I started this page in honor of my daughter, Sophia. As you may or may not know, Sophia has been diagnosed with a type of anemia called hereditary spherocytosis. It affects about 1 in every 2,000 people. Instead of being round and flexible, her red blood cells are more fragile and break down much faster than they should. This means her body has to work overtime to make new blood cells and her spleen and liver carry a much heavier load. One of the best ways we can support her is through nourishment. In many ways, food is medicine for her. That being said, if you know me, you know I am not the best in the kitchen. The thought of planning and preparing nutrient-dense meals every day feels overwhelming. It got me thinking that I actually need to ask for help. The truth is, I have a lot of shame around reaching out for help. Why is it so hard? As I've talked with friends and my community, I've realized I am not alone in this. So many of my lovely friends have said, "Let me know how I can help." While I know those words come from a place of love, I then have to direct the help. For some reason, that small moment brings up shame for me. Well... I want to break down that wall. With the guidance of a friend, I was inspired to create this one-month meal train. It is practical, but it is also a spiritual practice for me. It is an opportunity to open my heart, receive help, and trust my village. My hope is that this becomes more than meals. I hope it reminds all of us that we are not meant to do life alone. Throughout the month you'll see breakfast, lunch, and dinner options spread throughout the week. There is never more than one meal in a day. Every meal is meant to help nourish Sophia while also helping me build the courage to receive. You'll also see a few different community practices. There is one grocery day to help our daycare provider, Talya, with snacks for all the kids. She runs an incredibly affordable daycare out of her home and has cared for Sophia for over four years. She truly is an angel. And for those who know Sophia... she eats a lot! On Mondays, I included a "Meal Together" day. If you sign up, you'll come over, we'll cook together, and we'll share a meal. Sometimes the greatest nourishment is simply being together. Wednesdays are a self check-in day. Take your inner self on a date. Do something kind for yourself and let me know how you're befriending yourself that week. Fridays are a friend check-in day. Reach out to someone you love. Instead of asking, "How can I help?" offer something specific. Drop off a snack, bring a coffee, write a note, or simply spend time together. Let's practice building our village, not just for Sophia, but for one another. Please note Sophia spends half her time with me and half her time with her father Jonathan. I will coordinate with you where she is so you can drop it off. Thank you for walking beside us. Thank you for helping nourish my little girl. And thank you for helping me learn that receiving love is just as sacred as giving it.
I added recipes for each day but you don't have to stick to the recipe. If you have a nourishing meal you love to cook you can make that. I included a list of food we are focusing on and what we are avoiding: Foods We Are Focusing On Greens: Kale Spinach (cooked) Swiss chard Collard greens Bok choy Broccoli Broccolini Asparagus Green beans Peas Zucchini Cucumber Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley) Root Vegetables: Beets Carrots Sweet potatoes Parsnips Turnips Rutabaga Winter squash (butternut, acorn, delicata) Pumpkin Grains: Basmati rice Oats Quinoa Millet Barley Brown rice (occasionally) Einkorn or sourdough bread (when using bread) Proteins: Organic chicken Organic turkey Grass-fed beef Grass-fed lamb Wild-caught salmon White fish Eggs Homemade bone broth Lentils Split yellow mung beans Chickpeas (well cooked) White beans Healthy Fats: Ghee Extra virgin olive oil Avocado Coconut Coconut milk Almond butter Tahini Fruits: Blueberries Cherries Pears Apples Pomegranate Dates Figs Goji berries Blackberries Raspberries Peaches Plums Nuts & Seeds: Pumpkin seeds Hemp hearts Chia seeds Ground flaxseed Walnuts Almonds (soaked if possible) Sunflower seeds Herbs & Spices: Turmeric Coriander Fennel Cardamom Cinnamon Fresh parsley Fresh cilantro Dill Basil Thyme Rosemary Bay leaves Small amounts of fresh ginger Teas Nettle Chamomile Rose Hibiscus Lemon balm Fennel Tulsi (Holy Basil) Peppermint Rooibos Foods We Are Limiting: Highly processed foods Artificial colors and flavors Fast food Fried foods Sugary drinks and soda Excess candy and processed sweets Packaged snack foods Excessive spicy foods Highly processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats, etc.) A Note: Organic is wonderful when possible, but not expected. Fresh, whole foods made with love are what matter most. I included recipes for every meal as a guide, but please feel free to make substitutions or adjust them using similar wholesome ingredients. The love and care behind the meal is the greatest ingredient of all. Also if you can pray, sing, and be mindful when making the food it will help infuse the food with nourishment. This can be all our practice as a village to connect and grow together.