When thinking freshly about the topic of foods in Christian Science nursing, I
found this verse in Psalms (78:25) intriguing: "Man did eat angels' food:..." What could that mean to me as a Christian Science nurse? Mrs. Eddy refers to angels in
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures as, "God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality." And, "...These upward-soaring beings guide to the divine Principle of all good..." and "These angels of His presence ... abound in the spiritual atmosphere of Mind..." Angels' food is inspiration, goodness, it is 100% pure. These health-affirming, pure thoughts feed man with images of perfection which counteract mortality. The basis of man's true nourishment being spiritual, it is completely governed by spiritual laws, not material theories. When one is guided by spiritual intuition in what and how to feed one of the Father's little lambs, success is sure.
The Christian Science nurse's role in dealing with food issues is to support radical reliance on Truth, God. That is our mission. We want to provide support in such a way that the individual can be free to devote thought to spiritual healing. Radical reliance includes prayerfully approaching each situation as a fresh opportunity for divine Mind to reveal an answer that meets the human need. It also means refuting world opinions about food laws, not diagnosing, not feeling responsible for the patient eating or not, and not viewing food as either life-threatening or life-sustaining. The Christian Science nurse can be assured that "...God will give the ability to overcome whatever tends to impede progress." (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896 by Mary Baker Eddy, page 115: 26-27 God)
We want to be sure we assess the need based on prayer, rather than solely on the mechanics. Some questions to ask include: How can the Christian Science nurse support the patient's abilities? How can food be served in as normal a form as possible in support of those abilities? As we think of modifying any food, how are we modifying our thinking to meet the need?
The metaphysical preparation and loving attitude with which the Christian Science nurse prepares and serves food will do much to lift the patient's thought above the physical condition and aid in restoring normalcy. With love and discernment, the Christian Science nurse should be able to prepare and present the food with economy, skill, creativity, and beauty-qualities of Soul.
The "Five Factors of Variety" are important in planning and preparing a balanced meal. These factors are: Color, Form, Flavor, Temperature, and Texture. "From the infinite elements of the one Mind emanate all form, color, quality, and quantity, and these are mental, both primarily and secondarily." (Science and Health, page 512:21-24.) Present the food attractively using colorful food, bright, cheerful garnishes and using harmonious and lovely place settings whenever possible. The presentation of food should reflect "...the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color." (Science and Health, page 247:23-24 the charms.) A strawberry fan is simple and makes a beautiful garnish.
A lovely book to leaf through for ideas is called Eating by Color put out by Williams-Sonoma. You may find this book, many other books, and books on simple garnishes available used and in good condition at online bookstores such as Amazon.com or alibris.com.
Food and liquid thickeners may be helpful to someone with a swallowing problem, or someone who chokes (or coughs) easily when given plain liquids. A variety of foods which serve as natural thickeners, and products which thicken liquids to an easier-to-swallow, nectar-like consistency are available. Thickening agents that won't change the flavor of the food, along with reshaping blended foods to make them look more appealing, can be helpful. Items such as pastry bags and tips, a plastic bag with a corner cut off, or even commercial food molds, cookie cutters and "shapes" can be used to reshape puréed foods into a truly beautiful and appetizing meal. There is available a unique dinner plate shaped like a painter's palate which holds three small colorful ramekins for puréed food. "...feed me with food convenient for me." (Proverbs 30:8 feed)
Be sure to include soft food options in your "repertoire" such as simple terrines, timbales, soufflés, and mousses in addition to custards and gelatins. A great recipe for a savory custard is a Swiss Chard custard* (spinach can be substituted). Yum! You should be prepared to know what to serve a patient who does not like sweet drinks, juices or foods, or does not like milk. And how will you provide the Five Factors of Variety to someone who only likes chocolate?
Talk with your patients or "interview" them as to their food preferences and eating habits. Learn about soy products, and what vegetarians and vegans eat. Ask your friends. Use the internet to gain more recipes and knowledge of different foods. Chocolate soy milk is delicious! Practice preparing foods you are unfamiliar with so you have some knowledge and recipes. The Victory Garden Cookbook by Marian Morash tells all about the many ways to cook nearly every vegetable. Take favorite recipes with you on cards to your cases, especially if you know it involves a food need. See whatsfordinner.com to generate recipes by inputting the list of ingredients on hand.
Lastly, as you listen to serve "angels' food", remember that "In divine Science, man is sustained by God, the divine Principle of being." (Science and Health, page 530:5-6)
