---

This is not a recipe post! I’ve been thinking lately of how food has made not only an impact in the world but to us as human beings, food has the power to completely transport us to another time or another place. For example, a good plate of Mince ‘n’ Tatties (potatoes) takes me back to my childhood days and visits with my Gran and Auntie’s and a bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese reminds me of a happy time with my partner. Both of these emotions make me happy and I feel relaxed and content.

Is it possible to harness that power to help our wellbeing?

Different Types of food can also have an effect on our emotional thinking, some foods can help decrease stress and low mood, for example fatty fish, blueberries, broccoli, shellfish & eggs to name a few. Then on the other hand foods like processed meats, sweets, pastries or high fat diary products can also increase anxiety and fatigue.

• 

• 

So how can focusing on food help our wellbeing?

Here are some Top Tips:-

1. Make & Eat a meal that made you happy. Maybe a dish that you loved on a holiday trip or something from your wedding day that everyone enjoyed, it brings back that happy, feel good emotion.
2. What was your favourite meal from your childhood? Re-create it, go buy it from the shops, it will give you that feeling of love, warmth and feeling cared for.
3. Prepare something that you have homegrown. Last year I started my first vegetable boxes and the satisfaction and achievement it gave me was a wonderful feeling. Whether it be herbs from your window sill or potatoes from your garden, there is nothing better than preparing a meal from something you have hand grown, it gives you a feeling of reward to yourself.
4. Try something new. We have all heard it before, variety is the spice of life! Bored of the same old meals? I know I do (as you can probably tell from all the different recipes I try…..lol!) This is a great way to expand your horizons and take yourself on a journey of discovery, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
5. Surprise your Family, Husband, Wife, Lover, Friends etc. There is no greater satisfaction than preparing a meal for someone you care about and them absolutely loving it! We use food all the time to express love and when it is well received it gives you that happy, loved feeling. Especially if you have dietary restrictions, making something that you’ve taken the time to think over and shop for is special and will be well appreciated.
6. Share your Favourite Recipes. It is just like sharing a good book, film or music, it connects us to those around who share the same passions and feelings. I personally have loved documenting all my foodie discoveries and recipes and when someone says to me, ‘I tried your recipe and it was delicious’, or ‘I love your blog as I’m rubbish at new ideas for dinners, so you’ve taken the hard work away for me’, this just gives me a warm satisfaction that I am helping those that need it. Sharing is caring!

• 

•