Role of Food in Healing

Foods that nourish us are whole foods. Whole foods are foods that nature provides with all their edible parts; they usually have only one ingredient, which is themselves. Examples of whole foods are: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes. Additional foods used in cooking include unrefined sea salt, healthful fats such as extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, certain seasonings such as herbs, spices, natural soy sauce or shoyu and unpasteurized miso, fresh ocean fish, grass fed meats, organic poultry and organic eggs.

Foods that weaken our immune system and impart less energy include refined, processed, artificial foods: refined sugars, refined flours and stimulants (tea, coffee, alcohol). These we generally avoid in our cooking and recipes.

Our digestive system is designed to absorb foods in their natural state, with all the edible parts, with all their nutrients in the right natural proportion. When we consume fragmented foods, for example starch alone (white rice without the bran and the germ) or juice alone (without the fiber), our body notices that there are missing nutrients, and this can then encourage unhealthy cravings.

Understanding that a good diet effectively supports our overall health and healing is a great step, but we must also know that food is not the complete answer. Other aspects of our life, which are not served on a plate, also nourish us, and help us achieve balance in our daily living. Adopting a healthy lifestyle – including getting enough physical activity, finding adequate balance between work and play, spending time alone and time with family and friends, and finding your own spiritual practice – are all important. Keep this in mind and try to incorporate this holistic approach as much as possible.