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Today, I want to talk to you about intimacy.

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The Most Intimate Relationship of All…

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Yes, our relationship with food is one of the most intimate relationships we ALL have. Maybe even more intimate than, well…. you know.

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Think about it.

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We put food into our mouths, chew it, swallow it and ultimately it breaks down and literally becomes part of us. Now THAT’s intimate!

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And we do it multiple times a day!

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But that’s just the top line.

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Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

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The Sensual Beginnings

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Our relationship with food begins long before it hits our taste buds.  Just like any passionate encounter it starts with a flirtation.

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But, be careful. Are you flirting with the “bad girls” or “bad boys” (sugary, over processed foods)? You know it will end badly!

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The aroma of seasoned grilled chicken, the sizzle of veggies in a hot pan, or the sight of a beautifully plated dish—these are the signals that ignite our senses and draw us in.  It’s the foreplay of the culinary world where our senses are tantalized, and our anticipation builds.

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More Than Just a Bite

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Then comes the act itself — eating.

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We open our mouths, take a bite and let the flavors dance on our tongues.

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The act of chewing, savoring and finally swallowing is where the magic happens.

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This isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about enjoyment, satisfaction and sometimes even a little indulgence.

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We might be professionals who preach balanced diets and macronutrients, but let’s be honest — sometimes, that piece of dark chocolate is pure bliss.

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The Ultimate Commitment

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Once you swallow whatever you put into your mouth… that’s when things get serious. There’s no going back!

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Our body takes over and begins the intricate process of digestion.

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It’s like saying “I do” in the world of food.

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That morsel is now on a journey to become a part of us.

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It’s a Deep Connection

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As food travels down our esophagus and into our stomach, enzymes and acids break it down.  Then, our amazing digestive system extracts the nutrients that our body needs.

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It’s a symbiotic relationship where our body works tirelessly to absorb the good stuff — and discards what it doesn’t need.

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Becoming One with Us

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Finally, the nutrients from our food enter our bloodstream.   And, then they are delivered to every corner of our body.

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This is where the real intimacy takes place.

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Those macros, including proteins, carbs and fats as well as micro nutrients all become part of our muscles, our organs and our cells.

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They literally become us.

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Think about that next time you eat anything.

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Are those vegetables going to fuel your heart with high octane fuel?

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Will the grilled chicken become part of your quads or biceps?

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The Ultimate Comparison

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Just for fun, allow me to address the elephant in the room.

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Is our relationship with food more intimate than sex?

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Well, while sex is undoubtedly a significant part of human intimacy, food is a constant companion.  We eat multiple times a day, every day — for our entire lives.

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Each meal is a new opportunity to connect with our bodies and nourish ourselves.

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Food sustains us in a way that’s fundamental and enduring. It’s a relationship that requires attention, care and consistency.

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Embrace the Intimacy

 

I hope you enjoyed this little “riff” about the intimate role nutrition plays in our lives.

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By re-framing our relationship with food as an intimate, lifelong connection — perhaps you’ll find new appreciation for how we nourish our bodies.

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Next time you sit down to a nice healthy meal, remember this love story!

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