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Small Steps
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu
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I want to make gathering, preparing and eating my food a part of my journey not just something I do to pacify my emotions. I want to enjoy each step. I want to connect with my food.
I know it's going to be a challenge because my current belief is that it takes a lot of time to go to farmer's markets or to grow some foods myself. It takes more time to prep ingredients for meals. My attitude is that I just don't have the time AND I'd rather be doing something else. But I also know that's not necessarily true. It doesn't have to take that much more time. It can be enjoyable. So my focus in the next year is to reconnect with the whole process and learn quick and easy ways to gather and prepare my food so that I savor each bite that I take.
My first small step is to prepare several meals (or the ingredients for meals) once a week. Since I've viewed this as a chore, my husband and I have decided to make a day of it on Saturday. We get to spend time together shopping and building our meals for the week. Neither one of us is relegated to the kitchen alone and we've had some great discussions while we make a batch of scrambled eggs for several quick breakfast burritos, chopped vegetables and potatoes for a slow-cooker roast, and made a low-calorie berry crisp (got my fruit in with that one!). We've enjoyed one Saturday together and tomorrow will be our next session. I'm actually looking forward to it.
If you don't have a partner to cook with, how about inviting a friend over to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or even a glass of wine. You can prep and chat at the same time.
How will you build your food connection this week?
p.s. to keep the potatoes from turning brown, if you chop them ahead of time
for a roast, put them and the vegetables in a plastic container and
fill it with water. It made one of the best roasts we've ever had.
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What physical activity plan did you have for last week?
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A Crock Cook for some slow cooker recipes.
Easy Meal Ideas from Kids Cooking Activities. Yes, I know it's for kids but maybe you can get some extra help in the kitchen and teach your kids or grandkids important skills they'll need.
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Sign-up for Small Steps and get your edition each week.
See previous editions of Small Steps.
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When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another -- and ourselves .
Jack Kornfield
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