Discovering Nourished Kitchen: A Philosophy Rooted in Real Food
Nourished Kitchen is all about the belief that whole foods have the power to heal. It’s not just what you cook that matters, but how you cook it. Time-tested traditions deserve a spot at the table, and good food—real food—is something to slow down for, savor, and celebrate. This approach invites everyone to reconnect with the basics, embracing meals that nourish both body and soul.
The Main Benefit: Embracing Real Food for Better Health
Real food, at its core, means traditionally prepared, whole, and minimally processed ingredients. These foods steer clear of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, making them naturally rich in micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Here’s a quick look at what real food includes:
- Fresh, raw, or gently cooked vegetables, including fermented varieties.
- Fruits enjoyed fresh, cooked, or fermented.
- Full-fat dairy products, often raw or cultured.
- Eggs from pasture-raised hens, cooked in various gentle ways or used raw in homemade mayonnaise.
- Meats from pasture-raised animals, prepared by stewing, grilling, poaching, or slow-roasting.
- Organ meats and offal, prized for their nutrient density.
- Sustainable, wild-caught fish and shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels, sardines, anchovies, and salmon.
- Whole grains that are sprouted, soaked, or freshly milled for breads and porridges.
- Pulses such as split peas, lentils, dry beans, and chickpeas, often soaked or sprouted and made into soups and stews.
- Unrefined cooking fats like suet, tallow, lard, butter, ghee, olive oil, coconut oil, sustainably harvested palm oils, schmaltz, and cold-pressed nut and seed oils.
- Minimally processed sweeteners including jaggery, piloncillo, honey, maple syrup, and sugar.
What Exactly is Real Food?
Real food is simple, really. It’s about whole, minimally processed foods prepared in traditional ways that boost their nutrient value. No artificial additives here—just pure, nutrient-rich ingredients that come from sustainable sources. It’s food that’s been around for generations, made with care and respect for both the environment and the body.
Getting Started with Real Food: Easy Steps to Nourish Your Kitchen
Jumping into the world of real food doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some friendly tips to get you going:
- Hit up a farmers market and stock your fridge with seasonal veggies and fruits.
- Pick up some grass-fed meats from a local rancher—supporting local is a win-win.
- Simmer a pot of homemade bone broth; it’s comforting and nourishing.
- Try your hand at fermenting veggies like sauerkraut, kimchi, or even a real hot sauce.
- Explore grass-fed or cultured dairy options.
- Choose whole grains that have been soaked, sprouted, or made into sourdough bread.
The Heart Behind Nourished Kitchen: About Jenny
Jenny, the soul of Nourished Kitchen, is a nutritional therapist, herbalist, and author of three cookbooks. Her passion? Simple, nourishing whole foods recipes that anyone can enjoy. If you’re looking for a place that celebrates real food with warmth and wisdom, Nourished Kitchen is where you want to be.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Promoting nutrient-dense, sustainable food choices.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Encouraging diets rich in whole, minimally processed foods.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Supporting sustainable farming and food preparation methods.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Advocating for pasture-raised animals and sustainable harvesting.
Why Nourished Kitchen Matters Today
In a world full of fast food and quick fixes, Nourished Kitchen offers a refreshing pause. It reminds us that food is more than fuel—it’s tradition, culture, and care. By choosing real food, people reconnect with nature’s rhythms and honor the time-honored ways of preparing meals. It’s about making food that heals, nurtures, and brings joy to the table. And honestly, who doesn’t want a bit more of that in their life?
