My mom was right about food

Cooking can be an act of love.

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Today's Ingredients I'm very lucky to have a mom whose primary love language is feeding people. A perfect day for my mom, Lila, is spent in the kitchen, totally absorbed as she meticulously prepares an elaborate meal for the people she loves. I did not inherit her culinary attention to detail. But I did inherit the invaluable belief that food is not something to be feared or defeated. Food is a manifestation of love, whether you're feeding a house full of family or yourself after a long day at work. So, as we head into this festive time of year, I'm sharing some of the lessons I've learned from my mom about how to think and talk about food with love. Before we get into it, a few snacks for the road:   1.  10 ways to lower your grocery bill as prices increase   2.  Andy Baraghani's 3 favorite kitchen tools   3.  Winter well-being: 13 books, journals, and decks to bring joy Eat up, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Ginger Wojcik November 30, 2023 • 3.5 min read Main Course Lila's guide for cooking with love When I stop and think about my relationship with food, it occurs to me that I love food in a very easygoing way. I really don't mind having to eat three times a day because food is delicious and eating is delightful. While I try to eat "healthy" (that is, meals rich in nutrients) because that's what makes my body and mind feel the best, it's not something I lose sleep over. And I truly love a night spent slowly cooking dinner at home with a person — or people — I love. I know deep down that I owe this loving and uncomplicated relationship with food to my mother, who now calls me a week before I visit home to ask me what I want to eat when I get there. The woman whose face lights up when we take a bite of her cooking. And although I've never tried articulating it until now, I think there are some key ways my mom influenced how I think about food. Here are some lessons from Lila's kitchen:   • Cooking can be a form of love. No matter how we're getting along at the time, I know my mom loves me because of the time and effort she puts into each meal she cooks.   • Vegetables have so much to offer. One of the core tenets of my mom's cooking is that veggies — colorful, textured, and dynamic — deserve to be the star of the show.   • Great ingredients are the key to a great meal. My mom does not settle for the first veggie in the stack. She'll dig through that pile of bell peppers until she finds the biggest, brightest one.   • Diverse food = healthy eating. She adores trying new foods and has no strict idea of what "healthy" looks or tastes like.   • Eating is something we get to do. Food is never a chore for my mom. It's an opportunity to explore, experience, and connect. Cook more At Home Great finds A hint of joy       The Joy of Cooking — 2019 Edition This classic of American cooking was a staple in my house growing up, and many of you probably already have a version on your shelf. And in case you weren't in the know, more than 600 new recipes were developed and added to this 2019 edition. They also added a whole chapter on how to streamline your cooking, from saving money and time to avoiding unnecessary waste. Could make a good gift too — just sayin'! Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.       the takeout What we're digesting 🍩 These 10 foods may weaken your immune system. Yet another reason to load up on nutrient-dense foods. 🍲 Ah, so this is what they mean by a "balanced diet." Finally, some clarity around this oft-referenced term. 👍 How a Facebook cooking community became my lifeline after a miscarriage. It started with a crepe cake. 🍷 Is this compound to blame for the dreaded red wine headache? Learn about "compelling" new findings in the quest to understand this bothersome side effect. Thanks for reading, everyone! And thank you to my mom, who's spent zillions of hours of her life caring for other people. We'll be back on Sunday. Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by love.

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