The Joy of Sustainable Cooking

What does that exactly mean? About six months ago, I started writing feature articles on the topic of sustainable foods for The American Institute of Wine & Food (http://www.aiwf.org/). Since the field of sustainability is receiving so much attention, I was interested in its affect on the culinary arts.

Basically, the essence of the sustainable food movement is about making wise decisions regarding what we eat, how we cook our food, and how we view the eating process. It is interesting to read about another application of psychology, i.e., how the psychology of food or the psychological aspects of food preferences affect our health, lifestyle, and nutrition. Sounds like an innovative concept, although there is a great deal of research about our food preferences, especially the unhealthy ones.

So, is there an attempt to remediate current social problems and issues with food? In other words, does our eating style have anything to do with our feelings, which in turn leads to other challenges? This "psychology of food" area peaked my interest. I came across some material from Brian Wansink, Ph.D., a University of Illinois marketing professor and his discussions about unhealthy food cravings and unintentional overeating.

Reasons for such behaviors abound. He discovered that individuals “cognitively” connect past memories with specific choices. This means that our thought process can tap into the most emotionally-driven memories that are locked in our brain. For example, ice cream cravings may originate from a desire to revisit positive, childhood memories and especially ones connected to eating a delicious ice cream cone.

I definitely understand that one. I always enjoyed a vanilla ice cream cone and chocolate and coffee and...Anyway,

I know that healing our relationship with hunger and food “requires looking beyond food to the bigger picture of your life.” The actual physical hunger or craving for a particular food may have more to do with the psychological reason for the craving. The real questions are, "What are you really craving for? What unexpressed emotion is substituted with food?" Thus, the focus on sustainable and conscious cooking may enter the picture, where food selections are based on a keen awareness of their effects on our physical and psychological health.

The rewards of sustainable and conscious cooking also intersect with the discovery of optional eating methods. Tal Ronnen in his 2009 book, The Conscious Cook, encourages readers to investigate and to create vegan meals. His philosophy of healthy eating is based on the avoidance of meat and dairy to reduce health risks. He also emphasizes that the omission of these foods does not mean “sacrificing taste or satisfaction.”

On the other hand, while this style of eating may not appeal to everyone, the choice of nutritionally, locally grown produce, along with seasonal food selections may advance your culinary knowledge and lock that type of eating in your brain. This action then makes it easier to select healthy food choices in the future. Making a firm decision to step away from mindless eating makes it easier to follow the plan of mindful choices.

Conscious cooking demands mindful selections of food items, while taking the time to become aware what is going on with your body and most importantly, your mind. Conscious cooking involves the selection of foods that ultimately heal your relationship with hunger and “unhealthy” eating patterns. Substituting food for unresolved feelings does not work in the long term.

For example, to prevent a sudden drop in blood sugar that triggers the release of stress hormones, look to eating any kind of berries, which are a great source of natural Vitamin C. In addition to preventing an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone, they are refreshing and delicious. Avocados, filled with Vitamin B, are great for the maintenance of nerves and brain cells. Unless you have an allergy to eating nuts, walnuts or almonds also replenish the stress-depleted nutrients.

The list of nutritional foods to alleviate a physical problem is extensive. Arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure can be altered by eating asparagus. Artichokes filled with magnesium may also help with diabetes and high cholesterol. Let’s not forget the amazing seasonal foods at our disposal. Check into your locally grown food producers or farmer’s markets for the high quality, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Consumers are now able to make wise food decisions that promote healthy living and cooking. Conscious selection of foods that promote this healthy living means living a balanced life that also supports emotional health. Quoting some reasons for sustainable cooking and eating from SustainableTable.org, we learn that “1. It is Economical, 2. It’s Safer, 3. It’s Healthier, 4. It Tastes Better, and 5. It Tastes Like You Want It To.”

Celebrate your life. Celebrate your positive food choices. Celebrate your new sustainable cooking attitude.

Until next time,

Dr. Lorraine

Coach & Consultant