How does it make you feel when you see a crisp, gorgeous photo of food – from a luscious bowl filled with a freshly chopped kale salad to a decadent, yet healthy chocolate mousse?

You might become instantly hungry, or imagine the list of ingredients it took to make the dish, or think about all the slicing & dicing and labor that went into the creation. Maybe you notice all the colors, and make a mental note of the nutrients and nourishment the food contains. Or it could stir a meaningful blend of thoughts, feelings and emotions.

All food - not just the images that grace the cover of a gourmet magazine or your favorite foodie site - but the food that you eat and prepare for yourself (and your family) comes with a message. And when the food is colorful and created with love and intention, it has something deeper to reveal.

Why? Because beautiful food tells a story™.

Food is the story of life. Food is the story of love. Food is the story of health.

Think about it: every meal, every snack, each morsel of food you consume has a message, for your body, to be delivered on a cellular level.

From the host of nutrients to the love and care that went into the preparation to the speed at which you ate it (rushed or with a slow relish)... all these little details are part of the story your food is telling.

The story reveals the way you choose to prioritize your health and take care of yourself.

The story reveals the relationship you have cultivated with food and your body.

The story reveals the example you’re setting for your children and the people around you.

When you rush out the door with your second cup of coffee in one hand and perhaps a protein bar stuffed in your bag, are you giving your body a message that it is worthy of nourishment that comes from eating and savoring fresh, whole foods?

On the other hand, when you purchase your food from your local farmer’s market or favorite health food store, or even grow your own, are you telling your body that you love it so much that you will choose the highest quality ingredients possible to nourish it?

Here’s an example of how food tells a story:

My favorite meal to start the day is a delicious quinoa breakfast bowl. {Recipe below}

Because I organize some of the ingredients the night before, it’s a breeze to make this breakfast first thing. It has just the right amount of protein and low glycemic carbs to keep me energized for a full morning of exercise, client meetings & emails. And I can’t help but smile when I see the gorgeous presentation.

So, what’s the story with the delicious quinoa bowl?

It’s a tale of someone who took the time & energy to prep and plan (quinoa cooked in advance, berries washed and ready to go), who allowed 5 extra minutes to sit down and eat before the start of a busy day, who filled up on a balanced meal of slow burning carbohydrates, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats for sustained energy.

It’s a narrative about a person who added a splash of color with deeply pigmented fruits and veggies to create a nutrient-rich meal, who values her health and vibrancy enough to make nourishing her body a priority, in spite of her hectic schedule.

It’s the story that sets the tone and intention for a thoughtful and meaningful day.

Now it’s your turn… what story does your food tell? 

Need some inspiration? Start here:

Simple Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

*Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup cooked quinoa (made in advance)*
¾ cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
2 tablespoons walnuts
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Sprinkle of sea salt
Splash of almond or coconut milk to desired consistency
Maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)

*NOTE: For an extra tasty bowl, use half water and half coconut milk to cook the quinoa.

METHOD

In a small saucepan, heat cooked quinoa. Add cinnamon, pinch of salt and a splash of coconut or almond milk to desired thickness. Place heated ingredients in a bowl and make sections with fresh berries and walnuts. Mix all together and dig in!

Question of the day: What beautiful food have you created lately?  Or what are you inspired to take action on right away? Share your stories & insights in the comments below.