My food is what my body wants

I had a big scare last week when my son came running in from his bedroom complaining of a stomach ache. It is not unusual for him to have a stomach ache, usually it means he needs to go to the bathroom.  So I suggested he try the bathroom.  But that didn’t work.

He crawled in bed with me and I rubbed his tummy and his back.  As the day went on his pain was worse. He was having trouble standing up straight and he was crying out of fear that something was really wrong. He took 4 baths and two showers because he says water always makes him feel better.  I agree.

After hours and hours of this we went to the doctor.  Her diagnosis was either the stomach flu or Appendicitis.

Appendicitis I thought!  Oh boy how am I ever going to explain what happens when you have appendicitis to a boy who already worries about everything.  I was instantly stressed.  I had to watch him closely for the next 24 hours.  Toward the end of the day I was so hungry because I had taken care of him and not myself.

Usually when I am stressed and hungry I get take out or eat something quick.

This time I decided that I was going to cook nourishing food and sit down at the table.  My husband was with me and my son was resting so I felt it was possible.

So I did. I cooked “my food” and sat down and ate and felt so much better afterward, so much less stressed. I was relieved with my decision and realized that “my food” is what my body really wants all the time.  It thrives on it, it works better with it. It wants simple, nourishing, and whole foods.

I am realizing this more and more as I get older. Food is self-care.  Food is medicine.  Food is so important.