I prepared the meal shown in the photo for a friend who is elderly, sick, and frail. It gave me tremendous joy to hit upon what she would truly enjoy eating as well as to help restore her health and strength. It got me thinking about how thoughtful I am when I cook food for myself.

I've noticed that when I cook for others I put more thought into what I prepare to make sure it's what they can have and enjoy. I seek out their allergies and other restrictions and tastes and do what I can to provide a delicious meal with these things in mind. I do this without compromising my values so everything remains plant-based, free of refined sugar and gluten. Other than that - it's all about who is sitting at my table.

In the natural food chef school I attended one of the most important things we learned is always keeping in mind who we are cooking for. Not just thinking about the dietary needs of what they can or cannot have. Rather, how to prepare a meal that supports their physical health while making it a gastronomic delight.

What if we took these principles and applied them to ourselves? Pretend you are the friend you are preparing the meal for. Pull together ingredients that support your well-being while also titillating your palate. I think this could add a new layer to eating mindfully.