In this day and age, it seems like we are constantly busy. Families rarely sit down to eat dinner together anymore, and when they do, at least part of the meal often comes from a box, can or package. While it’s convenient, living this way leaves a very important ingredient out of the kitchen: love.
It’s no shock to hear that processed foods are not made with love. How could they be? Factories churn out hundreds, if not thousands, of nearly identical processed items each day, and all or most of the seasoning, cooking, stirring, and separating is done by machines.
The workers operating the machines usually do not get to add their personal touch – the human element – into these foods – they simply make sure the machines are churning along.
Additionally, if we may venture to say so, most processed food companies likely do not have the optimal wellness of their consumers in mind – it’s all about profits. Therefore, many companies use inexpensive ingredients, even if they are less healthy. They also pump their products full of chemical additives to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life, to further enhance their profits.
The results of so many people regularly turning to processed foods are proving to be disastrous. Many ingredients used in these foods – including added sugars, processed starches, chemical preservatives, and unhealthy, refined oils – have been linked to chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as to the current obesity epidemic.
Homemade foods, made in your own kitchen with love, have the completely opposite effect. When we cook for our loved ones, we naturally take great care in selecting healthy ingredients, and cooking meals to delicious perfection. After all, we want our loved ones to thrive.
Not only that, but making meals at home just seems to make everyone happy. Do you remember the last time you made a loved one their favorite meal, and their eyes just lit up? Bring to mind the joy and pride that you felt, knowing that you made something both nourishing and pleasing. Now, remember the last time you ate together as a family. There was something special about it, wasn’t there?
Although it may be less convenient, it’s time for all of us to start bringing love back into the kitchen. We’re not saying you have to spend hours slaving over the stove – plenty of yummy, nutritious meals can be made in minutes, using just a few healthy ingredients. It’s the quality, and the care, that are key.
-The Alternative Daily
