The Opinionated, Nutritionist Mom

My son became a teenager this week! In addition to considering his life experiences and how I love being his mama, I reflect on a baker’s dozen years of feeding him (and his sister) healthy food to nourish his rapid growth. I’ve prepared thousands of intentional meals made primarily with whole foods, typically eaten at home and, sometimes, at co-ops, health food stores and from-scratch cafes. I recall dozens eye rolls for saying “no” to Standard American Food, criticisms for fixed food values, and exclusions from events due to my choices. I’ve also receive ample “thank you”s. 

My interest in food and its effect on our mind-bodies began before motherhood, though when I held my tiny baby, I dedicated myself to ensuring he was given every opportunity to thrive. At the time of his birth, my sister was dying of cancer; her dietitian said it didn’t matter what my sister ate. I couldn’t believe what I heard, knowing it was complex.  

For many, food is a means to an end – fuel, health, weight, image, convenience. Others hardly pay attention to food – it’s simply something that must be eaten. For me, food is an extension of life, so it shapes everything. What we eat in my home is foundational to our rhythms, planned activities and the schools my children attend. Considering food as nourishment shapes travel for sports, for fun and for work. I made a career out of food consciousness. 

And yet, my food values have been hard to uphold – not because I don’t believe in them, but because America doesn’t. We are known for hot dogs, BBQs and fast food. We celebrate holidays with artificially colored candy and preservatives disguised as baked goods sold in plastic packages. We are inundated by marketing starting at two years of age and placement of food-like substances where corporations can pay to place them – including in schools and hospital cafeterias checking all the dietary boxes.  

I’ve learned a few things through food and motherhood. I’ve learned not to judge, because we are not taught about how food from the earth is nourishing and food from factories is designed to either prevent malnutrition or make money. We are not taught to meal plan, read recipes, prepare whole foods. Nutrition knowledge is inadequate for early eaters, young eaters and women at certain (most) life phases, yet wanted and warranted. I’ve shifted my expectations from urging to offering; my tone from cheerleading to neutral; my words from inaccurate to truthful. I’ve learned to read research; ask questions; trust Mother Earth.

Yet I have not learned to keep my “opinions” to myself, because I care deeply about Earth and our collective wellbeing.  

Some people care as much as I do! Over the years, moms have thanked me for providing handmade food at birthday parties; appreciated well-balanced, tasty snacks to replenish kids at sports tournaments; asked why I say “no” to certain packaged foods, with genuine interest. My kids, often annoyed at me for not eating like everybody else, thank me for my sourdough made with local, organic grains; for the pulled pork I made with a local, pasture raised pig; and the fresh produce we buy at farmers markets everywhere we go.

I’ve learned that it’s hard to remain in integrity – and that it’s worth every effort.

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