Grateful Grits

While this blog primarily dances to the tune of delectable recipes and culinary insights, let’s take a moment to unravel the intriguing journey that brought me to this point. Childhood memories weave a narrative where the culinary arts weren’t a prevalent part of my upbringing. In those formative years, fast food and frozen dinners took the spotlight, with my mother not venturing much into the culinary domain.

To compensate for the absence of home-cooked meals, my visits to my grandmother’s house became a cherished routine. Within those walls, the comforting aroma of wholesome, homemade dishes enveloped me, creating a vivid contrast to my usual dietary routine. Weekends ushered in a change as my father, donning the chef’s hat, orchestrated extravagant culinary creations that became the highlight of our family time.

The paradigm shifted when I moved in with my father, revealing a different reality during the weekdays – a fend-for-yourself mentality. It was a revelation that left me taken aback. The sporadic nature of my eating habits during this period manifested in detrimental consequences, giving rise to poor nutrition and a multitude of digestive issues that persistently linger in my present.

Reflecting on these experiences, it became evident that the foundation of my culinary journey was laid upon a diverse landscape of eating habits. This realization fueled my commitment to exploring and sharing the transformative power of mindful and wholesome cooking, drawing inspiration from both the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen and the creativity of my father’s weekend culinary extravaganzas.

Upon my arrival in Colorado in 2003, I quickly realized that the lifestyle here was quite distinct. The majority of Coloradans exuded a remarkable level of health consciousness. The mantra “you are what you eat” held a profound significance in their daily lives. This environment triggered a gradual transformation in my perspective regarding food and its impact on well-being.

It wasn’t an instantaneous revelation, as if a light bulb had flickered on, making me an overnight health enthusiast who scrutinized everything entering my body. Instead, it was a subtle evolution. I found myself engaging in conversations with individuals who demonstrated a keen awareness of their health or were, at the very least, striving for improvement. After all, isn’t that the essence of our journey—to consistently strive for betterment? I began to appreciate the idea that progress, no matter how gradual, is the key. We all embark on a journey of trying to surpass our former selves.

In the vibrant tapestry of Colorado’s dietary landscape, it seems like everyone possesses their own unique dietary nuance. My journey in the Centennial State included a fascinating detour into vegetarianism, influenced by the myriad vegetarian friends I encountered. For a solid year, I embraced a vegetarian lifestyle, although I must admit it wasn’t the epitome of a health-conscious vegetarianism. Veggie burgers and faux chicken were staples in my diet, and my enthusiasm for actual vegetables was still in its infancy.

Even though my vegetarian phase eventually came to a close, the experience left an indelible mark on my culinary preferences. I continued to appreciate the simplicity and wholesomeness of a completely vegetarian meal. The journey didn’t just end with a return to my omnivorous ways—it sparked a lasting love for diverse and exotic foods. I found joy in attending themed dinner parties, where my culinary knowledge, though limited at the time, was put to the test in aligning with the chosen themes. This not only pulled me out of my culinary comfort zone but also played a pivotal role in broadening my gastronomic horizons.

In the Southern regions, the mere mention of vegetarianism can raise eyebrows, with many viewing it as an eccentric choice that they could never fathom adopting. While the culture is gradually evolving, there still exists a steadfast mindset resistant to embracing such dietary alternatives. Remarkably, I never felt coerced or bullied into vegetarianism; instead, it stemmed from my innate curiosity.

Upon deciding to veer away from vegetarianism, I found myself embarking on a journey of conscientious meat consumption. The labels on meat packages became my literary focus as I delved into ensuring that the meat I consumed was, at the very least, free from hormones and antibiotics. The mantra “the fewer chemicals, the better” guided my choices. Reducing my intake of red meat, while favoring poultry and fish, became a conscious decision. While I am an unabashed lover of a good steak, the realization dawned that it need not be a nightly indulgence. The essence of eating right, I discovered, lies in making incremental choices that yield substantial changes.

Returning to Colorado, I found that dinner parties were not confined to the dichotomy of vegetarians and omnivores. Instead, a myriad of dietary concerns and restrictions populated the culinary landscape. Gluten intolerance, dairy allergies, and nut aversions were just a few of the considerations. Initially, I must confess, I viewed some of these issues as a tad melodramatic, particularly the notion of gluten intolerance. As a self-proclaimed enthusiast of bread and pasta, the idea that someone could abstain from these delights seemed unfathomable. However, my perspective shifted when one of my closest friends, a pizza-loving, beer-drinking aficionado, revealed his gluten intolerance. Witnessing his commitment to the change sparked a realization that there might indeed be validity to these dietary adjustments. While it saddened me to think of those who couldn’t partake in gluten-rich delights, I never imagined I would find myself contemplating membership in this group.

A pivotal figure in my culinary journey has been Michael Pollan, an author whose impact on my perspective has been profound. Among his repertoire of books, my personal favorites include “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” “In Defense of Food,” and “Food Rules.” What distinguishes Pollan’s writing is his ability to seamlessly blend readability with a wealth of information. His words never come across as condescending; instead, he imparts practical advice for anyone striving to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Pollan’s wisdom extends to thought-provoking questions, such as whether one would prefer to invest money in the grocery store or the hospital. This simple yet powerful query underscores the direct correlation between the food we consume and its impact on our overall health. His advocacy for steering clear of ingredients one cannot pronounce resonates deeply, serving as a guiding principle for those seeking a wholesome diet. A staunch opponent of processed foods, Pollan’s philosophy aligns with my culinary choices, with the majority of my recipes crafted from scratch.

While I confess to having a weakness for snack foods, age has brought with it a heightened awareness, prompting me to adhere to the principle of recognizable ingredients. Pollan’s suggestion to consume foods that your grandmother or great-grandmother would recognize strikes a chord, emphasizing the importance of avoiding overly processed, scientifically engineered options. Michael Pollan, with his insightful guidance, marked one of the initial significant steps in my journey toward improved health and a transformed lifestyle, an influence I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a positive change.

Approximately two years ago, I made a significant shift in my lifestyle by bidding farewell to beer. The constant bouts of nausea and bloating prompted this decision, and with the rising popularity of seltzers that summer, the transition was surprisingly smooth. Little did I know that this marked the turning point in my health journey.

Prior to giving up beer, I had already eliminated fried foods in a bid to enhance my well-being. However, despite these efforts, my health continued to decline. Persistent fatigue, digestive woes that I’ll spare you the details of, chronic irritability, and substantial weight gain—these were the unwelcome companions on my health odyssey. Seeking answers, I consulted multiple doctors, only to be met with dismissive responses suggesting that my symptoms were merely a consequence of aging. That dismissive attitude was disheartening; no one wants to be told that their health concerns are simply an inevitable part of the aging process.

In January of the following year, I experienced excruciating abdominal pain that led me to seek medical attention. The initial diagnosis of gas from one doctor didn’t sit well with me, so I sought a second opinion. This decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the new doctor took my concerns seriously, ordered a CT scan, and discovered that my appendix had burst a week earlier. A week-long hospital stay followed, and while I expected a swift recovery post-appendectomy, lingering health issues persisted.

Undeterred, I delved into books and online research, stumbling upon “Inflammation Spectrum” by Will Cole. The recommended diet, though challenging, became a pivotal step in my journey to uncover the root of my health issues. The regimen involved eliminating four to eight groups of food for a total of four to eight weeks, followed by a slow reintroduction to identify problematic triggers. It was an arduous process, not just for me but for my family as well.

Through this dietary exploration, I discovered a potential sensitivity to gluten. While my gluten abstention has been sporadic, the correlation between periods of abstinence and improved digestive health is undeniable. However, during a recent visit to my doctor, she dismissed elimination diets as mere fads lacking conclusive data. While I value her perspective, my quest for improved well-being compels me to explore further.

This intricate journey underscores the profound connection between food and overall health. It goes beyond mere taste preferences; food serves as the nourishment our bodies need. Recognizing this, I implore anyone facing unexplained health issues not to accept them blindly as a consequence of aging. Numerous people much older than I attest to feeling fabulous, and it’s a testament to the transformative power of proper nutrition.