ME + FOOD = HAPPY

Whenever people ask the question, “Do you live to eat, or eat to live?” I definitely, always, certainly LIVE TO EAT. Food and I have an intense emotional relationship, and I’m grateful for it. Without my appreciation for food I don’t think I’d be half the caring or successful person I am today.

I grew up in a large and vibrant family where we celebrated life daily. Whether the occasion was a graduation or just another Saturday, we always enjoyed gathering and basking in each other’s company. A family celebration always included music, dancing, loud talking, food, food, food, and more food. I can never recall there being a time when the food ran out, or when we didn't have enough. It just seemed logical that as long as the music was playing there would be food and drink to accompany.

Beyond festivities, my daily eating habits were routine and without worry. My mother cooked every day except for every-other-Friday, when we’d go to Star Pizza for pizza and movie night. Our daily meals consisted of green salad, fresh fruit, rice, fish or chicken, and a vegetable. While dinner was pretty standard (and delicious), I remember the great importance my parents placed on eating all of my food with gratitude. “There are starving children in Africa.” “Those beets weren't cheap, you know.” “Want not, waste not, Maya.” “I didn't come to this country for you to throw away our prosperity.”

I was never deterred from eating as much as my belly could fill, however, I was always encouraged to appreciate and finish what was on my plate before I asked for more.

Over the years, my parents continued to place a large emphasis on healthy eating habits and good food choices. At one point, both of them were in medical school, and finances were incredibly difficult. We didn't have a car and lived in student housing on campus. All of my extracurricular activities were funded by candy bar sales and grandparent contributions. Still, with all that we did not have, my mother remained true to filling us with the best nutrients she could. I remember the last two years of their medical school training our family was on Food Stamps. Then, they were given in an actual booklet with removable coupons. When I was in the 11^th grade, my parents gave me the responsibility to assist in the care of our family’s grocery and dinner needs. I learned the value of all of those sayings they used to share with me as a child very quickly.

The weight of selecting fun, visually appealing, and healthy foods for my parents and siblings was incredibly stressful. How did my mom stay within budget? How did she always make our dinner plates so appealing? How did she know what was healthy and what was not? How could she make dinner so quickly every night? My mom showed me how to stretch a dollar with patience, love, and nature’s balance. The basis of her food magic was to keep it simple. Very few of our daily foods were ever actually cooked!

As an adult I pride myself on always being able to prepare any balanced meal for my family of 5 in 30 minutes or less, and keep the food at the house party coming. My family and I eat pretty close to the way my parents fed my siblings and me. Although I admit that I spend more money on prepared foods than my parents could afford. The foods we eat are still as healthy as the ones I grew up eating, they are just in more convenient packaging and portions for my busy lifestyle.

My relationship to food has always been connected to my family and our collective souls. Until my late teens, I had no idea how my parents put such creative beauty on the table so often. The food was an extension of their love and pride in us. They took care in filling us with the best they could provide all the time; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. That care continues to affect my relationship with the world. I've grown into the woman who is always willing to share a plate, always making an offer to cook dinner, and shows love and pride of my family through filling the belly with the goodness of the Earth's gifts. I have always, and intend to continue to be a person that LIVES TO EAT. Cheers!