In the beginning of my journey to eat a WFPB diet, I worried about how to get flavor without meat. My favorite soups were chicken noodle, beef stew and chili made with hamburger and pinto beans cooked in ham hocks. I couldn’t imagine how I would get the same savory flavors and of course the protein (more about this myth later) without animal products. But I’ve learned the flavors were coming from my seasonings and they still do. Not only were the seasonings adding flavor and waking up all the beans and vegetables in the pot, but they were also acting as medicine and I didn’t even know it. Herbs and spices have been used for centuries as medicine and are the precursors to most pharmaceuticals we now depend upon to treat the symptoms of chronic disease. But they can also prevent many of those diseases if we simply learn how to use them and what foods to avoid.
Yesterday I did my clean out of the refrigerator salvaging the bits and pieces of produce nearing their expiration date. The soup pot is like a magic cauldron that welcomes one and all. Together the vegetables are so much more than the sum of their parts. Every creation tickles my taste buds keeping me coming back for more.
Knowing I’m creating something tasty and healthy is very rewarding and the aroma that fills the kitchen for the rest of the day is a reminder that we are responsible for caring for ourselves and those we love. It starts with me. I am responsible to care for my body, soul, and mind. But strength, insights, wisdom, and wellness are for serving others, not just looking, and feeling better myself. As I get healthier, I am eager to help others find the same keys to wellness.
At the end of the day, the joy of sharing the hardy bowl of vegetable lentil soup with crusty whole wheat bread nourished everyone’s body and soul.
“Strength is for service, not status.” (Romans 15:2-TM)
“My mantra to diabetic patients is this: Don’t just treat your diabetes – get rid of it. Flood your body with protective nutrients, lose the weight, and restore your health as fast as you can.” (Joel Furhman, M.D. Eat for Life)
“We tend to do what those we spend the most time with do. Birds of a feather, FLY together.” (Annonymous)
Yours for a Joyful Journey,
Joyice