Self-Love on a Plate: How Food Reflects How You Treat Yourself
A decade ago, my kitchen told a completely different story than it does now. Back then, it was a haphazard collection of instant dosa batter, store-bought chicken nuggets ready to be microwaved, and packets of Maggi noodles stacked in the pantry. Cooking felt like a chore, something to just get done. I didn’t see food as something to cherish; it was just a means to an end.
Today, my kitchen is a celebration of vibrant colours, fragrant spices, and fresh produce. My plate looks like a tribute to India’s rich culinary tradition—think creamy dal, hearty sabzis, freshly steamed rice, tangy chutneys, and crisp vegetable stir-fries. Somewhere along this journey, I realised that food is more than just nutrition—it’s a reflection of how much love and care I give myself.
The Emotional Connection to What’s on Your Plate
For the longest time, my meals were quick fixes: a hurried paratha stuffed with too much butter or a bowl of sugary cornflakes gulped down before heading out. And what did I tell myself? “There’s no time. This will do.”
But what I didn’t realize was that these choices weren’t just about time—they were about how I was treating myself. The rushed, uninspired meals mirrored how little attention I was paying to my own needs.
When I shifted to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle, everything changed. Indian cuisine, in all its diversity and vibrancy, became my greatest ally along with smoothies, salads and one pot meals. From creamy coconut curries to lightly spiced rajma (red kidney bean stew), I began to see cooking as an act of love rather than obligation. Each dish became a way to tell myself, “You’re worth the effort.”
Food as an Act of Self-Love
Let’s be real—our relationship with food is deeply emotional. Think of a warm bowl of dal chawal (lentils and rice) or the comforting aroma of fresh rotis puffing up on a hot tava. Food is about so much more than calories and nutrients—it’s about connection, joy, and love.
Self-love on a plate doesn’t mean you need to create elaborate thalis (though they’re a treat when you do!). It can be as simple as stirring up a quick vegetable upma, adding some tangy mango pickle to your meal, or tossing together a colorful kachumber salad with lime juice and black salt. The key isn’t perfection—it’s the intention behind the food.
When I take time to prepare myself a nourishing sabzi or enjoy a big bowl of masala spiced millet khichdi, I feel grounded. It reminds me that food is medicine, and by choosing wholesome, plant-based ingredients, I’m telling my body, “I care about you. I respect you.”
A Bowl of Self-Love: Recipe to Try
Here’s my go-to recipe for when I need a little extra TLC:
Roasted Rainbow Bowl with Creamy Tahini Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice or millets
- 1 cup chopped unpeeled sweet potatoes
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup boiled chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh greens (spinach, romaine lettuce, kale or arugula work great)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp date paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the sweet potatoes, broccoli, and chickpeas with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While everything roasts, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, date paste, and a splash of water until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Assemble your bowl: start with the quinoa (rice or millets), layer the roasted veggies and chickpeas, and top with fresh greens. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing.
- Sit down, breathe, and savor every bite.
The Takeaway
Whether it’s a steaming bowl of rasam or a plate of perfectly cooked poha, the way you approach food reflects the way you approach yourself. When you take time to prepare meals filled with fresh, whole ingredients, you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re nourishing your soul.
So the next time you plate up your meal, ask yourself: Am I treating myself with the care and kindness I deserve? Because a plate full of self-love—whether it’s dal, sabzi, or a quinoa bowl—is the most nourishing thing you can give yourself.
