What is holistic cooking?
Holistic cooking is a culinary philosophy that considers that the food we eat has the power to nourish or harm us at all levels of our being: body, mind and spirit.
It is based on food principles where not only the nutritional value of the ingredients is important, but also their origin, the way they are produced, their environmental impact and their energy.
Seeks to maximize the consumption of whole, local, seasonal and minimally processed foods in order to preserve their original nutritional value. Emphasizes the use of superfoods high in antioxidants and phytonutrients.
This cooking philosophy takes special care in food combinations, based on ancient principles of compatibility, to facilitate digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
Pay attention to cooking methods to minimize the loss of heat-sensitive nutrients. Promotes moderate consumption of raw and fermented foods for their high enzymatic value.
The presentation and context of the meals are also important to generate a multi-sensory experience that nourishes body and soul.
It is a holistic approach that seeks to nourish the whole human being through conscious and energetically balanced nutrition.
Where can we find it?
Emblematic dishes of holistic cuisine are Ayurvedic tonics such as Golden Milk, Chinese medicinal broths or raw vegan recipes. The emphasis is on living foods with all their nutrients. Some of today's leading exponents are the chef Christina Pirello and her recipes for «feeding the soul,» or also Eddie Garza «plant-based chef» focused on whole, energetic foods. Author of the book «The Energetic Kitchen,» as well as Michelle Schoffro Doctor, chef and author of books on living food and energetic cooking, who practices agriculture, and last but not least, we mention Mayra Velit «Alchemist Chef» and creator of the «Sacred Kitchen» concept, which she teaches in her courses and cookbooks.
What can we expect today?
Holistic cuisine is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. More and more people are looking to not only nourish their bodies, but to nourish their overall health through food.
Some of the main reasons why more and more people are opting for this culinary approach are:
- Increased awareness of the relationship between food and overall health. There is a growing recognition that food affects not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions.
- Search for natural and alternative solutions to improve quality of life and prevent/treat disease. Holistic nutrition is perceived as an effective form of self-care.
- Desire to adopt a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle. Holistic cooking promotes local, ecological and compassionate consumption with animals and the planet.
- Interest in ancient culinary traditions and their time-tested benefits, such as traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
- Need to combat the effects of the fast pace of life. Holistic cooking offers a way to reconnect with ourselves through conscious eating and rituals around food.
Undoubtedly this holistic gastronomic philosophy has much to offer for health and wellness in the years to come.
