Maxim #7, Part 2: Good Food
What is “good” food?
No really, take a moment, and think of food you ate recently that was good. What made it so?
I think scripture hides a hint. When we search scripture for good food, we find several instances in the Gospels alone: a tree and its fruit (Matt 3:10, 12:33), fish (Matt 13:48), wine (John 2:10), and seeds (Mark 13:24), are some examples. The Greek word used in these contexts is kalos, meaning intrinsically good by nature. What makes these foods intrinsically good? Their tastiness? Their nutritional value?
St. Paul says, “For everything created by God is good[...]” (1 Tim 4:4), and we know that this divine goodness spoken of here runs deeper than the flesh of a fruit or the leaves of a tree. These things are all extensions of the source of Goodness itself.
So, how do we come to encounter that which is good with our food and eating patterns today? When this question is posed, several categories of good food often emerge. Below is a list of ten, though there are many more.
Good food is fresh food - freshly picked, freshly sliced, freshly baked, freshly prepared...when our food spends less time in transit, less time on grocery store shelves and less time sitting in the kitchen cupboard, we can taste the difference.
Good food is local food - whether picked out at the farmers’ market or picked yourself, local produce and other farm products boast that undeniable attachment to the earth that incites a feeling of doing good for your neighbor and the environment.
Good food is tasty food - bursting flavors and dinner table memories that stick with you long after the meal is complete.
Good foods are whole foods - think minimally processed, or foods eaten closer to their natural state. Dietary patterns that emphasize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats are what research has shown have the strongest and most long-lasting effect on overall health.
Good food is family foods - the old family favorites preserved through sepia-toned worn-out recipe cards, or the love mixed into the dish Yiayia has made for her family countless times. It’s food that connects you to your family’s history and the family meal.
Good food is food you didn’t have to prepare - going out to a sit-down restaurant and selecting exactly what you want without having to consider the ingredients, steps, or time it would take for you to prepare it yourself.
Good food is food offered in hospitality - when visiting with family or friends. Food is one way we can offer hospitality (remember Abraham and Sarah?), inviting goodness and showing love to your neighbor, especially our hungry brothers and sisters.
Good foods are your favorite foods - we are emotional beings, and this means our attachments to certain comforting memories can come alive through food. This is a good thing.
Good food is food eaten in a hungry state - hunger is a good sauce! We appreciate more what we have gone without.
Good food is food that God has blessed - In the same breath, St. Paul continues: “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Tim 4:4-5). When we pray at mealtime, God sanctifies our food and gives us energy to serve, an avenue to be with Him, and an opportunity to practice thanksgiving.
Ultimately, all of God’s creation, food included, is inherently good. When we recognize this, our hearts (and our bellies!) can receive this life-sustaining gift in a way that keeps us humble and thankful.
May we be open to recognizing and receiving this goodness the next time we eat. Enjoy!
Read on: What good food is not
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