I recently realised that I have never really explained the
‘why’ behind the blog. Yes, I've told you I love cooking and what my conditions
that make me a spoonie are, but I've never explained why I think they belong in
a blog together. I think I’m going to try and do that now!
Food and health are inextricably linked. For starters food
is how we get energy, not only to have the energy to go out to the shops but
also it gives our bodies the building blocks to function right down to a
cellular level. I’m not even close to being an expert on nutritional science
but it is something I am fascinated in learning more about. So we need to eat
in order to survive and not only that but we need to eat the right things in
order to function properly.
But that is not the why behind this blog, there are plenty
of places out there that offer this kind of information, in fact what got me
more interested was hearing about Nutritiously Natasha, so if you are
interested in a food as medicine/nutritional science side of things it is
definitely worth giving her blog a read.
For me, there’s a different connection. The food I am eating
and cooking is very indicative of my current health. On a physical level, when
I am in too much pain to really move, carrying pots and pans, chopping and just
the act of thinking up a meal to cook can be quite simply beyond my
capabilities. Even on a relatively good day I have to be aware of things like
the weight of pans and I wear wrist supports to help stabilise my wrist and
thumb. Then of course there is the complexity of a meal, when I am so tired I
can’t think straight I’m not going to be making a feast. You are more likely to
find me eating a sandwich or pasta and pesto (if I can carry the kettle). On a
mental level, depression has a huge effect on your appetite. When I've been
unable to get out the house for a while and I've been barely able to cook for
myself it starts getting me pretty down, so even the desire to eat can just
disappear.
It’s not all doom and gloom though! Cooking isn't just affected by my mental state, it also affects my mental state. When I’m feeling
down and I don’t feel like doing anything, actually cooking something and
enjoying it has a hugely positive impact on my state of mind. Cooking good food
doesn't just feed the body, it feeds your soul. I don’t mean any kind of
religious or even
philosophical concept here, just that internal warmth that a really good meal
can give you. And then you've achieved something! It’s amazing how when I’m
feeling down and have no motivation, just starting something is the hardest
part. Because once you've started, and then done, it gives you motivation to do
more, and suddenly you haven’t just been a total waste a space but a goddamn
superhero! And when that doing also includes creating a delicious and
nourishing meal for yourself (and maybe others) what can be better?
As my last couple of posts have explained, I’ve been going
through a bad patch recently. It’s funny though, after a couple of weeks in bed
recovering from my last hospital appointment I seem to have suddenly woken up
and started to feel OK. And every day since I have pretty much been OK. It’s
not like I’m not experiencing any pain or fatigue or anything, but it’s
manageable. My anxiety levels have been minimal and again, manageable and I’m
not sure why but I really do feel like I’m doing and handling things OK. And do you know what else? I’ve been eating
fantastic food!
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| My amazing lunch at Silo Brighton. If you live down here you MUST go! |
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| Clockwise from top left: Indulgent (hungover) fry up at seven bees cafe, kemptown. Gluten free chocolate cake made by yours truly, a go to easy dinner, prawns with chilli, garlic, slow roasted tomatoes and lots of wilted leaves and lunch at Artisan Cafe (one of my new favourite places) |
