7 Ways to Express Gratitude Through Food

Often times, it may be easy for us to take food, one of our most basic needs, for granted. We can easily forget just how fortunate we are to have access to nutritious meals on a daily basis. Gratitude is one of the simplest ways for us to cultivate a renewed sense of appreciation for our food. By incorporating gratitude into our daily routines, we can enhance feelings of well-being and create a better quality of life.

Here are seven ways to practice food gratitude each day:

1. Donate to a Food Bank: Not everyone has the luxury of having three meals a day. Visit your local food bank to donate canned goods or nonperishable items that will go to families in need.

2. Plant a Garden Though: this may be more difficult during the winter months, learning to grow your own produce will give you a new-found appreciation on food.

3. Eat a Meal: While it sounds simple, how many times a day do you actually sit down and concentrate on the meal in front of you? Take a moment to mindfully concentrate on your food by enjoying the aroma and flavors, or perhaps eating a meal with someone you love.

4. Keep a Food Gratitude Journal: Take a moment to write down a simple note on why you appreciate your food. For example, you could write “I’m glad I can eat this/these____________________ (fill in the name of the food here) because it _________________________ (fill in whatever health benefit you’re getting from the food). ” You’ll be surprised by how much what you eat benefits your body and mind!

5. Cook Mindfully: Sometimes, cooking is something that we just cram into our busy lives. Instead, take some time to slow down and prepare one of your favorite recipes.

6. Shop at Your Local Farmers Market: Visiting your local farmers market will allow you to see just how much planning and labor goes into producing the food that you love. Be sure to support your local farmers so that they can continue to help bring food to your plate.

7. Minimize Food Waste: We probably don’t realize just how much food we throw away every day- from expired leftovers or spoiled produce. Through proper waste management, we have the ability to reduce waste, save money and conserve resources. Simple ways to reduce food waste include planning your meals, only buying what you need and storing food correctly.