories”. I specifically love that terminology because it can be a constant reminder of what calories are: the fuel that allows our bodies to function, move, think and experience everything in life.
We live in a culture where people are constantly searching for how to choose “low calorie”. The literal translation for that is “low energy”. this tends to go along with counting calories, tracking macros and overall optimization culture. If calories in a recipe or macros are something you look for (outside of a medical nutrition therapy necessity) then I encourage you to keep reading.
When we shift our mindset to look for a balance of macronutrients, micronutrients, colors, flavors this leads towards physical and emotional satisfaction. We create space to be in the present moment and can tune into our body cues to support our nervous system and create a more enjoyable eating experience.
The truth about achieving good nutrition is that it is extremely individualized and not achieved through a rigid focus on numbers. It is found in patterns, variety and the relationship we have with food over time. My sincere hope is that this space helps you focus less on counting calories or macronutrients and more on nourishing your body, how you feel and your experiences around the table.