Food

Food plays a pivotal role in the human experience, as we eat to live, and for many, living revolves around food. The way we engage with food can be nourishing or detrimental to our health. In today’s world, there’s an overwhelming variety of dietary choices, such as Paleo, Keto, Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian, Raw, Macrobiotic, and more. People also face food sensitivities, including gluten, dairy, nuts, and nightshades, influencing their eating habits. Some people prefer multiple small meals, others intermittent fasting, and some eat only once a day. Cleanses and regular fasts are also common, while others adopt mono diets, consuming only one type of food.

The dynamics we experience with food—what, when, how much, and why we eat—are essential questions to reflect upon when reassessing and recalibrating our relationship with food. This personal journey often involves significant transformations over time.

My relationship with food was relatively healthy until I went to college, where I gained the infamous “freshman 20.” The newfound freedom led me to indulge in parties and convenience foods, deviating from the nutritious meals my mom used to prepare. As a result, my caloric intake increased dramatically, and weight gain followed.

During my junior year, I met my ex-husband, and at that time, I was about 20 pounds heavier than I felt comfortable with. When he said, “You’re hot, but you’d be much hotter if you lost 25 pounds,” I took it as a challenge. I was always up for one, and that motivated me to begin my weight loss journey. My parents, always role models for healthy living, supported me by purchasing a stationary exercise bike. I began with 20-minute rides, eventually increasing to 60 minutes. I also followed a Slim Fast diet, eating only one meal a day. After losing 25 pounds, I felt better than ever and decided I would prioritize my health moving forward.

By graduate school, I had shifted to a vegetarian diet, avoiding oils and fried foods. A few years later, I enrolled in yoga teacher training, where I learned a lot about mindful eating and food gunas. My yoga teacher, who had once been significantly overweight, lost 150 pounds by practicing mindful eating. This approach teaches individuals to be fully present during every aspect of food: from grocery shopping and cooking to eating and cleaning up afterward. Mindful eating encourages people to slow down and engage consciously in their meals, promoting healthier habits.

During yoga teacher training, I also encountered the concept of food gunas. Gunas refer to qualities of nature, states of consciousness, and the vibrations of food, which can impact our overall wellbeing. After learning about these teachings, I decided to continue with a vegetarian diet, feeling aligned with its benefits.

For nine years, I maintained a vegetarian diet. However, I eventually transitioned to eating clean, locally sourced meats, wild-caught fish, and plenty of salads and vegetables while avoiding simple carbs and fried foods. This eating pattern lasted from 2002 to 2015. Afterward, I returned to a vegetarian diet for two years before finally adopting a plant-based, vegan lifestyle, which I have followed ever since.

Throughout my adult life, I have practiced intermittent fasting intuitively, and it has helped with weight maintenance. This routine has been beneficial for my body and mind, and it remains a vital aspect of my lifestyle.

Ultimately, our relationship with food is deeply personal, and the journey is ongoing. Mindful and conscious eating can profoundly impact our lives, shaping not only our health but our overall well-being.

To Health~

Your Muse~

Kristy