“Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life”
-Elisa Schiaparelli
life is an adventure
Cooking and eating should be a large part of that adventure. Spending time in the kitchen to me is many things. It is a place of comfort, a place to let off some steam after a hard day, a place with no boundaries where trying new things is always an adventure. Most of all, the kitchen is happiness to me. I have many fond memories of cooking and eating with family and friends over the years. I like to think that food connects our memories and solidifies them.
Cooking and eating has changed many times over the years for me. As culinary student; food was work. As an athlete; food was fuel. While working a demanding, full-time job; food was an after thought. As I now try to live a more balanced life; food is nourishment, simplicity, and enjoyment.
No matter what stage I have been at with food, it has always an adventure. My adventure continues here and I want to share it with you.
Cooking
I want healthy food to be approachable. Healthy food can be so delicious. It doesn’t have to be complicated or have crazy ingredients. My goal is to take some of the mystery out of cooking. There are so many things you can make from scratch that are so delicious, easy, clean and not to mention cheaper. My recipes are broken down into seasons. I feel like it is really important for our bodies and for the environment to eat seasonal and local.
All of us have demands on our time. Food can be an after thought, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make quick and tasty food in a few minutes. You also can do it with few ingredients and a few staples on hand. My recipes reflect all of this. As much as I enjoy cooking, I don’t have time to be in the kitchen all day. Quick, simple, easy to follow and delicious; that is what I have strived to share with you.
After years of having strict diets to either get an ideal body weight or help with athletic performance; I strive for balance in my diet. I don’t cut anything out. I eat pasta, cheese, meat and the occasional treat. All things in moderation. I always try to incorporate lots of vegetables on the plate and minimize processed items as much as possible.
Gardening
I am fortunate to have the space for a garden. It always amazes me what comes from small seeds or small plants. Being able to work in a garden connects me to food in a whole different way. I have more appreciation and care for each vegetable that I harvest. It also helps me eat truly seasonally for where I live. The produce tastes better and has more nutrients since it has been picked on time.
Most of us these days do not have space or time for a garden. I will be honest, they are a lot of work! I urge you to try a small herb garden. They don’t require much space and are easy to care for. They are one of the most important things I cook with and so satisfying to go pick my own for a recipe.
Most areas have small, local farms. Many of these farms sell produce boxes that you can subscribe to. Most areas also have a Farmer’s Market at least once a week. It is always a fun experience and you get fresh produce for the week. You won’t always save money, but you support your local farmers and you get better quality ingredients. Everyone wins!
Lifestyle
Some of my favorite memories as a kid are outdoor adventures. Hiking with friends, fishing with my dad, snowboarding with my brother. All these experiences inculcated a love of nature and being outside. I try to incorporate an outdoor experience at least once a week. It connects me to nature and keeps me centered in a stressful world.
Everyone has different outlets to deal with stress. Mine is outside. It connects me to the seasons. After a long hike in summer, I enjoy coming home to a granita or frose'. After a day in the snow, I love a hot soup or chili. The more time I spend outside the more I give my body what it needs for the season.
Having an active lifestyle also allows for more flexibility in my diet. I find myself cooking to feel well instead of counting calories obsessively. My focus has shifted from constantly worried about my weight to giving my body nourishing food which can also taste delicious. Through all my time in heavy training and strict diets; I now feel my best. I have a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, cook 90% of my own meals and allow myself treats.
Here’s to eating well and finding whatever makes you feel well!!!
Happy cooking!
-Audra