Grateful Gatherings: Balancing Nourishment and Fellowship with Moderation

November brings the scent of cinnamon and roasted vegetables, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, and the gratitude that warms the heart. However, for many women, especially those struggling with weight loss and metabolic issues, food can bring more stress than joy. Questions about what’s healthy? What will be there for me to eat? How much is too much? Or then there’s the guilt and consequences of overindulgence.

Friend, God’s design for food was never meant to bring shame or cause fear. In midlife, our metabolism changes, but God’s nourishment is not about restriction; it’s about restoration. He designed it to nourish, strengthen, and heal the body. This reminds us of His goodness and provision. Eating with gratitude for what God has provided, we break the mindset of FOMO, guilt, and gluttony of what man has created.
 
Mindful Eating During the Holidays

It’s easy to fall into “all or nothing” thinking during the holidays, we believe either strict control or carefree indulgence. I prefer a mindful balance. Know your digestive weaknesses and your addictive cravings. If someone makes a seasonal dish that you love, or they are thrilled with their new recipe, then enjoy a "taste" as long as it won’t cause you digestive grief or set back the progress you're making in overcoming addictions.

Paul told the Corinthians that “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” We are free to choose artificial and processed foods to eat, but we are NOT free to choose the consequences they will cause. 

Proceed with prayer and caution for help, "bringing your body into subjection," "if thou be a man given to appetite."

Whole Foods for a Whole You
 God’s diet plan is still the best choice. Real, unprocessed foods stabilize blood sugar, support hormone balance, and satisfy naturally. There's nothing wrong with introducing some whole food dishes into the family traditions. Think:
 - Roasted root vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips
 - Whole grains: quinoa, brown rice, or ancient grains like Einkorn
 - Protein: lean meats, lentils, eggs
 - Healthy fats: olive oil, avocados, nuts
 - Fresh produce: dark leafy greens, berries, apples, citrus
 
 Avoid artificial ingredients and choose what God created. “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things” (Genesis 9:3).
 
 Naturally Sweet, No Guilt Needed
 You can enjoy sweetness without excess. Use God-made alternatives like raw honey, maple syrup, dates, or coconut sugar in moderation. A spoonful of natural sweetness can satisfy both body and soul without robbing you of energy.
 
 Simple Recipes: 

Harvest Nourish Bowl
 Ingredients:
 - 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes  
 - 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts  
 - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa  
 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans  
 - 1 tbsp olive oil  
 - Drizzle of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar   
 - Sea salt and pepper to taste  
 
 Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl. Toss with olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic. Enjoy warmth while giving thanks for God’s provision.
 

Naturally Sweet Pumpkin Pie (Einkorn Crust)
 Crust:

 1 1/2 cups Einkorn flour

 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut1/4" cubes

 1/4 cold water

1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

Preheat Oven to 350°F. Mix first three ingredients with a pastry blender. Slowly add the water and stir until the dough holds together and forms a ball. Roll out on a floured surface. Press into the pie pan.  Refrigerate while mixing the filling.

 Filling:

 1 can organic pumpkin purée

 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

 2 eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

12 ounces organic evaporated milk  
 

Whisk filling ingredients, pour into crust, and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes. Cool before serving.
 
Gratitude Over Gatherings
 When you sit at the gathering tables this holiday season, remember the Source of every bite. Gratitude changes the body's chemistry by calming cortisol and lifting the spirit. A thankful heart digests food better, sleeps more deeply, and smiles more often.

Thank the Lord for the daily bread He provides for us, rather than those foods that don't serve us. Express gratitude for those around you whom the Lord has given you to use your body to minister to and be a blessing to. 
 

May your November be filled with peace, purpose, and plates full of gratitude.