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12 February 2011
Food has the magical ability to transport us to beloved memories.
Macaroni and cheese recalls childhood memories in so many of us. Chocolate will bring back a first date in college. And crab cake sandwiches may just remind you of that special beach holiday you had with what’s-his-name.
Whether you need to heal your body or boost your spirits, the right comfort foods can do it all.
The next Seasonal Eating class is this Saturday.
Released by certain macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates & proteins), research shows that three little neurotransmitters - Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin - are capable of bringing us joy and evoking tender memories. When protein is consumed and broken down through our digestive system, dopamine and norepinephrine are released in the brain and are largely responsible for memory recall. When starchy carbohydrates are consumed, serotonin is produced, triggering a anxiety-reducing, calming mood state.
More often than not, we limit ourselves; we deny ourselves foods that make us happy because of the stigma of weight gain. We underestimate the importance of enjoying food and how that affects our overall well-being.
As we celebrate lovers and relationships this month, try to keep in mind your relationship with food as well. For many people this relationship is often far from loving. What would your life be like if you treated your food and your body as you treated your dearly loved? Is it with gentleness, playfulness, communication, honesty, respect, and love? The next time you eat your soul food, I hope you do so with awareness and without guilt, and enjoy all the healing and nourishment it brings you.
Namaste,
Katherine Anderson
Sign up for Seasonal Eating & Healthy Living classes at Hayes Valley Farm. Digestive Bliss - Discovering Food Allergies & Treating Digestive Issues is on Saturday, February 19th from 10:00 to 11:30am, and the following week, Introduction to Raw Foods on Saturday, February 26th at 10am.
Katherine Anderson is a board certified Holistic Health Counselor and Sports Nutritionist who received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. More info available on her website, www.KCAWellness.com
Photos by Emo Rawr & Katherine Anderson
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