Food as Love

Valentine's Day is yet another holiday that makes me think about food...come to think of it, there's not much that doesn't make me think of food. Chocolates, conversation hearts and various covered marshmallow shaped confections line the store shelves this time of the year and we are encouraged to indulge in the name of "love". Restaurants promote rich and sumptuous meals that always end with a 1000 calorie dessert at the end. The commercialism is a bit overwhelming!

But is it loving? I mean, if we succumb to the temptation to indulge in all of the hype and chocolate, are we using food as love? It's not that I believe we should never indulge, but I'm thinking about the bigger picture here. I realize it's a bit of a deep question in some ways, but it's an honest one. How does a box of chocolates indicate love? What could be more loving?

Healthy habits are a wonderful way to love yourself and to love others. I think that love is a verb...it's an action word. When we choose to behave in healthy ways we show self-love and in caring for ourselves, we love others too. I'm not saying that I won't have chocolate (since it's my habit to have a little every day) or give away chocolate today, but today is a good day to show myself some love with a great, healthy meal and some exercise. My heart will feel loved as it gets a workout and I'll be taking care of me. I'll be healthier and better able to love others now and in the future.

Here's wishing you a healthy Valentine's Day!