A Wobbly Table
Food is one of the many treasures we are lucky enough to get to indulge in everyday. Meals bring people together as they pass the bread and exchange banter. Sometimes, it is when we sit alone and hash out our thoughts. For some, it is a time of torture.
There are massive amounts of trending information swirling about the desperate ears of those who have made food the enemy. The primary focus is often weight loss or dress size. This perspective comes from a place of self judgement. Recognize it as such and dismiss it from your company. The goal is not a number. The goal is a feeling. What we all seek, no matter our size, is acceptance, love, to feel valuable and desired. It is extremely difficult to receive those positive concepts when our mind is chastising us with each bite of guilt-frosted cake.
An Updated Menu
If we can achieve a place of understanding that feeling good about ourselves is the key, we can unlock just about any state of health or fitness we desire. The singular act of changing perspectives to eat with the intention of nourishment and wellness, rather than with carb math and calorie restriction, makes so many other steps fall in line naturally.
The list of what should not be eaten for optimal health is long and foreboding. Focusing on the no-no’s puts you in a mental place of lack. We always want what we can’t have; even if we never really wanted it. However, there is an entire class of ingredients which have been deemed superfoods. This term was coined in the 90s and applied to foods which are particularly nutrient dense. No empty calories lurking here. Some examples, and some of my favorites are:
Chocolate – Specifically, raw cacao, is a powerhouse of good will. It is said to prevent cancer, reduce depression, ease hypertension, improve mental clarity and much more. Also, it’s delicious, and a fabulous way to love yourself a little bit more. I have heard rumors of people who don’t like chocolate but we should be kind and accept them anyway.
Mushrooms – There are hundreds of types of edible mushrooms and they are all nutrient dense. One of our go to shrooms is the Lion’s Mane. This little beauty is known to stimulate brain cell growth, reduce symptoms of anxiety/depression, stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and support heart health. Want to taste? Fall is the perfect time to try our Medicinal Mushroom Hot Chocolate.
Oats – These little plants are packed with iron, vitamins, fiber, and a host of minerals. They improve energy and help with gut flora. The straw of the oat is used medicinally to elevate libido, soothe an overworked nervous system, reduce anxiety, strengthen bones and regulate sleep patterns.
Dandelion – I bet you thought this one was a weed. Dandelion greens are an amazing addition to your plate. They are a bitter green, like arugula or parsley and high in vitamins A, B6, C, D and K as well as iron, phosphorus, calcium and more. Dandelion is excellent for your gut microbiome and is known to treat a host of disorders including inflammation and issues with mood. Worried about the taste? They are lovely sautéed in a bit of olive oil, sea salt and garlic; or you can try it in our Nature’s Nurture herbal complete vitamin.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero root) – This herbal wonder boosts immune function. It helps with stamina, mental clarity, reduced anxiety and patience. For those with a sensitivity to caffeine, ginseng tea and extracts are an excellent alternative. We also have an herbal for that. Check out the Double Shot energy boosting extract on the Roots to Remedies website.
Berries – Again, so many berries are superfoods. One lesser known is the rose hip berry. Its benefits include the ability to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, relieve respiratory conditions, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, increase urination, regulate digestion, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and help in building stronger bones.
An Excellent Host Superfoods are the stuff of allowance and abundance and permission. Instead of worrying about what not to eat, indulge in as many life giving foods as you’d like. There are literally hundreds of superfoods. Big shocker: they are almost all plants. I would list them but seriously, if it grows from the ground and is edible, odds are – you guessed it: superfood. Take a minute to ponder the wonder of that. The earth was stocked with edible offerings that just happen to be comprised of the exact nutrients which cause humans to thrive. It makes me think of the love and joy it brings me to stock my own pantry for my husband and kids to have rations. Obviously there was a Devine force with our comfort in mind when the world’s cupboards were engineered.
Bless Our Bounty, Roots to Remedies
Try this delicious Superfood Chocolate Sundae????
