As I venture around NYC discovering all the delightful culinary adventures offered in this grand town, I am humbled by the amount of abundance of food that is available. I never take for granted how privileged I am (as we all are), to be able to indulge in this bounty!

I have earned three different nutrition certificates over the years, and have been immersed in nutrition theory and thinking for a long time. I often ponder about people’s relationships to food, and how this relationship impacts their lives; especially over time. There is no question that what we eat influences our overall health!

I know people who eat really healthy all the time, and cook for themselves. I also know people who have significant problems and issues feeding themselves…. The range is vast and varied. There are so many reasons… Each person, has their own history and experience with food, eating and self nourishment.

The action of FEEDING ONESELF reflects SELF-CARE……

Being able to cook and liking to cook are actually two different things! I know people who can cook, but don’t really enjoy it. I know folks who feel that they “can’t cook”; don’t cook and won’t cook!

And I know people like myself who ENJOY THE ENTIRE PROCESS! Thinking about the menu, deciding the menu, going food shopping, cooking the food and finally eating the meal.

I know that this is a lot of time and work; let alone money! I don’t do the above process for 3 meals everyday….. Sometimes I don’t cook at all…. NYC never lacks for food choices for sit down, take out, and even delivery. The choices are endless!

I wish that everyone could enjoy cooking for themselves. Cooking gives me great pleasure and joy on such a consistent basis. I find it relaxing, creative and truly fun!

AND- knowing much about nutrition, I understand how important it is to eat REAL, HEALTHY FOOD MADE WITH LOVE! I have my mantra framed in my kitchen. EAT REAL FOOD…..