The connection between food and love is undeniable.  This starts when we are young, unable to feed ourselves.  Our parents, our grandparents, all the adults who want us to thrive–they bring us nourishment.  We understand food as a symbol of affection, community, and celebration.  All these things represent love, too.

When we were ill as children, our mother would bring us a bowl of soup.  We knew we were safe and protected, when our bodies felt weak. We felt joyous around holidays, excited to see family and friends, and to enjoy the meals we only got to enjoy once a year.,  On our birthdays, we looked forward to blowing out the candles on the cake, enjoying that it was our special day, feeling loved and important.

As we age though, these food moments can feel less full of love, and more full of anxiety.  Concerns of calories consumed can be overpowering, and distract us from truly enjoying our food experiences.

How about next time we feel anxiety around food, we look towards the love instead?  A delicious cheesy pasta dish and a bottle of wine, shared with our best friend at a favourite restaurant.  Going home to visit parents, and having our beloved childhood meal waiting for you after a long day of travel. Laying on the sofa on a rainy Sunday evening, eating takeaway in our pyjamas and watching our favourite show. 

Food is a way others show us love, and it’s a way we can show ourselves love, too.