Eating and nutrients: Donna's perspective

It started as a response to my post yesterday, and quickly spiraled out of control. But because she's been keeping raw with us over the past few weeks, and because I've learned over the years I've known her that she often has an interesting perspective, here are some thoughts from Joann's sister, Donna Klimkiewicz, on the role food plays in our lives:

I think you have a good point, and I think you are right, on balance, in terms of how some Raw Foodists sometimes portray eating as about nutrients and perfection moreso than about pleasure.

And I think those who get caught up in that way of thinking are missing the point.

Having gone through my own repeated cycles of interest-excitement-disillusionment- rejection of a Raw Food lifestyle over the last handful of years, and having taken the 30-day plunge alongside you guys during this month, I think I’ve evolved to a new perspective on the whole thing.

I don't think that eating can or should be a utilitarian venture. It SHOULD be pleasurable. I think that the real point to eating this way, and one that isn't discussed as much, is that eating optimally can escalate energy and clear-headedness, and actually starts to make one a little more alive in their own life, less weighed down by energy-depleting foods, and more available and energized to be all of what you are and can be. I know that when I eat better, I feel better, and when I feel better I work better, I play better, I interact better, and I show up in my life better. And THAT makes life richer. And that is the only reason to do it.

A disconnect happens when it becomes about perfection or neurosis about what to eat and not to eat, and labeling some foods as bad or toxic. That kind of thinking becomes really counterproductive really quickly. Eating should never be about perfection or dogma and eating solely for nutrients will inevitably, I think, take people to that place where it's no longer pleasant, but is instead wrapped up in unconscious fear or anxiety.

I know that the first week and half I was kinda unhappy with the food I was eating, and now that I've found some favorite meals and go-to snacks, I'm in the flow, and definitely it's pleasurable. I am decidedly NOT obsessing over perfection or about utilitarian fueling.

This sort of stuff is personal and I really do think everyone needs to find their own way, separate of any dogma. Eating should be inextricably tied to following your own body's needs, and your own life's larger goals. And you can never find that by following someone else's rules. Inspired by ideas, yes, but following someone else's rules to the letter, no.

Well said, Donna K.

Comments

[Louise]

Beautiful perspective, Donna, and it is carried by the three brave souls who were willing to try this with an open mind and share.

Food, sex, politics and religion are highly personal. Food can be a 'religion' for some without their even realizing it.

Anything fear or anxiety based doesn't help me!

A reader mentioned "The China Study" by Campbell and Campbell which is worth knowing about. There are things helpful to know about food and the food industry which can affect our health and help us make more informed choices. Each body is unique and it's owner is the one who needs to be in touch with what it is trying to tell it's owner.

I will miss this blog and sincerely hope you will keep it at least for several more 'post' weeks sharing experiences even if it's not daily.