Lets face it, food has become a confusing thing. We have grown to ignore our cravings and have rewired ourselves to consume what we think we "should" eat. Our culture has become so obsessed with calories, dieting, and body image, that we fail to remember what food truly is: fuel. We have begun placing our worth in physical attraction and have strayed far away from the Lord's original intent for food. Food was designed to fuel our bodies, gather people together in fellowship, and declare thanksgiving for his abundant blessings in our lives. So, whats the solution? ​

I believe we must first look to the root of our food struggles: our minds. In order for us to be set free from the rules and beliefs we have declared to be truth in our lives, we must first renew our minds. I love the truth found in Romans 12:2 as it reminds us to not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds. 

There will continue to be the next trending fad diet, supplement, or product marketed for a healthier lifestyle. It’s not a matter of our inability to live long, flourishing lives, but rather an overcomplicated health and wellness presence marketed in the media we consume on a daily basis. What if the solution looked like adding things into our diets rather than focusing on what to restrict or remove. This approach allows us to enjoy our favorite foods, remove the ideal of perfectionism around meals and movement, and become more in tune with our bodies.

While I have always loved being in the kitchen, this September I knew I wanted to step away from the nutrition world my future career entailed and pursue the culinary route. While I am still passionate about nutrition and the amazing benefits food can have in our lives, working in the kitchen has given me a new perspective on food. Food is so much more than calories and ingredients. Food is an experience. Food is an art. Food is fuel.

Food is laughter and delight shared with friends and family.

I am filled with joy thinking about the freedom cooking has brought me, and I hope faithfoodfran is a place you can find nourishing recipes that do the same for you!