Bringing Gratitude to the Table: A Nutritious Recipe for Gratitude in Every Bite
Author: Roxane Shymkiw
I confess that I am guilty of more than one of these habits – eating food on the run, squeezing in meals between tasks, or eating in front of a screen. However, when we eat, it is one of the best and most consistent opportunities for us to pause, connect and reflect. Food not only nourishes the body but also has the power to affect our mood, spirit and general well-being.
When we approach meal times with gratitude, something changes. We go from eating to nutrition, from satiety to feeling full. Bringing gratitude to the table doesn’t have to be a big ritual. it’s about slowing down, paying attention to the color, taste, texture and aroma of food and appreciating not only how food fills you up but also how it nourishes your soul.
Eating with gratitude invites us to slow down, heighten awareness, and give thanks—for the land that grew the food, the farmers who nurtured it, and the hands that carefully prepared it.
Eating with gratitude has many benefits:
· Improved digestion. Feeling grateful and relaxed before eating puts the body into a “rest and digest” state, which enhances digestion.
· Healthier eating habits from the sense of respect for the body.
· Stronger relationship with food and less silly or sentimental food.
· Meals are more enjoyable and satisfying because the focus is on the pleasure of eating.
· Reduced stress and improved moodwhich can improve well-being.
Gratitude is simple and celebrates everyday foods prepared with care. It’s a reminder that fulfillment comes not from more, but from meaning. Enjoy this bowl of roasted salmon – eat it slowly, savor every flavor and notice how it feels to be fully present.
How this recipe nurtures gratitude and health
· Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and help us feel balanced by supporting brain and hormone health.
· Spinach contains folate and magnesium which play a role in the production of neurotransmitters and promote calmness.
· Quinoa provides a steady source of energy and helps keep blood sugar and mood steady.
· Yoghurt it’s packed with probiotics that support gut health and mood regulation.
Honey Baked Salmon Hot Bowl with Herby Yogurt Drink
Serves 4
Grilled salmon
1.5 lb wild-caught salmon, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Himalayan salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Hot Honey Icing (split in half)
3 tablespoons of warm honey
2 tablespoons tamari
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salmon
Herbie yogurt
1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy plain yogurt)
1 small clove of garlic, grated
¼ cup fresh cilantro
¼ cup basil
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons lime juice, or to taste
Salt and pepper
To serve:
Cooked edamame
4 large handfuls of spinach, washed and dried
1 large avocado, sliced
Cooked quinoa
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a tray with aluminum foil.
3. Combine the warm honey glaze ingredients (honey and ginger) in a small bowl. Half of the glaze will be poured over the salmon while it is cooking and the remaining glaze will be poured over the salmon when it is finished cooking.
4. Mix olive oil and spices (smoked paprika to black pepper) in a medium bowl to form a paste. Add the salmon and toss until the salmon is well coated.
5. Spread the salmon on the lined baking tray and bake it for 8-10 minutes or until it is slightly undercooked. Drizzle with half of the honey glaze and put the pan back in the oven, turn it to broil and cook until the salmon starts to brown.
6. While the salmon is cooking, mix all the yogurt ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Toss the cooked salmon with the rest of the glaze and the sesame seeds. Divide salmon among bowls of cooked quinoa with edamame, spinach and avocado and serve with yogurt. Enjoy!
Let’s chat!
This simple, flavorful dish is more than a meal—it’s an invitation to slow down, nourish your body, and create a deeper relationship with the food on your plate. If you are inspired to bring more gratitude, intention and joy into your daily eating habits, there are so many ways we can support you. At No Shoes Nutrition, we offer monthly cooking classes filled with healthy recipes like this one, personalized coaching for individuals and couples, and transformative group programs designed to help you thrive from the inside out.
Are you ready to take the next step? Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com to book your free consultation and discover which path is right for you. And if this recipe or reflection spoke to you, please Like the blog and leave a comment—I’d love to hear what resonated the most and what you’d like to see next!
