Whole food – soul food
Deepening the connection with nature and reaping benefits for body and mind
My journey to health coaching began with trying to improve my own health. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about plant foods and their nourishing effects. In their natural state, without the processing or additives, they help our bodies to function optimally. Unlike processed foods which offer little nutritional benefit, whole plant foods provide essential nutrients that boost energy, aid physical processes such as digestion and support mental and emotional wellbeing. They can even help prevent or reverse chronic disease – food truly is medicine!
But whole foods nourish us in another way too. They are what we’ve evolved to eat, connecting us to our bodies, our ancestors, and the Earth.
Food isn’t considered a dead object, but a little piece of life
They remind us that we are, after all, still a part of the cycle of nature. When we eat plants, we absorb nutrients from the soil, elements from the air, and energy from sunlight – how magical is that? And taking time to appreciate food and the experience of eating can bring soulful depth to an everyday activity.
Ancient advice for a balanced life
Like most people, my life felt so rushed that meals were just another task on the to-do list. I didn’t connect with my food or my body, and this led me to make unhealthy choices. But during my yoga teacher training, I learned the antidote to this problem: a yogic approach to food, rooted in an ancient system of holistic medicine called Ayurveda.
Like health coaching, Ayurveda teaches how to adjust your diet and lifestyle for optimal health, but it also incorporates some inspiring philosophical principles:
Food as energy: Food isn’t considered a dead object, but a little piece of life. It’s infused with the energy, intention, and feelings of those who grew and prepared it, and we absorb these energies when we eat.
Ahimsa (non-violence): This principle encourages compassionate living, recognising that what we eat impacts not only our health, but also other people, animals and the environment. It guides us to choose foods that cause the least amount of suffering.
Sattva (balance and lightness): This feeling of calm energy fosters optimal physical and mental health. It is achieved by choosing the right foods, and by preparing and eating them with a calm, attentive mindset.
These principles highlight that how our food is grown, prepared, and eaten is just as important as what we eat.
Once you start paying attention, you can’t help but be drawn to the vibrant colours, rich textures, and fresh scents of plant foods
They encourage us to consider where our food comes from, and to honour ourselves and the world by aligning our dietary choices with our ethical values. Inspired by this, I embraced plant-based foods and regular mindful eating.
The art of mindful eating
Anyone can eat mindfully by being fully mentally present. Set aside distractions and give your food the undivided attention it deserves!
Here are some tips:
Trace the journey: Picture where your food came from - mentally trace its journey from the earth to your table. Are you happy making that journey a part of you?
Offer gratitude: Thank the farmers who grew it, nature for providing it, and the food itself for nourishing your body and sustaining your life.
Cook with love: Think about those who will eat the meal, even if it’s just you, and infuse your cooking with the love and positivity they deserve. Sing, dance… enjoy the process!
Eat with all your senses: See your food like a work of art – notice all the colours and patterns. Use your hands when possible. Notice the sensations. Pay attention to smells, textures, and even sounds.
Eat slowly: Put utensils down in between bites, chew thoroughly and savour every flavour.
Check in: After eating, notice how your body feels. A healthy meal leaves you satisfied yet light and energised.
Mindfulness and whole foods, the perfect combination
It’s no surprise perhaps that mindful eating left me feeling healthier and happier. Through noticing how food affects your body, you naturally gravitate towards healthier choices. The practice of savouring makes eating more enjoyable and enriching. Eating slowly allows your body to produce enough digestive enzymes, improving nutrient absorption and digestion.
It also helps prevent overeating by allowing the brain to register satiety sooner, leaving you feeling full. And as with any mindful activity, it reduces stress and improves mental well-being.
Once you start paying attention, you can’t help but be drawn to the vibrant colours, rich textures, and fresh scents of plant foods – they make cooking a creative and expressive endeavour. Meals become a precious gift, offering beauty, real nourishment, and infused with love. Enjoying food mindfully with your loved ones becomes an immersive experience, deepening your connection to your body, and your relationships.
Mindful eating is the perfect way to nurture both body and spirit and, for me, it’s turned whole foods into soul food.
Debbie Corbin helps women feel healthier and happier through nutrition, habit change, and mindfulness. After years in the corporate world, she experienced first-hand how a fast-paced, unhealthy lifestyle can take a toll on body and mind.
Her own health journey led her to discover a passion for wellbeing and a love for slow, intentional living. Trained in yoga and meditation, and having studied positive psychology, she is now a qualified health coach. Find out more at Kali Health Coaching.
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